#cryptochrome

[tenth-sentence]

Unlike phytochrome, cryptochrome, and phototropin, UVR8 lacks a prosthetic chromophore.

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

#book quote #plant physiology and development #nonfiction #textbook #phytochrome #cryptochrome #phototropin #uvr8 #uvb resistant #chromophore

[inkintheinternet]

Invisible Forces

By Arjuwan Lakkdawala 

Ink in the Internet

When we see something happen before our eyes it is easy to think about it intuitively or to deduce what is happening by using basic logic.

These are superficial observations but when we want to understand the root cause or the science and dynamics of what is happening our brains could encounter the challenge of counterintuitive thinking and here is where we might discover the unthinkable.

One of the things I find very interesting is the history and developing story of the interactions of electricity with biological living entities such as ourselves, and to add to this subject the effect of electromagnetic fields. As I began my research on these I was very surprised by what I found. Starting from the history to present day discoveries.

Why it is not only fascinating but important to have an understanding of this particular branches of science, is because modern age science is expanding in those fields. Especially when it comes to bioengineering in its many subcategories. And I stress its significance in the field of biomedical engineering, specifically to tackle the antibiotics resistance crises. In fact it could be that it is in physics we will find the components to improve the effectiveness of the medicine we have today or the treatments that are no longer effective against microorganisms or autoimmune diseases. We should also study these to find out if there are hidden adverse effects on our health.

The Electromagnetic Force is one of the four fundamental forces in nature as classified by scientists.

Gravitational 

Electromagnetic

Weak Force

Strong Force

Moreover there is the Weakelectro Force that is theorised to unify the Weak and Electromagnetic forces by them being different faucets of the WeakElectro Force.

Excluding gravity the other forces have been traced back to quantum particles. Making them all quantum forces. Gravity however, still continues to baffle scientists.

Unlike the other forces scientists have not been able to progress in their understanding of gravity beyond the theory of General Reletivity that was established by Albert Einstein in 1915.

While atmospheric pressure is not considered a fundamental force, I have written about how it effects us from earth up to space, where there is lack of it and the effect of that. 

The Strong Force

The atom was split for the first time in 1932.

By John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton at the Cavendish Laboratory in Cambridge in the UK. Also in Cambridge earlier James Chadwick discovered the neutron.

"After the discovery of the neutron it was clear that the atomic nucleus is made up from protons and neutrons. In such a system, electromagnetic forces cannot be the reason why the constituents of the nucleus are sticking together. Indeed, the repulsive electrical Coulomb force between the protons should blow the nucleus apart. Therefore, the concept of a new strong nuclear force was introduced." 

It is interesting to note that while the protons and neutrons are held together by the Strong Force, the electrons that spin around the nucleus in the atom, do not experience the Strong Force, and the SF gets stronger with distance instead of weaker. This is a bit counterintuitive when we think about it in comparison to gravity or magnetism.

(Side note; to be accurate electrons do not "spin" they have angular momentum).

While electrons do not feel the Strong Force, they are effected by the Weak Force.

An example of the WF is in beta decay. It has a combination of theories as to what is the source of the Weak Force, but its fundamental process is to turn neutrons into protons. 

In an atom the nucleus that is made of neutrons and protons, in each of them are three elementary particles (particles so small scientists have not been able to split them) these are called quarks. A proton has 2 'up quarks' and 1 'down quark.'

While the neutrons have 1 up quark and 2 down quarks. The up and down is according to their spin. What the Weak Force does is that it changes the spin of the quarks which turn the neutron into a proton and an electron gets emitted. In this context the electron is called a "beta particle."

The Electromagnetic Force is very interesting. The simplest example of its occurance is when there is a live wire the motion of the electricity generates around the wire an Electromagnetic Field. 

You can think of the field itself as quantum waves. Mechanical waves such as sound waves and water waves need a medium to transport them. But quantum waves can travel even through the vaccumme of space.

The study of field theories is one of the most difficult in physics, and is still in its infancy.

Powerlines, mobile phones, and any electrical device generates electromagnetic fields. 

Our mobile phones are perhaps the device by which we get the most exposure to EMFs and the brain is most sensitive to these signals. I did research on brain diseases and I found statistics that suggest there might be a correlation between the rise of Alzheimer's disease in the past 20 years and the increase in dependency on mobile phone usage.

"Deaths from Alzheimer’s have more than doubled between 2000 and 2019, while those from heart disease — the leading cause of death — have decreased," according to the Alzheimer Association.

What is Alzheimer’s Disease and how is it dangerous?

"Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gets worse over time. It's characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of certain proteins. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes affect a person's ability to function." - Mayo Clinic.

In the advanced stages it can cause dehydration, malnutrition, and infections, these can result in death.

We are generally aware of how neurons in the brain function by electrical signals. This apparent electricity in the body has an interesting history.

It is said that in ancient Rome and Egypt eels were the first living things to be acknowledged having this mysterious source of energy.

In the 1770s Italian Physicist and Physician Luigi Galvani believed and investigated what he thought was "animal electricity." He had made a dead frog's muscles move using metals and an Electrostatic Machine and a Leyden Jar - a glass jar to store static electricity. 

Galvani's experiment was at the time a step towards discovering how living tissue uses electricity. He was of course wrong about the frog being the source of the electricity, it was a conductor.

Using first the Leyden Jar and then the first primitive battery - Voltaic Pile scientists were able to store electricity and use it for experiments.

"The Italian physicist Alessandro Volta is generally credited with having developed the first operable battery. Following up on the earlier work of his compatriot Luigi Galvani, Volta performed a series of experiments on electrochemical phenomena during the 1790s." Britannica.

Alessandro Volta had presented his invention in Napoleon's Court and impressed the French leader so much that Volta was appointed his science adviser.

Humanity had however just scratched the surface of what was to come in the study of electricity.

In a potential hypothesis it is said that brain-to-brain communication maybe possible in humans and animals. This sounds funny as I don't believe we can talk to animals other than our pets. But the hypothesis has an interesting aspect regarding how the cryptochrome in the retina can perceive magnetic fields.

"The validation of DBBC (Direct Brain-toBrain Communication) has been documented via recording similar pattern of action potentials occurring in the brain cortex of two animals. With regard to action potentials in brain neurons, the magnetic field resulting from the action potentials created in neurons is one of the tools where the brain of one animal can affect the brain of another. It has been shown that different animals, even humans, have the power to understand the magnetic field. Cryptochrome, which exists in the retina and in different regions of the brain, has been confirmed to be able to perceive magnetic fields and convert magnetic fields to action potentials." - National Library of Medicine.

Birds have in their retinas magnetic field receptors.

"Birds can use two kinds of information from the geomagnetic field for navigation: the direction of the field lines as a compass and probably magnetic intensity as a component of the navigational ‘map’. The direction of the magnetic field appears to be sensed via radical pair processes in the eyes, with the crucial radical pairs formed by cryptochrome. It is transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain, where parts of the visual system seem to process the respective information." - Journal of the Royal Society Interface.

Bacteria surprisingly communicate via brainlike bursts of electricity.

"Scientists are now finding that bacteria in biofilms can also talk to one another electrically. Biofilms appear to use electrically charged particles to organize and synchronize activities across large expanses. This electrical exchange has proved so powerful that biofilms even use it to recruit new bacteria from their surroundings, and to negotiate with neighboring biofilms for their mutual well-being." - Scientific American.

Fascinating aspect of biological use of electric fields.

"Electrotaxis is the property of cells to sense electric fields and use them to orient their displacement. This property has been widely investigated with eukaryotic cells but it remains unclear whether or not bacterial cells can sense an electric field." Science Direct.

Electric fields play a significant part in the healing of wounds.

"Weak electric fields applied to the wound or in the wound dressing can also improve wound healing.59–63

Finally, electric charge and biological electrodynamic field permeate several phases of wound healing, driving cells and molecules and maintaining the flow of oxygen and nutrients, necessary to heal the wound. The knowledge of the electric physiology of wound healing can also help develop new and more efficient treatments." National Library of Medicine.

Copyright ©️ Arjuwan Lakkdawala 2023

Arjuwan Lakkdawala is an author and independent researcher in science. Twitter/Instagram: Spellrainia 

Email: [email protected]

Sources:

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Published online 2021 Jun 17. doi: 10.1089/wound.2019.1114

PMCID: PMC8236302

PMID: 32870772

Electric Factors in Wound Healing

Paulo Luiz Farber,1,* Felipe Contoli Isoldi,2 and Lydia Masako Ferreira2

Science Direct - How bacteria use electric fields to reach surfaces

Author links open overlay panelPoehere Chong, Benjamin Erable, Alain BergelLaboratoire de Génie Chimique, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, INP, UPS, Toulouse, France

Received 24 December 2020, Revised 15 March 2021, Accepted 28 March 2021, Available online 8 April 2021, Version of Record 20 April 2021.

Scientific American - Bacteria Use Brainlike Bursts of Electricity to Communicate

With electrical signals, cells can organize themselves into complex societies and negotiate with other colonies

BY QUANTA MAGAZINE & GABRIEL POPKIN

National Library of Medicine - Heliyon. 2021 Mar; 7(3): e06363. 

Published online 2021 Mar 1. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06363

PMCID: PMC7937662

PMID: 33732922

Brain-to-brain communication: the possible role of brain electromagnetic fields (As a Potential Hypothesis)

Ehsan Hosseini

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Roswitha Wiltschko

 and 

Wolfgang Wiltschko

Published:04 September 2019https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2019.0295

Of Particular Significance

Conversations About Science with Theoretical Physicist Matt Strassler

Cambridge University - What is Quantum Field Theory?

NASA - Anatomy of an Electromagnetic Wave

UCR Education - Original by Matt McIrvin, 1994.

Some Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Particles

Britannica - electromagnetic field

physics

Actions

Written and fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 17, 2023 • Article History

United States Environmental Protection Agency - Electric and Magnetic Fields from Power Lines

Live Science - 'Virtual' Particles Are Just 'Wiggles' in the Electromagnetic Field

News

By Paul Sutter

 published August 22, 2016

Live Science - What Is the Weak Force?

