Certain ash trees exhibit genetic variations that offer partial resistance to ash dieback
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British ash trees are evolving resistant traits to combat ash dieback, evident from DNA sequences found in numerous specimens.
This discovery is promising, according to Richard Buggs at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, England, although complete resistance in ash trees is not anticipated soon. “A breeding program may be necessary to assist nature in this process,” he states.
Ash dieback, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, progressively impairs the tree’s capacity to transport water. It began its spread across Europe in the 1990s and made its way to the UK in 2012.
The demise of ash trees leads to increased carbon dioxide release and threatens various species that depend on these trees for their ecosystem. Additionally, fallen trees pose risks to people and property. “There are numerous ash trees close to footpaths and roads, creating significant hazards,” Buggs notes.
Buggs’ team compared genomes of 128 adult European ash trees. Since fungi take considerably longer to kill mature trees than younger ones (Fraxinus excelsior), this also included 458 seedlings at a location called Marden Park in Surrey. They discovered thousands of variations previously linked to resistance were more prevalent in younger trees, likely because those without such variations perished.
This study provides the most comprehensive genetic insight into evolutionary responses observed in nature. “The significance of this research is its ability to characterize the genetic foundation and demonstrate the changes occurring within a single generation,” Buggs explains.
However, each gene variant offers only a marginal effect, failing to provide complete resistance. As the older ash trees diminish and fungal spores decrease, the rate of evolutionary change may also slow in the future. This indicates that younger ash trees might have better survival prospects, Buggs suggests.
“It poses a major challenge, but these trees won’t vanish entirely,” he remarks. “Our findings inspire hope that some of these younger ash trees may mature and undergo natural selection for subsequent generations, if feasible.”
Ash dieback has yet to invade North America; however, the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has been introduced, actively decimating ash tree populations there. The outcome of both ash dieback and the emerald ash borer coexisting in the same region remains uncertain but might exacerbate the issue.
“Globalization is mixing insects and pathogens across the globe, leading to increasing challenges for these trees, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for them to adapt,” Buggs states. “Trees now face threats they have never experienced before, and at unprecedented speeds.”
He believes interventions are essential to help trees withstand these pressures, such as creating resistant hybrids between resilient species and native trees.
“One potential solution is to enhance the genetic diversity of trees globally, keeping pace with the array of pests and pathogens we are spreading,” he concludes.
Saline nasal sprays may stop children's sneezing faster
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Saline nasal sprays appear to help speed up cold recovery: In a new study, children who were given the homemade nasal spray recovered from cold symptoms like sneezing and stuffy nose two days faster than those who weren't.
More than 200 different viruses can cause cold-like symptomsTherefore, it is difficult to develop general and effective treatments that target them. As a result, most cold therapies only relieve symptoms but do not shorten the duration of symptoms.
now, Steve Cunningham Researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the UK tested this method on children. They asked the parents of 150 children with cold symptoms to place three drops of saline solution into their children's nasal passages at least four times a day within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, until symptoms subsided. The water-based solution that the parents mixed themselves contained 2.6 percent salt.
Another group of 151 children received standard cold care from their parents, such as prescribing over-the-counter medicines and encouraging rest. All of the children were under the age of seven, and their symptoms were recorded by their parents.
The researchers found that children who started using the drops within 24 hours of the onset of symptoms recovered two days faster than those who never used the drops, and their families were also less likely to develop cold symptoms. But children who started using the drops later didn't get better and were less likely to spread the cold than those who never used the drops.
Cunningham, who will present his findings at the European Respiratory Society meeting in Vienna, Austria, on September 8, says that the chloride ions in saline could prompt cells to produce an antiviral substance called hypochlorous acid, though this may need to be started early in infection, before the virus can take hold, he says.
but William Shaffner Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee are skeptical that this method will actually help cure viral infections. [evidence] They want me to believe that this is an antiviral effect, not just symptom relief,” he says.
Schaffner says the researchers could have also given another group of children regular water drops or a low-concentration saline solution, which would show whether the saline nasal spray targets the virus and speeds recovery or simply keeps mucous membranes moist to ease symptoms, he says.
MaPregnant women have become familiar with their first look at the baby through a blurry, black-and-white ultrasound scan that they share with loved ones. However, in many parts of the world, this is still considered a luxury. AI is now being utilized to create technology that can provide this essential pregnancy milestone to those who truly need it: a health check-up on their baby.
