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Body phenotypes say a lot, but not everything, about a person’s health, according to new Concordia research

Concordia researchers analyzed muscle and fat mass data from a large US sample population to find that high levels of fat mass are linked to poorer overall health. While BMI was surprisingly effective in predicting some cardiometabolic outcomes, the study suggests new body-composition phenotypes may be a better predictor.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 25, 2023

Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

How evolution works

Scientists have developed a novel metric to analyze the rate of convergent evolution in protein-coding DNA sequences. This approach can reveal which genetic changes are associated with phenotypic traits, shedding light on how species diversify over time.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Mapping E. coli to overcome antibiotic resistance

A new study at the University of Tokyo has mapped the evolution and process of natural selection in Escherichia coli bacteria, creating fitness landscapes that help understand drug resistance and potential treatments. The researchers hope their results will be useful for predicting and controlling E. coli and other bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022

Aging | Glutaminase inhibitors rejuvenate human skin via clearance of senescent cells: a study using a mouse/human chimeric model

Researchers found that glutaminase inhibitor BPTES selectively eliminates senescent dermal fibroblasts, improving skin aging phenotype by increasing collagen density and cell proliferation. The study suggests BPTES as a potential therapeutic agent for skin aging, offering new treatment options.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Aging | Lamin A to Z in normal aging

A new study suggests that prelamin A, a precursor of lamin A, accumulates with age and may drive normal aging. Researchers propose this protein as a target for intervention strategies to extend healthspan and lifespan.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 9, 2022

Oncotarget | Predictive molecular biomarkers for determining neoadjuvant chemosensitivity in muscle invasive bladder cancer

A study using mRNA and miRNA expression profiles identified molecular signatures that can differentiate muscle invasive bladder cancer patients who respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy from those who do not. The research found distinct gene pathways and subtypes associated with response, which may lead to more effective treatment delivery.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 8, 2022

CABBI team adds powerful new dimension to phenotyping next-gen bioenergy crop

Researchers at CABBI used unmanned aerial vehicles with machine learning methods to select the best candidate genotypes in miscanthus breeding programs. The new method leverages high-resolution aerial imagery and three-dimensional neural networks to estimate crop traits such as flowering time, height, and biomass production.

Chinese Medical Journal review explores the role of macrophages in the progression of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

A recent review article highlights the crucial role of macrophages in the progression from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study suggests that targeting specific signaling pathways and altering macrophage activation can prevent renal fibrosis and CKD. Therapeutic strategies such as clodronate liposomes an...

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 20, 2022

New insight in patient response to surgical disruption in life-saving hormones

A new study reveals that cardiac surgery causes distinct patterns of cortisol secretion, which may reflect individual physiological differences and inflammatory responses. Researchers identified three dynamic phenotypes: single-pulse, two-pulse and multiple-pulse dynamics, suggesting improved diagnostics and personalized interventions ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 28, 2022

Neuron counts reveal brain complexity evolution in land vertebrates

A comprehensive analysis of brain cellular composition across amniotes shows that mammals and birds have dramatically increased neuron numbers in the telencephalon and cerebellum, associated with higher cognition. The study suggests that only a handful of unique evolutionary events augmented brain processing power in these groups.

SourceUniverzita Karlova Prirodovedecka fakulta·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

People with high-risk prediabetes benefit from intensive lifestyle intervention

Individuals with high-risk prediabetes significantly improved their blood glucose levels through more exercise and healthy eating behavior, while those at low risk showed limited benefits from conventional lifestyle intervention. The study's findings support personalized interventions tailored to each patient's risk profile for effecti...

A smart livestock farming solution

A team of researchers from the University of Groningen developed an AI-based system that can identify individual Holstein cows in a milking station based on their coat pattern. The system achieved a recognition rate of 99.7% and has several advantages, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, and scalability.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2021

NIH researchers identify potential AMD drugs with stem-cell based research tool

Researchers developed a dish-based model that replicates the characteristics of dry age-related macular degeneration, allowing them to screen over 1,200 drugs for their ability to slow or halt disease progression. Two drugs, Aminocaproic acid and L745, showed promise in inhibiting key phenotypes associated with AMD.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2021

Danforth Center scientists develop an unprecedented three-dimensional X-ray microscope methodology to image plants at cellular resolution

Plant scientists can now image above and below-ground structures with unprecedented clarity, revealing new insights into biological processes. The development of three-dimensional X-ray microscopy enables the observation of microscopic molecular and cellular processes driving plant phenotypes.

SourceDonald Danforth Plant Science Center·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateDec 7, 2021

For a fungus, the right “accessories” can make or break a relationship with a plant

A new study explores how plants respond differently to useful and harmful microbes, revealing that accessory chromosomes from fungal strains dictate these responses. Most plant genes are expressed similarly in response to both beneficial and pathogenic fungi, but with key differences occurring just 12 hours after interaction.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

New live analysis system for plant stomata, signals exciting progress in climate-change resistant crop development

Scientists have developed a new live analysis system for plant stomata, allowing for rapid and affordable identification of desirable traits. This innovation has the potential to accelerate crop development for climate-resistance, addressing future food shortages.

Humans can learn from animals and insects about impact of climate change

A group of researchers studied how animals modify their habitats in response to climate change and found that understanding these modifications can improve predictions of climate change's effects on species. The study highlights the importance of understanding how animals adapt to changing environments, which can inform strategies for ...

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateJul 12, 2021

Epigenetic mechanisms allow native Peruvians to thrive at high altitudes

A study reveals that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, play a key role in the adaptation of native Peruvians to high altitudes. The findings show that early developmental exposures can have persistent impacts on DNA methylation patterns, leading to improved lung volumes and reduced susceptibility to idiopathic pulmonary f...

Workplace wellness programs could improve if more personalized, study shows

A new study found that personal and psychological characteristics significantly impact progress in workplace wellness programs. The research suggests that tailoring nudges to an individual's behavior profile can unlock full potential, leading to improved outcomes. For some groups, ongoing incentives may be necessary to sustain motivation.