References

By Jim Lucas

 published December 24, 2014

Britannica - electroweak theory

physics

Actions

Also known as: Salam-Weinberg theory, Weinberg-Salam theory, electroweak unification theory

Written by 

Christine Sutton

Fact-checked by 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

Britainnica - Electroweak theory: Describing the weak force

Britannica - strong force

physics

Actions

Also known as: nuclear force, strong interaction, strong nuclear force

Written by 

Christine Sutton

Fact-checked by 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Nov 23, 2023 • Article History

CernCourier - Cockcroft’s subatomic legacy: splitting the atom

Nuclear Forces - Scholarpedia

Space.com - The four fundamental forces of nature

By Jeremy Rehm, Ben Biggs

 published December 23, 2021

HistoryQA - What were electric eels called before electricity?

Vox - How Alessandro Volta invented the battery and won over Napoleon

By Phil [email protected]@vox.com 

National Maglab - Voltaic Pile – 1800

Britannica - Leyden jar

electrical instrument

Actions

Written and fact-checked by 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

Britannica - Luigi Galvani

Italian physician and physicist

Actions

Written by 

Bern Dibner

Fact-checked by 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

Science Direct - On the Use of Boundary Integral Methods in Bioelectromagnetics

D. Poljak, in Numerical Methods and Advanced Simulation in Biomechanics and Biological Processes, 2018

National Library of Medicine - J Biomed Phys Eng. 2022 Aug; 12(4): 387–394. 

Published online 2022 Aug 1. doi: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.1268

PMCID: PMC9395628

PMID: 36059281

Effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Mobile Phones and Wi-Fi Router on the Growth Rate and Susceptibility of Enterococcus faecalis to Antibiotics

Seyed Mohammad Javad Mortazavi,1,2 Mohammad Taheri,3 Maryam Paknahad,4,5* and Salar Khandadash6

National Library of Medicine -

Bactericidal effects of low-intensity extremely high frequency electromagnetic field: an overview with phenomenon, mechanisms, targets and consequences

Heghine Torgomyan et al. Crit Rev Microbiol. 2013 Feb.

National Library of Medicine - Trends Microbiol. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2012 Mar 1.

Published in final edited form as:

Trends Microbiol. 2011 Mar; 19(3): 105–113. 

Published online 2011 Jan 14. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2010.12.007

PMCID: PMC3057284

NIHMSID: NIHMS266083

PMID: 21239171

When microbial conversations get physical

Gemma Reguera

Science Direct - Chinese Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2021, Pages 95-102

Review

Electric Field: A Key Signal in Wound Healing

Author links open overlay panelNaixin JIA 1 #, Jinrui YANG 1 #, Jie LIU 1, Jiaping ZHANG 1

Britannica - magnetic dipole

physics

Actions

Also known as: electrostatic dipole

Written and fact-checked by 

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Article History

The Spin of an Up Quark

San José State University applet-magic.com

Thayer Watkins

Silicon Valley,

Tornado Alley

& the Gateway

to the Rockies

Britannica - asymptotic freedom

Science Photo Library - Credit

GREGOIRE CIRADE / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Medium - Exploring EMF ‘Electromagnetic Fields’ Toxicity Symptoms on the Human Brain

Science Direct - Electromagnetic Pollution

The rising electromagnetic pollution from electronic devices causes malfunctioning of neighboring sensitive devices and negative impact on human life.

From: Mxenes and their Composites, 2022

Better Health Channel - Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and health issues

Britannica - Coulomb's Law

#Arjuwan Lakkdawala #ink in the Internet #science #electromagnetic fields #strong force #weak force #gravitational #electrotaxis #radioactive decay #science direct #live science #britannica #Cambridge University #bacteria communication #cryp #cryptochrome #biology #nature #biomedicine #bioengineering #Alzheimer's disease

[whats-in-a-sentence]

The expression of CO is controlled by the circadian click, with the peak of activity occurring 12 h after dawn (Figure 20.10A). Genetic and molecular studies have shown that in Arabidopsis CO protein accumulates in response to long days, and this accelerates flowering (Figure 20.10B). As indicated in Figure 20.10B, a critical feature of the coincidence mechanic in the LDP Arabidopsis is that flowering is promoted when the CO gene is expressed in the leaf (the site of perception of the photoperiodic stimulus) during the light period. (...) In contrast, during long days CO gene expression is accompanied by a sharp increase in CO protein level, because at least some of the expression overlaps with the light period (see Figure 20.10B). (...) In the morning, phyB signaling appears to enhance CO degradation, whereas in the evening (when CO protein accumulates in long days), cryptochromes and phyA antagonize this degradation and allow the CO protein to build up (see Figure 20.10). (...) Moreover, exclusive of both the native FT and Hd3a genes is substantially elevated during inductive photoperiods (long days in Arabidopsis and short days in rice) (Figure 20.10C). (...) That is, in rice the coincidence of Hd1 expression and light signaling through phytochrome suppresses flowering by inhibiting the expression of Hd3a (Figure 20.10D).

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

#book quotes #plant physiology and development #nonfiction #textbook #co #constans #circadian clock #dawn #arabidopsis #phyb #phytochrome #phya #cryptochrome #rice #ft #flowering locus t #hd3a #heading date #hd1

[sciencerevolution]

How Lunar Cycles Guide the Spawning of Sea Creatures

Researchers are starting to understand the biological rhythms that sync worms and corals to phases of the moon.

#science #2023 #lunar cycles #moon #corals #sea life #cryptochromes

[deepgreenpermaculture]

Why Do Plant Leaves Sometimes Turn Red Under Artificial Grow Lights?

When plants are grown under artificial lighting, such as LED grow lights, the leaves might turn red in colour, due to a phenomenon known as anthocyanin accumulation. Anthocyanins are water-soluble flavonoid plant pigments that produce the major red, blue and purple colours in flowers, fruits and vegetables to attract pollinators and seed dispersers. An interesting fact about anthocyanins is that…

View On WordPress

#anthocyanin #cryptochromes #phytochromes

[rwby-redux]

Okay here's kind of a idea / question in regards to faunus. With how the one animal trait works with these people shouldn't be possible for a Faunus to be born with the animal trait to literally change their biological sex since that is a legit ability that exists in the animal kingdom? I also couldn't help but think how the faunus could be a potential source of medical miracles and that some expert literally studied the hypothetical person I mentioned and made a means to make sex change easy.

Oh, man, this is such a good ask. I’ve often wondered the same myself, in regards to Faunus traits, and whether or not some of those traits could be the source of medical breakthroughs. Let me start by addressing each question separately, since there’s a lot to unpack here; not just in regards to lore/worldbuilding, but from a meta/production perspective, too.

With how the one animal trait works with these people shouldn’t be possible for a Faunus to be born with the animal trait to literally change their biological sex since that is a legit ability that exists in the animal kingdom?

Sequential and simultaneous hermaphroditism are certainly plausible under the parameters that CRWBY established for the Faunus. Sequential hermaphroditism (changing from one sex to another) occurs primarily in teleost fish, like wrasses and groupers. Simultaneous hermaphroditism (producing two types of gametes at the same time) is fairly commonplace in terrestrial and marine gastropods, like sea slugs and land snails. We know that neither is beyond the realm of possibility, as Faunus with caudal fins exist in Menagerie. And while I’m not sure about the canonicity of the Justice League crossover comics, there is, technically, a snail Faunus with eyestalks.

Now that I’m thinking about it, there are plenty of other traits that wouldn’t be off-limits besides biological sex. There are lots of novel adaptations in the animal kingdom that RWBY’s Faunus could have under this framework:

A reticulorumen for digesting cellulose-dense food, like grasses, which humans can’t normally eat.

Antifreeze proteins which either prevent your body fluids from freezing, or allow your body to survive them freezing over.

Magnetoreception like that seen in birds, potentially due to a cryptochrome protein found in their eyes, which helps them navigate and form internal regional maps.

All of this begs a very important question—if these are all theoretically possible for Faunus to have, then why don’t we see them in the canon?

And I think the answer to that might be twofold.

Notice that all of the traits I listed aren’t overtly visible. Now, I have no proof of this beyond a shrewd suspicion, but I think the reason why RWBY gravitates toward traits like horns, tails, and the like is because they’re more “phenotypical,” so to speak. RWBY is a visual media. Huge chunks of its story are told through action. It makes sense that the writers would want their Faunus to have “flashier” traits which visibly stand out, and that can be used in a combat setting. As cool as it would be to have a Faunus based on a shorthorn sculpin with freeze-resistant properties, I doubt the show would ever implement it. More’s the pity, because I think the idea of “invisible” Faunus traits—in addition to being really fucking cool—could be used to talk about passing.

Which brings me to the second reason why RWBY might’ve omitted Faunus with non-phenotypic traits (including sex-changing): The Discourse™.

There’s no getting around the fact that Faunus with sex-changing abilities or multi-sex characteristics would be inherently coded as trans or intersex.

In media, depicting non-endosex and non-cisgender people as inhuman has been a staple for decades. It’s a well-established trope that otherizes two vulnerable marginalized communities, by representing them through the lens of something alien or robotic or monstrous. I could be here for hours deconstructing the lasting harm those tropes have caused.

On the other hand:

Reclaiming slurs and traditionally-offensive depictions of minorities is practically a pastime for us. It’s a way to take back power from an oppressor. Damn right I’m a monster, and don’t you forget it, because I bite.

RWBY has never once shied away from the fact that Faunus aren’t humans. Granted, we don’t know if they’re two different species, or if Faunus are a distinct race, or if Faunus traits represent a handful of dominant genes that can be inherited by any hominid, as demonstrated by the fact that both groups can reproduce and have fertile offspring.

(Hell, maybe Faunus aren’t some distinct entity. Maybe the gene for retractable claws is just a stigmatized trait that got arbitrarily lumped in with other stigmatized traits, and humans in this universe are individuals which don’t have those genes. Or maybe they carry a recessive genetic mutation that masks “Faunus traits.” It could be that in this setting, humans are the derivative outliers, not the Faunus.)

