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Life at the top: Scientists find first molecular clues behind high-altitude adaptation in gelada monkeys

Researchers found no evidence that gelada monkeys' hemoglobin provides increased oxygen-carrying capacity, but discovered other physiological adaptations that enable them to thrive at high altitudes. The study sheds light on the mechanisms behind human adaptation and potential treatments for diseases associated with high altitude.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 24, 2022

Globins - on the hunt to protect your liver

Researchers at Osaka City University found that globin family members can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The proteins' antioxidant capacity was greater than glutathione and vitamin C, suggesting a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Medicaid expansion tied to improvements in blood pressure, glucose control

A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with reductions in uninsurance and improvements in blood pressure and glucose control measurements. The benefits were highest among Black and Hispanic patients. Longer-term investments into quality care and care management are necessary to realize these health outcomes.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2021

For people with kidney disease, there is no safe amount of lead in drinking water

A new study found that lead contamination in drinking water can have detrimental effects on individuals with advanced kidney disease, affecting hemoglobin levels and requiring higher doses of medications. The study also revealed concerning inequities, with higher water lead levels observed for Black patients compared to white patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJul 15, 2021

Smartphone photos can be used to detect anemia

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that smartphone photos of the inner eyelid can be used to screen for anemia. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of up to 94.4% in predicting anemia, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

More efficient tests may one day replace endoscopy

Researchers have discovered several stool proteins that can detect colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, potentially replacing invasive endoscopy. These novel biomarkers were identified using aptamer-based screening and showed promise in early diagnosis and predicting disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

A blood sugar biomarker identifies patients with atherosclerosis and a risk of cardiovascular events

A study by CNIC scientists found that glycosylated hemoglobin can identify individuals with advanced atherosclerotic disease and increased cardiovascular risk. The test can be used to calculate the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis in the general population, enabling personalized treatment plans.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2021

Higher red cell transfusion threshold offers no advantage for treating preterm infants

A National Institutes of Health-funded study found that providing a higher threshold of red cells offers no survival benefit for preterm infants and does not reduce neurological impairment. The study used data from 845 infants with varying hemoglobin thresholds to compare outcomes.

New genetic weapons challenge sickle cell disease

A new study uses CRISPR-Cas9 to repair the sickle cell mutation in patients' hematopoietic stem cells, boosting their own protective fetal hemoglobin. The approach showed promising results, with up to 40% of edited cells fixed and a significant increase in fetal hemoglobin expression.

SourceRice University·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJun 3, 2019

Most precise measurements of sickle cell disease building blocks could lead to new treatments

A breakthrough study has revealed that the building blocks of sickle cell disease are much less efficient at organizing than previously thought. This finding could lead to new treatments, including medicines prescribed at lower doses, and improve outcomes for approximately 20 million people worldwide who suffer from the lifelong disease.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 28, 2019

Biomimetics: The chemical tricks of our blood

Researchers have created phthalocyanines with a ring structure resembling that of hemoglobin or chlorophyll, which can be switched into different states with green light, affecting their chemical behavior. This discovery opens up new avenues for biomimetics and the development of novel molecules optimized for nature-specific applications.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2018

Family blood mystery solved

Researchers have finally found the answer to a 35-year-old Norwegian family mystery: a genetic mutation in the EPO gene causes abnormally high red blood cell counts. The condition, called familial erythrocytosis, affects several members of the family who were born with it, while others developed it over time.