11 research outputs found
Terahertz Induced Protein Interactions in a Random Medium
Folding of proteins into their correct native structure is key to their
function. Simultaneously, the intricate interplay between cell movement and
protein conformation highlights the complex nature of cellular processes. In
this work, we demonstrate the impact of Terahertz (THz) signaling on
controlling protein conformational changes in a random medium. Our system of
interest consists of a communication link that involves a nanoantenna
transmitter, a protein receiver, and a channel composed of moving red blood
cells. Due to the system dynamics, we investigate the influence of both the
fast and slow channel variations on protein folding. Specifically, we analyze
the system's selectivity to asses the effectiveness of the induced THz
interaction in targeting a specific group of proteins under fading conditions.
By optimizing the selectivity metric with respect to the nanoantenna power and
frequency, it is possible to enhance the controllability of protein
interactions. Our probabilistic analysis provides a new perspective regarding
electromagnetically triggered protein molecules, their microenvironment and
their interaction with surrounding particles. It helps elucidate how external
conditions impact the protein folding kinetics and pathways. This results in
not only understanding the mechanisms underlying THz-induced protein
interactions but also engineering these still-emerging tools.Comment: Accepted for publication in the IEEE Transactions on Molecular,
Biological and Multi-Scale Communication
Together We Stand β Analyzing Schooling Behavior in Naive Newborn Guppies through Biorobotic Predators
A major advantage of animal aggregations concerns cooperative antipredator strategies. Schooling behavior emerges earlier in many fish species, especially in those cannibalizing their offspring. Experience is fundamental for developing schooling behavior. However, the cognitive ability of naive newborn fish to aggregate remains unclear. Herein, Poecilia reticulata, was selected as model organism to investigate how combinations of biomimetic robotic agents and adult conspecific olfactory cues affect collective responses in newborns. The role of white and brown backgrounds in evoking aggregations was also assessed. Olfactory cues were sufficient for triggering aggregations in P. reticulata newborns, although robotic agents had a higher influence on the group coalescence. The combination of robotic agents and olfactory cues increased schooling behavior duration. Notably, schooling was longer in the escape compartment when robotic agents were presented, except for the combination of the male-mimicking robotic fish plus adult guppy olfactory cues, with longer schooling behavior in the exploring compartment. Regardless of the tested cues, newborn fish aggregated preferentially on the brown areas of the arena. Overall, this research provides novel insights on the early collective cognitive ability of newborn fish, paving the way to the use of biomimetic robots in behavioral ecology experiments, as substitutes for real predators