Woodpeckers, Dysentery, Plastic Eating Microbes
Discover the latest scientific breakthroughs and insights with this month's Briefly Science newsletter.
This month, I summarise 11 cutting-edge research papers covering diverse topics - from plastic-eating microbes in the Arctic to antibiotic breakthroughs against superbugs.
Learn how early-life experiences shape pain perception, get the facts on the health impact of contaminated airplane air, and read about evidence that an elusive woodpecker may still exist.
With complex studies presented in engaging language, this newsletter makes groundbreaking academic research understandable for college students and non-experts alike.
Stay curious and empower yourself through science made simple.
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
1: Uncovering a Rare Case: Lymphoma in a Mouse after Receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine
Read the original paper: B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma following intravenous BNT162b2 mRNA booster in a BALB/c mouse: A case report
Publisher / Publication: Frontiers
Authors: Sander Eens, Manon Van Hecke, Kasper Favere, Thomas Tousseyn, Pieter-Jan Guns
Published: May 1st, 2023
The global effort to combat COVID-19 led to the rapid development and administration of various vaccines, including two that use innovative messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology.
While these vaccines have proven effective in reducing hospitalisations and deaths, there have been reports of certain adverse events.
One such rare event that has raised concerns is the development of malignant lymphomas, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
In this study, researchers present the first documented case of B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in a BALB/c mouse following a high-dose mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccination (BNT162b2).
The mouse, only 14 weeks old, succumbed to spontaneous death with extensive tumour growth throughout multiple organs, such as the heart, lung, liver, kidney, and spleen, just two days after the booster shot (16 days after the initial vaccination).
Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that the tumor had a B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma immunophenotype, as it showed positive staining for CD19, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, and c-MYC.
While this case adds to previous reports of lymphoma development in humans following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, establishing a definitive cause-and-effect relationship remains difficult.
As a result, it is crucial to remain vigilant in reporting similar cases and further investigating the mechanisms underlying this potential association.
Understanding the overall safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines will contribute to informed decision-making and promote public health.
2: The Impact of Plant-Based Diets on Heart Health: What the Research Reveals
Read the original paper: Vegetarian or vegan diets and blood lipids: a meta-analysis of randomized trials
Publisher / Publication: European Heart Journal
Authors: Caroline A Koch, Emilie W Kjeldsen, Ruth Frikke-Schmidt
Published: May 24th, 2023
As our society becomes increasingly aware of environmental concerns, there has been a rising interest in plant-based diets. But what effect do these diets have on our heart health? A recent comprehensive analysis, conducted by researchers, examined the results of multiple studies to shed light on this important question.
The study focused on well-established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death worldwide. By examining the impact of vegetarian and vegan diets on blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B (apoB), the researchers aimed to determine whether plant-based diets can reduce the risk of heart disease.
To conduct their analysis, the researchers gathered and analysed data from randomised controlled trials published between 1980 and October 2022.
These trials compared the effects of vegetarian or vegan diets to an omnivorous diet on blood lipid levels in adults aged 18 or older. The results were calculated using a random-effects model to provide a comprehensive overview.
The analysis included thirty trials, and the findings were striking. Compared to those following an omnivorous diet, individuals on plant-based diets experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels. These effects were consistent across various factors such as age, continent, duration of study, health status, intervention diet, intervention program, and study design.
Importantly, plant-based diets showed potential in reducing the burden of atherosclerosis, a key contributor to cardiovascular disease, by lowering levels of atherogenic lipoproteins. However, no significant difference was observed in triglyceride levels.
These findings provide valuable insights for individuals concerned about their heart health. Incorporating plant-based diets into one's lifestyle could have positive implications for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
As you consider the implications of this research, it is crucial to understand that each individual's health journey is unique. Consulting with healthcare professionals and considering personal circumstances is essential when making any dietary changes.
In conclusion, this research highlights the potential benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels. By choosing plant-based options, individuals can take positive steps towards safeguarding their heart health and mitigating the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3: The Molecular Secrets Behind Being Pain-Free: Insights from Cutting-Edge Research
Read the original paper: Molecular basis of FAAH-OUT-associated human pain insensitivity
Publisher / Publication: Brain
Authors: Hajar Mikaeili, Abdella M Habib, Charlix Wai-Lok Yeung, Sonia Santana-Varela, Ana P Luiz
Published: May 24th, 2023
Chronic pain is a global problem, affecting millions of people who desperately seek relief. The quest for innovative treatments has led researchers to explore the biological malfunctions associated with inherited pain insensitivity disorders in humans.
