Transient sexual experiences can have long-lasting effects on behavioral decisions, but the neural coding that accounts for this change is unclear. We found that the ejaculation experience selectively activated estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2)–expressing neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)—BNSTEsr2—and led to persistent decreases in firing threshold for days, during which time the mice displayed sexual satiety. Inhibition of hyperexcited BNSTEsr2 elicited fast mating recovery in satiated mice of both sexes. In males, such hyperexcitability reduced mating motivation and was partially mediated by larger HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated) currents. Thus, BNSTEsr2 not only encode a specific mating action but also represent a persistent state of sexual satiety, and alterations in a neuronal ion channel contribute to sexual experience–dependent long-term changes to mating drive. Description Encoding lasting motivations in the brain After mating successfully, male and female mice typically lose interest in sexual behavior, and then interest gradually returns over several days to weeks. Little is known about how such experience-dependent changes are represented in neural circuits. Zhou et al. found that estrogen receptor 2–expressing neurons in a brain region called the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis encoded the experience of ejaculation. In both sexes, activation of these neurons suppressed subsequent appetite for sexual activity, whereas inactivation of the neurons restored this motivation. Hyperexcitability of these neurons closely corresponded to a change in ionic conductance mediated by HCN (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated) channels, which are highly expressed in males. —PRS A group of neurons encodes past sexual experience and has long-lasting effects on mating decisions in both sexes in mice.

Hyperexcited limbic neurons represent sexual satiety and reduce mating motivation

Transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides (MXenes) exhibit tremendous potential for optical applications due to their diverse elemental composition and adaptable structural properties. Based on introducing the preparation methods and optical properties of MXenes, this review focuses on the latest advances in MXenes‐based optical functional materials, and analyzes the performance enhancement mechanisms of MXenes‐based optical functional materials for photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. The key scientific and technical bottlenecks in the field of MXenes‐based optical functional materials are pointed out, and the future development trends and research directions of MXenes‐based optical functional materials are prospected. 

Recent Advances of MXenes‐Based Optical Functional Materials

Antagonistic circuits mediating infanticide and maternal care in female mice

Sexual and aggressive behaviors are vital for species survival and individual reproductive success. Although many limbic regions have been found relevant to these behaviors, how social cues are represented across regions and how the network activity generates each behavior remains elusive. To answer these questions, we utilize multi-fiber photometry (MFP) to simultaneously record Ca2+ signals of estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1)-expressing cells from 13 limbic regions in male mice during mating and fighting. We find that conspecific sensory information and social action signals are widely distributed in the limbic system and can be decoded from the network activity. Cross-region correlation analysis reveals striking increases in the network functional connectivity during the social action initiation phase, whereas late copulation is accompanied by a “dissociated” network state. Based on the response patterns, we propose a mating-biased network (MBN) and an aggression-biased network (ABN) for mediating male sexual and aggressive behaviors, respectively. 

Neural dynamics in the limbic system during male social behaviors

Male sexual behavior is innate and rewarding. Despite its centrality to reproduction, a molecularly specified neural circuit governing innate male sexual behavior and reward remains to be characterized. We have discovered a developmentally wired neural circuit necessary and sufficient for male mating. This circuit connects chemosensory input to BNSTprTac1 neurons, which innervate POATacr1 neurons that project to centers regulating motor output and reward. Epistasis studies demonstrate that BNSTprTac1 neurons are upstream of POATacr1 neurons, and BNSTprTac1-released substance P following mate recognition potentiates activation of POATacr1 neurons through Tacr1 to initiate mating. Experimental activation of POATacr1 neurons triggers mating, even in sexually satiated males, and it is rewarding, eliciting dopamine release and self-stimulation of these cells. Together, we have uncovered a neural circuit that governs the key aspects of innate male sexual behavior: motor displays, drive, and reward. 

A neural circuit for male sexual behavior and reward

Cellular agriculture is an emerging research field of agribiotechnology that aims to produce agricultural products using stem cells, without sacrificing animals or cultivating crops. Cultivated meat, as a representative cellular product of cellular agriculture, is being actively researched due to global food insecurity, environmental, and ethical concerns. This review focuses on the application of stem cells, which are the seeds of cellular agriculture, for the production of cultivated meat, with emphasis on deriving and culturing muscle and adipose stem cells for imitating fresh meat. Establishing standards and safety regulations for culturing stem cells is crucial for the market entry of cultured muscle tissue-based biomaterials. Understanding stem cells is a prerequisite for creating reliable cultivated meat and other cellular agricultural biomaterials. The techniques and regulations from the cultivated meat industry could pave the way for new cellular agriculture industries in the future. 

Unlocking the potential of stem cells: Their crucial role in the production of cultivated meat

Context L-citrulline (L-Cit) does not degrade in the rumen and has the ability to form peptide bonds in the body; however, it does not participate in protein synthesis.   Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L-Cit on the reproductive performance of Hu ewes.   Methods In total, 30 ewes were randomly categorised into five groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet, whereas the Experimental Groups I, II, III, and IV were provided feed supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20g/day of L-Cit respectively. Blood samples of ewes were collected 4h after feeding on Day 21 of the experiment and before feeding on Day 30. The optimal supplementary feeding dose was selected on the basis of blood biochemical indexes. Overall, ninety 2-year-old ewes were classified into two groups. The control group was fed with a basic diet and the experimental group was fed with a diet supplemented with 10g/day of L-Cit. After 30days of supplementary feeding, reproductive performance of ewes was determined.   Key results The plasma concentrations of Cit, ornithine, and arginine in ewes increased linearly with an increase in the level of L-Cit supplementation. The plasma concentrations of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone in the experimental group increased significantly compared with those in the control group. The plasma total antioxidant capacity and catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, whereas the concentrations of malondialdehyde in all experimental groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The conception, lambing, and double lambing rates of the experimental group were increased by 28.76%, 15.90%, and 40.21% respectively.   Conclusions Supplementation with different doses of L-Cit can improve the concentrations of some plasma amino acids and reproductive hormones as well as antioxidant capacity of ewes. Supplementary feeding with 10g/day of L-Cit could increase the lambing and double lambing rates of ewes.   Implication L-Cit can improve the reproductive performance of ewes.

Effects of supplementation with different concentrations of L-citrulline on the plasma amino acid concentration, reproductive hormone concentrations, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive performance of Hu ewes

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Hyperexcited limbic neurons represent sexual satiety and reduce mating motivation

Unlocking the potential of stem cells: Their crucial role in the production of cultivated meat

Effects of supplementation with different concentrations of L-citrulline on the plasma amino acid concentration, reproductive hormone concentrations, antioxidant capacity, and reproductive performance of Hu ewes