Genetic enhancement of learning and memory in mice.

Hebb's rule (1949) states that learning and memory are based on modifications of synaptic strength among neurons that are simultaneously active. This implies that enhanced synaptic coincidence detection would lead to better learning and memory. If the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, a synaptic coincidence detector, acts as a graded switch for memory formation, enhanced signal detection by NMDA receptors should enhance learning and memory. Here we show that overexpression of NMDA receptor 2B (NR2B) in the forebrains of transgenic mice leads to enhanced activation of NMDA receptors, facilitating synaptic potentiation in response to stimulation at 10-100 Hz. These mice exhibit superior ability in learning and memory in various behavioural tasks, showing that NR2B is critical in gating the age-dependent threshold for plasticity and memory formation. NMDA-receptor-dependent modifications of synaptic efficacy, therefore, represent a unifying mechanism for associative learning and memory. Our results suggest that genetic enhancement of mental and cognitive attributes such as intelligence and memory in mammals is feasible.     

The adaptive characteristics of memory: A perspective from the life-span development of associative memory illusion

The reconstructive process in memory may cause distortions or errors.Associative memory illusion is one of the most common types of false memories.It acts as a reflection of the adaptive characteristic of memory by suggesting its ability to adaptively use semantic gist information even with limited cognitive resources.Meanwhile, the adaptive characteristic of memory is also manifested by inhibiting false memories with certain strategies (e.g., encoding item-specific information) to ensure memory accuracy ac...     

Electrical activity in early neuronal development

The construction of the brain during embryonic development was thought to be largely independent of its electrical activity. In this view, proliferation, migration and differentiation of neurons are driven entirely by genetic programs and activity is important only at later stages in refinement of connections. However, recent findings demonstrate that activity plays essential roles in early development of the nervous system. Activity has similar roles in the incorporation of newly born neurons in the adult nervous system, suggesting that there are general rules underlying activity-dependent development. The extensive involvement of activity makes it likely that it is required at all developmental stages as a necessary partner with genetic programs.     

早期成岩作用研究进展及发展方向

早期成岩作用作为一个重要的研究领域受到广泛关注。概括总结了早期成岩作用的主要特点、地质响应和研究思路，介绍了在元素的迁移转化、硫酸盐还原反应、数学模型及微生物成岩等理论领域和多金属结核及早期成岩成矿、环境沉积学、土壤性质评价与改良等应用领域的主要研究进展。早期成岩作用研究具有广阔的发展前景，未来可能在以下3方面快速取得突破：研究区域将进一步扩大，湖泊、三角洲及土壤中的相应研究将得以加强；多层的稳态或非稳态的一维、二维或三维的早期成岩数学模型将得以建立；其研究方法和理论成果将被广泛应用于环境沉积学及环境监测和治理等领域中。     

早期成岩作用研究进展及发展方向

早期成岩作用作为一个重要的研究领域受到广泛关注。概括总结了早期成岩作用的主要特点、地质响应和研究思路,介绍了在元素的迁移转化、硫酸盐还原反应、数学模型及微生物成岩等理论领域和多金属结核及早期成岩成矿、环境沉积学、土壤性质评价与改良等应用领域的主要研究进展。早期成岩作用研究具有广阔的发展前景,未来可能在以下3方面快速取得突破:研究区域将进一步扩大,湖泊、三角洲及土壤中的相应研究将得以加强;多层的稳态或非稳态的一维、二维或三维的早期成岩数学模型将得以建立;其研究方法和理论成果将被广泛应用于环境沉积学及环境监测和治理等领域中。     

A new eutriconodont mammal and evolutionary development in early mammals

Detachment of the three tiny middle ear bones from the reptilian mandible is an important innovation of modern mammals. Here we describe a Mesozoic eutriconodont nested within crown mammals that clearly illustrates this transition: the middle ear bones are connected to the mandible via an ossified Meckel's cartilage. The connected ear and jaw structure is similar to the embryonic pattern in modern monotremes (egg-laying mammals) and placental mammals, but is a paedomorphic feature retained in the adult, unlike in monotreme and placental adults. This suggests that reversal to (or retention of) this premammalian ancestral condition is correlated with different developmental timing (heterochrony) in eutriconodonts. This new eutriconodont adds to the evidence of homoplasy of vertebral characters in the thoraco-lumbar transition and unfused lumbar ribs among early mammals. This is similar to the effect of homeobox gene patterning of vertebrae in modern mammals, making it plausible to extrapolate the effects of Hox gene patterning to account for homoplastic evolution of vertebral characters in early mammals.     

军事人效能增强技术发展现状与问题分析

 随着军事人效能增强技术的发展,以及基因编程、人机结合,武器装备自我感知等技术在军事上的应用,各国军队面临一系列伦理、制度等方面的挑战和困难。在充分调研各国军事人效能增强发展现状基础上,综合分析其技术应用发展的背景,梳理了发展的现状,提出随着新兴技术的发展,尤其是基因编程技术的出现和应用,战士将不再作为独立的人类,而是作为作战系统的技术组成部分,全球需要尽早制定新的国际武装冲突法律体系,进一步关注增强型士兵的伦理问题,预见军队发展的平衡性及效能增强对人产生的长期影响。