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Chemical found in common sweetener damages DNA

A new study by North Carolina State University researchers finds that sucralose-6-acetate, a chemical formed when we digest sucralose, is genotoxic and breaks up DNA. The chemical is also present in trace amounts in the sweetener itself, posing potential health risks.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 31, 2023

Study finds similar quality and cost of care for patients treated by an allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physician

An observational study of 329,000 Medicare admissions found that older persons receiving hospital care from allopathic (M.D.) or osteopathic (D.O.) physicians experience similar quality and cost of care. Researchers also highlight systemic health inequities faced by persons with sickle cell disease.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2023

Identifying the gut bacteria that threaten neonatal babies

A recent study has identified the specific gut bacteria that pose a threat to neonatal babies, particularly those with necrotising enterocolitis. Researchers analyzed genomic similarities in Clostridium perfringens and found a set of strains with lower disease-causing capacity, lacking genes responsible for toxin production.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 25, 2023

Brain diseases are better classified using analysis of gene activity

Researchers at McGill University found that analyzing gene activity can classify brain diseases into five primary groups, improving diagnosis accuracy. The study identified previously unknown relationships among diseases, such as language development disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which share common genes and cell types.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2023

Eye-opening origin story: Scientists trace key innovation in our camera-like vision to bacteria

Researchers at University of California - San Diego found that vertebrates acquired a special protein from bacteria more than 500 million years ago. This discovery reveals a new piece of genetic material introduced from foreign bacterial genes, leading to unique functionality in vertebrate eyes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 12, 2023

A new model predicts the flexibility of DNA movement at the molecular scale

A new model of DNA flexibility has been developed, providing results of unprecedented quality and characterizing precision and efficiency at the computational level. The study presents a systematic and comprehensive analysis of DNA movement correlations and introduces a new method to capture them.

SourceInstitute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona)·JournalNucleic Acids Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 31, 2023

The shape of your heart matters

Researchers from the Smidt Heart Institute found that individuals with spherical hearts are 31% more likely to develop atrial fibrillation and 24% more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The study identified four genes associated with cardiomyopathy and a greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.

World first: Researchers identify specific regions of the brain that are damaged by high blood pressure and are involved in a decline in mental processes and dementia

High blood pressure damages specific brain regions, including the putamen and white matter areas, leading to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study uses a combination of MRI, genetic analyses, and observational data to identify these affected regions.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Richard McIndoe, PhD, will direct Coordinating Unit for new, national research initiative in diabetes, obesity

Richard McIndoe is leading a national research initiative to advance understanding of diabetes and obesity through the National Centers for Metabolic Phenotyping in Live Models of Obesity and Diabetes (MPMOD). The MPMOD initiative provides access to advanced testing services, including bariatric surgery on mice, to enable new insights ...

Nara Sobreira, MD, PhD is the recipient of the 2023 Dr. Michael S. Watson Genetic and Genomic Medicine Innovation Award from the ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine

Dr. Nara Sobreira has developed innovative tools like GeneMatcher and VariantMatcher to aid in rare disease diagnosis, earning her the 2023 Watson Genetic Medicine Innovation Award. She continues to work on expanding genome analysis accessibility through education and research initiatives.

CHOP researchers identify molecules that optimize immune presentation of antigens across the human population

CHOP researchers have identified variants of a chaperone molecule that can enhance the loading of peptides across different HLA types, which could be used in cell therapy and immunization applications. The study found that chicken-derived TAPBPR proteins can react with multiple HLA allotypes and stabilize the empty MHC-I groove, boosti...

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 24, 2023

Cocaine use disorder alters gene networks of neuroinflammation and neurotransmission in humans

Research found that cocaine use disorder causes significant gene expression changes in brain regions associated with reward and habit formation, contributing to persistent behavioral abnormalities. The study also identified overlapping molecular changes between cocaine and opioid use disorders, offering potential for targeted treatments.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2023

Feather mite species related to the Laysan albatross discovered in Japan

Researchers have identified two new feather mite species associated with the endangered Laysan albatross in Japan. The study provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these parasites and their impact on the bird population. The findings highlight the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species.

SourceHosei University·JournalSystematic and Applied Acarology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Special drone collects environmental DNA from trees

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a special drone that can autonomously collect environmental DNA (eDNA) from tree branches, allowing for tracking of biodiversity. The drone's adhesive strips pick up material from the branch, which is then extracted and analyzed to identify genetic matches of various organisms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 18, 2023