In a groundbreaking study, scientists have uncovered the intricate workings of an elusive gene called FAAH-OUT, which plays a crucial role in human pain perception.
This remarkable finding sprang from investigating an extraordinary patient who displayed an intriguing trio of pain insensitivity, reduced anxiety, and swift wound healing.
The researchers discovered that FAAH-OUT, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) gene found in specific regions of the brain and the dorsal root ganglia, orchestrates the activity of a neighboring gene called FAAH.
FAAH is responsible for encoding an enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which degrades anandamide, a key component of the body's endocannabinoid system.
The disruption of FAAH-OUT lncRNA transcription triggers a cascade of events, leading to methylation of the FAAH promoter, under the influence of a protein called DNMT1.
Interestingly, FAAH-OUT also houses a regulatory element called FAAH-AMP, which acts as an enhancer, contributing to the expression of FAAH.
By analysing cells derived from patients, the researchers unearthed a interconnected network of genes that experience dysregulation as a result of the disruption to the FAAH-FAAH-OUT axis.
This comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms sheds light on the observed human phenotype, with pain insensitivity intertwined with lowered anxiety levels and accelerated wound healing.
Significantly, since FAAH represents a prospective target for treating various neurological conditions, such as pain, anxiety, and depression, comprehending the regulatory role of the FAAH-OUT gene offers a solid foundation for the development of gene and small molecule therapies in the future.
In a nutshell, this pioneering research unravels the mystery behind FAAH-OUT-associated pain insensitivity, where a lack of pain is accompanied by reduced anxiety and enhanced wound healing.
The FAAH-OUT long non-coding RNA gene takes charge of FAAH expression using two transcription-dependent mechanisms.
These groundbreaking findings open doors to potential gene therapy approaches, promising a transformation in our ability to address pain and related neurological disorders.
4: High levels of floating sea life in the plastic-infested North Pacific Garbage Patch
Read the original paper: High concentrations of floating neustonic life in the plastic-rich North Pacific Garbage Patch
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Biology
Authors: Fiona Chong, Matthew Spencer, Nikolai Maximenko, Jan Hafner, Andrew C. McWhirter
Published: May 4th, 2023
The ocean's surface is teeming with floating life that plays a critical role in sustaining the delicate food web.
Surprisingly, only one area of the world, the Sargasso Sea in the Subtropical North Atlantic, is known to have high concentrations of floating organisms.
These remarkable creatures provide vital structure to their habitat and serve as essential contributors to the ecosystem. However, researchers believe that similar concentrations of floating life can be found in other regions where surface currents converge.
To investigate this hypothesis, a group of scientists collected samples from the eastern North Pacific Subtropical Gyre in a location known as the North Pacific "Garbage Patch."
This area is notorious for accumulating an alarming amount of human-made debris.
The researchers discovered that the central part of the Garbage Patch contained significantly higher densities of floating life compared to its periphery.
Interestingly, they also observed a positive correlation between the abundance of floating organisms and the amount of plastic waste for three out of five specific types of sea life, namely Velella, Porpita, and Janthina.
These findings shed light on the intricacies of subtropical oceanic gyre ecosystems and their inhabitants. Moreover, they underscore the alarming impact of plastic pollution on marine life.
As college students, we have a unique opportunity to understand and address these environmental challenges. They are not abstract concepts confined to scientific journals, but real-world problems that affect the very ecosystems we rely on for our livelihood.
By recognising the interconnectedness of our actions with the health of our oceans, we can take steps to reduce plastic waste and protect the abundance of floating sea life that enriches our planet.
Future research in this field holds the potential to guide policy decisions and shape our collective efforts towards a sustainable future.
Together, we can make a difference and ensure a healthy and vibrant marine environment for generations to come.
5: Giardia duodenalis and dysentery: Uncovering Ancient Health Challenges in Iron Age Jerusalem
Read the original paper: Giardia duodenalis and dysentery in Iron Age Jerusalem (7th–6th century BCE)
Publisher / Publication: Cambridge University Press
Authors: Piers D. Mitchell, Tianyi Wang, Ya'akov Billig, Yuval Gadot, Peter Warnock
Published: May 26th, 2023
Did you know that the ancient city of Jerusalem, during the Iron Age, might have been plagued with a parasitic infection called dysentery?
