Brain Parasites, Pandas, Blue Tarantulas
Welcome to this month's edition of Briefly Science, your guide to the latest fascinating research papers across the sciences.
From slithering brain parasites to captivating electric-blue spiders, this issue brings you summaries of seven recent studies that reveal the wonders and mysteries of the scientific world.
Get ready to dive into the intricacies of circadian rhythms, sexual misconduct statistics, combination drug therapies, and much more.
This month's discoveries are sure to shock, intrigue, and inspire you.
So grab a warm drink, settle in, and enjoy exploring the wondrous world of research.
Estimated read time: 7 minutes
1: Human Neural Larva Migrans Caused by Ophidascaris robertsi Ascarid: Unraveling a Parasitic Brain Invader in Australia
Read the original paper: Human Neural Larva Migrans Caused by Ophidascaris robertsi Ascarid
Publisher / Publication: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Authors: Mehrab E Hossain, Karina J. Kennedy, Heather L. Wilson, David Spratt, Anson Koehler
Published: September 1st, 2023
Imagine the unimaginable: a living parasite, worm-like in nature, slithering its way into the human brain. Sounds like a scene straight out of a horror movie, right? Well, astonishingly, such a chilling scenario recently unfolded in Australia.
Researchers have documented a spine-chilling case of human neural larva migrans caused by an ascarid called Ophidascaris robertsi.
These parasitic worms find their ideal sanctuary inside Australian carpet pythons, but unfortunately, they have found a new and dangerous home within the brains of unsuspecting victims.
In this particular case, a 64-year-old woman with a weakened immune system due to hypereosinophilic syndrome became a victim of this diabolical brain invader. The presence of a live nematode within her brain led to the alarming discovery.
This research serves as a stark reminder of the intricate and often misunderstood relationship between humans and the animal kingdom.
These sinister parasites, seeking unsuspecting hosts, have found a way to exploit the vulnerabilities of both humans and carpet pythons.
Understanding and researching such rare and terrifying occurrences is essential in safeguarding public health.
The consequences of human neural larva migrans caused by Ophidascaris robertsi can be devastating, adding a new layer of complexity to an already challenging situation for those already immunosuppressed.
As we unpack the intricacies of this case, we unlock valuable insights into the world of parasitic infections and their potential impact on human health. By shining a light on this menacing parasite, we hope to better equip healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public with knowledge that can help prevent future instances of this nightmarish condition.
In this age of scientific marvels, where it seems we have conquered nature's adversaries, this eerie case reminds us that there are still hidden horrors lurking in our midst.
Vigilance, understanding, and further research are required to confront these insidious invaders and protect ourselves from their sinister clutches.
2: Sexual Misconduct in the Surgical Workplace: A Gender Divide
Read the original paper: Sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape by colleagues in the surgical workforce, and how women and men are living different realities: observational study using NHS population-derived weights
Publisher / Publication: Oxford University Press
Authors: Christopher T Begeny, Homa Arshad, Tamzin Cuming, Daljit K Dhariwal, Rebecca A Fisher
Published: September 12th, 2023
DOI: 10.1093/bjs/znad242
Sexual misconduct is a pervasive issue in the surgical workforce, with women bearing the brunt of its impact, according to a recent observational study conducted by researchers using NHS population data.
The study aimed to understand the experiences of surgical workforce members, including sexual harassment, assault, and rape by colleagues, over the past five years, and evaluate the effectiveness of accountable organizations in addressing this issue.
The survey involved 1,704 participants, with 51.5% of them being women.
The analysis, both weighted and unweighted, revealed significant disparities between men and women.
Women were more likely than men to report instances of sexual misconduct, with 63.3% stating they had personally experienced sexual harassment compared to 23.7% of men.
Furthermore, 29.9% of women reported being sexually assaulted, while only 6.9% of men reported the same.
Shockingly, 10.9% of women revealed instances of forced physical contact for career advancement, which qualifies as sexual assault, in contrast to a mere 0.7% of men.
The distressing accounts continued, as 0.8% of women admitted to being raped by a colleague, compared to just 0.1% of men.
The researchers also gauged the perceived adequacy of accountable organizations in handling sexual misconduct.
Worryingly, women expressed lower levels of satisfaction than men across the board.
Their evaluations ranged from a disappointing 15.1% for the General Medical Council to a slightly higher 31.1% for the Royal Colleges. In contrast, men rated the General Medical Council at 48.6% and the Royal Colleges at 60.2%.
This study highlights the widespread prevalence of sexual misconduct within the surgical workforce, with women disproportionately affected. Additionally, the research sheds light on the concerning inadequacy of accountable organiaations in combating this issue.
Urgent action is required to address the glaring gender disparity and improve the support systems available to victims.
It is time for all stakeholders within the surgical community to come together to create a safer, more inclusive, and equitable workplace environment for all.
