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Science News for August 18, 2023


Japanese scientists may have unraveled the secret of aging-resistance in naked mole-rats

Researchers discovered a unique mechanism in naked mole-rats that targets senescent cells, suppressing their accumulation and delaying aging. This 'natural senolytic' process involves serotonin metabolism and oxidative stress, potentially offering an evolutionary rationale for removing senescent cells as a therapeutic strategy.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

ALS and frontotemporal dementia show origins in utero, according to evidence from mice and patient-derived stem cells

Researchers found that C9ORF72 mutations impair neural stem cell renewal, leading to reduced brain regions during embryonic development. This impairment could contribute to disease symptoms later in life. The study used patient-derived nerve cells and laboratory mice to demonstrate the impact of C9ORF72 on neurodevelopment.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

A diet high in fish, cereals, omega-3 and folic acid reduces the probability of miscarriage by 13 to 15%

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that following a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the probability of miscarriage during infertility treatments. The study analyzed data from over 600 women who underwent various fertility treatments.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2023

Can soil microbes survive in a changing climate?

A recent study by the University of Miami found that most soil microbes are either multidimensional generalists or specialists, adapting to various environmental conditions. Generalist microbes can withstand a wide range of conditions, while specialist microbes are sensitive to changes and play key roles in community organization.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 18, 2023

A simple mouth rinse could spot early heart disease risk

Researchers identified a link between high white blood cells in saliva and compromised flow-mediated dilation, an early indicator of poor arterial health. The study suggests that low levels of oral inflammatory load may have an impact on cardiovascular health.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Oral Health·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2023

Telemedicine visits in skilled nursing facilities

A study of over 4.4 million residents at 15,000 skilled nursing facilities found that telemedicine use was higher than pre-2020 levels and associated with improved access to psychiatry visits. Higher adoption rates were linked to better outcomes for patients in these facilities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 18, 2023

Research finds both conservatives and liberals endorse 'values' and 'vices'

A recent study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin reveals that both conservatism and liberalism have unifying values such as tradition and inclusiveness, but also divisive vices like elitism and rebellion. These findings suggest that these ideologies are not mutually exclusive, but rather interconnected concepts.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2023

Cell therapy that repairs cornea damage with patient’s own stem cells achieves positive phase I trial results

A phase I trial of cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cell transplantation (CALEC) has shown positive results in four patients with severe chemical burns, restoring cornea surfaces and improving vision. The treatment uses a patient's own stem cells grown on a graft, offering hope to patients with untreatable vision loss and pain a...

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalScience Advances·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2023