Brain-machine interfaces typically rely on electrophysiological signals to interpret and transmit neurological information. In biological systems, however, neurotransmitters are chemical-based inter-neuron messengers. This mismatch can potentially lead to incorrect interpretation of transmitted neuron information. Here we report a chemically mediated artificial neuron that can receive and release the neurotransmitter dopamine. The artificial neuron detects dopamine using a carbon-based electrochemical sensor and then processes the sensory signals using a memristor with synaptic plasticity, before stimulating dopamine release through a heat-responsive hydrogel. The system responds to dopamine exocytosis from rat pheochromocytoma cells and also releases dopamine to activate pheochromocytoma cells, forming a chemical communication loop similar to interneurons. To illustrate the potential of the approach, we show that the artificial neuron can trigger the controllable movement of a mouse leg and a robotic hand.Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) can bridge the gap between humans and machines through the interpretation and transmission of neurological information. This is a critical process in neuron rehabilitation, cyborg construction and ultimately consciousness detection and control. [1][2][3] Current state-of-the-art BMI technologies rely on the translation of electrophysiological signals, 4-6 such as surface (ex-vivo) or intracellular (in-vivo) bioelectrical potentials. [7][8][9] However, in biological neuronnetworks a large portion of intelligent information -including memory and emotion

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), is a devastating foliar disease. The Ug99 race group has combined virulence to most stem rust (Sr) resistance genes deployed in wheat and is a threat to global wheat production. Here we identified a coiled-coil, nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein (NLR) completely linked to the Ug99 resistance gene Sr21 from Triticum monococcum. Loss-of-function mutations and transgenic complementation confirmed that this gene is Sr21. Sr21 transcripts were significantly higher at high temperatures, and this was associated with significant upregulation of pathogenesis related (PR) genes and increased levels of resistance at those temperatures. Introgression of Sr21 into hexaploid wheat resulted in lower levels of resistance than in diploid wheat, but transgenic hexaploid wheat lines with high levels of Sr21 expression showed high levels of resistance. Sr21 can be a valuable component of transgenic cassettes or gene pyramids combining multiple resistance genes against Ug99.

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Due to soil changes, high density planting, and the use of straw-returning methods, wheat common root rot (spot blotch), Fusarium crown rot (FCR), and sharp eyespot (sheath blight) have become severe threats to global wheat production. Only a few wheat genotypes show moderate resistance to these root and crown rot fungal diseases, and the genetic determinants of wheat resistance to these devastating diseases are poorly understood. This review summarizes recent results of genetic studies of wheat resistance to common root rot, Fusarium crown rot, and sharp eyespot. Wheat germplasm with relatively higher resistance are highlighted and genetic loci controlling the resistance to each disease are summarized.

Although there are many procedures reported in the literature regarding the partial incision double-eyelid blepharoplasty, the current methods still have potential problems such as unstable and limitation of application. In this study, the authors developed a 3-mini-incision technique that minimizes tissue injury and provides a tough connection between the levator aponeurosis and skin. With this method, 3 minute incisions (3-4 mm) are made in the upper eyelid. Through these incisions, the whole strip of pretarsal orbicularis oculi muscle under the inferior incision line and the excessive fat can be removed. This technique gives a stable and natural-looking supratarsal fold, with invisible scar, minimal complications, and a short recovery period; and can be applied to patients with fatty eyelids. This method has the benefits of both nonincisional and full-incisional techniques, and avoids the disadvantages of the current partial incisional methods.