Speculation aside, this presents us with a dilemma: Do we risk coding Faunus (a canonically non-human group) as trans or intersex, and further reinforce the damage done by those tropes? Or do we have Faunus that can switch between sperm and ova production, or Faunus with two sets of genitalia, and reclaim those depictions on our own terms?

In an ideal world, you would do both. You would have human characters that are intersex or trans, alongside Faunus with non-endosex traits. You could even go a step further and have a Faunus whose trait is wings who also happens to be trans.

But here’s the kicker: The show has a precedent of mishandling real-world issues, like racism and disability. Even though plenty of the VAs and animators are queer (like Josh Grelle and Kdin Jenzen), the writing has been primarily handled by a pair of cishet white guys.

Given Rooster Teeth’s track record, I wouldn’t want them going anywhere near this topic.

So, is it possible that we could see a Faunus trait pertaining to their biological sex? Absolutely. But given the format of the show, and the history of the people writing the show, I doubt we ever will.

I also couldn't help but think how the faunus could be a potential source of medical miracles and that some expert literally studied the hypothetical person I mentioned and made a means to make sex change easy.

I would extend this question to not just biological sex, but other Faunus traits, too.

Maybe a Faunus with antifreeze proteins could hold the potential to improving cryosurgery, or lengthening the shelf life of perishable goods. Maybe a Faunus with venom (like the Gila monster) mimics hormones that could be used in treating diabetes. Maybe a Faunus with crocodilian-like white blood cells could lead to an entirely new class of infection-fighting drugs.

Of course, that means discussing the downside to this revelation: the medical exploitation of Faunus.

In 1951, cervical cancer cells were taken from thirty-one-year-old Henrietta Lacks, a black woman admitted to Johns Hopkins Hospital. At the time, it was routine for doctors to take tissue samples without their patient’s consent. The hospital was the only one in the Baltimore area where POC could receive free healthcare. This created a scenario in which non-white patients could be turned into research subjects without their permission.

The cells that were extracted from Henrietta Lacks were cultured into the first immortal cell line, known today as HeLa, which has since been sold to labs for virology, cancer research, genetics research, and space microbiology.

Given the fairly obvious parallels between Faunus and other minority groups (particularly in the United States), it stands to reason that a lack of regulatory oversight—combined with systematic racism and profit-motivated labs—could lead to near-identical scenarios.

If RWBY’s worldbuilding wanted to explore these ideas, it would have an obligation to talk about the intersectionality of racism, autonomy and consent, and medical exploitation.

“Medical miracles,” as you put, could certainly exist in this setting. But they wouldn’t come without a price.

#asks #hivemind42 #thanks for the ask! #worldbuilding #queer discourse #transgender #intersex #faunus #tw: transphobia #tw: queerphobia #tw: racism #tw: interphobia #healthcare #on an unrelated note: happy pride month! #remember to be proud and stay safe #i speak #biology

[science-selected-yura15cbx]

A marine cryptochrome with an inverse photo-oligomerization mechanism

[afactaday]

#aFactADay2022

#581: Cryptochrome, the molecule I talked about the other day, is also present in plants. this gives them similar abilities as animals, like phototropism. Cryptochrome also gives plants Photomorphogenesis, a circadian rhythm, and most excitingly, magnetotropism! this form of magnetoreception affects plants' growth, germination and flowering, but we don't quite know how or why. some agricultural scientists are experimenting with using artificial magnetic fields to boost produce...

#afactaday #aFactADay2022 #fact of the day #fotd581 #this post was auto-posted by flanbot

[tenth-sentence]

In addition, the cry1/cry2 double mutants flowered slightly later than cry2 in long days, indicating some functional redundancy of CRY1 and CRY2 in promoting flowering time in Arabidopsis.

"Plant Physiology and Development" int'l 6e - Taiz, L., Zeiger, E., Møller, I.M., Murphy, A.

#book quote #plant physiology and development #nonfiction #textbook #cry1 #cry2 #cryptochrome #mutant #mutation #flowering #redundancy #arabidopsis

[char09lynx]

1

Bradlaugh, A. A., Fedele, G., Munro, A. L., Hansen, C. N., Hares, J. M., Patel, S., Kyriacou, C. P., Jones, A. R., Rosato, E., & Baines, R. A. (2023). Essential elements of radical pair magnetosensitivity in Drosophila. Nature, 615(7950), 111–116. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05735-z

Previous research has found that cryptochromes, a hidden pigment in the retinas of birds, could serve as a magnetic field sensor. Electrons separated by quantum entanglement exhibit both singlet and triplet states within these pigments, and the balance between these two states is determined by the magnetic field. Although scientists still do not understand why quantum properties emerge in warm living organisms, these biological mechanisms indeed enable global navigation. As the migration season approaches, the gene expression of cryptochrome proteins, which contain the hidden pigment, increases, triggering an unstoppable migratory urge in birds. This phenomenon might be referred to as the so-called "sixth sense."

In a recent study published in the journal Nature, it is suggested that magnetic field sensitivity might be more widespread than previously thought and that all animals might possess the ability to sense magnetic fields. This advanced and specific capability is not exclusive to migratory animals. Previously, it was believed that FAD (flavin adenine dinucleotide) merely acted as an accessory to cryptochromes. However, this study discovered that even at low levels of cryptochromes, FAD is capable of independently sensing magnetic fields. Research conducted on fruit flies showed that high levels of FAD can spontaneously respond to magnetic fields under light stimulation. This indicates that magnetic field sensitivity is not solely driven by cryptochromes. The reason why everyone is said to have a sixth sense is due to the presence of FAD in almost all cells, albeit at varying levels. The inability to perceive this phenomenon might be attributed to the lack of assistance from cryptochromes, preventing the generation of detectable signals.

As mentioned earlier, when individuals need to make decisions within a short timeframe, the sixth sense could heighten their awareness of their surroundings, leading to more accurate judgments. Similarly, this sixth sense might serve as a wellspring of creativity and inspiration, aiding individuals in artistic endeavors, problem-solving, and innovative thinking. This heightened sensory ability could spark unconventional ideas, assisting individuals in discovering unique solutions or creating awe-inspiring works of art. Although the scientific community still debates the legitimacy of the sixth sense, it can occasionally yield positive effects in specific contexts.

2.

Xu, J., Jarocha, L. E., Zollitsch, T., Konowalczyk, M., Henbest, K. B., Richert, S., Golesworthy, M. J., Schmidt, J., Déjean, V., Sowood, D. J. C., Bassetto, M., Luo, J., Walton, J. R., Fleming, J., Wei, Y., Pitcher, T. L., Moise, G., Herrmann, M., Yin, H., & Wu, H. (2021). Magnetic sensitivity of cryptochrome 4 from a migratory songbird. Nature, 594(7864), 535–540. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-021-03618-9 ‌

‌Birds can see the magnetic field. Why can some bird species traverse mountains and oceans, migrating thousands of kilometers to reach their destination? Why do they face countless challenges yet manage to stay on course without getting lost, especially during nighttime migrations? They navigate by observing stars, the moon, landmarks, and certain distinctive scents, which they make effective use of. What's most remarkable is that they possess a magnetic sensor in their retinas. A recent study published in the journal Nature indicates that the most likely candidate for this magnetic sensor molecule is cryptochrome protein. Researchers exposed cryptochrome protein to blue light, transforming it into a magnetically sensitive molecule. Simultaneously, they applied a certain strength of magnetic field, resulting in two competing chemical reactions. The strength of the magnetic field influences the proportion of these two chemical reactions. While scientists aren't yet certain about the specific outcome of these chemical reactions in the birds' eyes, they believe that one of the magnetosensitive reactions triggers a change in the protein's shape, potentially leading to a different shape of the magnetosensitive protein in females. This altered shape may then interact with other proteins, initiating relevant information transmission, enabling birds to perceive the magnetic field.

If humans could see the magnetic field, it could facilitate the observation and comprehension of underground minerals, rocks, and ancient artifacts, providing deeper insights. It could enhance our understanding and perception of Earth's magnetic field changes, enabling more accurate monitoring of environmental shifts and potential geological activities. Additionally, the ability to see the magnetic field might lead to new scientific discoveries, fostering a deeper understanding of magnetic fields and their interactions with matter. By observing the magnetic field, individuals might gain better insights into utilizing and harnessing the relationship between magnetic fields and energy generation, thereby propelling more efficient development of energy technologies.

3.

Revah, O., Gore, F., Kelley, K. W., Andersen, J., Sakai, N., Chen, X., Li, M.-Y., Birey, F., Yang, X., Saw, N. L., Baker, S. W., Amin, N. D., Kulkarni, S., Mudipalli, R., Cui, B., Nishino, S., Grant, G. A., Knowles, J. K., Shamloo, M., & Huguenard, J. R. (2022). Maturation and circuit integration of transplanted human cortical organoids. Nature, 610(7931), 319–326. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-022-05277-w

Scientists from Stanford University have created a human-mouse hybrid brain, which responds normally when the mouse's whiskers are touched. The research findings were published in the journal Nature on October 12th. The brain hybrid isn't a genuine human brain but rather a brain-like organ grown from stem cells. Until now, brain-like organs could only mimic the human brain. They lacked the necessary nourishment, immune support, and stimulation for growth, making it challenging for them to establish neural connections like a real brain or merge with other nervous systems. However, this study has surpassed these limitations. Researchers transplanted the brain-like structure into the somatosensory cortex of newborn rats aged 2 to 3 days. This area of the rat brain receives signals from whiskers and other sensory organs and transfers them to corresponding regions.

Initially, the introduced human brain tissue was quite small, approximately five millimeters long. However, after six months, it occupied a third of the rat brain hemisphere. This rapid development was attributed to the quick infiltration and formation of blood vessels by the brain's endothelial cells, providing nutrition and eliminating metabolic waste. Researchers also observed that the resident immune cells from the rat brain appeared within the transplanted human brain cells. Results indicated that neurons from the brain-like organ successfully established functional mechanisms in the rat brain, merging with the host's neural circuits. In essence, these human brain tissues integrated with the rat brain, becoming a part of it. Implanted human brain cells could now participate in or share some of the primary brain functions.