This exciting research delves into the intriguing possibility that the protozoa causing dysentery were present in the capital of the Kingdom of Judah long ago.
By examining samples from latrines dating back to the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, the researchers aimed to shed light on the health challenges faced by the ancient inhabitants.
Previous microscopic investigations revealed that the users of these latrines were already suffering from infections such as whipworm, roundworm, tapeworm, and pinworm. However, identifying the fragile protozoa responsible for dysentery is notoriously challenging due to their inability to survive in ancient samples recognisable under light microscopy.
To tackle this problem, the researchers employed sophisticated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits, specifically designed to detect antigens of three possible culprits: Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium sp., and Giardia duodenalis.
The results were intriguing. While Entamoeba and Cryptosporidium were absent, Giardia was unequivocally detected in both latrine sediments, verified through three repetitions of the analysis.
This groundbreaking discovery provides the first microbiological evidence of infectious diarrhoeal illnesses that likely affected ancient populations in the near east.
Moreover, integrating descriptions from Mesopotamian medical texts spanning the 2nd and 1st millennium BCE suggests that outbreaks of dysentery caused by giardiasis may have contributed to widespread ill health in early towns across the region.
By unraveling these ancient health challenges, this research not only expands our understanding of the daily struggles faced by the people of Iron Age Jerusalem but also highlights the enduring nature of infectious diseases throughout history.
Such insights remind us of the vital importance of public health measures, ensuring the well-being of communities then and now.
6: Streptothricin F: An Antibiotic That Kills Superbugs
Read the original paper: Streptothricin F is a bactericidal antibiotic effective against highly drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria that interacts with the 30S subunit of the 70S ribosome
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Biology
Authors: Christopher E. Morgan, Yoon-Suk Kang, Alex B. Green, Kenneth P. Smith, Matthew G. Dowgiallo
Published: May 16th, 2023
In the 1940s, researchers discovered a natural compound called streptothricin F (S-F) which showed amazing potential in fighting drug-resistant bacteria.
This study dives deeper into the effectiveness of S-F against highly resistant gram-negative bacteria.
The researchers purified S-F and another compound called streptothricin D (S-D) and tested their activity against carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii, both notorious for their resistance to drugs.
The results were impressive, with S-F and S-D exhibiting strong bactericidal effects.
The researchers also compared the selectivity of S-F and S-D for bacterial ribosomes versus human ribosomes.
They found that S-F and S-D specifically targeted the bacterial ribosomes while sparing the human ones, making them potentially safe for human use.
Furthermore, in an animal model, S-F showed a significant therapeutic effect against a notorious drug-resistant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae without causing much harm.
To understand how S-F interacts with bacteria, the researchers used advanced imaging techniques and discovered that S-F binds tightly to the bacterial ribosome.
This binding disrupts the ribosome's functioning and impairs the bacteria's ability to synthesise important proteins. The researchers believe that this action is what ultimately kills the bacteria.
Given these exciting findings, the streptothricin F compound should be further explored as a potential therapy for drug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. Its unique properties and strong bacterial-killing effects have the potential to combat highly resistant superbugs that pose a serious threat to human health.
Streptothricin F could be a valuable addition to our arsenal in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
7: Evidence Suggests the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker May Still Exist in Louisiana
Read the original paper: Multiple lines of evidence suggest the persistence of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker ( Campephilus principalis ) in Louisiana
Publisher / Publication: Wiley
Authors: Steven C. Latta, Mark A. Michaels, Thomas C. Michot, Peggy L. Shrum, Patricia Johnson
Published: May 18th, 2023
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10017
The decline of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker has a long and complex history. However, controversy surrounds its status since the last widely accepted sighting in continental North America in 1944.
Reports of the bird have persisted, yet none have met the criteria for general acceptance by experts and birdwatchers.
Recently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed declaring the species extinct.
This research presents evidence suggesting the presence of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker in our study site over a ten-year search period from 2012 to 2022.
The researchers collected a multitude of data to bolster their case, including visual observations, thousands of hours of audio recordings, hundreds of thousands of camera footage hours, and over a thousand hours of video captured from drone flights.
