Study against the harmful effects of dust and smoke from hamsters

Scientists from the Center for Genetics in Novosibirsk (Russia) said that dust affects not only the lungs but also the human brain, but for Siberian hamsters, these agents are not harmful or affecting their health.

This finding could help humans find ways to prevent dementia and other serious diseases caused by dust and smoke.

Expert Mikhail Moshkin, Head of the Animal Genetic Research Department of the Institute of Genetics and Cells of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said Japan and China are very interested in this issue because the industries are Their rapid development emits a lot of dust and smoke including nano-sized particles.

"Slepushonka" hamsters are capable of avoiding the harmful effects of dust and smoke by breathing effectively.(Photo: tambov-zoo.ru)

He said his team is studying how the nanoparticles from the nasal passages and mucous membranes can enter the brain. It has been suggested that the accumulation of nanoparticles in the brain can cause Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. These are degenerative diseases that often appear in old age and form due to life conditions.

Scientists in Novosibirsk are the first to note that not only the lungs but also the brain need to be protected from dust. In Siberia, "slepushonka" hamsters (blind mice) live underground and eat roots. This type of rodent digs soil with teeth and is not afraid of dust and smoke.

Moshkin said the team discovered that the slepushonka 's respiratory structure is different from home mice. Slepushonka inhaled slowly and deeply and exhaled rapidly. Home mice breathe in another way - inhale quickly and exhale slowly.

According to Moshkin, the study of how different forms of breathing affect the accumulation of dirt in the nasal cavity and lungs, from which scientists can make recommendations on how to proceed. Breathing exercises in humans to avoid the harmful effects of dust and smoke.