The study also noticed that the transplanted brain-like organ, both in structure and function, was more complex than those cultivated in vitro. While this transplantation method represents a significant advancement in medicine and provides new insights for treating brain cell function-related disorders such as autism, it has also raised ethical concerns. Critics worry about the potential harm to animals from human-animal hybrids. However, currently, human brain-like organs remain too rudimentary to develop consciousness or human-like intelligence. Additionally, the research team mentioned that their organ transplantation procedure didn't induce epilepsy or memory impairment in the rats and seemed to have minimal impact on their abilities and behavior. Despite this, skepticism remains within the scientific community, as the differences between humans and mice are substantial. The effects might be more pronounced in experiments conducted on primates. Moreover, as technology progresses, new challenges are bound to emerge. In a study published in the journal Cell on April 15th last year, human liver and brain cells were injected into monkey embryos for observation of their development, suggesting that similar experiments may occur in the future. I find this topic quite intriguing.

4.

eComMed. (2009,sep.12). Experts recommend: How to simply disinfect face masks in microwave. Retrieved sep.12, 2009, from https://ecommed.vn/experts-recommend-how-to-simply-disinfect-face-masks-in-microwave/

Medical experts suggest that both cloth masks and medical masks can be effectively disinfected through three methods: UV, ozone, or microwave.

When using UV rays for disinfection, bacteria on the surface of the mask are destroyed. However, this method may not be as effective for multi-layered masks and might not reach the innermost layers.

Disinfection with ozone is more thorough than UV, but it requires bulky equipment and is not practical for home use.

The microwave method of disinfection is recommended. By utilizing the microwave's Viba waves at an active power of 800W, viruses and bacteria that pose a danger can be destroyed. This approach is endorsed by Dr. Ngoc Hai and Associates at the Institute of Health, Occupation, and Environment, Ministry of Health, and is recommended for disease prevention.

-Regarding the question of using household microwave ovens to disinfect face masks and kill the coronavirus, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has provided the following response:

Microwave ovens should only be used for their intended purpose, which is to thaw, cook, and reheat food and beverages as specified in the user manual that comes with each unit. AHAM does not recommend using household microwave ovens to sanitize face masks. There is no research from AHAM supporting the claim that household microwave ovens effectively sanitize face masks.

Additionally, there is a concern that microwave ovens may damage the fabric and plastic materials in face masks. Some masks also contain staples or metal for strap attachment. Putting metal in a microwave is dangerous, as it can cause sparking or arcing.

5.

Charlotte Observer. (2023, July 15). Should you disinfect yourself with a hairdryer? Charlotte Observer. https://amp.charlotteobserver.com/living/home-garden/article275998866.html

The weather forecast for Charlotte predicts temperatures in the mid-80s for the upcoming week, as stated by the National Weather Service. Interestingly, studies suggest that people with specific blood types might be more susceptible to mosquito bites. The research also indicates that mosquitoes have a preference for type O blood, while individuals with type AB blood are less likely to be bitten by mosquitoes. This information highlights a potential connection between blood types and mosquito attraction.

-When mosquitoes search for biting targets, they utilize sensory organs on their antennae to detect the odors emitted by human bodies, known as chemical signals. These odors consist of complex compounds such as metabolic products, enzymes, and hormones, largely influenced by genetic coding. As a result, variations in body odor among individuals can be attributed to genetic differences.

However, blood type does not directly influence the formation of human body odor. Although some studies suggest certain blood types may be associated with specific diseases or health traits, blood type itself is not a primary factor in mosquitoes' choice of biting targets. Mosquitoes tend to rely on perceiving the scents released by human bodies to make their selection, which explains why some people are more susceptible to mosquito bites, with these differences primarily linked to genetics.

Furthermore, environmental factors can also impact the emission of human body odor. For instance, dietary habits, lifestyle, and personal care products used can influence body odor. This implies that under certain circumstances, body odor might differ due to external environmental changes, potentially affecting mosquito preferences.

While human body odor is partly determined by genetics, research indicates that mosquitoes' preferences for specific scents may vary between different regions and populations. This could be attributed to variations in genetic makeup and living environments among people in different areas, leading to differences in how mosquitoes perceive and choose scents.

In conclusion, mosquitoes utilize their antennae to sense human body odors for selecting biting targets, and these odor variations are primarily influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, unrelated to blood type.

6.

Grinter, R., Kropp, A., Venugopal, H., Senger, M., Badley, J., Cabotaje, P. R., Jia, R., Duan, Z., Huang, P., Stripp, S. T., Barlow, C. K., Belousoff, M., Shafaat, H. S., Cook, G. M., Schittenhelm, R. B., Vincent, K. A., Khalid, S., Berggren, G., & Greening, C. (2023). Structural basis for bacterial energy extraction from atmospheric hydrogen. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05781-7 ‌

Enzyme that Converts Air into Electricity. Recently, Australian scientists have discovered an enzyme capable of converting air into electricity. The related research was published in the journal Nature on March 8th. Previous studies have informed us that many bacteria in the natural world can utilize trace amounts of hydrogen gas to replenish their energy, especially in harsh environments like volcanic vents, deep-sea regions, and Antarctic soil. However, it's only recently that we have come to understand how this occurs. The enzyme isolated from Mycobacterium smegmatis, known as HUC (hydrogen-utilizing catalyst), has proven to be highly efficient. Purified HUC can generate electricity at extremely low hydrogen concentrations and remains stable over extended periods, whether frozen or heated up to 80 degrees Celsius. HUC functions as a natural battery, capable of producing a continuous electric current from air or artificially introduced hydrogen gas.

Although this research is still in its early stages, it holds significant potential, such as creating miniature solar device alternatives. Its scalability is promising, as bacteria capable of producing HUC are quite common and can be cultivated in large quantities. A key future objective is to expand the production scale of HUC. Once we possess a sufficient supply of HUC, it could serve as a raw material for producing clean energy, a significant advancement toward a cleaner energy source.

7.

Gordon, E. M., Chauvin, R. J., Van, A. N., Rajesh, A., Nielsen, A., Newbold, D. J., Lynch, C. J., Seider, N. A., Krimmel, S. R., Scheidter, K. M., Monk, J., Miller, R. L., Metoki, A., Montez, D. F., Zheng, A., Elbau, I., Madison, T., Nishino, T., Myers, M. J., & Kaplan, S. (2023). A somato-cognitive action network alternates with effector regions in motor cortex. Nature, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05964-2

Psychological states can influence bodily movements, and conversely, the reverse is also true. Whether it's happiness, sadness, anger, or anxiety, for millennia, people have harbored suspicions of a mysterious connection between the soul and the body. On April 19th, a new study published in the journal Nature utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology to scan participants' brains and drew upon extensive data from the UK Biobank. Within the brain's motor cortex, three areas were identified that have no direct relation to physical movement. These regions cannot directly control our actions and are referred to as the "somatic cognitive motor network." While these areas do not exhibit direct responses during physical motion, they become active when we contemplate movement. They likely serve as an intermediary between thoughts and actions, potentially providing us with the capacity for intricate thinking and planning.

Furthermore, the researchers noted that the somatic cognitive motor network is undetectable in newborns, but it becomes discernible in infants as young as 11 months old. By the age of nine, it is nearly as developed as in adults, suggesting a similar pattern of activation.

8.

Khait, I., Lewin-Epstein, O., Sharon, R., Saban, K., Goldstein, R., Anikster, Y., Zeron, Y., Agassy, C., Nizan, S., Sharabi, G., Perelman, R., Boonman, A., Sade, N., Yovel, Y., & Hadany, L. (2023). Sounds emitted by plants under stress are airborne and informative. Cell, 186(7), 1328-1336.e10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.009

Previous research has detected that plants produce bubble vibrations under the stress of drought, but such vibrations were thought to be confined internally. However, a new study published in the journal Cell on March 30th reveals that plants can emit sounds that can propagate through the air when under pressure. The emitted sounds are highly informative, but they are ultrasonic, with frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. Some processing is required to make the sounds audible to us. Researchers placed microphones near plants and found that plants under greater stress produce sounds more frequently. They can emit sounds approximately 35 times per hour. Plants that are undamaged and adequately watered, on the other hand, remain quiet with no sound emitted for an hour. The phenomenon is not limited to tomatoes and tobacco; other plants such as millet, wheat, grapes, and cacti also emit sounds under pressure. However, the exact mechanism of how plants produce these sounds is still uncertain. Based on a combination of previous studies, these sounds may result from the bursting of internal bubbles within plants.

While humans cannot directly hear plants' communication, bats, mice, and many insects can perceive the signals emitted by plants, and plants can respond to sounds produced by animals. A study from 2019 confirmed that evening primroses produce sweeter nectar after hearing the sound of bees, thus increasing their chances of pollination. In seemingly quiet gardens, plants are engaging in secret communication with their surroundings through sound.

Researchers have now been able to identify the sounds using machine learning algorithms to determine which plant they come from and infer whether the plant is experiencing water shortage or damage. The accuracy of this identification has reached 70%.

[leedsomics]

Transcriptomics elucidates metabolic regulation and functional promoters in the basidiomycete red yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous CBS 6938

Genomics has become the primary way to explore microbial diversity, because genetic tools are currently difficult to develop in non-model organisms. Here, we demonstrate that -omics can be leveraged to accelerate genetic tool development for the basidiomycete yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous CBS 6938, the sole biotechnologically relevant organism in the Tremellomycete family. First, we sequence the genome. Then, we perform transcriptomics under a variety of conditions, focusing on light and oxidative stress. This data not only reveals novel photobiology and metabolic regulation, it also allows derivation of constitutive and regulated gene expression parts. Our analysis of X. dendrorhous photobiology shows for the first time that a complex system of white-collar and cryptochrome homologs mediate response to ultraviolet light (UV). Our analysis of metabolic regulation shows that UV activates DNA repair, aromatic amino acid and carotenoid biosynthesis and represses central carbon metabolism and the fungal-like apoptotic pathway. Thus, X. dendrorhous shows a dynamic response toward biosynthetic pathways for light-absorbing compounds and survival and away from energy production. We then define a modular cloning system, including antibiotic selections, integration sites, and reporter genes, and use the transcriptomics to derive strong constitutive and regulated promoters. Notably, we discover a novel promoter from a hypothetical gene that has 9-fold activation upon UV exposure. Thus, -omics-to-parts workflows can simultaneously provide useful genomic data and advance genetic tools for non-model microbes, particularly those without a closely related model organism. This approach will be broadly useful in current efforts to engineer diverse microbes. http://dlvr.it/St3Twv

[laocommunity]

The Fascinating Connection Between Malaria Infection and Human Circadian Rhythm: Inside the Intriguing Intraerythrocytic Cycle - A Must-Read!" | Proceedings of ...

