Neanderthal DNA, Tiny Worms, Chemical Cocktails
Stay up to date with the latest scientific discoveries with my monthly newsletter, Briefly Science.
This month's edition summarises 11 recent research papers, covering diverse topics from human evolution and ancient artifacts to global disease burdens and cellular rejuvenation.
Learn how Neanderthal DNA influences our anatomy, read about tiny worms revived after 46,000 years in Siberian permafrost, and discover a potential breakthrough in reversing cellular aging.
Plus insights on the health impacts of depression, endometriosis and more. With summaries written in clear, accessible language, our newsletter makes cutting-edge academic research easily understandable to all.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
1: The challenges faced by non-native English speakers in scientific research
Read the original paper: The manifold costs of being a non-native English speaker in science
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Biology
Authors: Tatsuya Amano, Valeria Ramírez-Castañeda, Violeta Berdejo-Espinola, Israel Borokini, Shawan Chowdhury
Published: July 18th, 2023
English has become the dominant language in scientific research, creating obstacles for non-native English speakers looking to make their mark in the field. However, little attention has been given to understanding the impact of language barriers on the career development of these researchers.
In this study, 908 environmental scientists were surveyed to shed light on the amount of effort required to carry out scientific activities in English, taking into account different linguistic and economic backgrounds.
The findings reveal that non-native English speakers, particularly early in their careers, face greater challenges than their native counterparts. They have to invest more effort in tasks such as reading and writing papers, preparing presentations, and disseminating research in multiple languages.
Furthermore, these language barriers can prevent them from attending and presenting at international conferences conducted in English.
It is crucial for the scientific community to acknowledge and address these disadvantages in order to unlock the potential of non-native English speakers in scientific research.
To this end, the study also proposes practical solutions that can be implemented by individuals, institutions, journals, funders, and conferences to level the playing field.
2: A New Species Found in Frozen Siberia: Surviving the Test of Time
Read the original paper: A novel nematode species from the Siberian permafrost shares adaptive mechanisms for cryptobiotic survival with C. elegans dauer larva
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Genetics
Authors: Anastasia Shatilovich, Vamshidhar R. Gade, Martin Pippel, Tarja T. Hoffmeyer, Alexei V. Tchesunov
Published: July 27th, 2023
Imagine being able to press pause on life and stay in that state for thousands of years.
It sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but recently, researchers made an astonishing discovery in the Siberian permafrost.
They found tiny worms that had been in suspended animation for an incredible 46,000 years!
These worms belong to a previously unknown species called Panagrolaimus kolymaensis.
The researchers compared these ancient worms to a well-studied cousin called Caenorhabditis elegans, which is known for its ability to survive harsh conditions.
Astonishingly, they found that both species share similar tricks for staying alive. They are like survival masters, using special biochemical pathways to tolerate freezing temperatures and dehydration.
This discovery not only expands our understanding of these remarkable survival skills but also challenges the concept of how long an organism can wait in suspended animation.
What makes this finding even more intriguing is that the worms from Siberia have been living in a state of suspended animation since the late Pleistocene era, a time when mammoths roamed the Earth.
This new discovery not only enriches our knowledge of evolutionary processes but also raises intriguing questions about the potential for the resurrection of extinct lineages through the long-term survival of individuals.
By unlocking the secrets of these frozen worms, researchers are not only shedding light on the incredible adaptability of life but also gaining insights into our own survival mechanisms.
Just imagine how useful it would be if we could learn from these ancient creatures and develop new ways to withstand extreme conditions.
In a world where climate change and environmental challenges are becoming increasingly important, studying the remarkable abilities of organisms like Panagrolaimus Kolymaensis could prove invaluable.
As we face uncertain times, the survival strategies of these seemingly insignificant worms may hold the key to our own resilience.
So, the next time you feel down or overwhelmed, remember these tiny worms from Siberia that defied time itself. Just like them, we also have the ability to adapt and endure, even in the harshest of circumstances.
We just need to uncover the secrets hidden within ourselves.
3: Chemical cocktails that can reverse cellular ageing: A potential breakthrough in anti-aging research
Read the original paper: Chemically induced reprogramming to reverse cellular aging
Publisher / Publication: Aging-US
Authors: Jae-Hyun Yang, Christopher A. Petty, Thomas Dixon-McDougall, Maria Vina Lopez, Alexander Tyshkovskiy
Published: July 12th, 2023
As we age, our cells undergo changes that contribute to the overall ageing process. But what if I told you that there might be a way to turn back the clock and restore youthful characteristics to ageing cells? Well, that's exactly what a group of researchers have been investigating.
These scientists have developed a method called chemically induced reprogramming, which aims to reverse the ageing process at a cellular level. By introducing certain chemical cocktails to human cells, they have found that it's possible to rejuvenate these cells and restore them to a more youthful state, all without altering their genetic makeup.
