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Adolescence Influences Your Adult Life, But Your Mindset Isn’t the Sole Factor

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Interestingly, recent studies indicate that individuals with higher intelligence often experience earlier puberty but tend to have children later and fewer overall.

This appears contradictory from a biological standpoint, as earlier puberty typically signifies readiness for reproduction.

However, an analysis of data from thousands in the UK and US revealed that more intelligent individuals tend to progress more slowly through key reproductive milestones.

They often begin sexual activity later, have fewer sexual partners, delay marriage, and have their first child at an older age.

Research suggests that this may stem from the fact that highly intelligent individuals enjoy greater opportunities, pursue extended education, embark on ambitious career paths, and prioritize personal goals before contemplating family life.

In some instances, they might even choose not to have children.

Long-term Mental Health Consequences During Adolescence

The timing of puberty can significantly affect how adolescents perceive themselves.

For instance, research has shown that girls entering puberty early are more susceptible to body image issues, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to feeling different from their peers and lacking readiness for the transformation.

These feelings can have profound implications for mental health, often extending into adulthood.

Research indicates that girls who undergo early puberty are more likely to experience body image concerns, anxiety, and low self-esteem due to their differences from peers and emotional unpreparedness for change – Image courtesy of Getty Images

Late puberty can present significant challenges for boys as well. A study reveals that boys who bloom later are often dissatisfied with their bodies, particularly because their muscle development may lag behind.

This dissatisfaction can contribute to low self-esteem and a sense of inadequacy.

Additionally, some boys encounter teasing, social pressure, and bullying, potentially leading to depression and other mental health issues.

While these feelings may diminish over time, they can leave lasting effects and elevate the risk of mental health concerns later on.

Risks Associated with Early or Late Puberty

A major UK study indicates that individuals entering puberty earlier than average are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease in adulthood.

Conversely, those with delayed development are more prone to asthma.

Researchers postulate that the timing of hormonal shifts can impact factors such as weight, stress levels, and lifestyle habits.

While early or late onset of puberty might lead to issues, it is not necessarily alarming. Everyone matures at their own pace.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s development or health, it’s advisable to consult your doctor for guidance.

This article addresses the inquiry (from Natalie Montagu in Stockport): “What impact does the timing of puberty have on a person’s long-term health?”

If you have questions, feel free to email us at: questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a message Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Y Chromosome Loss: A Possible Factor in Lung Cancer Progression and Outcomes

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Insights into the impact of Y chromosome loss on lung cancer treatment outcomes may guide therapeutic choices.

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Research indicates that men diagnosed with the predominant type of lung cancer are more likely to lose the Y chromosome in their cells. This phenomenon has both pros and cons; while it can prevent the immune system from combating tumors, it also enhances the effectiveness of standard anti-cancer therapies.

As men grow older, their cells frequently undergo mutations, leading to the loss of the Y chromosome. In immune cells, this loss is believed to correlate with heart disease and decreased life expectancy. Additionally, there is growing evidence that cancer cells that lose the Y chromosome may influence symptom progression, with bladder cancer being the most thoroughly researched case.

The loss of the Y chromosome is a binary occurrence—it either happens or it doesn’t. However, the health implications seem to depend significantly on the proportion of specific cells that lack the Y chromosome.

The recent study initiated by Dawn DeMeo and her team at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, investigated how Y-chromosome genes are expressed in a publicly available dataset of lung adenocarcinoma samples. Lung adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer, originates from the mucus-producing cells lining the airways. Enhanced understanding of the relationship between Y loss and various health issues has motivated researchers to delve deeper into gene expression studies, according to DeMeo.

The team discovered that cancer cells, in contrast to healthy lung and immune cells, often lack the Y chromosome. This occurrence is independent of whether the tissue donor is a smoker—despite smoking being linked to lung cancer and Y chromosome loss.

The loss of Y chromosomes appears to accumulate over time. “Certain groups demonstrate a higher rate of Y chromosome loss across a greater number of cells, and we observe significant Y chromosome loss in a large fraction of tumors,” stated John Quackenbush from Harvard University.

To comprehend the reasons behind this accumulation, researchers examined other genetic alterations in Y-negative cells. They found that the loss of a common set of antigens produced by cancer cells correlates with diminished expression levels. These antigens usually notify immune T cells that cancer cells are abnormal and should be targeted. The decreased expression allows Y-negative cancer cells to proliferate unchecked.