The Fascinating Connection Between Malaria Infection and Human Circadian Rhythm: Inside the Intriguing Intraerythrocytic Cycle - A Must-Read!" | Proceedings of ... The Fascinating Connection Between Malaria Infection and Human Circadian Rhythm: Inside the Intriguing Intraerythrocytic Cycle - A Must-Read! Malaria is a deadly disease that continues to plague millions of people worldwide. Despite numerous efforts to control its spread, malaria remains one of the biggest threats to global health. Researchers have been studying the complex relationships between malaria and human physiology, including the fascinating connection between malaria infection and the human circadian rhythm. This article explores the intriguing intraerythrocytic cycle of malaria, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms that regulate this cycle and the impact it has on human health. The Intraerythrocytic Cycle: An Overview Malaria is caused by Plasmodium, a parasite that enters the human bloodstream via a mosquito’s bite. Once inside the body, the parasite rapidly multiplies within erythrocytes (red blood cells) and triggers a host of clinical symptoms associated with the disease. The intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium is crucial to the parasite’s survival and replication, making it a prime target for malaria treatment and prevention. The intraerythrocytic cycle is divided into several stages, each marked by specific changes in the parasite’s morphology and behavior. The cycle begins with the invasion of an erythrocyte by a merozoite, a form of the parasite that is released from previously infected erythrocytes. Once inside the erythrocyte, the parasite transforms into a ring-like structure that feeds on the host cell’s nutrients and grows in size. The parasite then replicates the ring structure, producing daughter cells that mature into trophozoites, which continue to feed on the host cell’s nutrients. The trophozoites then transform into schizonts, which produce numerous merozoites that burst out of the erythrocyte and invade new erythrocytes. This multistage cycle is repeated until a critical mass of parasites accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to severe clinical symptoms. The Fascinating Connection Between Malaria Infection and Human Circadian Rhythm Recent studies have shown that the intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium is intimately linked to the human circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is an internal biological clock that regulates numerous physiological processes in the body, including sleep-wake cycles, hormone production, and metabolism. The circadian rhythm is governed by a complex network of genes and proteins that work together to maintain a 24-hour cycle. Plasmodium relies on the human erythrocyte to complete its intraerythrocytic cycle. Recent studies have shown that erythrocytes have their own circadian clock, which plays a crucial role in regulating the interaction between the parasite and the host cell. The circadian clock of erythrocytes affects a wide range of cellular processes, including nutrient uptake, metabolism, and gene expression. Plasmodium has evolved to exploit these host cell processes, allowing the parasite to survive and replicate within the erythrocyte. The interaction between Plasmodium and the circadian clock of erythrocytes is complex and nuanced. Studies have shown that specific genes and proteins involved in the circadian clock play critical roles in regulating the intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium. For instance, the protein CRYPTOCHROME, which is involved in regulating the circadian clock, has been shown to inhibit the growth and replication of Plasmodium within erythrocytes. Other studies have shown that the timing of malaria infection can affect the severity of clinical symptoms, suggesting the involvement of circadian rhythms. Conclusion The fascinating connection between malaria infection and human circadian rhythm highlights the complexity of host-parasite interactions. Studies exploring the mechanisms underlying the intraerythrocytic cycle of Plasmodium and the circadian rhythms of erythrocytes have shed light on the intricate strategies that parasites use to survive within the host. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective malaria treatment and prevention strategies. #Malaria #IntraerythrocyticCycle #HumanCircadianRhythm #Plasmodium #ErythrocyteClock #HEALTH Read the full article

[jhavelikes]

Night-migratory songbirds are remarkably proficient navigators1. Flying alone and often over great distances, they use various directional cues including, crucially, a light-dependent magnetic compass2,3. The mechanism of this compass has been suggested to rely on the quantum spin dynamics of photoinduced radical pairs in cryptochrome flavoproteins located in the retinas of the birds4,5,6,7. Here we show that the photochemistry of cryptochrome 4 (CRY4) from the night-migratory European robin (Erithacus rubecula) is magnetically sensitive in vitro, and more so than CRY4 from two non-migratory bird species, chicken (Gallus gallus) and pigeon (Columba livia). Site-specific mutations of ErCRY4 reveal the roles of four successive flavin–tryptophan radical pairs in generating magnetic field effects and in stabilizing potential signalling states in a way that could enable sensing and signalling functions to be independently optimized in night-migratory birds.

Magnetic sensitivity of cryptochrome 4 from a migratory songbird | Nature

[divinewill]

Capítulo Siete: Starman

The ASSDF was clearly interested in obtaining information relating to potential electromagnetic, particle, and acoustic radiation spikes, as well as perturbations in gravitational, magnetic, and electric fields with gravimeters, Geiger counters, X-ray and radio detectors, and high speed thermographic, ultraviolet, and visible spectrum cameras all monitoring the rite. One device of note, inspired by how the eyes of birds use cryptochrome, was a camera used to image magnetic fields.

This was for more than pure intellectual curiosity about how the spell worked and what it could teach us about relativity but served the primary purpose of gaining a better understanding of how this rite could provide the GSSDO a tactical advantage in the event of any future hypothetical conflict.

I surmised the ASSDF had Hecatean recruits outside the chamber, closely monitoring the flow of ambient and active magical power.

A spherical doorway opened in the middle of the array, suspended in the air. Through it we could see to the other side, far outside the room in which it opened.

Ms. Breedlove’s power allows her to open and close portals to a hub world that is linked to hundreds of other geocentric worlds; each designed around the principles of an identifiable art style. These planets varied in size from approximating Charon to Phatanum B.

In those worlds, violence was impossible because any application of force beyond a certain degree resulted in the assailant passing through the victim like a ghost. Similarly, while in that world, people did not suffer deterioration due to age, sickness, hunger, or thirst.

Zleŋ‘ initiated her dancelike form while music played over the whole rite. Within the experimental chamber, speakers broadcasted a choir of voices, controlled to the level of microtone, in a language I did not recognize. Every step, manual articulation, sequence of postures, breath, and exhalation was meaningful, but fundamentally alien to me. Even the archmagi seemed astonished by what they were seeing.

She made her way around the array to and through eight separate circles, which I figured represented exoplanets, and then returned to a circle at the epicenter of the array on the floor. Around her formed seven concentric rings of bright blue light around her. The color of these halos informed us she was accelerating particles to speeds exceeding the speed of light in the air, which twisted into a turbulent vortex that almost knocked Ms. Breedlove over. Ms. Breedlove willingly sat down to avoid being knocked down and potentially injured by the wind.

The dance Zleŋ‘ preformed almost evoked a tāṇḍava, the sacred dance of a deva. When the dance ended, there was a blinding flash of light and a thunderous crack from the instantly fading halos. This terrified Ms. Breedlove, who covered her ears, closed her eyes, and ducked.

As soon as we could see into the room again, we beheld eight women, all in terrible shape, who were hitherto absent now present. I had never seen the effects of an extermination campaign as raw as I did here.

As he performed his duties, a male technician monitoring the rite from the observation room made the sign of the cross and prayed, “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee we do cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee, do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us, and after this, our exile, show us unto the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet virgin Mary.”

Hyechin and I joined him in prayer, though with different forms that expressed our religious convictions.

Mālhlin, trained in both alien magic and earthly emergency medical care, immediately darted through the window like a ghost into the chamber to help the paramedics rushing through the automatic doors, while Hyechin and I watched on in stunned horror. Normally, we would bolt to help, but here we were only witnesses outside of our depth, with experts already at the helm. We knew we could only slow them down.

Mālhlin herself was clearly praying some Mohist prayer developed in her enchanted homeland.

The first woman was albino white, totally naked, and drenched in water. The paramedics cut the seaweed slipknot tied around and below the lateral striations on her neck with a knife and immediately began with CPR.

We didn’t yet know it, but her physiology was hydrodynamic: with short, coarse, straight hair, she was hyperbrachyskelic, mesomorphic, hyperbrachycephalic, hyperleptorrhiny, with micromastia, a wingspan slightly longer than her height, nose-lid folds, a complete lack of body hair, and slightly larger hands and feet than one might expect. She inhaled deeply but did not spit out any water as the striations on her neck bled out water and disappeared.

Then she opened her eyes, and she flew into a panic. Pulling away from what must have seemed like alien abductors as her skin rapidly flashed with red and white stripes, she viciously thrashed about; attempting to gouge the eyes of her rescuers and bite their hands. The poor woman was only 141 cm tall, but she was astonishingly strong for her petite stature, though her strength was nothing outside of what a life of extreme athleticism couldn’t produce.

The medics immobilized her for medical assessment using non-violent self-defense, which combined the syllabi of various grappling arts to restrain a patient while minimizing potential harm.

After a momentary struggle, the girl came to the reluctant conclusion of ‘trust but verify’ as she saw one of the emergency technicians bandage a laceration on her leg and her skin returned to a deathly paleness.

The paramedics covered the girl in a sheet, and she remained silent throughout the entire ordeal. Remaining silent in her panic, as the paramedics escorted her out of the room for a medical assessment.

This was our first encounter with the Gawr.

The second woman differed greatly from the first: light brown skin, waste-length, fine, straight, navy locks, mesorrhiny, a sum head length and breadth of 316 mm, weak body hair, moderate breasts, a mesomorphic build, and internal ocular folds. She wore a wrap-around skirt that reached her knees, cinched at the waist with a belt.

