Articles tagged with Evolutionary Medicine
Researchers discovered that a drug-resistant type of bacteria has adapted to produce antimicrobial genetic tools, eliminating its cousins and replacing them as the dominant strain. The finding validates a system developed at Pitt and UPMC for detecting infectious disease outbreaks.
Researchers at the University of Zurich found that Swiss women had more children at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to better work-life balance and reduced economic uncertainty. However, birth rates have since fallen back, with young people being cautious about having children during the pandemic.
A study on Nigerian healthcare workers found that excessive iron levels increased the risk of catching COVID-19, while moderate deficiency didn't offer protection. The research highlights an evolutionary tradeoff between iron's benefits for immune function and its potential risk to pathogens.
A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.
Researchers have derived a new formula to estimate the maximum occurrence rate of Earth-like habitats (EHs) in the galaxy, concluding that these habitats are relatively rare. The investigation suggests that the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence is significantly rarer still.
Researchers found that chimpanzees have a similarly narrow pelvis to humans, contradicting previous theories. The study proposes a new hypothesis that the obstetrical dilemma developed gradually and became increasingly exacerbated over evolution.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has identified key opportunities to strengthen climate education for healthcare professionals. The authors propose a developmental learning model with six interconnected domains that build on foundational skills in communication and collaboration.
A recent study published in JAMA found that transgender women on hormone therapy have drastically lower PSA levels, which may lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The researchers analyzed Veterans Health Administration records and recommended caution when interpreting PSA values in transgender women.
AlphaFold's groundbreaking ability to predict protein structures is set to transform predictive medicine, enabling the development of personalized vaccines and adaptive clinical trials. However, the review also highlights crucial challenges and ethical considerations surrounding AI integration with clinical data.
A new study by a global consortium provides insight into how tumors evolve, shedding light on the intricate processes underlying cancer evolution. The findings define optimal algorithms to analyze tumor evolution, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
The new certification aims to standardize training and increase skills in telehealth stroke care delivery, ultimately improving stroke outcomes. Telehealth stroke care can expand access to rural areas and communities facing barriers to stroke care.
Researchers found that intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) use both microvillous and ciliary signaling mechanisms simultaneously. This discovery reveals a new pathway for transmitting light signals to the brain, which may have ancient origins on the evolutionary scale.
A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.
Researchers have identified a novel class of antibodies capable of neutralizing both certain H3 and H1 strains of the flu virus, with potential applications in developing more broadly protective flu vaccines. The findings could also contribute to reducing reliance on chicken egg-based manufacturing methods.
A national-level study found that the median UVC dwell time was 7 days, and CLABSI incidence did not differ significantly between 0-7 days and 7-15 days. The study also highlighted high rates of antibiotic exposure without reduction in CLABSI rates, emphasizing the need for nuanced approaches to antibiotic administration.
A Texas A&M University team is exploring 3D printing to create tailored medication dosage and tablet size for young children, addressing the need for greater flexibility in administering medications. The project aims to maintain drugs' integrity and effectiveness while advancing the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Zurich found that the Notch signaling pathway plays a crucial role in shaping and varying tooth enamel. The team used genetically modified mouse models to analyze the effects of the Notch-ligands on teeth, revealing that their absence affected tooth morphology and enamel formation.
A new Dartmouth study reveals high rates of childbirth fear in US pregnant people, associated with factors such as racism, low income, and pre-existing conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these fears, leading to increased stress and anxiety during labor.
Researchers identify OmpU protein variants associated with antimicrobial resistance in Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Understanding the evolutionary origins of AMR can inform the development of effective therapeutics against resistant infections.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) is updating its methods to prioritize topics based on disease burden, extent of new evidence, and ability to be provided in primary care. The task force will increasingly consider health equity when making recommendations.
UCLA researchers say an emerging field of study could help tackle intractable human diseases by studying evolution of disease-resistant traits. Insights from ecology and evolution can inform biomedical research, public health measures and clinical care to develop new treatments and improve public health policy.
A new research agenda aims to apply evolutionary principles to modern diseases, emphasizing the role of environmental factors. By studying natural world adaptations, scientists hope to find new ways to prevent and treat disease, such as adopting antimicrobial approaches inspired by hyenas' ability to thrive on carrion.