“This implies that as tumor cells lose their Y chromosome, they become increasingly adept at evading immune surveillance, suggesting a selection of tumor cells that escape immune detection,” Quackenbush explained. T cell counts were consistently lower in samples with Y loss compared to those retaining the Y chromosome.

Positive findings emerged when researchers analyzed data from 832 lung adenocarcinoma patients treated with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab, a medication designed to restore the body’s immune response against tumors by reversing T-cell suppression. The analysis confirmed that Y chromosome loss was linked to improved treatment outcomes.

“Patients experiencing LOY [loss of Y] are more responsive to checkpoint inhibitors,” noted Dan Theodorescu from the University of Arizona, who found similar results in bladder cancer, establishing validation against an entirely different dataset.

However, while loss of the Y chromosome is linked to shorter life expectancies for men compared to women, existing data suggests it does not impact survival in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Further research is needed to explore how the effects of such mutations influence survival across different cancer types, according to Theodorescu. As our understanding advances, he believes that loss of Y could eventually serve as a biomarker for clinical decision-making.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Uncovering a New Factor Behind the Longevity of Naked Mole Rats

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Investigation into naked mole rats may unveil novel anti-aging methods

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Naked mole rats can live for up to 37 years, significantly outliving other rodents of a similar size. So, what accounts for their remarkable lifespan? Research indicates that variations in immune proteins that enhance DNA repair may play a role, among other elements.

This discovery suggests the potential for developing treatments aimed at increasing human longevity, according to Mao Jiyong from Tongji University in Shanghai, China. This finding also supports the notion that the accumulation of mutations and the inability to repair damaged DNA are primary contributors to aging.

The immune protein in focus is called cGAS, found in many organisms. It is primarily thought to function as an alert mechanism in response to DNA detected outside the nucleus, which could indicate cancer or viral invaders.

Interestingly, cGAS is also found within the cell nucleus. In both humans and mice, it has been shown to hinder DNA repair while elevating mutation rates and cancer risk. The precise reasons for this are still unclear and might be an unintended consequence rather than a beneficial adaptation.

Mao and his team have demonstrated that the cGAS variant present in naked mole rats exhibits the opposite behavior in the nucleus, actively promoting DNA repair. This is linked to differences in four amino acids that constitute the cGAS protein. When these amino acids are altered in a mole rat’s cells, their cGAS loses its ability to facilitate DNA repair. Conversely, modifications to the human cGAS can remove its inhibitory effect on DNA repair.

Additionally, when the researchers genetically modified fruit flies to express the naked mole rat version of cGAS, those flies lived nearly 70 days, in contrast to the approximate 60 days lifespan of the unaltered flies.

So, could we enhance our lifespans by introducing naked mole rat cGAS into human cells? “Yes, employing gene editing and mRNA delivery might provide avenues to enhance DNA repair and increase human longevity,” Mao asserts. However, achieving sufficient levels of the crucial cells to produce the modified cGAS poses a challenge.

Alternatively, researchers could seek small-molecule drugs that can interact with the human cGAS protein, prompting it to act more like its mole rat counterpart, Mao suggests.

This study indicates that cGAS does have an impact on lifespan. Additionally, Vera Gorbunova and her research team at the University of Rochester in New York have discovered that a molecule known as hyaluronic acid also plays a role in the notable longevity of naked mole rats. “[Thus,] altering cGAS activity through pharmacological or genetic strategies could yield beneficial outcomes for health and longevity,” she concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The Columbia River Treaty: A Key Factor in Trump’s Dispute with Canada

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A little-known treaty that impacts millions of Americans and Canadians is currently entangled in the tariff dispute between the US and Canada.

This 60-year-old agreement regulates the waters flowing through the Columbia River, which extends from British Columbia to Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, and serves as the largest source of hydropower in the United States. However, parts of the treaty were set to expire during the presidential election in the US.

Negotiators were merely weeks away from finalizing the details of the treaty’s renewal when President Joseph R. Biden Jr. concluded his term. Subsequently, a decade’s worth of discussions faltered due to President Trump’s antagonism towards Canada, as he labeled Canada the “51st province,” imposed tariffs on Canadian exports, and referred to the water supply as a “major faucet.”