Using sophisticated screening techniques, the researchers have identified six specific chemical combinations that can achieve this remarkable rejuvenation effect in just a matter of days.
They have tested these cocktails on ageing cells and have observed remarkable changes. These cocktails not only restored the cells' DNA patterns and molecular profiles to a more youthful state, but they also reversed the overall age of the cells as determined by specific ageing clocks.
What makes this discovery even more exciting is that it offers a non-genetic approach to reversing cellular ageing. Instead of relying solely on altering the genes, these chemical cocktails show potential in restoring youthful characteristics without compromising the identity of the cells.
This breakthrough has the potential to revolutioniae the field of anti-aging research.
Imagine a future where we can not only slow down the aging process, but also reverse its effects on a cellular level. The possibilities are endless, from enhancing tissue function and rejuvenating organs to improving overall health and quality of life.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind this rejuvenation process, this study presents an exciting step forward.
It provides hope for a future where aging is not just an inevitable part of life but a condition that can be reversed.
So, hang on tight, because the future of anti-aging might be closer than we think.
4: Diet, Disease, and Longevity: What We Can Learn from 80 Countries
Read the original paper: Diet, cardiovascular disease, and mortality in 80 countries
Publisher / Publication: European Heart Journal
Authors: Andrew Mente, Mahshid Dehghan, Sumathy Rangarajan, Martin O’Donnell, Weihong Hu
Published: July 6th, 2023
Can the food we eat really impact our health and lifespan?
A group of researchers set out to answer this question by studying the diets and health outcomes of 245,000 individuals from 80 countries.
In their study, they developed a healthy diet score based on six key foods known to lower the risk of mortality: fruit, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and whole-fat dairy.
The researchers found that individuals who followed a diet high in these foods had a significantly lower risk of death from all causes and major cardiovascular events, such as heart disease and stroke.
In fact, compared to those with a lower diet score, those with a score of five or more had a 30% lower risk of mortality and an 18% lower risk of cardiovascular disease.
These findings were consistent across multiple studies conducted in different countries, further supporting the global applicability of a healthy diet.
Even in individuals with pre-existing vascular conditions, a higher diet score was associated with better health outcomes.
Interestingly, the benefits of a healthy diet were even more pronounced in countries with lower incomes, where consumption of these nutritious foods tends to be lower.
This suggests that improving access and affordability to these food groups could have a significant impact on reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and mortality worldwide.
The researchers also compared their healthy diet score to other commonly-used scores and found that it showed slightly stronger associations with health outcomes. This reinforces the importance of including a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, fish, and whole-fat dairy in our daily diets.
In conclusion, this research highlights the powerful role that diet plays in shaping our health and longevity, regardless of geographic location.
By embracing a diet rich in wholesome foods, we can potentially reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease and ultimately lead longer, healthier lives.
5: First live birth rates lower in women with endometriosis before surgery, according to a nationwide study
Read the original paper: First live birth before surgical verification of endometriosis—a nationwide register study of 18 324 women
Publisher / Publication: Oxford University Press
Authors: A Tuominen, L Saavalainen, M Niinimäki, M Gissler, A But
Published: July 4th, 2023
Did you know that women with endometriosis may have a lower chance of having their first live birth before their condition is surgically confirmed? That's what a recent study found, which looked at data from over 18,000 women in Finland.
Endometriosis is a condition that causes pain and can affect fertility, and it's often diagnosed years after symptoms begin. The researchers wanted to understand the impact of endometriosis on women's fertility before it was formally diagnosed.
The study found that women with endometriosis had a lower incidence of first live births, regardless of the type of endometriosis they had.
The diagnosis of endometriosis typically happened at around age 35, but by that time, many women had already experienced their first live birth. However, the incidence was still lower compared to women without endometriosis.
Further analysis showed that women with ovarian, peritoneal, and deep endometriosis all had similar rates of first live births before surgery. However, women with ovarian endometriosis tended to be the oldest at the time of surgical diagnosis and also had the lowest fertility rate per parous woman.
It's important to note that this study only looked at data prior to surgical confirmation of endometriosis, so there may be other factors influencing fertility outcomes. It also didn't account for socioeconomic factors, such as education level, which could have an impact.
In conclusion, this study highlights the need for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of endometriosis, especially in women who are trying to conceive.
By understanding the impact on fertility, healthcare professionals can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
6: Can Sniffing Scents Improve Memory in Older Adults?
Read the original paper: Overnight olfactory enrichment using an odorant diffuser improves memory and modifies the uncinate fasciculus in older adults
Publisher / Publication: Frontiers
Authors: Cynthia C. Woo, Blake Miranda, Mithra Sathishkumar, Farideh Dehkordi-Vakil, Michael A. Yassa
Published: July 24th, 2023
Cognitive decline is a growing concern among older adults, and researchers are looking for affordable and accessible ways to address this issue.
