Crocodiles, Smells, Syphilis
Welcome to this month's edition of Briefly Science, your go-to newsletter for digestible insights from the world of academic research.
In this issue, I cover a diverse range of topics, from the addictive nature of ultra-processed foods to the influence of pharmaceutical payments on cancer drug prescriptions.
I explore surprising links between our senses of smell and sight, examine the origins of neurons in early animals, and compare two common medications for heart disease.
Whatever your interests, this carefully curated selection of summaries distills key learnings into accessible takeaways.
Set aside 10 minutes to enhance your scientific know-how.
Happy reading!
1: The Dangers of Ultra-Processed Food Addiction: A Closer Look
Read the original paper: Social, clinical, and policy implications of ultra-processed food addiction
Publisher / Publication: British Medical Journal Publishing Group
Authors: Ashley N Gearhardt, Nassib B Bueno, Alexandra G DiFeliceantonio, Christina A Roberto, Susana Jiménez-Murcia
Published: October 10th, 2023
Imagine a world where certain foods are so irresistibly addictive that we can't help but keep consuming them, leading to detrimental consequences for our health.
This notion of ultra-processed foods with high levels of carbohydrates and fats acting as addictive substances might sound far-fetched, but it bears significant implications for society, clinical practices, and public policy.
In a recent research study conducted by team of experts, the potential addiction-like qualities of ultra-processed foods are explored, shedding light on the detrimental impact they can have on our well-being.
By categorising these foods as addictive substances, we gain an invaluable perspective that can help guide efforts towards improving public health.
What exactly are ultra-processed foods, you may ask?
They are those highly processed, convenience-based items found in the aisles of our supermarkets - think sugary breakfast cereals, pre-packaged snacks, and ready-to-eat meals.
These foods are engineered to be hyper-palatable and can trigger a compulsive desire to consume more, ultimately leading to overeating and subsequent health issues.
Why does this matter?
Well, understanding the addictive nature of these foods highlights the potential implications on society at large. Individuals, families, and communities are all affected by the widespread availability and marketing strategies employed by the food industry.
By recognising ultra-processed food addiction as a genuine concern, policymakers can work towards implementing regulations that promote healthier food options and protect vulnerable populations.
From a clinical standpoint, this research allows healthcare professionals to better address the challenges individuals face when trying to overcome their addiction to ultra-processed foods.
By acknowledging that these substances can trigger addictive responses in the brain, clinicians can develop tailored strategies and interventions to support those striving for improved health outcomes.
Ultimately, the investigation into ultra-processed food addiction is an important step towards a healthier future.
It prompts us to reconsider the role of these convenient yet harmful food choices in our lives.
Armed with this knowledge, we can empower ourselves and our communities to make informed decisions regarding our diet and advocate for policies that prioritize our well-being.
2: Assessing Eligibility for Lung Cancer Screening: A Game-Changing Breakthrough
Read the original paper: Assessing eligibility for lung cancer screening using parsimonious ensemble machine learning models: A development and validation study
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Medicine
Authors: Thomas Callender, Fergus Imrie, Bogdan Cebere, Nora Pashayan, Neal Navani
Published: October 3rd, 2023
If you or someone you know is at risk of lung cancer, this research has uncovered an innovative approach that could revolutionise screening methods.
With the aim of identifying the most effective way to determine eligibility, a team of researchers used advanced machine learning to develop prediction models.
These models simplify the screening process while maintaining accuracy, making personalized screening more accessible for everyone.
To develop these groundbreaking models, the researchers analysed data from over 200,000 ever-smokers from the UK Biobank prospective cohort and the US National Lung Screening Trial.
The models were then validated using data from the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening Trial.
By focusing on just three crucial factors - age, smoking duration, and pack-years - the models outperformed existing methods that required more complex data.
The researchers assessed the models' performance using a range of measures, including discrimination, calibration, overall performance, and net benefit.
These measures demonstrate the models' ability to accurately predict the risk of lung cancer diagnosis and death within a five-year period. In fact, the models achieved or exceeded the performance of current screening methods, despite utilizing only a quarter of the predictors.
External validation in the US Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening Trial showcased the models' impressive capabilities. When predicting lung cancer death, the model achieved an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.803, indicating high accuracy.
Additionally, the model's sensitivity was significantly higher than the current criteria, enabling the detection of high-risk individuals at an earlier stage.
Although this research focuses on UK and US cohorts, the potential impact is far-reaching. If implemented, these parsimonious ensemble machine learning models could streamline lung cancer screening globally, benefiting individuals from all walks of life.