During a heated February call with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump brought the treaty into the conversation, suggesting Canada had exploited the United States. The implications were evident—it could become a leverage point in broader discussions aimed at redefining relations between the two nations.

Last week, at a White House meeting, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Trump avoided confrontation. However, the Trump administration perceives negotiations as being precariously balanced, even over treaties that are mutually beneficial. The unpredictability of Trump’s trade policies has cast a shadow over the future of the Pacific Northwest, heightening concerns about issues ranging from electricity supply to flood management.

Fueled by the internet and AI, data centers are leveraging the Columbia River’s hydroelectric power. A local dam supports the Twilight Soccer Game at Riverfront Parks, while irrigation from the reservoir nurtures the sprawling acres of Pink Women and Gala Apple gardens. Coordinated dam operations are crucial in preventing flooding, particularly in areas like Portland, Oregon.

Trump’s comments have resonated negatively with Canadians, who have long feared that the US seeks to exploit its natural resources, especially water. “They want our land, resources, and water,” Carney repeatedly emphasized during his term.

“Canadians experience a sense of betrayal,” Jay Inslee, former governor of Washington, remarked in an interview. The treaty interweaves a complex tapestry of cultural and economic interests. “Negotiating this is not straightforward,” Inslee added.

A spokesperson from British Columbia reported that there has been “no progress whatsoever” since the US State Department suspended negotiations in the broader context of reviewing international commitments. State Energy Minister Adrian Dix told nearly 600 attendees at a virtual town hall in March, “It sounds like a strange representation of the current situation.”

Dix noted that locals approached him in Save-on-Food markets, questioning whether Canada should exit the treaty altogether. “For residents in the Columbia Basin, this is intrinsic,” he stated. “It’s part of their lives, history, and identity.”

If the agreement collapses, the US anticipates it will be “more challenging to manage and predict” hydroelectric output to mitigate flooding in the Pacific Northwest, according to a nonpartisan Congressional report. It is projected that the region’s electricity demand may double within the next two decades, as anticipated by the Interstate Electricity Council.

The State Department has opted not to comment.

The origins of the treaty trace back to the events of 1948, following the Great Spring rains when the 15-foot wall of Vanport, Oregon—home to thousands of shipyard workers during World War II—collapsed. The calamity left 18,000 homeless and catalyzed negotiations with Canada to improve management of the Columbia River.

On one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s inauguration days, he ratified the Columbia River Treaty. This agreement exchanged commitments: Canada consented to construct multiple dams to manage flood control for the US, while the US agreed to provide Canada half of the extra electricity generated from the jointly managed river flows.

The original treaty came into effect in the autumn of 1964, with some provisions expiring 60 years later.

Discussions regarding the renewal of the treaty before it lapses in 2024 began during Trump’s first term. Biden temporarily halted them before resuming. In March 2023, the complete congressional delegation from the Pacific Northwest urged the President to expedite the negotiation process. Following a slow start, the US and Canada unveiled a preliminary outline of the agreement last summer.

The electricity generated under the initial treaty proved to be significantly more valuable than originally anticipated, bringing in around $300 million annually to Canada. This surplus prompted Canada to sell extensive amounts of power to the US, causing frustration among US utilities.

The updated agreement aims to reduce Canada’s share by about half over time, allowing the US to retain more electricity amid growing energy demands.

The Columbia River’s cheap and clean hydroelectric power has attracted high-tech companies intent on establishing data centers over the last two decades.

“The nation must recognize the significance of the Pacific Northwest in its burgeoning energy landscape,” stated David Kennedy, a scholar of local history at Stanford.

In the renewed treaty, Canada has decreased the obligation to maintain water storage for flood management, allowing for better prioritization of local communities and ecosystems around the reservoir. The original agreement led to drastic water level fluctuations that exposed extensive land when snowmelt resulted in lower levels.

“Each year, this exposed ground causes severe dust issues,” recounted a resident near Valemount, British Columbia, during the town hall.

The new plan aims to stabilize reservoir levels, enabling Canada to rehabilitate coastal ecosystems and enhance recreational opportunities.

Indigenous tribes were consulted during negotiations, but the initial treaty did not address the destruction of fishing grounds and towns due to dam constructions.

Jay Johnson, a negotiator for the Syilx Okanagan Nation, mentioned during the virtual town hall that tribes on both sides of the border have united to restore salmon migration. The updated framework includes provisions for excess water during dry periods, vital for salmon survival, especially considering climate change.