In this study, the researchers explored the potential of using pleasant smells at night to enhance cognitive abilities in healthy older individuals. A group of male and female participants aged 60-85 were randomly assigned to either an Olfactory Enriched group or a Control group.
In the Olfactory Enriched group, participants were exposed to seven different scents, one each night, for two hours using a special device. Meanwhile, the Control group had a similar experience but with minimal amounts of scent. The researchers conducted neuropsychological assessments and brain scans at the start of the study and after six months to evaluate the outcomes.
The results revealed some exciting findings.
The Olfactory Enriched group showed a remarkable 226% improvement compared to the Control group on a memory test called the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test.
Additionally, the brain scans demonstrated improved functioning in a specific brain area called the left uncinate fasciculus, as indicated by the measure of mean diffusivity.
These findings suggest that even a small amount of pleasant scent exposure during sleep can have a positive impact on both cognitive abilities and neural functioning.
The researchers propose that this simple and effortless method of olfactory enrichment could be an effective way to promote brain health.
Addressing cognitive decline is crucial for older adults, and the use of pleasant smells provides a promising avenue for improvement.
This research opens up possibilities for easy and accessible treatments that individuals can incorporate into their daily lives.
So, why not try filling your bedroom with pleasant scents at night? It may just give your brain a natural boost.
7: The Global Burden of Diabetes: A Comprehensive Analysis from 1990 to 2050
Read the original paper: Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Publisher / Publication: The Lancet
Authors: Sharifullah Alemi
Published: July 16th, 2023
Diabetes is a significant global health issue that affects people from all walks of life.
A team of researchers conducted a thorough analysis of diabetes prevalence and the associated burden from 1990 to 2021, with projections up to 2050.
By examining data from 204 countries and territories, the researchers estimated the number of people living with diabetes, the types of diabetes, and the impact on individuals' well-being.
In 2021, the world had a staggering 529 million people living with diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes varied across different regions, with the highest rates observed in North Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania. Type 2 diabetes accounted for the majority of cases, particularly among older adults. Obesity emerged as a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, contributing to more than half of the disease burden.
Alarmingly, the researchers projected that by 2050, the number of people with diabetes would surpass 1.31 billion. This increase is predicted to have a severe impact in several regions, particularly North Africa and the Middle East, and Latin America and the Caribbean. Moreover, over 89 countries and territories will experience high rates of diabetes prevalence.
The research highlights the pressing need to address the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes, as the disease is largely preventable and, in some cases, reversible. However, the rise in obesity, influenced by numerous factors, is driving the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide.
Achieving successful control of diabetes risk factors requires a better understanding of disparities across populations and the complex drivers contributing to the disease burden.
In conclusion, diabetes continues to pose a significant challenge to public health globally.
It is crucial to prioritise strategies that not only prevent and control diabetes but also address the underlying factors causing its rise.
Through collective efforts, we can mitigate the impact of this chronic condition and promote healthier lives for all.
8: The Risk of Time-Traveling Pathogens to Ecological Communities
Read the original paper: Time-travelling pathogens and their risk to ecological communities
Publisher / Publication: PLOS Computational Biology
Authors: Giovanni Strona, Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Pedro Cardoso, Nicholas J. Gotelli, Frédéric Guillaume
Published: July 27th, 2023
Permafrost thawing and the possible release of ancient microorganisms pose a threat to today's ecological communities, including potential risks to human health from emergent pathogens.
The impact of these "time-traveling" invaders on modern communities remains unclear due to limited data.
To better understand the risks, researchers isolated digital virus-like pathogens from past records of coevolved artificial life communities and simulated their invasion into future community states.
They investigated how these invasions affected the diversity of free-living bacteria-like organisms in recipient communities compared to controls where no invasion occurred.
The findings revealed that invading pathogens could survive and continue evolving, with a few cases becoming exceptionally dominant in the invaded community.
However, the overall impact on community composition was often negligible, with occasional unpredictable cases causing significant losses or gains in species richness.
Despite the low probability of outbreak events, the sheer abundance of ancient microorganisms regularly entering modern communities poses substantial risks.
These findings shed light on the potential ecological changes posed by threats that were previously confined to science fiction. The melting of glaciers and permafrost now presents concrete opportunities for ice-dormant microorganisms to re-emerge, raising questions about their impact.
While the topic has been largely speculative, the researchers conducted extensive in silico simulations to explore the risk these "time-traveling" pathogens pose to modern ecological communities.
The study reveals that invading pathogens can survive, evolve, and occasionally become persistent and dominant, leading to notable losses or gains in species richness.