Through these various lines of evidence, they noted intermittent but repeated sightings of individual birds displaying field marks and behaviours consistent with the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker.
The data also indicate the recurring use of foraging sites and core habitat by the birds.
The findings challenge the notion of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker's extinction, suggesting that hope may still exist for the species.
Declaring it extinct prematurely may be unwarranted based on the researchers' compelling evidence.
While the debate continues, this research sheds light on the potential persistence of this species, which holds implications for our understanding of conservation efforts and preserving biodiversity.
Understanding the predicament of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker and the evidence presented in this research invites us to consider the delicate balance between human impact and the survival of endangered species.
It serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between our actions and the well-being of the natural world.
Recognising the importance of careful observation and rigorous scientific inquiry, we must remain open to the possibility that the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker may still grace our forests in Louisiana.
8: Larger pollen loads put bumblebees at risk of overheating, study finds
Read the original paper: Larger pollen loads increase risk of heat stress in foraging bumblebees
Publisher / Publication: Royal Society
Authors: Malia Naumchik, Elsa Youngsteadt
Published: May 17th, 2023
Bumblebee populations around the world are dwindling due to climate change, but we still don't fully understand how exactly rising temperatures are affecting these vital pollinators.
To shed some light on this issue, researchers delved into the potential for heat stress in bumblebees while they go about their essential task of foraging for pollen.
While previous lab experiments have shown that pollen foraging can cause bees to heat up, no one has investigated this phenomenon in bumblebees or in real-life foraging scenarios.
In their study, the researchers focused on how the size of pollen loads affects the temperature of Bombus impatiens workers in the field.
Taking into account body size and the local microclimate, they found that an increase in pollen load of just one milligram caused a temperature rise of 0.07°C. Across the range of observed pollen loads, this translated to a staggering 2°C increase in thoracic temperature.
Interestingly, bumblebees carrying pollen were predicted to have temperatures 1.7–2.2°C hotter than their pollen-free counterparts. This means that under certain conditions, pollen loads could push B. impatiens workers from a safe body temperature range to the limits of what they can tolerate (41.3°C to 48.4°C).
Given these findings, it is likely that bumblebees employ behavioural or physiological strategies to mitigate the thermal stress caused by pollen transport. However, these coping mechanisms might also limit their foraging opportunities, especially as environmental temperatures continue to rise.
It is crucial that we pay attention to the impact of heat stress on bumblebees, as they play a crucial role in pollinating our crops and sustaining our ecosystems.
By understanding the challenges these remarkable creatures face due to climate change, we can work towards developing effective conservation strategies to safeguard their survival and protect our own food security.
9: Discovery of Microbes that Break Down Plastic in Cold Environments
Read the original paper: Discovery of plastic-degrading microbial strains isolated from the alpine and Arctic terrestrial plastisphere
Publisher / Publication: Frontiers
Authors: Joel Rüthi, Mattia Cerri, Ivano Brunner, Beat Stierli, Michael Sander
Published: May 10th, 2023
Plastic pollution is a growing problem across the world.
It's no secret that we produce a lot of plastic and a significant amount of it ends up in our environment.
This calls for a more sustainable approach to plastic use and disposal.
One potential solution lies in the power of microorganisms to degrade plastic. But until now, most of the research has focused on high temperatures, ignoring the role of cold environments.
In this study, researchers found 34 strains of cold-adapted microbes that have the ability to break down plastic.
They discovered these microbes by burying plastic in alpine and Arctic soils and collecting plastics directly from Arctic environments.
The researchers then tested the ability of these microbes to degrade various types of plastic, including conventional polyethylene (PE) and biodegradable plastics such as polyester-polyurethane (PUR) and polylactic acid (PLA).
The results were promising.
Some strains were able to degrade the biodegradable plastic films ecovio® and BI-OPL, as well as the dispersed PUR, but not PE.
Additionally, certain microbial strains showed potential for depolymerizing PBAT, another type of biodegradable plastic.
Notably, two strains, Neodevriesia and Lachnellula, were able to degrade all tested biodegradable plastics, making them particularly exciting for future applications.
Interestingly, the composition of the culturing medium influenced the microbial plastic degradation, with different strains thriving under different conditions.