The poor girl had a black eye, a broken nose, and bruises across her arms, legs, and face. Her worst injury appeared to be an avulsion of skin from the pubis mons, removed in a circular wound with arterial bleeding, despite seeming to only be skin deep. She was in tremendous pain with blood, tears, snot, and spit flowing from her face. The way she lamented showed that something far worse than the apparent wound had just transpired. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought it looked like an emasculation.

One paramedic working on her had the power to remotely manipulate bleeding, using it to minimize exsanguination as his battle buddies applied gauze to the wound and prepared the terrified woman for transport.

The sight of this woman transfixed Zleŋ‘. As if she had seen something akin to the ghost of a loved one. As if she had seen something from a fairy tale, which then turned out to be true. The woman saw Zleŋ‘ and tried to communicate with her in an alien language, as if she expected Zleŋ‘ to understand it, but Zleŋ‘ could not understand her and even if she did, she couldn’t respond to her anyway because of the curse placed upon her.

Mālhlin noticed this and a look of shocked intuition overcame her as she continued to help the paramedics with another woman.

One of the archmagi, a male goblin with green skin standing 109 cm tall, pondered, “Is that woman a star?”

All five of the archmagi examined her closely. Surely, they must have thought, the child of a star, a class of divinity in the Rose Pygmy’s own syncretic polytheistic religion, could recognize another star, even if they had never seen each other before.

It was rumored that the father of Zleŋ‘ fell from heaven. Of course, these people associated this account with her being born from a star, effectively making her a demigoddess, but the more plausible answer would be that her father was a human alien who became stranded in their world.

One of the archmagi assessed, “I sense no magical power from this woman, but I feel a connection, as lineage, shared between the star-child and that one.”

I politely asked, “You can detect lineage?”

The pale Elvish archmagi clarified without breaking his focus, “Through a couple of ways. They do not seem to be related by blood, but there’s a recognition, as if between strangers identifying an unexpected shared cultural connection.”

Zleŋ‘ was so radically different, both phenotypically and in her abilities, to the rest of our otherworldly guests, that it cried out for an explanation. When questioned about her heritage, she always paralinguistically affirmed that her father fell from farther firmaments: that she was the seed of a starfallen.

In fact, she was the genesis of the theory that every planet on which human beings developed also evolved their own unique siddhis; what most of the world would call superpowers and what we in the GSSDO call potēns. Zleŋ‘ rushed over to her, but before she could reach her, she had to respond to the third woman.

This was our first encounter with the Mao.

The emaciated woman looked like someone rescued from a concentration camp or gulag, reduced almost to bones, and dressed in tattered and tortuously filthy rags, with the tips of her fingers having healed from being cut at the distal interpharangeal joints, and her thumb from a denailing. Upon waking up surrounded by strangers she immediately changed shape: Nilotic skin, bald with weak body hair, platyrrhiny, makroskelic, hyperdolichocephalic, an ectomorphic build with hanging ocular folds changed into something monstrous.

Gnashing fangs in a dolichocephalic vulpine head, a coat of quills covering her back with fur covering the rest of her body, and a prehensile tail appeared, all the while her cat-like pupils remained on otherwise human eyes. The emaciated and wounded creature jumped to her feet with a pathetic cry, staggered back. She fell onto her back with fur and quills standing on edge, and ears pointed back. Afterward, she got onto her knees, lowered her head, and averted eye contact. Her disposition was reminiscent of a beaten dog.

The poor thing was in a terrified panic, so Zleŋ‘ mercifully stopped her in her tracks and, with a single gesture, remotely put her into a restful sleep. This allowed the paramedics to catch her as she fell, bind her, and transport her for medical treatment without fear of causing her more distress.

This was our first encounter with the Moŋ.

The next woman had medium brown skin, leptorrhiny, mesocephaly, a mesoskelic frame, bushy, squirrel-like tail, cat-like ears atop her head, as well as where her human ears should have been, and two blade-like horns along her hairline, but otherwise, she was human. Because she was completely naked, we could see that there was an orthographic tattoo on her right arm and what looked to be a product tag pierced through her right nipple.

She froze in a panic when the paramedics touched her, as if conditioned to allow herself to be moved about for the unknown ends of others. The paramedics covered her and examined her closely, observing no external injuries, no signs of broken bones, and prepared her for transport as well.

This was our first encounter with the Sluŝ.

The next female subject was the patient that Mālhlin was currently helping with. She had a face like a brachycephalic rabbit, a mane of mid-back length, fine, straight, black, anthropic hair, with the rest of her body covered in a white fur and black spots, a fluffy, rabbit-like tail, and moderate humanoid breasts.

At 180cm tall, she had a hypermakroskelic frame, and foldless, brown, human eyes. Mud covered her long-sleeved blouse and knee-length skirt, suggesting she had tripped while running away from something. The moment she arrived and saw Zleŋ‘, Ms. Breedlove, and the surrounding women, she froze in terror, but when the paramedics approached her, she flew into a violent panic, revealing claws at the tips of her fingers.

Zleŋ‘ put her to sleep with a gesture as well, so the medical staff could transport her. Something had gouged her right eye, leaving a cut that sliced into her cheek and forehead. She had been severely beaten prior to arrival, and she seemed to have bullet wounds in her abdomen in need of immediate attention.

This was our first encounter with the Ræ.

The next woman had fair skin, green eyes, a makroskelic frame, laternal, external, ocular folds, and curly red hair, though across her right side she seemed to have fresh burns. She thrashed about disoriented, and again Zleŋ‘ gave her rest from the terror and pain. When the medics approached her, they found she had severe burns across the right side of her body and spirited her away for care.

This was our first encounter with the Lan’ma.

The next woman, and youngest of the patients, possessed a complexion so pale that she dimly shone white underneath the colorless light. She had knee-length, coarse, straight, albino hair, a slender build, weak body hair, red irises beautified with Mongolian folds, and a brachyskelic frame dressed in a truly minimal fashion comprising only a loincloth.

Her belly had swollen with child, approximately six months along from the looks of it, but the blood flowing from between her legs with the tears, snot, and spit running down her face, and the way she held her bruised baby bump told us all we needed to know.

Mālhlin performed a different spell with this patient, one designed to place her unborn child, assuming they were still alive, into a state of suspended animation or a “sleep-like death.” She did this to increase the probability that the SDMC surgeons could save the life of the unborn patient and transplant them into an artificial womb. She did this, hoping the young mother would not have to mourn the murder of her beloved baby before they were even born.

So many men within our ranks had experienced the devastating loss of children and wives to genocide, eugenics campaigns, great purges, and famines. It was precisely because of this shared experience that the culture of the GSSDO held an unshakable pronatalist stance.

Among our ranks were Christian priests, Jewish rabbis, Buddhist monks, Hindu gurus, Daoist masters, Yazidi sheiks, and Mohist monks serving as chaplains, all joined by secular philosophers in their unwavering commitment to defending the unborn children’s dignity and right to life, despite the religious diversity among us.

One of the medical technicians used the radio on their shirt. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that he called for a member of the Military Ordinariate of the Archdiocese for the GSSDO so that the poor babe(s), potentially deprived of their first breath, could receive baptism and, according to the pedobaptist creeds, obtain the salvific graces to enter Paradise as a saint.

Of course, being Buddhists ourselves, Hyechin and I believed that if the unborn patient were to pass away, then their soul would be bound to a new body. But we still clasped our own hands flatly together, lowered our heads, and prayed for the health and safety of the child.

The young mother quickly came to realize that the people surrounding her were not a threat, and that they wished to help. So she clung to the Englishman at her right and lamented while they transported her to emergency care.

This was our first encounter with the Rei.

The last of our guests was the worst off. She looked like an immolated corpse: her skin, face, and breasts flayed off by an extinguished fire, while her legs below the knee were totally absent, as if cleaved from her body by a sword. The only signs of life coming from this apparent corpse were her breathing and the fact that she pulled her arms, articulated as if she was both holding and protecting something, into her chest.

Mālhlin was called over to help this woman, which she accomplished with superhuman speed and placing her hands over the heart of the patient, then giving her a direct transfusion of her own vital energy to keep her alive. She was shocked to find that, although the patient looked to be dead, the woman retained the vitality of an athletic woman.

One technician, possessing the power to divine the potēns of others through olfaction, radioed the paramedics and revealed, “Subject 8 is a hyperanthrope!”

Everyone in the observation room snapped their attention to her. Hyperanthropy being a specific condition emulating the many species of fictional supermen: the core components of which are invulnerability, a supernaturally enhanced condition, and levitation.

Hyperanthropy on Earth was an exceedingly rare condition with Kryptonians, Ma’aleca’andrans, Daxamites, A’ashenns, Strontians, Saiyans, Kherubim, and Viltrumites among those fictional beings who had living emulators. This told the medics that they need not fear hurting her and they bolted to get her to an intensive care unit.

Hyechin asked in horror, “What could do that to a hyperanthrope?”

This was our first encounter with the Mai.

I was viscerally reminded of why so many men rescued in the Human Salvaging Operations volunteered to join our ranks. Choosing to become like the people to whom they owed a life debt, despite their asking for nothing in return, and in fact dissolving said debt out of principle.

I could pretend that we did not consider the possibility of integrating alien siddhis into our ranks for a tactical advantage against the geopolitical superpowers of the world. After all, history shows that the first nation to master a revolutionary innovation obtains the status of primary superpower, and it’s not as if we didn’t do such a thing through integrating earthly and alien siddhis within our ranks.

But we honestly consider them as people first. Not means to an end. People in need of help. So we showed them our benevolent compassion: Christian charity (聖愛), Dharmic mettā (慈), Jewish chesed (慈悲), Mohist jiān'ài (兼愛), etc.

Everyone had left the room, leaving only Zleŋ‘ and Ms. Breedlove. They were both shaken, but for very different reasons. Helping Ms. Breedlove to her feet, Zleŋ‘ gave us, in the observation room, a thumbs up.

The supervisor of this first ASO, Dr. Cutter, spoke through the intercom, “Ms. Breedlove, are you okay?”