3: The Effect of Environmental Factors on the Daily and Yearly Rhythms of Captive Giant Pandas
Read the original paper: Latitudinal and zoo specific zeitgebers influence circadian and circannual rhythmicity of behavior in captive giant pandas ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca )
Publisher / Publication: Frontiers
Authors: Kristine M. Gandia, Sharon E. Kessler, Hannah M. Buchanan-Smith
Published: September 18th, 2023
In the animal world, just like in our daily lives, time matters. The way animals behave, eat, and reproduce is influenced by their internal clocks, known as circadian clocks.
These clocks are regulated by external cues from the environment, such as light, food, and temperature. However, when animals are housed in captive environments, their natural rhythms can be disrupted. This is particularly true for giant pandas, which are often found in zoos located at different latitudes from their natural habitat.
To understand the impact of these changes, a team of researchers studied the behavior of giant pandas in six zoos across the globe.
By analysing live camera footage, they looked at how the pandas' daily and yearly rhythms were affected by their environment. They found that pandas housed outside their natural latitudinal range displayed less activity compared to those within their range.
It seems that the amount of daylight and temperature were also crucial factors influencing the pandas' behavior.
Interestingly, the researchers noticed that the pandas' yearly cycles of sexual-related and stereotypic behaviours were synchronised with several points throughout the year.
This suggests that changes in the environment can influence not only daily activities but also long-term behavioural patterns.
Understanding these findings has important implications for the welfare of captive animals.
By creating environments that mimic the natural conditions in which animals have evolved, we can promote positive welfare states and increase the chances of successful breeding and conservation.
This research highlights the significance of considering the impact of environmental factors on animals' internal clocks, providing valuable insights into how we can improve the lives of captive species.
As we continue to learn more about the natural rhythms and behaviours of animals, it becomes clear that we have a responsibility to provide them with environments that support their natural tendencies. By doing so, we can create a harmonious relationship between animals and their captive habitats, ensuring their well-being and contributing to conservation efforts.
4: Highlighter: Controlling Gene Expression in Plants with Light
Read the original paper: Highlighter: An optogenetic system for high-resolution gene expression control in plants
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Biology
Authors: Bo Larsen, Roberto Hofmann, Ines S. Camacho, Richard W. Clarke, J Clark Lagarias
Published: September 21st, 2023
Controlling biological processes has become much easier with optogenetics, a cutting-edge technology that allows scientists to manipulate genes at a high resolution. However, applying optogenetics to plants has been challenging due to the unique lighting conditions in horticultural environments. Additionally, existing optogenetic tools for plants often interfere with natural signaling processes or require external substances.
In this study, researchers have developed Highlighter, a new system that enables precise gene expression control in plants using light.
Highlighter is based on a photoswitchable system found in cyanobacteria, which has been adapted for use in plants through genetic modification.
Through experiments in Escherichia coli, the researchers demonstrated that Highlighter can switch gene expression on or off using green or red light, thanks to a natural plant pigment called phytochromobilin. They also discovered that the system responds to blue light due to the presence of a specific protein domain.
To test the effectiveness of Highlighter, the researchers used it to control the expression of fluorescent proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant commonly used in research.
By manipulating light, they were able to precisely control where and when the fluorescent proteins were produced, providing unprecedented control over gene expression.
The researchers also used Highlighter to study plant immunity and pigment production by adjusting the composition of white light, demonstrating the system's potential for improving crop development.
Highlighter represents a significant advancement in optogenetics for plants, enabling precise control of gene expression at the cellular level.
This technology opens up new possibilities for studying fundamental plant biology and improving agricultural practices.
With emerging technologies like single-cell sequencing and biosensors, scientists can now explore biological processes with much greater precision.
By incorporating Highlighter into their research, scientists can gain valuable insights into gene expression control in plants and put this knowledge to practical use.
5: Intensive Statin Therapy or Combination Therapy of Statin and Ezetimibe: Which is better for Heart Attack Patients?
Read the original paper: Intensive Statin Therapy Versus Upfront Combination Therapy of Statin and Ezetimibe in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis Based on the PL‐ACS Data
Publisher / Publication: Journal of the American Heart Association
Authors: Joanna Lewek, Jacek Niedziela, Piotr Desperak, Krzysztof Dyrbuś, Tadeusz Osadnik
Published: September 6th, 2023
Heart attacks can be life-threatening events, and finding the best treatment for patients is essential.
Researchers in Poland conducted a study to compare two treatment strategies commonly used for patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), which are conditions that include heart attacks.
The first strategy is statin monotherapy, where patients take a type of medication called a statin. The second strategy is upfront combination therapy, where patients take a statin along with another medication called ezetimibe.
To conduct the study, the researchers used data from a national registry that includes information from over 38,000 patients who were hospitalized for ACS.
