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New detailed immune-profiling method uses only DNA from blood

A novel immune-profiling method can return detailed immune cell type proportions using only DNA from blood, potentially allowing for individualized prediction of outcomes in immunotherapy patients. This approach offers the opportunity to ask and answer questions about the immune system in health and disease.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center scientists identify germline signature that predicts side effects from anti-PD1/PDL1 checkpoint therapy

Researchers have identified a germline biomarker signature that can predict serious side effects in up to 3 in 10 patients undergoing anti-PD1/PDL1 therapy. The findings represent an important step toward personalizing checkpoint therapy, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing harm.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 3, 2022

A naturally-occurring metabolite is a potent senolytic in both mice and human cell culture

Researchers at the Buck Institute discovered a naturally occurring metabolite, 25-hydroxycholesteral, that significantly reduces senescent cells in multiple cell types and improves muscle mass in aged mice. The molecule targets CRYAB, a small heat shock protein associated with age-related diseases like myopathies.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2022

How fuel poverty ‘gets under the skin’

Researchers found that fuel poverty leads to higher levels of inflammation, affecting physical health, and lower life satisfaction, impacting wellbeing outcomes. The study's findings highlight the need for policies to support low-income households struggling with fuel poverty.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEnergy Economics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 1, 2022

Acceleration of cancer biomarker detection for point of care diagnostics

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new approach to detect cancer biomarkers in human serum, reducing the detection time from hours to just one minute. This method uses magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles and photonic resonator absorption microscopy to achieve high selectivity and rapid sample-to-answer analysis.

Trastuzumab with chemoradiation and surgery does not improve outcomes for esophageal cancer patients, trial highlights future research opportunities

The NRG-RTOG 1010 clinical trial found that adding trastuzumab to chemoradiation and surgery did not improve disease-free survival for HER2-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Despite this, the study highlights future research opportunities to explore combining trastuzumab with other HER2-targeting agents.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJan 21, 2022

Undescended testis: fate of fertility predicted by blood biomarkers

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalThe Journal of Urology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

Alzheimer’s research: inflammatory markers are conspicuous at an early stage

A study published in Neuron found that inflammatory markers are elevated even before dementia symptoms appear, suggesting a potential role in neuroprotection. The researchers discovered two proteins linked to a damage control program, which may support the development of new drugs for early detection and treatment.

SourceDZNE - German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases·JournalNeuron·TypeObservational study·DateJan 12, 2022

New analysis approach could increase the number of usable donor kidneys

Researchers developed a new SERS-based multiplexing technique to detect kidney injury biomarkers SLPI and IL-18, achieving high sensitivity and reliability. The approach shows promise for objectively assessing donor kidney quality, potentially reducing discard rates and recipient complications in clinical practice.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

Greater exposure to nitrogen dioxide linked to higher levels of biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain

Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particles is associated with increased beta-amyloid protein deposition and neurofilament light in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of reducing exposure to air pollution to mitigate this risk.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateDec 16, 2021

Humans reached remote North Atlantic islands centuries earlier than thought

Researchers have discovered evidence of human habitation in the Faroe Islands dating back to around 500 AD, with signs of domestic sheep arrival at this time. The findings, based on lake sediments and DNA analysis, provide conclusive proof that humans inhabited the islands before the Vikings, who are thought to have arrived around 850 AD.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateDec 16, 2021

For IBS, specific diets are less important than expected

A new study found that a specific type of carbohydrate called ‘fodmaps’ can aggravate intestinal problems, but its impact is not as significant as previously believed. IBS symptoms were found to be influenced more by psychological factors and individual differences in metabolism and intestinal flora.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2021

Researchers identify brain signals associated with OCD symptoms, paving way for adaptive treatment

A team of researchers has recorded electrical signals in the human brain associated with ebbs and flows in OCD symptoms over an extended period. The study could lead to an emerging therapy called deep brain stimulation that adjusts to everyday changes in OCD symptoms, potentially providing more relief and fewer side effects for patients.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021

Scientists edge closer to probe that would inspect atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence

Researchers at Skoltech have created an optoacoustic endoscopic probe that can analyze atherosclerotic plaques by forcing molecules to sound their presence. The device uses laser light to make biomarkers oscillate, producing ultrasound signals that can be detected by a sensitive microphone.

Latte lovers rejoice! Study reveals drinking coffee could lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

A long-term study has revealed that drinking higher amounts of coffee may make you less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an association between coffee and several important markers related to Alzheimer’s disease, including executive function and amyloid protein accumulation in the brain.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·TypeSurvey·DateNov 23, 2021