In the fall, when certain provisions of the original treaty lapse, the state established a three-year interim agreement, though additional parliamentary funding is still required. Both parties must provide ten years’ notice should they choose to withdraw from the treaty.

“This arrangement benefits individuals on both sides of the border; complications arise without a treaty,” noted Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The next steps remain uncertain. While some individuals involved in the negotiations remain in their positions, Trump has yet to appoint a deputy secretary for Western Hemisphere affairs. The situation is further complicated as Trump seeks to trim staff at key federal agencies involved in treaty discussions, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Power Administration.

With negotiations in limbo, stakeholders involved in the discussions remain hopeful for a resolution on the renewed treaty.

Barbara Kossense, a law professor at the University of Idaho, emphasized that while the Trump administration may not prioritize salmon habitats or Indigenous involvement, Canada does. Water can flow downstream, but salmon swim upstream, and the US could benefit from adhering to environmental provisions, Kossense asserted.

Additionally, supporters highlight years of bipartisan backing from Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, a leading Democrat on the Senate Commerce Committee, and Jim Lisch of Idaho, Republican chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“There will be unanimous agreement on this, irrespective of party lines,” declared Scott Sims, chief executive of the Public Power Council, which represents consumer-owned utilities in the region.

The stakes are tangible. In 1996, following heavy snowfall, a storm known as the Pineapple Express unleashed heavy rainfall in the Portland area, causing significant flooding. The Army Corps of Engineers worked diligently for several days, operating over 60 dams within the Columbia River System in conjunction with Canadian partners to mitigate flooding issues.

A smaller river in Columbia experienced flooding that resulted in eight casualties. Downtown Portland narrowly avoided disaster thanks to makeshift embankments created from plywood and sandbags.

Ivan Penn Contributed report from Houston Matina Stevis-Gridneff From Toronto.

Source: www.nytimes.com

Scientists say orange peel could be a crucial factor in enhancing cardiovascular health

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A study by researchers from the University of Florida, Texas State University, and the United States Department of Agriculture suggests that an extract of the polar fraction of orange peel, which contains a compound called feruloylputrescine, may reduce cardiovascular disease.

Lee othersThe inhibitory effects of orange peel polar fraction (OPP) and orange peel non-polar fraction (OPNP) on the production of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) in response to L-carnitine treatment were compared. In vivo and In vitro.

Recent studies have shown that some gut bacteria may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.

During digestion, gut bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) when certain nutrients are ingested, and levels of TMAO can help predict future cardiovascular disease.

In a new study, Dr. Yu Wang from the University of Florida and colleagues investigated the potential of orange peel extract to reduce the production of TMAO and trimethylamine (TMA).

They tested two types of extracts: a polar fraction and a non-polar fraction.

To obtain the polar fraction, they extracted orange peels using polar and non-polar solvents.

“Think of a salad dressing. The things that are in the water and vinegar section are polar compounds. The things that are in the oil section, away from the water, are non-polar compounds,” says Dr. Wang.

“The solvents we used are not exactly the same as water and oil, but they have a similar polarity.”

The authors found that extracts of the non-polar fraction of orange peel effectively inhibited the production of harmful chemicals.

The researchers also identified a compound in the polar fraction extract of orange peel called feruloylputrescine, which also significantly inhibited the enzyme involved in TMA production.

“This is a novel discovery that highlights a previously unrecognized potential health benefit of feruloylputrescine in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,” Dr Wang said.

“The discovery regarding orange peel is significant because five million tonnes of orange peel are produced annually in orange juice production nationwide.”

“About 95 percent of Florida oranges are used for juice. About half of the peels are used to feed cows. The rest are discarded.”

“But the FDA considers natural orange peel extract to be safe for human consumption, so we're looking to get more out of the peel.”

“These findings suggest that orange peels, which are often discarded as waste in the citrus industry, could be repurposed into valuable health-promoting compounds, such as ingredients in dietary supplements and foods,” Dr Wang said.