They used a statistical method called propensity score matching to create two groups of patients that were comparable in terms of their characteristics and risk factors. They then compared the outcomes between the two groups.
The results of the study showed that the upfront combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe was associated with a lower risk of death compared to statin monotherapy.
This difference in mortality was observed during the follow-up period of 3 years. In fact, the upfront combination therapy reduced the risk of death by about 4.7% after 3 years, indicating that for every 21 patients treated, one life was saved.
Furthermore, the researchers found that a specific type of statin called rosuvastatin was more effective in improving prognosis compared to another type called atorvastatin.
These findings suggest that for patients with ACS, starting with a combination therapy of statin and ezetimibe may be a better approach to reduce the risk of death compared to using statin alone. This is particularly important for high-risk patients.
The study highlights the importance of considering different treatment options and making informed decisions to improve outcomes for heart attack patients.
In conclusion, the study provides evidence supporting the use of combination therapy over statin monotherapy for patients with ACS.
The findings have implications for clinical practice, suggesting that a stepwise therapy approach may not be as beneficial as upfront combination therapy.
Medical professionals should consider these results when making treatment decisions for their patients.
6: Access to publicly funded weight management services in England: A look at who can get help and who gets left behind
Read the original paper: Access to publicly funded weight management services in England using routine data from primary and secondary care (2007–2020): An observational cohort study
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Medicine
Authors: Karen D. Coulman, Ruta Margelyte, Tim Jones, Jane M. Blazeby, John Macleod
Published: September 28th, 2023
Overweight and obesity are health concerns affecting many adults in England. The government provides publicly funded weight management programmes and bariatric surgery for those with severe and complex obesity.
This study examines how primary care identifies and refers individuals for weight management interventions and bariatric surgery.
Using data from primary care and hospital records, the researchers analyzed information from over 1.8 million adults between 2007 and 2020.
Out of this population, only a fraction were referred to weight management programmes (3.13%) or underwent bariatric surgery (1.09% of those with severe and complex obesity).
The study also looked at factors that influenced the likelihood of being referred or accessing surgery.
The strongest factor associated with referral and surgery was a higher body mass index (BMI).
People with a BMI of 40 or above were over six times more likely to be referred for weight management programmes compared to those with a BMI of 25 to 29.9.
The researchers also found that the geographic region where individuals lived played a role in accessing services.
These findings highlight the challenges faced by individuals seeking publicly funded weight management support in England. Despite the prevalence of overweight and obesity, a small proportion of the primary care population receives referrals or surgical intervention.
The researchers emphasise the need to address this disparity, as individuals with severe obesity may benefit from targeted support.
By understanding the characteristics associated with access to services, policymakers can work towards making weight management interventions more equitable across the country.
This research sheds light on the experiences of individuals living with overweight or obesity in England and their access to publicly funded support.
It underlines the importance of primary care in identifying and referring individuals for appropriate interventions.
By addressing the gaps in access, we can improve the health outcomes and quality of life for those affected by obesity.
7: The Electric-Blue Tarantula: A New Species Found in Thailand
Read the original paper: A new electric-blue tarantula species of the genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 from Thailand ( Araneae , Mygalomorphae , Theraphosidae )
Publisher / Publication: ZooKeys
Authors: Narin Chomphuphuang, Zongtum Sippawat, Patipan Sriranan, Paveen Piyatrakulchai, Chaowalit Songsangchote
Published: September 18th, 2023
Blue is known to be one of the rarest colours in nature, which makes it all the more captivating when found in animals.
Unlike other colours that rely on pigments, blue is a structural colour created by intricate biological photonic nanostructures.
This remarkable phenomenon has independently evolved in several species, showcasing the incredible diversity of colours in the animal kingdom.
In this study, researchers have discovered a fascinating new species of tarantula in southern Thailand.
This particular tarantula species, belonging to the Chilobrachys genus, boasts a mesmerising blue-violet hue reminiscent of electrical sparks.
To give you a better understanding of this remarkable find, the researchers not only provide descriptive photographs but also delve into the natural habitat and physical traits of this species.
The scientists also shed light on the diagnostic features, reproductive structures, and the unique morphology of the stridulatory organ in related species. By exploring these aspects, we can gain valuable insights into the evolutionary patterns and adaptations of these intriguing creatures.
The enchanting blue coloration of this newly discovered tarantula species truly captures our attention. We are often drawn to vibrant colours, and blue is no exception.
This research broadens our knowledge of the natural world and offers a glimpse into the wonders that exist beyond our everyday experiences.
So, take a moment to appreciate the rarity and beauty of blue in nature, as exemplified by the electric-blue tarantula.
By delving into the mysteries of coloration and morphology in these captivating creatures, we unlock a deeper understanding of the astonishing diversity found within our animal kingdom.