In conclusion, this research marks a significant breakthrough in lung cancer screening.
By simplifying the eligibility assessment process, these models enhance the accuracy and accessibility of personalised screening. This development offers a beacon of hope for improved healthcare outcomes in the fight against lung cancer.
3: Sudden Surge in Babies with Syphilis in Mississippi, USA
Read the original paper: Spike in Congenital Syphilis, Mississippi, USA, 2016–2022
Publisher / Publication: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Authors: Manuela Staneva, Charlotte V. Hobbs, Thomas Dobbs
Published: October 1st, 2023
In recent years, a concerning trend has emerged in Mississippi, USA, where there has been a dramatic increase of babies being born with syphilis.
The number of infants hospitalised with congenital syphilis (CS) skyrocketed by a staggering 1,000%, rising from 10 cases in 2016 to 110 cases in 2022.
This unsettling development prompted researchers to delve into the factors behind this surge.
By carefully examining hospital discharge data from Mississippi, the researchers aimed to shed light on the trends, demographics, outcomes, and risk factors associated with infants diagnosed with CS and subsequently hospitalized between 2016 and 2022.
Out of the total 367 infants hospitalised with a CS diagnosis, an overwhelming majority of 97.6% were newborns, with an astonishing 92.6% of them being covered by Medicaid. Moreover, 71.1% of affected infants were of African American heritage, and 58.0% hailed from nonurban areas.
Additional analysis revealed that newborns with CS had a higher likelihood of being impacted by maternal illicit drug use and being born prematurely.
This research seeks to shed light on a deeply concerning issue that affects the youngest and most vulnerable members of our society.
By examining the data and exploring the factors contributing to this alarming trend, we hope to foster a better understanding of the underlying causes and identify potential solutions to address this issue comprehensively.
The implications of this research extend beyond the borders of Mississippi and should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and communities alike.
By joining forces, we can work towards safeguarding the health and well-being of our future generations and ensuring a brighter future for all.
4: Polygenic Factors, Sleep Duration, and Depression: Insights from a Long-Term Study
Read the original paper: Polygenic predisposition, sleep duration, and depression: evidence from a prospective population-based cohort
Publisher / Publication: Translational Psychiatry
Authors: Odessa S. Hamilton, Andrew Steptoe, Olesya Ajnakina
Published: October 20th, 2023
Did you know that poor sleep and depression often go hand in hand?
While it's commonly believed that insufficient or excessive sleep can be symptoms of depression, recent research suggests that they might actually be early warning signs. However, the relationship between these factors is still not fully understood.
In this study, researchers examined the connection between genetic predisposition, sleep duration, and depression.
To uncover insights, the researchers analysed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a study that included male and female participants aged 50 and above.
They used something called polygenic scores, which are like genetic fingerprints, to examine the influence of genes on sleep duration and its extremes: short-sleep and long-sleep.
Interestingly, it turns out that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people are genetically predisposed to require less sleep, while others need more for their optimal functioning. Additionally, the researchers found that these genetic factors play a role in the development of depression.
But here's the perplexing question: which comes first, poor sleep or depression?
Well, the researchers delved into this mystery too. By analysing the data, they investigated the directionality involved in the relationship between sleep duration and depression.
By shedding light on the complex interplay between genetics, sleep patterns, and mental health, this study brings us closer to understanding the early indicators of depression.
These findings have the potential to inform future interventions and help individuals effectively manage their sleep and mental well-being.
So, whether you're someone who sleeps a little or a lot, this research highlights the importance of paying attention to your own sleep and mental health.
By recognising the potential signs and seeking support when needed, you can take charge of your well-being.
6: The Step-by-Step Journey of Neuronal Gene Expression in Early Animal Evolution
Read the original paper: Stepwise emergence of the neuronal gene expression program in early animal evolution
Publisher / Publication: Cell
Authors: Sebastián R. Najle, Xavier Grau-Bové, Anamaria Elek, Cristina Navarrete, Damiano Cianferoni
Published: October 12th, 2023
Have you ever wondered how the complex nervous systems of animals first came to be?
Well, a group of researchers delved into this fascinating question by studying a peculiar type of animal called placozoans.
These small disc-shaped creatures may not have neurons, but they exhibit fascinating coordinated behaviours triggered by special cells that secrete peptides.
Through a careful analysis involving genetics and cell biology, the researchers discovered intriguing clues about the evolution of neurons.
To unravel this evolutionary mystery, the researchers compared placozoans with other early animals like sponges and ctenophores.
