Publications by authors named "R Munds"
The origin of primates has long been associated with an increased emphasis on manual grasping and touch. Precision touch, facilitated by specialized mechanoreceptors in glabrous skin, provides critical sensory feedback for grasping-related tasks and perception of ecologically-relevant stimuli. Despite its importance, studies of mechanoreceptors in primate hands are limited, in part due to challenges of sample availability and histological methods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Empirical data on how body mass impacts immune defense against infections is sparse; larger organisms were previously thought to have weaker immune responses, but new studies suggest they may actually have stronger defenses.
- The safety factor hypothesis proposes that larger organisms evolved stronger immune systems due to their higher risk of exposure to pathogens.
- In this study, researchers found that larger primates showed a greater increase in the expression of immune genes in response to infection compared to smaller primates, supporting the safety factor hypothesis and highlighting the complex relationship between body size and immunity.
Correction: Blair et al. Molecular Phylogenetic Relationships and Unveiling Novel Genetic Diversity among Slow and Pygmy Lorises, including Resurrection of . 2023, , 643.
Genes (Basel)
April 2024
Article Synopsis
- The original publication discusses the main themes and findings of a specific research study.
- It highlights the methodology used and the significance of the results in the context of the relevant field.
- Key conclusions and implications for future research or practice are also presented, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.
The Quest for Immunity: Exploring Human Herpesviruses as Vaccine Vectors.
Int J Mol Sci
November 2023
Article Synopsis
- Herpesviruses are large DNA viruses used as gene therapy tools and are increasingly being developed as vaccine vectors due to their ability to stimulate immune responses.
- Recent applications include vaccines targeting infectious agents like Ebola and HIV, as well as potential cancer treatments, bolstered by advances in recombinant DNA technology and immunology.
- Continued research into herpesvirus biology and innovative virology techniques is essential to improve the safety and effectiveness of these vaccine vectors while addressing their current limitations.
Genetic analysis of historical museum collections presents an opportunity to clarify the evolutionary history of understudied primate groups, improve taxonomic inferences, and inform conservation efforts. Among the most understudied primate groups, slow and pygmy lorises (genera and ) are nocturnal strepsirrhines found in South and Southeast Asia. Previous molecular studies have supported five species, but studies using morphological data suggest the existence of at least nine species.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF