Giant Rats, Fear, Lost in Space
Welcome to this month's edition of "Briefly Science," your go-to newsletter for the latest and most intriguing scientific discoveries.
In this issue, I explore a diverse range of topics, from the life-enhancing power of social connections to the strategic territorial manoeuvers of chimpanzees.
I delve into groundbreaking medical research, examining novel techniques in cancer diagnosis and the impact of insecticides on male fertility, the molecular basis of neurodegenerative diseases, and the potential benefits of plant-based diets on our health.
We’ll also look at the fascinating world of the Vanugu Giant Rat, the intricacies of the brain's fear circuitry, and the vital role of blood cells in brain health.
Finally, we explore innovative solutions in space technology, particularly how vibrotactile feedback can help astronauts maintain spatial orientation.
Whether you're a curious student or a seasoned academic, get ready to expand your horizons with these compelling scientific findings.
Read time: approximately 15 minutes.
1: The Impact of Social Connection on Mortality Rates: Insights from UK Biobank
Read the full paper: Social connection and mortality in UK Biobank: a prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Hamish M. E. Foster, Jason M. R. Gill, Frances S. Mair, Carlos A. Celis-Morales, Bhautesh D. Jani
Published: November 10th, 2023
We often intuitively understand that social connections play a vital role in our overall well-being, but what does the research say?
A group of researchers, using data from the UK Biobank, embarked on a study to uncover the relationship between social connection and mortality rates. In this comprehensive analysis, the researchers explored both the individual and combined effects of different aspects of social connection on mortality.
To delve into this topic, the researchers examined data from a staggering 458,146 participants who were closely monitored for over a decade.
They focused on two functional factors of social connection: the frequency of being able to confide in someone close and the experience of loneliness.
Additionally, they considered three structural components: the frequency of visits from friends and family, engagement in group activities on a weekly basis, and living alone.
Unveiling the results, the researchers discovered that all measures of social connection had a significant impact on mortality outcomes. More specifically, they found that individuals who reported a lower frequency of being able to confide in someone close, felt lonely more often, had infrequent visits from friends and family, participated in group activities less frequently, or lived alone were at a higher risk of both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease-related mortality.
This research offers valuable insights into the importance of nurturing social connections. It highlights that having a reliable support system and actively engaging with others have a protective effect on mortality rates.
These findings resonate with our everyday experiences and emphasize the significance of cultivating meaningful relationships.
As we navigate life's journey, we should prioritize building healthy social connections.
By nurturing relationships, confiding in someone close to us, and actively participating in group activities, we can enhance our overall well-being and potentially reduce the risk of premature mortality.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking research sheds light on the connection between social interaction and mortality rates. It underscores the need to value and foster social connections, as they can have a profound impact on our longevity and quality of life.
2: Chimpanzees' Clever Use of High Ground in Battle for Territory
Read the full paper: Chimpanzees make tactical use of high elevation in territorial contexts
Authors: Sylvain R. T. Lemoine, Liran Samuni, Catherine Crockford, Roman M. Wittig
Published: November 2nd, 2023
Throughout history, humans have shown strategic thinking during warfare. One fascinating tactic involves using elevated areas to gain an advantage in territorial conflicts. These high points allow humans to detect enemies early and make safe strategic moves based on collected information. What has remained uncertain, however, is whether our closest animal relatives, chimpanzees, also use such clever tactics. Researchers conducted an in-depth study over three years on two neighbouring groups of western chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. They aimed to uncover whether chimpanzees make decisions that are consistent with the tactical use of elevated terrain to outsmart their rivals.
Their findings shed light on the tactical brilliance of these primates. When travelling towards the location of conflict, the chimpanzees were more likely to choose higher hills as their route. Once on these elevated hills, the chimpanzees engaged in behaviours that allowed them to gather crucial information about their rivals. Interestingly, when leaving the hills, the chimpanzees carefully selected their path to minimise potential risks, indicating that higher ground assists in detecting the presence or absence of rivals.
These discoveries support the idea that elevation plays a significant role in chimpanzees' information gathering and tactical decision-making. By utilising the landscape in territorial maneuvers, chimpanzees seek out valuable information that influences their behaviour. This suggests that these intelligent creatures possess sophisticated cognitive abilities, similar to species that benefit from coordinated territorial defense. The researchers propose that studying territorial contexts is essential in unravelling the complexities of animal cognition.
This study not only highlights the fascinating behaviour of chimpanzees but also resonates with our own experiences. It serves as a reminder that strategic thinking and using available resources to gain an upper hand have been an inherent part of our evolutionary history. By unravelling the intricate tactics of chimpanzees, scientists bring us closer to understanding the complex nature of cognition in our closest relatives.
3: A CT-Based Imaging Model to Predict Tumour Type and Grade in Abdominal Cancer: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment
Read the full paper: A CT-based radiomics classification model for the prediction of histological type and tumour grade in retroperitoneal sarcoma (RADSARC-R): a retrospective multicohort analysis
Authors: Amani Arthur, Matthew R Orton, Robby Emsley, Sharon Vit, Christian Kelly-Morland
Published: November 1st, 2023
Abdominal cancer is a serious disease with a poor prognosis, especially when it comes to tumours located in the retroperitoneal area. These tumours are challenging to characterise accurately upfront, often leading to errors in grading. However, researchers have come up with an innovative approach called radiomics, which allows them to analyse the characteristics of these tumours non-invasively using CT scans.
In this study, the researchers aimed to develop and validate a CT-based radiomics model to predict both the histological type and grade of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and liposarcoma. They gathered data from a group of patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, UK, and from another cohort in the STRASS study, which evaluated neoadjuvant radiotherapy in retroperitoneal sarcoma. Patients aged 18 and above with confirmed primary leiomyosarcoma or liposarcoma, who were undergoing surgical resection and had available contrast-enhanced CT scans, were included in the study.
Using the collected data, the researchers developed a workflow to analyse the CT images, including manual delineation, sub-segmentation, feature extraction, and building predictive models. They created separate probability-based classifiers for predicting the histological type and distinguishing between low and intermediate/high-grade tumours. These models were then tested and validated independently.
The study included 170 patients in the discovery cohort and 89 patients in the validation cohort. The researchers found that their radiomics model accurately predicted the histological type and grade of retroperitoneal sarcomas. The highest-performing model achieved an excellent level of accuracy, with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.928 for predicting histological type and an AUROC of 0.882 for predicting tumour grade.
This validated radiomics model has significant implications for improving the diagnosis and risk assessment of retroperitoneal sarcomas. By providing a more precise and non-invasive way to determine the type and grade of the tumours, it can aid clinicians in making informed treatment decisions, potentially leading to improved outcomes for patients.
The research was supported by grants from the Wellcome Trust, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group, National Institutes for Health, and National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research.
4: Are insecticides harming men's fertility? A review of the evidence
Read the full paper: Adult Organophosphate and Carbamate Insecticide Exposure and Sperm Concentration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Epidemiological Evidence
Authors: Lauren B. Ellis, Karen Molina, C. Rebecca Robbins, Marlaina Freisthler, Daria Sgargi
Published: November 15th, 2023
DOI: 10.1289/EHP12678
Have you ever wondered about the impact of insecticides on male fertility? Well, a group of researchers has conducted a comprehensive study to shed light on this important issue. In recent years, concerns have grown about the potential negative effects of certain insecticides on sperm concentration. However, there have been very few reviews or analyses on this topic so far.
The researchers set out to fill this gap by carefully examining the available evidence from a wide range of studies. They focused on two types of insecticides commonly used today: organophosphates (OPs) and N-methyl carbamates (NMCs). By using rigorous systematic review and meta-analysis methods, they evaluated the strength of the evidence regarding the impact of adult exposure to these insecticides on sperm concentration.
To gather their findings, the researchers searched multiple databases, including scientific ones like PubMed and Scopus, as well as government and non-governmental organization websites. They considered all primary epidemiological studies published in any language up until August 11, 2022.
After analysing data from 20 studies encompassing 1,774 adult men, the researchers found a consistent pattern. They observed that men exposed to OP and NMC insecticides generally had lower sperm concentrations compared to those less exposed. The impact was quantified as a decrease of 0.30 in standardized mean difference.
This study provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the potential risks associated with insecticide exposure and male fertility. It highlights the need for further investigation and suggests that precautionary measures should be considered to protect men's reproductive health.
So, whether you are concerned about the impact of insecticides on your own fertility or simply want to stay informed about the latest scientific research, this study offers a comprehensive overview. By examining the evidence, the researchers encourage ongoing dialogue and a cautious approach when it comes to the use of insecticides in our environment.
5: Understanding the Molecular Basis of Polyglutamine Aggregation in Neurodegenerative Diseases
Read the full paper: Pathologic polyglutamine aggregation begins with a self-poisoning polymer crystal
Authors: Tej Kandola, Shriram Venkatesan, Jiahui Zhang, Brooklyn T Lerbakken, Alex Von Schulze
Published: November 3rd, 2023
DOI: 10.7554/eLife.86939
For years, scientists have aimed to unravel the underlying structure that triggers the formation of toxic protein clumps called amyloids. However, the fleeting nature of this process has hindered progress. In this study, researchers sought to overcome this obstacle in the context of polyglutamine (polyQ), a sequence of amino acids found in Huntington's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders associated with amyloid formation.
To identify the key elements of the polyQ amyloid nucleus, the researchers employed a method that directly measures self-association within cells. By examining the frequency of amyloid appearance under varying conditions, they discovered that the initial step in the pathological aggregation of expanded polyQ involves segments of three glutamine (Q) residues at alternating positions. Through molecular simulations, the researchers unveiled that this pattern gives rise to a four-stranded structure resembling a zipper, with interlocking Q side chains. Interestingly, once formed, this zipper hinders its own growth by interacting with unsuspecting protein molecules from different angles—a phenomenon akin to how crystals form within polymers. The researchers also demonstrated that preventing amyloid formation is possible by genetically linking together polyQ molecules prior to the nucleation process.
By illuminating the physical mechanism that limits the rate of polyQ aggregation within cells, these findings shed light on the molecular causes of polyQ-related diseases.
6: Substituting Animal-Based Foods with Plant-Based Foods: A Key to Better Health
Read the full paper: Substitution of animal-based with plant-based foods on cardiometabolic health and all-cause mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Manuela Neuenschwander, Julia Stadelmaier, Julian Eble, Kathrin Grummich, Edyta Szczerba
Published: November 16th, 2023
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat affects your health? Well, there's some interesting research on this topic. A group of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous studies to find out if replacing animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives can improve our health and reduce the risk of diseases.
They looked at a variety of health outcomes, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and even all-cause mortality. The researchers analysed data from 24 different cohorts, covering a total of 37 publications.
So, what did they find? Well, replacing processed meat with nuts, legumes, and whole grains was associated with a lower risk of CVD. Similarly, substituting eggs with nuts and butter with olive oil also showed positive effects on cardiovascular health.
When it comes to T2D, the researchers found that replacing red meat or processed meat with whole grains or nuts was beneficial. They also noted that replacing poultry with whole grains and eggs with nuts or whole grains can have a positive impact on reducing T2D risk.
But the benefits of plant-based foods didn't stop there. The research also showed that swapping red meat, processed meat, dairy, eggs, and butter with nuts, legumes, whole grains, and olive oil was associated with reduced all-cause mortality.
In conclusion, this study suggests that shifting from animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and dairy to plant-based alternatives like nuts, legumes, and whole grains is linked to better heart health and a lower risk of mortality.
So, next time you make a meal choice, consider adding more plant-based foods to your plate. It might just help you lead a healthier life!
7: Morphological Changes in the Fear Circuitry: The Impact of Sex Hormones and Oral Contraceptives
Read the full paper: Morphologic alterations of the fear circuitry: the role of sex hormones and oral contraceptives
Authors: Alexandra Brouillard, Lisa-Marie Davignon, Anne-Marie Turcotte, Marie-France Marin
Published: November 7th, 2023
Gender differences in the brain are influenced by sex hormones and oral contraceptives (OCs), which in turn affect fear processing. This study examined both current and lasting effects of OC use, as well as the interaction between current hormonal levels and past OC use on the brain regions involved in the fear circuitry. The influence of endogenous and exogenous sex hormones on this network was also explored.
Researchers recruited healthy adults aged 23-35, comprising women currently using OCs (n=62), women who had previously used OCs (n=37), women who had never used hormonal contraceptives (n=40), and men (n=41). Salivary samples were collected to measure endogenous sex hormones and ethinyl estradiol (EE) levels in current OC users, using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to analyze gray matter volumes (GMVs) and cortical thickness (CT) of specific regions in the fear circuitry. Additional analyses were conducted to explore brain morphology using whole-brain approaches.
Findings revealed that all groups of women exhibited a larger GMV in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex compared to men. Only current OC users, however, showed a thinner ventromedial prefrontal cortex. Women who had never used hormonal contraceptives had a thicker right anterior insular cortex compared to past users, regardless of menstrual cycle phase. The influence of endogenous sex hormones on these differences remains unclear, but lower doses of EE in current users were associated with smaller cortical GMVs, indicating that EE dosage has a greater impact on brain anatomy than salivary EE levels and progestin androgenicity.
The results emphasise a gender difference in the GMV of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, a region associated with fear, as well as a decrease in CT of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, which regulates fear, specifically in current OC users with lower EE doses. These findings suggest structural vulnerabilities to anxiety and stress-related disorders. Although durable anatomical effects were scarce, indicating that OC intake potentially reversibly affects fear-related brain morphology.
8: The Vanugu Giant Rat: A Rare Rodent Surviving in the Solomon Islands
Read the full paper: Vangunu giant rat ( Uromys vika ) survives in the Zaira Community Resource Management Area, Solomon Islands
Authors: Tyrone H. Lavery, Adrian Holland, Nixon Jino, Atuna Judge, Hikuna Judge
Published: November 20th, 2023
DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10703
The Vanugu Giant Rat (Uromys vika) is a captivating creature that remains one of the most enigmatic rodents on the planet. With limited research available, this critically endangered species faces a grave threat from the destruction of its primary rainforest habitat on Vangunu, the sole island where it resides in the Solomon Islands. However, the indigenous people of Vangunu hold a deep understanding of U. vika's ecology. By utilising their traditional ecological knowledge and employing camera traps, researchers ventured into the last untouched expanse of Vangunu's primary forest to gather further evidence of the elusive rat's existence.
Astoundingly, the camera traps captured 95 images, potentially depicting four distinct individuals of U. vika. These findings highlight the significance of the Zaira Community Resource Management Area, as it now stands as the final refuge for this extraordinary species. Regrettably, recent authorization for logging activities in the Zaira region could spell catastrophic consequences for the survival of U. vika if allowed to proceed without intervention.
The fate of the Vanugu Giant Rat illustrates a larger predicament faced by countless endangered species worldwide. As humans continue to exploit natural resources for economic gain, we imperil the delicate balance of ecosystems. The tale of U. vika serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role that intact forests play in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity.
If we are to prevent the extinction of remarkable creatures like the Vanugu Giant Rat, we must recognise the urgent need for sustainable land management practices. Only through responsible stewardship and the preservation of untouched habitats can we ensure the survival of these unique species for future generations to marvel at and appreciate. The struggle to protect the Vanugu Giant Rat serves as a clarion call for action, inspiring us to conserve our planet's remarkable diversity of life before it is too late.
9: The Impact of Blood Cells on Brain Health: Understanding the Role of Microhemorrhages
Read the full paper: Erythrocyte–brain endothelial interactions induce microglial responses and cerebral microhemorrhages in vivo
Authors: Hai Zhang, Rachita K. Sumbria, Rudy Chang, Jiahong Sun, David H. Cribbs
Published: November 15th, 2023
Cerebral microhemorrhages (CMH) are small bleeds in the brain that can have serious consequences for our health, including strokes, cognitive decline, and normal aging. Previous research has suggested that the interaction between damaged red blood cells (RBC) and the blood vessels in the brain may play a key role in the development of these microhemorrhages. However, until now, we lacked a real-time understanding of how these interactions occur in the brain, how they are connected to blood cell clearance, microglial responses (the brain's immune cells), and the development of CMH.
To shed light on this issue, a team of researchers carried out a study using a special imaging technique in live mice. They artificially stressed red blood cells and injected them into these mice, allowing them to observe the interactions between these damaged cells and the blood vessels of the brain. The researchers found that the stressed blood cells became stuck in the vessels, slowing down the blood flow. However, after five days, the blood flow returned to normal, indicating that the vessels were able to clear the damaged cells efficiently.
Post-mortem examinations of the mice's brain tissue confirmed that these interactions between stressed blood cells and the blood vessels triggered a response from the brain's immune cells, known as microglia, leading to their activation. Importantly, the researchers also discovered that CMH could occur without any leakage from the blood vessels into the brain.
Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the development of CMH and its association with increased interactions between damaged blood cells and the blood vessels in the brain. By understanding these mechanisms, we can better grasp the impact of blood cell health on our brain's well-being. This research opens up new avenues for investigating the link between CMH and various health conditions and may ultimately contribute to the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies.
10: Vibrotactile Feedback: A Solution for Feeling Lost in Space
Read the full paper: Vibrotactile feedback as a countermeasure for spatial disorientation
Authors: Vivekanand Pandey Vimal, Alexander Sacha Panic, James R. Lackner, Paul DiZio
Published: November 3rd, 2023
Have you ever wondered how astronauts manage to stay oriented in space? Well, researchers have been investigating a potential solution to this problem: vibrotactile feedback. Spatial disorientation, a major cause of fatal aircraft accidents, can also affect astronauts during spaceflight. In this study, blindfolded participants were tasked with balancing themselves on a joystick while inside a rotating device that mimicked the movements experienced in space.
On the first day of the experiment, participants had a good sense of their orientation in the Earth analog condition, thanks to gravitational cues. However, on the second day, in the spaceflight analog condition, participants couldn't rely on gravity and quickly became disoriented, leading to poor performance and minimal learning.
To counter this disorientation, the researchers explored the use of vibrotactile feedback. This involved providing participants with small vibrating devices placed on their skin, which conveyed their body orientation. One group received orientation-dependent vibrotactile feedback in the spaceflight condition, which improved their performance. Interestingly, these participants reported a conflict between the accurate vibrotactile cues and their distorted perception of orientation.
Another group received specialized vibrotactile training on Day 1. In this training, participants had to align themselves with randomized non-vertical directions of balance signaled by vibrotactile cues, moving away from their reliance on the natural gravitational vertical. This group showed significantly better learning and performance in the spaceflight analog task with the vibrotactile cueing.
Crucially, the researchers discovered that after appropriate training, the vibrotactile orientation feedback actually enhanced dynamic spatial orientation in the participants without leading to any negative dependence. To confirm this, on the final day of the experiment, the researchers deactivated the vibrotactile feedback for all groups. Surprisingly, the groups who had practiced with the vibrotactile feedback performed just as well as the group who hadn't received any feedback.
In conclusion, this research suggests that vibrotactile feedback, when used appropriately and with the right training, can improve spatial orientation in challenging conditions like spaceflight. However, it's important to understand the potential conflicts that can arise between vibrotactile cues and our own perceptual biases. Further exploration of these findings could ultimately benefit the safety and performance of astronauts and help us unlock the mysteries of space.
Stay curious, keep questioning, and continue exploring the fascinating realm of science. Until next time, happy reading!
Claudia.