A pilot project in Uganda is utilizing AI software in ultrasound imaging not just to scan the fetus but also to encourage women to seek medical services early on in their pregnancy, aiming to reduce stillbirths and complications.
In low- and middle-income countries, the availability of trained experts and equipment to conduct these scans is mainly limited to urban hospitals, making the journey from rural areas long and costly for women.
Dr. Daniel Lukakamwa, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Kawempe National Hospital in Kampala, Uganda, who is involved in the development of the AI software, underscores the importance of early pregnancy examinations in saving lives.
“Pregnant women are increasingly interested in undergoing ultrasound scans,” Lukakamwa stated. “There’s a high willingness to participate in the study without any hesitations. It seems that we are getting overwhelmed.”
Lukakamwa emphasized the significance of tackling delayed births within obstetric care. He added, “The early stages of pregnancy are critical because any abnormalities or subsequent complications can lead to stillbirth.”
A software called ScanNav FetalCheck Software based on AI has been developed by Intelligent Ultrasound. It enables precise dating of a pregnancy without the need for a specialized ultrasound technician to assess the fetus’s progress inside the uterus.
This technology allows for accurate pregnancy dating without the need for a specialized ultrasound technician. Photo: @GEHealthcare
The technology enables midwives or nurses to perform the scan by simply placing an ultrasound probe on a woman’s abdomen, with the program providing the necessary data. It can also be used with a portable device for in-home care.
A significant aim of the trial at Kawempe Hospital is to develop a tool that can predict which pregnancies are at the highest risk of stillbirth, while also aiding in engaging with women at an early stage.
Radiologist Jones Biira mentioned, “Mothers who have given birth are referring us to take part in studies. They talk to the mothers and more and more are joining the research programme. They really like it and they trust our findings.”
The primary concern facing the staff is “probably the power outages,” she noted.
For Sarah Kyolaba, 30, from Kikoni village, the technology has given her more control over her second pregnancy.
“You can see how the baby is moving and how the organs are developing,” she says. “When you do a scan, you can see everything. It’s good to see that the baby is thriving and moving.”
She discovered during her first pregnancy that her baby was too large and would require a Caesarean section shortly before delivery, catching her off-guard. “They told me I had to have a Caesarean section, but I wasn’t prepared for that,” she disclosed.
AI is involved in the largest study ever to evaluate the use of aspirin in preventing pre-eclampsia. Clinical trials are ongoing in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa to compare the impact of two different aspirin doses on women at high risk of pre-eclampsia.
Accurate gestational age is critical for this trial because the risk of pre-eclampsia changes as pregnancy progresses, and early administration of aspirin depends on knowing the exact gestational age.
Dr. Angela Koech, an obstetrician in rural Kenya and a research scientist at the Aga Khan University in Nairobi, emphasized the importance of knowing the precise number of weeks pregnant.
Dr. Alice Papageorgiou, co-founder of Intelligent Ultrasound, believes that AI can enable hospitals in disadvantaged countries to “develop the same capacity as higher-income countries.” Photo: Intelligent Ultrasound
“One of the biggest challenges I face is when a mother develops complications, typically in the later stages of pregnancy, and I have to make decisions,” Koech explained, highlighting the role of leading research leading to the AI ultrasound program.
“For instance, if a woman presents with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia in the third trimester, I may have to decide on the timing of delivery based on the baby’s survival odds. The decision varies significantly based on whether the woman is 30, 32, 34, 36, or 38 weeks along.”
Koech emphasized the risks of delivering extremely premature babies in rural facilities lacking neonatal care units. She said, “When a mother gives her last period as pregnancy age but you’re uncertain, the decision becomes very challenging and unreliable.”
Many individuals in rural Kenya delay seeking medical assistance until late in pregnancy, with some considering it inappropriate to announce a pregnancy early, while the expenses and long travel time to antenatal clinics present further challenges.
Dr. Alice Papageorgiou, co-founder of Intelligent Ultrasound and director of clinical research at the Oxford Institute of Maternal, Child and Perinatal Health, acknowledges concerns that the technology could be viewed as providing subpar services to women in lower-income countries.
“Ideally, we should focus on building capacity in these environments by providing the right equipment, training, and resources similar to high-income countries. However, the reality is that this hasn’t been accomplished in recent decades. So, as an interim solution – one that may only be temporary – I believe it is a good solution,” she concluded.
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