“Our study paves the way for the development of functional foods enriched with these bioactive compounds, providing a new therapeutic strategy for heart health.”

of result Appears in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

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Hana Lee others2024. Discovery of novel bioactive compounds from the polar fraction of orange peel and their inhibition of trimethylamine and trimethylamine N-oxide by a metabolomic approach. In vitro and In vivo Assay: Feruloylputrescine inhibits trimethylamine by suppressing the cntA/B enzymes. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 72(14):7870-7881; doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.3c09005

Source: www.sci.news

Study finds that competition between species was a significant factor in the growth and fall of human populations

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Traditionally, climate has been thought to be the cause of the emergence and extinction of human species. However, interspecific competition is known to play an important role in most vertebrates. A new study shows for the first time that competition has been the basis of speciation (the rate at which new species emerge) over five million years of human evolution.It also means that our speciation patterns homo The pedigree was different from most others.

a homo heidelbergensis, Neanderthals and Cro-Magnons. Image credit: SINC / Jose Antonio Peñas.

“We have ignored how competition between species has shaped our own evolutionary tree,” says Dr Laura van Holstein, an anthropologist at the University of Cambridge.

“The effects of climate on the human species are only part of the story.”

“In other vertebrates, species form to fill ecological niches. Darwin's finches, for example, have evolved large beaks for cracking nuts, while others have evolved large beaks for eating certain insects. Some have evolved small beaks to accommodate them. Once their respective resource niches are filled, competition ensues, no new finches emerge, and extinction takes over.”

Dr Van Holstein and Professor Robert Foley from the University of Cambridge used Bayesian modeling and phylogenetic analysis to show that, like other vertebrates, most species of humans formed when competition for resources and space was low. It was shown that

“The pattern seen in many early humans is similar to all other mammals,” van Holstein says.

“The speciation rate increases, then levels off, at which point the extinction rate begins to increase. This suggests that competition between species was a major evolutionary factor.”

However, when the authors analyzed our group, homothe findings were “bizarre.”

for homo The pattern of evolution of the lineage leading to modern humans suggests that interspecific competition actually led to the emergence of even newer species, a complete departure from trends seen in almost all other vertebrates. It's a reversal.

“The more types there are, the more homo The more there are, the higher the rate of speciation,” Dr. van Holstein said.

“So once those niches were filled, something caused more species to emerge. This is almost unprecedented in evolutionary science.”

The closest comparison she found was a species of beetle that lives on the island. On islands, confined ecosystems can produce unusual evolutionary trends.

“The evolutionary patterns we see across species are homo “The direct link to modern humans is more closely related to island beetles than to other primates or other mammals,” Dr van Holstein said.

www.sci.news

Physicists conclude the shape factor of a proton’s Grunick gravitational force

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Protons are one of the main building blocks of all visible matter in the universe. Its unique properties include charge, mass, and spin. These properties emerge from the complex dynamics of its basic building blocks, quarks and gluons, explained by the theory of quantum chromodynamics. The charge and spin of protons shared between quarks has been previously studied using electron scattering. One example is the high-precision measurement of the charge radius of protons. In contrast, little is known about the internal mass density of protons, which is dominated by the energy carried by gluons. In a new study, a team of physicists led by Argonne National Laboratory used a small colored dipole to probe the gravitational density of gluons through threshold photogeneration of J/ψ (J/Psi) particles.

Proton valence quarks (blue, red, green), quark and antiquark pairs, and gluons (springs). Scalar gluon activity (pink) extends beyond the charge radius (orange) surrounding the gluon energy core (yellow). Image credit: Argonne National Laboratory.

For many years, nuclear physicists have determined the size of protons by precisely measuring their charge response. This is a result of the proton's charged constituent quarks.

However, determining the size of matter by the size of its protons is a more difficult task. This is because part of the proton's mass is driven by the elusive neutral gluon, rather than by the mass or motion of charged quarks. These gluons combine themselves with quarks within the proton.

The new discovery provides a view of this mass region produced by gluon interactions.

This measurement not only reveals the mass radius resulting from the strong force, but also its confinement effect on quarks that extend far beyond the proton's charge radius.

“A key detail of the proton's structure is its size,” said lead author Dr. Zein Eddin Meziani, a physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, and his colleagues.

“The most commonly used measure of a proton's size is its charge radius, which uses electrons to measure the spherical size of the proton's charge.”

The new measurements come from the J/Ψ -007 experiment at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

This differs in that a small colored dipole ( ) was used to reveal the sphere size and position of the gluon mass and its range of influence on the gluon within the proton.