Surprisingly, while sponges and ctenophores lacked a specific gene expression pattern associated with neurons, the placozoans exhibited a remarkable variety of cell types, some of which expressed genes related to neuronal functions.
Moreover, the researchers identified fourteen distinct types of peptidergic cells in placozoans that expressed genes typically associated with neurons. These peptidergic cells communicate using modified neuropeptides, forming an intricate network of cell signaling.
The researchers also observed that these peptidergic cells originated from progenitor cells with characteristics similar to those involved in neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons.
The research's findings shed light on the early development of the nervous system. It appears that important gene modules and the ability to generate complex cell networks had emerged even before the evolution of the advanced neurons found in animals like jellyfish and humans. This suggests that cell-to-cell communication through paracrine signalling played a fundamental role in the evolution of neuronal functions.
By studying the diverse cell types in placozoans, the researchers offer valuable insights into the origins of neurons and the fascinating journey of animal evolution.
This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the development of complex nervous systems, which are essential for a wide range of animal behaviours, including our own.
7: Crocodiles can pick up on distress sounds from human babies, but they interpret them differently
Read the original paper: Crocodile perception of distress in hominid baby cries
Publisher / Publication: Royal Society
Authors: Julie Thévenet, Léo Papet, Gérard Coureaud, Nicolas Boyer, Florence Levréro
Published: October 2nd, 2023
Have you ever wondered if crocodiles can sense distress in the cries of human babies? Well, a group of researchers decided to investigate this intriguing question.
They discovered that Nile crocodiles are indeed attracted to the calls of infant primates like bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans. However, their response is not just based on any old cry – it depends on specific acoustic features that convey the level of distress. Interestingly, these features, such as chaotic patterns, harmonicity, and spectral prominences, differ from what humans use to gauge the distress in baby cries.
These findings have broader implications. They challenge the belief that distress calls across different species are universally understood. While distress vocalisations generally serve to alert others of potential danger, the specific acoustic traits used to convey distress can vary. What this means is that what sounds distressing to one species may not necessarily have the same effect on another.
But why should we care about crocodiles and their ability to perceive baby cries?
Well, the researchers suggest that the acoustic features that trigger a crocodile's reaction might actually be more reliable markers of distress than those recognised by humans.
This raises the question of whether our current understanding of distress in human infants is complete or if there are other vital cues we're missing.
In the end, this study sheds light on the remarkable complexity of animal communication and the differences between species. It implies that the acoustic features that convey distress information in sound signals are not set in stone but instead vary depending on the species.
So, the next time you hear a baby cry, consider how different creatures might interpret it differently based on their unique perception of sound.
Does this mean crocodiles can sympathise with human infants? Not exactly. But it does show us that there's more than meets the ear when it comes to understanding distress signals in the animal kingdom, and that could have important implications for how we understand and interact with the natural world.
9: How Smells Influence the Way We See Colours
Read the original paper: Odors modulate color appearance
Publisher / Publication: Frontiers
Authors: Ryan J. Ward, Maliha Ashraf, Sophie Wuerger, Alan Marshall
Published: October 6th, 2023
Our brain has a clever way of combining information from our senses to shape our perception of the world.
In this fascinating study, researchers set out to explore how smells can actually affect the way we perceive colours. Yep, you read that right! Turns out, odours and visuals work together in our minds to create our own unique experiences.
Now, you might be wondering why this is such a big deal.
Well, it turns out that this interplay between our senses can really mess with our reality. The researchers discovered that when we smell something, our brain tends to tweak our perception of colours too. It's like a mix and match game happening inside our heads!
They called these consistent connections between what our senses tell us "crossmodal correspondences." It means that there are particular links between different sensory experiences. And guess what? These links can influence not only our vision but also our sense of smell.
So, here's what the researchers did: they asked a group of people to adjust a colour to remove any hints of hue (which means making it a neutral grey). While doing this, they exposed the participants to various smells. And guess what happened? The participants' perception of this neutral grey shifted towards warmer colours!
But that's not all.
Out of the five smells the researchers tested, four of them matched what they were expecting. For instance, when the participants smelled cherry, the neutral grey color turned into a reddish-brown hue. Imagine that!
To make things even more interesting, the researchers tried a different experiment.
They had people adjust a colour to make it achromatic (which means colourless). And guess what happened again? They found that the presence of smells had a small but systematic effect on how people perceived colours.
So, what's the bottom line here?
This study highlights the incredible interconnectedness of our senses. It shows that our sense of smell is not just about detecting scents, but it also has a sneaky way of altering our perception of colours.
Our brains are truly remarkable, constantly working behind the scenes to create our unique experiences of the world around us.