Applying evolutionary principles to medicine inspires new ways of preventing and treating disease, including overcoming chemotherapy resistance and antibiotic resistance. Evolutionary-inspired strategies like 'anti-evolution' drugs and extinction therapy can tackle these global health threats.
Researchers have identified the genetic secrets behind skullcap's anti-cancer activity, enabling the production of synthetic compounds. The discovery is expected to lead to more sustainable and rapid synthesis of cancer-fighting molecules.
A new study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health found that proper hand hygiene in clinical work can reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The researchers developed a mathematical model to predict how good or poor hygiene affects resistance evolution, and tested it against data from 691 long-term care facil...
Researchers found a genetic alteration in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that redirects the virus into a storage compartment within cells, reducing its surface exposure. This change may affect the immune system's ability to identify and kill infected cells.
A recent study found that the APOBEC3G enzyme can cause numerous mutations in bladder tumor cells, leading to increased malignancy and mortality. The research suggests that this enzyme could be a potential target for cancer treatment strategies.
A recent study analyzed the records of over 33,000 dementia patients in Wales and found that those closest to their diagnosis were taking an average of three or more medications. This suggests a possible link between polypharmacy and the development of dementia.
Researchers have identified a complex of proteins in a tiny marine invertebrate that share similarities with the human immune system, suggesting an earlier origin for the building blocks of our immune system. The study could ultimately guide the development of new immunotherapies and improve understanding of transplant rejection.
A new study examines mathematical models designed to draw inferences about how evolution operates at the level of populations of organisms. The researchers conclude that such models must be constructed with care, avoiding unwarranted initial assumptions and weighing existing knowledge.
Researchers found signs of concussions and head trauma in the brains of deceased headbutting muskoxen and bighorn sheep. The study provides insights into human injuries and opens the possibility that studying these animals could help researchers understand and reduce traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers at USC developed a new peptide that stimulates the host's immune response to fight bacterial infections, offering an alternative to antibiotics. The peptide, MTD12813, is highly effective in clearing infections and modulates inflammation, reducing the risk of complications.
Researchers found that males and females have different heat-sensing systems, which may be related to reproduction and offspring care. This difference leads to segregation between the sexes at certain periods during breeding cycles.
A multidisciplinary research framework is needed to explore links between evolved tolerance to pathogens and their spillover into humans. Hosts can live with pathogens for long periods, creating conditions perfect for spillover, according to a new review.
Researchers suggest that protecting the microbiome is crucial in preventing and fighting off infections with harmful, drug-resistant bacteria. By preserving a healthy balance of beneficial microorganisms, individuals can reduce their susceptibility to these types of infections.
Using sequential antibiotic treatment with similar but swapped antibiotics slows down bacterial adaptation to drugs, reducing cross-resistance. The study used Pseudomonas aeruginosa and found that fast switching between antibiotics constrained bacterial evolution.
A new model using simple changes in microbe growth curves can predict how antibiotic resistance evolves in response to different treatment combinations, doses and sequences. The model helps explain counterintuitive behavior observed in past experiments, such as slowed evolution when combining two antibiotics.
The journal focuses on virus evolution and publishes work that benefits science, technology, and medicine. It offers fast decision times, timely publication, and high-quality peer review with an international editorial board.
The new approach to diversity in medical education focuses on differences beyond race and ethnicity, acknowledging shared experiences that no longer track simply with race. Achieving this requires a commitment to diversity that is inseparable from an institution's identity and success.
A new study highlights the need for better implementation of evolutionary approaches to address societal challenges. The research suggests that applying evolutionary biology can help reduce the escalating problem of antibiotic resistance and chronic disease costs.
Researchers studied the teeth of the Neolithic mummy Ötzi, finding severe oral diseases such as advanced periodontitis and tooth decay. The Iceman's diet, which included starchy foods like bread and cereal porridge, contributed to his dental problems.
A new Ohio University study reveals that alligators evolved from semi-erect to sprawl postures, contrary to the conventional theory of animal posture evolution. Researchers analyzed alligator movement and found that their walking patterns are more similar to those of salamanders and lizards than previously thought.