In the experiment, physicists used a high-energy beam of electrons to create J/Ψ particles from protons. The J/Ψ particle provides information about the distribution of gluons inside the proton.

Experimenters inserted these measurements into a theoretical model and analyzed them.

As a result, the mass radius of the gluon inside the proton was determined.

Furthermore, the area of ​​influence of a strong force called a confinement scalar cloud, which also affects proton quarks, was also shown.

“This study paves the way for a deeper understanding of the prominent role of gluons in imparting gravitational mass to visible matter,” the authors concluded.

Their paper It was published in the magazine Nature.

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B. Duran other. 2023. Determination of the Grunick gravitational shape factor of protons. Nature 615, 813-816; doi: 10.1038/s41586-023-05730-4

Source: www.sci.news

Bulgarian Yogurt: A Key Factor in Colonizing Mars?

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space yogurt

“Could Bulgarian yogurt improve astronauts' performance during Mars missions?asks Isabella Shopova, Diana Bogeva, Maria Yotova, and Svetla Danova in a study about that name published in “. ethnic food journal.

Researchers had seven people make and eat Bulgarian-style yogurt. Lactobacillus delbrueckiiSubspecies bulgaricus and thermophilus. At the time, the seven were members of a “team of analog astronauts participating in a two-week analog mission in a closed Mars-like environment at the Mars Desert Research Station in the Utah desert, USA.”

Most of these astronauts who stayed on Earth were not simply yogurt eaters. The study found that “five out of seven crew members had previously consumed yogurt in some form.”

The experiment extends a research tradition in which Bulgarian yogurt was ingested during the space flight of the second Bulgarian astronaut to date, as well as the crew of a 150-day voyage to Antarctica, and 56 of the Bulgarian Air Force. Also eaten by pilots and similar people. Number of volunteers in “simulated shipwreck situation”.

Scientists ahead of the Mars mission reported success, saying: “Bulgarian yogurt has proven to be a valuable food product for colonization of Mars due to its long shelf life and probiotic properties.” Reporting. This “underlines the versatility of Bulgarian yogurt,” they say. They outline the hope that further research will provide insight into changes in gut microbiome diversity and “flatulence frequency.”

in the name of science

Taken together, the scientific names of living organisms are a hodgepodge. Richard Wakeford warns of feedback on attempts. Proceedings of the Royal Society Bto enjoy the diversity.

In their paper, “Zoo naming: Creativity, culture, and influence in the formation of scientific names.'', Stephen B. Heard of the University of New Brunswick and Julia J. Mlinarek of the Insectarium de Montréal, in Canada, survey the diversity and lament its difficulties.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Scientists at Stanford University identify shared genetic factor that offers protection against Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases

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Stanford Medicine and international collaborators have discovered that around 20% of individuals carry genetic mutations that reduce their risk of Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease by 10% or more. This particular variant, known as DR4, has the potential to enhance future vaccines for these neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the study found a potential link between the tau protein and both diseases, providing new possibilities for targeted therapies and vaccines.

The large-scale analysis included medical and genetic information from a wide range of individuals across different continents. This data analysis revealed that certain gene variants related to immune function are associated with a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Approximately one in five people possess a specific genetic mutation that provides resistance to both diseases.

The research, led by Stanford Medicine, indicates that individuals with this protective genetic mutation may be less likely to benefit from future vaccines aimed at slowing or stopping the progression of these common neurodegenerative diseases. Results from the analysis of medical and genetic data from hundreds of thousands of people from diverse backgrounds confirmed that carrying the DR4 allele increased the average chance of developing Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease by more than 10%. New evidence has also surfaced suggesting that the tau protein, which is known for aggregating in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients, may also play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, was a collaboration between researchers at Stanford Medicine and international partners. The researchers involved in this study were Emmanuel Mignot, MD, Michael Gracius, MD, Iqbal Farooq, and Asad Jamal from Stanford Medicine, as well as Dr. Jean-Charles Lambert from Inserm, University of Lille, France. The lead author was Yan Le Nguyen, Ph.D., and other contributors included Dr. Guo Luo, Dr. Aditya Ambati, and Dr. Vincent Damot.

Further findings from the study showed that individuals with the DR4 allele were more likely to develop neurofibrillary tangles, characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease, in their brains. The study also suggests that tau, a protein central to Alzheimer’s disease, may have an unknown role in Parkinson’s disease.