The shaken-up girl bravely cried, “I’m okay.”

Dr. Cutter asked her, “Was the mission successful?”

Ms. Breedlove reported, “Yes, sir. Everyone else is in the ark.”

“Please specify,” he politely requested.

She obliged, “I placed them in the Gothic Revival, Art Nouveau, Mayan Revival, Cubist, Art Deco, Greek Revival, New Khmer, and Byzantine Revival worlds.”

Dr. Cutter smiled and told her, “You did wonderful, sweetheart, and on behalf of the GSSDO and the people resting in the Ark, thank you for your help.”

She asked him, “Is that all you need?”

Dr. Cutter confirmed, “Yes. You may return to your family. I’m sure you’re quite eager to return to the twins.”

Ms. Breedlove’s face dimly lit up at their recollection and said, “Dr. Cutter… Thank you for letting me help…”

Dr. Cutter simply responded, “You’re welcome. Now go along.”

Ms. Breedlove nodded at him through the window and stood up, shaking. Her own personal security detail escorted her home.

I asked, “What is the plan regarding summoning? Are triage guidelines considered regarding salvaging, and will medical staff be on permanent standby?”

Dr. Cutter explained, “Everyone within the Ark is currently in a state of suspended animation.”

Hyechin sighed with relief as Dr. Cutter remarked to himself, “We should have done the same for them as well.”

I asked, “Why didn’t we?”

He explained, “Because the sooner we can communicate with our guests, the sooner we can get an idea of what we’re working with: why are they being exterminated? What powers do they have? How do we integrate them into earthling societies for the time being? Also, we can build their trust by providing them with care, shelter, and necessities - a trust which they can communicate to their fellows.”

Hyechin asked him, “Surely you have a plan for their integration based on what nations accept them, so where do you plan on sending them?”

I remarked, “We can probably rule out anywhere that Islam is the state religion, as well as socialist nations.”

Dr. Cutter explained, “The Bishop of Rome and the British Monarch have both already agreed to help with integrating these neophyte earthlings while we work on a means of returning them back to their homeworlds safely.”

That explained nothing, so I assumed he meant, “we’ll work something out”.

I asked him, “So how often are we going to perform this spell? Zleŋ‘ looks exhausted.”

A Rose Pygmy archmagi boasted in her stead, “The original spell usually requires multiple archmagi to perform. I’d say that prodigy has every right to be exhausted.”

Dr. Cutter told me, “He speaks the truth, but we’ve accounted for your concern. The spell remains permanently activated. It will periodically scan the assigned planets and transport individuals who meet the psychological criteria into the Ark, helping those in need. We will only need Zleŋ‘, or our Archmagi allies, to expand the spell and cover more planets.”

The Dwarf archmagi struck his right hand to his heart and promised, “For the sake of our Queen and country and in service to the will of Heaven, we will assist in any manner possible.”

They recognized the advantage of recruiting aliens with their own unique siddhis in pursuit of reclaiming their country, which a despotic revolutionary had violently dispossessed them of. Their enemies, with no knowledge of First World potēns, could not account for an armed force integrating it into every level of its operations. How much less could they account for the new eight worlds remotely accessible through the ASO, especially when we have the advantage of possessing and studying their own Hecatean siddhi?

The description of how the spell works addressed our concerns about triage, but we still felt a great pity for the women we had just seen. Especially for the one who seemed to be conditioned to passively co-operate with the control of others.

Queen Rue remained quiet in contemplation throughout the whole ASO, but she turned to the archmagi and thanked them. “I appreciate your loyalty, sagacious ones. When we finally return to our homeland, can I count on you to help restore the stolen kingdoms to their proper lordships?”

A Goblin archmagi kneeled with a bow and promised, “On my honor and life.”

The situation no longer called for us, so Hyechin and I left. When we exited the door, we found Mālhlin had apparently been waiting for me and asked, “Would you do me the honour of escorting me to my quarters?”

The door closed behind me, and Hyechin cooed in a teasing manner, which Mālhlin ignored.

I’d be lying if I said Mālhlin wasn’t a stunning woman. Her collection of visible features revealed her admixture between Rose Pygmy, Kyanonesian, and Shrādtēgsrids (剎帝利): at 135 cm tall, she had coarse, straight, light blue hair reaching down to the small of her back, fair skin, pointed ears, and an athletic frame. If you paid attention to her mouth movements as she talked, you would notice that she possessed elongated maxillary and mandibular fang-like canines. What made her eyes stand out was Heterochromia iridum, with a blue right eye and an amber left eye.

She was wearing an azure vest overlaying a white long-sleeved, collared shirt, and azure tie, as well as a mid-shin length skirt, knee-length boots, a belt-like sash with a wand-holster, and a wide-brimmed witch’s hat. While she had micromastia, because of her Rose Pygmy and Shrādtēgsrids lineage, a bullet bra accentuated her chest in keeping with the traditional costume of the Bālrālmư̄n (婆羅門). While she herself was not a Bālrālmư̄n (婆羅門), her adoptive father was part of that tradition and initiated her into that culture.

She had every element of her attire enchanted, with commands woven directly into her clothes in a manner vaguely akin to Kēlen’s Ceremonial Interlace Alphabet or how the Quipucamayocs of the Inca Empire encoded and recorded information through knots, though in a secret conlang only taught to women as part of a Bālrālmư̄n rite of initiation.

As per their tradition, they hid this embroidery from view in between layers of fabric, so evil eyes and malicious powers could not deconstruct their enchantment. In the vein of the Rose Pygmies, she made use of enchanted cosmetics: vibrant red lipstick, geisha white face paint, black eyebrow enhancers, the blood red floral bindi on her brow, red nail polish, and blush.

Because of the difference in height, I had to look down, and she had to look up to maintain eye contact.

I placed my hand on my helmet and said, “I’d love to, but I’m not dressed for a visit.”

She asked me, “What more fitting attire is there than the uniform designating your esteemed role?”

Hyechin pushed me out into a hallway, Mālhlin following along, telling me, “Well, don’t keep the mistress waiting. You have important matters to discuss, so why procrastinate? Might as well start right away.”

After which she performed an about face and wandered off. I was less taken aback than the noblewoman, but I could shrug off the display of vicarious enthusiasm because I knew it was in Hyechin’s character as a hopeless romantic.

I told her, “Lead the way, ma’am.”

She nodded, and it took about 45 minutes to reach her domicile, traveling through hallways, using escalators, and elevators. Along the way, we talked about several things. Including the fact that she had ten older siblings and five younger ones, and that I was the youngest child of eight. Finally, we arrived.

Seeing something unusual out of the corner of my eye, I turned, and Mālhlin gently grabbed my hand, something wildly out of character for her.

Mālhlin then said, “If my memory serves me, you made a promise to discuss an important matter with me.”

She let go of my hand and I turned back to her and stumbled on, “You mean here and now?”

She asked, “Why not?”

I had no reason to leave or postpone the conversation, so I gladly deigned to accompany her.

She placed her hand on the door, but the knob turned on its own, and the door opened.

We both entered with her leading the way, and she plainly said, “I am home, and I have a guest.”

Her giant of a father stopped whatever he was doing in the other room and came to greet us.

He walked over to me, and I extended my hand with “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir. my name is Elden Bunchûai…”

I quickly found myself lifted off the ground, back popping, unable to breathe in the bear hug of a jovial Kyanonesian man standing 244 cm tall and weighing in at 148.8 kgs. His skin was a fair blue, as opposed to his long, coarse, straight hair, which was a much darker, almost black hue of blue.

He had a highly athletic build, a hypermakroskelic frame, hyperplatyrrhiny, a hyperdolichocephalic and hypsicranic head the sum of the length and breadth of which had to have been 357 mm. Enchanted tribal tattoos covered his chest, back, neck, face, legs, arms, hands, and feet. His pointed ears and internal folds betrayed his Elvish ancestry.

He was dressed like a Kyanonesian man, with his only articles of indoor clothing being a colorful loin cloth freely hanging from the waist and held in place by a belt, along with a codpiece, and a headdress made of dragon scales and feathers.

He put me down and hugged his own daughter in the same manner, but she seemed to be used to this behavior and not only took it in stride, but timed him with such precision that she could hug him back.

He placed her back down, and the overly eager master of this domicile explained, “Greetings, young warrior! I’m Ŋodhlin’s father, and this is my beloved wife, Mews (妙).”

He gestured to a heavily pregnant woman standing to his left, dressed in an alien rúqún with scattered floral patterns woven in it, whom, because of the circumstances, I did not notice entered the room. The difference in their size alone was startling. She only stood 109 cm tall and likely weighed only 22 kgs outside of pregnancy: a full head shorter than her daughter, with coarse, straight, blonde hair, narrow nose, an ultrahyperbrachyskelic frame, pale skin, micromastia, and an orthognathous jaw.

With a cranial capacity of 1600 cm³, not only do Rose Pygmies have a larger skull than other lineages [apart from the Neanderthals], but their heads are also proportionally larger than those of other lineages. One thing that was unique among the Rose Pygmies compared to all other lineages is that their faces are smaller in proportion to their heads; a trait which is universal among juveniles on both worlds, but which is retained into adulthood only in this lineage.

Mews had tied her into a singular large bun to signify her married status.

Admittedly, the difference in size between this couple was something I found disturbing, but this was a visceral discomfort that I ignored because it was none of my business.

She politely bowed with, “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Ms. Bunchûai.”

I returned the gesture, still reeling from the father’s greeting, and told her, “The pleasure is all mine, ma’am.”

Her father turned and announced to the domicile, “We have guests!”

He turned back to me and explained, “Most of our children are currently away, but let me introduce you to my other beloved daughters.”

As he spoke to me, they entered the room, as stunning as Mālhlin herself, and their beauty transfixed me. At 18 years of age, she was dressed in an earthly cheongsam and stood at only 109 cm tall. Despite inheriting the height, relative trunk length, and facial structure of the Rose Pygmies, she inherited the complexion and feminine aspects from her Kyanonesian ancestors. This resulted in her displaying not only virginal breast hypertrophy, but steatopygia as well.