This finding highlights the importance of understanding the optimal conditions for plastic degradation.
By uncovering these novel microbial strains that can break down plastic in cold environments, this research lays a strong foundation for the role of biodegradable polymers in creating a circular plastic economy.
It offers hope for a more sustainable future by shedding light on the potential of microorganisms to address plastic pollution.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of microbes in combating plastic pollution, particularly in colder environments. It highlights the need for further exploration and development of biodegradable plastics as part of a circular plastic economy.
10: The Health Effects of Breathing Contaminated Air on Airplane Flights
Read the original paper: Health consequences of exposure to aircraft contaminated air and fume events: a narrative review and medical protocol for the investigation of exposed aircrew and passengers
Publisher / Publication: BMC Environment Health
Authors: Jonathan Burdon, Lygia Therese Budnik, Xaver Baur, Gerard Hageman, C. Vyvyan Howard
Published: May 16th, 2023
Have you ever wondered about the quality of the air you breathe during airplane flights?
Well, for decades, researchers have been studying the consequences of inhaling fumes from engine oil and hydraulic fluid that pollute the air in aircraft cabins.
These fumes contain harmful substances like organophosphates, ultrafine particles, and volatile organic hydrocarbons.
In this research paper, the researchers review the existing literature on the health impacts of these fume events on aircrew and passengers.
Breathing in these toxic fumes has been found to cause a range of symptoms, both immediately and in the long term.
The effects can be neurological, respiratory, cardiological, and more.
Even regular exposure to small doses of these fumes can potentially harm your health, and a single larger exposure can worsen the damage.
However, assessing the toxicity of these mixtures is complicated, as it is challenging to determine the impact of individual substances when they are heated and combined together.
To address the need for a consistent approach to diagnosing and treating individuals who have been exposed to these fumes, internationally recognised experts have developed a medical protocol.
This protocol offers guidelines for recognising, investigating, and managing the toxic effects of inhaling thermally degraded engine oil and other fluids found in aircraft air conditioning systems.
It covers actions and investigations that should take place during the flight, immediately after the flight, and in subsequent follow-ups.
In summary, this research emphasises the importance of understanding the health consequences of inhaling contaminated air while flying.
By raising awareness and providing a comprehensive medical protocol, we aim to ensure the well-being of aircrew and passengers.
It is crucial to address this issue and take appropriate measures to protect ourselves when traveling by air.
11: Early-life adversity and its effects on pain and opioid tolerance in mice
Read the original paper: Early-life adversity increases morphine tolerance and persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity through upregulation of δ opioid receptors in mice
Publisher / Publication: PAIN
Authors: Sam Singleton, Claire Sneddon, Alice Bakina, Jeremy J. Lambert, Tim G. Hales
Published: May 10th, 2023
Researchers have discovered that early-life adversity, particularly fragmented maternal care, can have long-lasting effects on pain perception and opioid tolerance in mice.
This new study sheds light on the possible mechanisms behind these effects.
The study found that mice who experienced fragmented maternal care showed an increase in the expression of a specific type of receptor in their brains, known as δ opioid receptors.
Interestingly, this increase in receptor expression was associated with a decrease in acute pain sensitivity, meaning that these mice felt less pain in response to certain stimuli.
However, this apparent pain relief came at a cost.
The researchers observed that the mice with enhanced δ receptor expression also developed a heightened tolerance to morphine, a commonly used opioid painkiller.
This means that these mice needed higher doses of morphine to achieve the same level of pain relief as mice with normal receptor expression.
Furthermore, the mice exposed to fragmented maternal care also exhibited increased vulnerability to persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity.
This means that once these mice experienced inflammation, they were more likely to feel heightened pain for longer periods of time.
Understanding the effects of early-life adversity on pain perception and opioid tolerance is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood trauma.
This research provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between early-life experiences, opioid receptors, and pain processing in the brain. By unraveling these mechanisms, scientists may be able to identify potential targets for interventions aimed at improving pain management in individuals who have experienced early-life adversity.
While this study was conducted in mice, the findings have important implications for humans.
Many individuals have faced various forms of early-life adversity, and understanding how these experiences shape pain perception and opioid tolerance can help guide future research and interventions in human populations.
That’s it for this month.
Thanks for reading.
See you next month.
Claudia Brady.