DR4 is a particular allele of the DRB1 gene, which is a part of the human lymphocyte antigen complex. This complex is crucial in allowing the immune system to recognize the internal contents of cells. One of the significant findings of this study was that the specific peptide fragment that DR4 recognizes and presents is a chemically modified segment of the tau protein, which plays a role in both diseases. The study suggests that the DR4 allele could be used to create a vaccine targeting this modified peptide as a potential way to interfere with tau aggregation and the development of these neurodegenerative diseases. There may be potential to delay or slow the progression of the diseases in individuals who carry the protective variants of DR4.

The study also noted that the effectiveness of the vaccine may depend on the subtype of DR4 a person carries, which varies among different ethnic groups. For example, one subtype of DR4 that is more common among East Asians may be less protective against neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: scitechdaily.com

New Research from Yale University Uncovers Crucial Factor in 90% of Enigmatic Miscarriages

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A Yale University study reveals that placenta testing can identify the cause of 90% of previously unexplained miscarriages, providing a path to improved pregnancy care and emotional relief for affected families.

Researchers at Yale University have demonstrated that placenta testing can accurately pathologically determine more than 90% of previously unexplained miscarriages, a finding that researchers say could help inform future pregnancy care. say:

The results of this study were recently published in the journal Reproductive science.

Miscarriage statistics

Of the approximately 5 million pregnancies each year in the United States, 1 million end in miscarriage (miscarriage occurs before 20 weeks of pregnancy) and more than 20,000 end in stillbirth after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Up to 50% of these losses are classified as “unspecified.”

Emotional strain and research purpose

Patients who suffer from these pregnancy outcomes are often told that their loss is unexplained and that they can just try again, contributing to patients’ feelings of responsibility for the loss, said lead author and obstetrics department specialist. said researcher Dr. Harvey Kliman. Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine.

“Pregnancy loss is a tragedy, and to be told there is no explanation causes great pain to the families of those who have lost,” said Kliman, who is also director of the Reproduction and Placenta Research Unit. “Our goal was to extend the current classification system to reduce the number of cases that remain unidentified.”

Methodology and findings

For this study, Professor Kliman collaborated with Beatrix Thompson, currently a medical student at Harvard University, and Parker Holzer, a former graduate student in the Yale School of Statistics and Data Science, to explore the pathology of loss. We developed an expanded classification system for pregnancy loss based on clinical tests. placenta.

The team started with a series of 1,527 single-child pregnancies that ended up being losses and were sent to Kliman’s Consulting Services at Yale University for evaluation. After excluding cases for which there was insufficient material for testing, 1,256 placentas from 922 patients were tested. Of these, 70% were miscarriages and 30% were stillbirths.

Domenic Rice is 33 weeks pregnant with her fifth child, holding a photo frame of herself with her stillborn son, TJ.Credit: Photo by Nancy Borowicz

By adding distinct categories of “placenta with abnormal growth” (atypical placenta) and “small placenta” (less than 10 placentas);th For example, the authors were able to establish a pathological diagnosis for 91.6% of pregnancies, including 88.5% of miscarriages and 98.7% of abortions, based on existing categories such as cord accident, avulsion, thrombosis, and infection. I did. stillbirth.

The most common pathological feature observed in unexplained miscarriages was placental dysmorphism (86.2%), a marker associated with genetic abnormalities. The most common pathological feature observed in unexplained stillbirths was a small placenta (33.9%).

Impact and future recommendations

“This study suggests that more than 7,000 small placentas may be detected per year associated with stillbirth.” in the womb “Before the loss, we had flagged these pregnancies as high risk,” Kliman said. “Similarly, identifying placental dysmorphisms could be one way to potentially identify genetic abnormalities in the approximately 1 million miscarriages that occur in our country each year.”

Additionally, “having a specific explanation for the loss of a pregnancy can help families understand that the loss is not their fault, begin the healing process, and, if possible, prevent similar losses in the future, especially It can prevent stillbirths from occurring.”

When asked what the most effective way to prevent stillbirth is, Kliman replied, “Measure the placenta!”

References: “Placental Pathology in Unexplained Pregnancy Loss” by Beatrix B. Thompson, Parker H. Holzer, and Harvey J. Kliman, September 19, 2023. reproductive science.
DOI: 10.1007/s43032-023-01344-3

Source: scitechdaily.com