Her lovely hair reached down to the middle of her calves.

He introduced her, “This is my lovely daughter Qhaŋ (香).”

She greeted me with a bow, “Welcome to our home, honored warrior.”

He introduced another daughter, “And this is my pulchritudinous Plum (風).”

This second daughter was 16 years old, but at 220 cm tall, she dwarfed everyone else in the room besides her father. She dressed in the manner traditional to Kyanonesian women, wearing a flounced, multilayered, bell-shaped skirt. The form of which was maintained with modesty, preserving petticoats that reached down to the ground. A frontless bodice with wrist-length sleeves and a scalloped neckline revealed her small, firm breasts and flat stomach.

Plum may have inherited the Kyanonesian height and face, but she inherited most of the other Rose Pygmy traits. Specifically, the gracile build, paleness, and micromastia. She possessed stunning beauty, though of a different kind to her sisters. Bold primary colors dominated the floral patterns across her foreign fashion.

My face flushed beet red, so breaking eye contact with the otherworldly beauties before me, I stammered my response with a bow to hide my blush. “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Please excuse my intrusion.”

The father boisterously explained, “Intrusion, you say? Are you not familiar with the Kyanonesian custom of extending warm hospitality? Though our circumstances may deprive us of the bountiful meats and fruits of our homeland, we can certainly arrange a feast in honour of a formidable dragonslayer in service of the GSSDO, the refuge that welcomed us when frosty death seemed our sole fate and dutifully safeguarded the life and well-being of our beloved queen.”

I tried to politely decline. “Sir, that’s really unnecessary.”

His wife eagerly chimed in, “Nonsense! A warrior, well-prepared for battle, must be well fed to maintain their combat prowess. How much more so must a hunter of titans? Let us celebrate your presence as a USSDF pilot with a splendid feast.”

This all made me intensely uncomfortable. In the GSSDO, we did not expect praise for doing our duty; only for going above and beyond what we were called to. So, this all made me quite uncomfortable. Especially considering that I had not yet slain any monster.

Ŋodhlin, seeing my distress, came to my rescue. “Father, Ms. Bunchûai has kindly accompanied me here to discuss an urgent matter and is constrained by her time-sensitive duties. I am certain that she would be delighted to join us for dinner when her schedule permits.”

I jumped at the opportunity to escape this awkward situation. “Yes. I’ve only a short time to talk with your daughter… so I won’t be able to join you for dinner. I am sorry.”

Her father, mother, and sisters all seemed disappointed at this news, but accepted it with an almost stoic resignation.

The father said, “I understand. We shall defer the feast, but do bear in mind that, as a friend of my beloved daughter, you shall always be welcomed within the Mālhlin abode.”

The wife put her hand on her husband’s leg and redirected him and their daughters outside the room, “Now then, let us grant them the solitude they require. We mustn't hinder our esteemed guest from fulfilling her duties.”

I was glad that was over.

Mālhlin guided me to the living room and told me, “If you would please remain here for a brief moment.”

I agreed, “Of course.”

She left for a moment and immediately came back out with something small in her hand, which she offered me.

“Do you know what this is?” she asked.

I answered, “An interspatial ring?”

She smiled with, “Quite right. For the sake of privacy, I would now prefer to escort you to a more secure chamber.”

I said, “I’m fine with that.”

She slipped the ring onto my finger, and immediately we were both transported into another library-like chamber. She then removed the ring.

Mālhlin probed, “Beautiful, are they not? My sisters?”

I stammered wordlessly, but she cut me off. “It’s cute how flustered you get.”

She grabbed her wand, and with a flick and a vocal incantation; which swapped her clothes with a more American attire: a short sleeve t-shirt, shorts, flats, and a less conspicuous bra. That’s when I saw the tattoos across her body, placed where Kyanonesian clothing would conceal them.

As a Shrādtēgsrids, I could see she did not have to work to maintain her athletic build as she was born with myostatin-related muscle hypertrophy, which allowed her to gain muscle mass at lower levels of physical training and prevented fat deposition across her body. She also inherited a mutation in the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, which made her lineage’s bones denser and more resistant to breaking than any other lineage on Earth or Second World, though at a cost of her ability to swim.

She guided me to a wooden table where we sat across from each other.

Mālhlin asked me, “Would you be so kind as to enlighten me about your rite of initiation?”

I asked her, “Do you mean to become a USSDF pilot?”

Mālhlin confirmed, “Indeed. I have been informed that it is quite a harrowing ordeal.”

I assured her, “It is…”

#military moe #military science fiction #worldbuilding #magical girl #dark fantasy #hopepunk #anthropological sci-fi #original story #original character

[valgasnewsthings]

Contents

Molecular Biology

Vol. 56, No. 6, 2022

Virus Genome Editing

Editing of Phage Genomes—Recombineering-assisted SpCas9 Modification of Model Coliphages T7, T5, and T3

A. Isaev, A. Andriianov, E. Znobishcheva, E. Zorin, N. Morozova and K. Severinov p. 801  abstract

Antiviral Activity of CRISPR/Cas9 Ribonucleoprotein Complexes on a Hepatitis B Virus Model In Vivo

A. P. Kostyusheva, S. A. Brezgin, N. I. Ponomareva, I. A. Goptar, A. V. Nikiforova, V. I. Gegechkori, V. B. Poluektova, K. A. Turkadze, A. E. Sudina, V. P. Chulanov and D. S. Kostyushev p. 816  abstract

Bacterial Genome Editing

CRISPR Interference in Regulation of Bacterial Gene Expression

N. I. Nadolinskaia and A. V. Goncharenko p. 823  abstract

Genetic Engineering in Mycobacteria

D. K. Armianinova, D. S. Karpov, M. S. Kotliarova and A. V. Goncharenko p. 830  abstract

Repair of Double-Stranded DNA Breaks Generated by CRISPR–Cas9 in Pseudomonas putida KT2440

N. Sharaev, L. Chacon-Machado, O. Musharova, E. Savitskaya and K. Severinov p. 842  abstract

New Genome Editors

Prokaryotic Argonaute Proteins as a Tool for Biotechnology

E. V. Kropocheva, L. A. Lisitskaya, A. A. Agapov, A. A. Musabirov, A. V. Kulbachinskiy and D. M. Esyunina p. 854  abstract

Yeast Genome Editing

A Test System for Assessment of the Activity of Mutant Cas9 Variants in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

D. S. Spasskaya, A. I. Davletshin, V. V. Tutyaeva, K. A. Kulagin, D. G. Garbuz and D. S. Karpov p. 874  abstract

Plant Genome Editing

Genome Editing in Species of the Tribe Triticeae with the CRISPR/Cas System

B. R. Kuluev, E. V. Mikhailova, A. R. Kuluev, A. A. Galimova, E. A. Zaikina and E. K. Khlestkina p. 885  abstract

cis-Prenyltransferases of Marchantia polymorpha: Phylogenetic Analysis and Perspectives for Use as Regulators of Antimicrobial Agent Synthesis

L. R. Valeeva, S. M. Dzhabrailova and M. R. Sharipova p. 902  abstract

Worm Genome Editing

Transgenesis in Worms: Candidates for an Ideal Model

I. S. Sukhikh, M. Yu. Biryukov and A. G. Blinov p. 915  abstract

Mammalian Genome Editing

Genome Editing in Therapy of Genodermatoses

A. V. Ivanenko, N. A. Evtushenko and N. G. Gurskaya p. 921  abstract

The Efficiency of Gene Activation Using CRISPR/dCas9-Based Transactivation Systems Depends on the System Run Time

A. S. Artyuhov, D. A. Dorovskiy, A. V. Sorokina, K. M. Shakirova, E. D. Momotyuk and E. B. Dashinimaev p. 942  abstract

Structural Elements of DNA and RNA Eukaryotic Expression Vectors for In Vitro and In Vivo Genome Editor Delivery

A. A. Zagoskin, M. V. Zakharova and M. O. Nagornykh p. 950  abstract

Reviews

Prospects of Genetically Encoded Flim Indicators for the Quantitative Assessment of Intracellular Parameters

A. V. Mamontova, T. R. Simonyan and A. M. Bogdanov p. 963  abstract

Protein Homeostasis Dysregulation in Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases

M. S. Kukharsky, M. W. Everett, O. A. Lytkina, M. A. Raspopova, E. A. Kovrazhkina, R. K. Ovchinnikov, A. I. Antohin and A. A. Moskovtsev p. 967  abstract

The p53 Tumor Suppressor and Copper Metabolism: An Unrevealed but Important Link

S. A. Tsymbal, A. G. Refeld and O. A. Kuchur p. 979  abstract

Genomics. Transcriptomics

Methylation Status of Apoptosis Genes and Intensity of Apoptotic Death of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Persons Chronically Exposed to Radiation

E. A. Blinova, V. S. Nikiforov, A. I. Kotikova, M. A. Yanishevskaya and A. V. Akleyev p. 993  abstract

Genetic and Molecular Characterization of a Dash Cryptochrome Homologous Gene from Antarctic Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum ICE-H

M. L. An and J. L. Miao p. 1003  abstract

Cell Molecular Biology

Mechanism of Leakage in Phosphatidylserine-Containing Membranes by Melittin

R. Wang, M.-Y. Shi, B.-B. Ma and J. Sheng p. 1012  abstract

Blood–Brain Barrier Transwell Modeling

A. V. Petrovskaya, E. P. Barykin, A. M. Tverskoi, K. B. Varshavskaya, V. A. Mitkevich, I. Yu. Petrushanko and A. A. Makarov p. 1020  abstract

High Heterogeneity of Virus-Neutralizing and RBD-Binding Activities of COVID-19 Convalescent Sera

E. A. Astakhova, M. G. Byazrova, G. M. Yusubalieva, V. F. Larichev, V. P. Baklaushev and A. V. Filatov p. 1028  abstract

Full and D-BOX-Deficient PTTG1 Isoforms: Effects on Cell Proliferation

D. E. Demin, E. M. Stasevich, M. M. Murashko, E. A. Tkachenko, A. N. Uvarova and A. M. Schwartz p. 1036  abstract

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