This research highlights the need to consider unpredictable threats that were once confined to fiction, as they could potentially drive significant ecological change.
The concerns surrounding ancient pathogens trapped in ice or hidden in remote laboratories are no longer purely imaginative.
Considering that collecting appropriate data or conducting experiments to test hypotheses remains challenging, this study provides valuable insights into the ecological risks associated with these "time-traveling" pathogens.
Ultimately, it urges a better understanding of the potential consequences of these pathogens on our real-world ecosystems and their implications for human wellbeing.
9: Depression and Type 2 Diabetes: Untangling the Connection and Shared Attributes
Read the original paper: Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization and Multiphenotype GWAS Show Causality and Shared Pathophysiology Between Depression and Type 2 Diabetes
Publisher / Publication: Diabetes Care
Authors: Jared G. Maina, Zhanna Balkhiyarova, Arie Nouwen, Igor Pupko, Anna Ulrich
Published: July 26th, 2023
DOI: 10.2337/dc22-2373
Depression and type 2 diabetes often go hand in hand, but how exactly are they linked and what is the role of genetics?
A group of researchers conducted an in-depth investigation to uncover the causal relationship and shared biological factors between these two conditions.
Using an advanced statistical technique called bidirectional Mendelian randomisation (MR), the researchers untangled the cause and effect relationship between depression and type 2 diabetes.
Their findings revealed a significant causal effect of depression on the development of type 2 diabetes, but not the other way around.
Digging deeper, the researchers explored potential mediators between depression and type 2 diabetes.
They discovered that a considerable portion (about 36.5%) of the effect depression has on type 2 diabetes is mediated by body mass index (BMI), highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to prevent diabetes when experiencing depressive symptoms.
To uncover shared genetic factors, the research team conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Surprisingly, they did not find any shared genetic loci between type 2 diabetes and depressive symptoms. However, when they expanded their analysis to include multiple phenotypes, they identified seven shared genetic loci that could play a role in both conditions.
Further investigation into these loci revealed potential target genes in various tissues. For example, one gene linked to the cell cycle, CCND2, was implicated in pancreatic islets and brain tissues, while another gene involved in insulin signalling, IRS1, showed relevance in adipose tissue.
Overall, this research underscores the importance of preventing type 2 diabetes when signs of depression emerge and emphasises the significance of maintaining a healthy weight to avoid the comorbidity of these conditions.
By shedding light on the shared genetic factors, the study provides valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms that connect depression and type 2 diabetes, offering hope for improved prevention and treatment strategies.
10: Evidence of ancient bone artefacts found in central Brazil during the last Ice Age
Read the original paper: Evidence of artefacts made of giant sloth bones in central Brazil around the last glacial maximum
Publisher / Publication: Royal Society
Authors: Thais R. Pansani, Briana Pobiner, Pierre Gueriau, Mathieu Thoury, Paul Tafforeau
Published: July 12th, 2023
Have you ever wondered about the history of human settlement in the Americas and their interaction with the incredible animals that once roamed the land?
Well, researchers have made a fascinating discovery in the Santa Elina rock shelter in Central Brazil.
They have found evidence of ancient human settlements dating back to the last Ice Age, around 20,000 years ago.
What makes this discovery so intriguing is that these settlements were not only home to early humans, but also to the majestic giant ground sloth, Glossotherium phoenesis.
The researchers have uncovered thousands of bone fragments from these extinct creatures, with three of them showing signs of deliberate human modification.
To understand more about these bone artefacts, the researchers used a range of techniques, such as optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, to examine the bones without causing any damage. They also used UV/visible photoluminescence and synchrotron-based microtomography to analyse the bones in even greater detail.
Not only did the researchers study the bones themselves, but they also explored the spatial relationship between the giant sloth bone remains and stone tools that were found nearby. By doing so, they were able to confirm that the bone artefacts were intentionally modified by humans during the last Ice Age.
This discovery provides important evidence that humans and giant ground sloths coexisted and interacted with each other thousands of years ago.
It also suggests that humans had the ability to create personal items, such as tools or adornments, using the remains of these magnificent creatures.
Overall, this research adds to our understanding of ancient human cultures in the Americas and sheds light on the fascinating relationship between humans and the Pleistocene megafauna.
It opens up a window into the past, allowing us to imagine what life was like during this remarkable period in history.
11: Unraveling the Ancient Mysteries: How Neanderthal and Denisovan DNA Sheds Light on Human Evolution
Read the original paper: A Neanderthal/Denisovan GLI3 variant contributes to anatomical variations in mice
Publisher / Publication: bioRxiv
Authors: Ako Agata, Satoshi Ohtsuka, Ryota Noji, Hitoshi Gotoh, Katsuhiko Ono
Published: July 3rd, 2023
Have you ever wondered how our human ancestors, the Neanderthals and Denisovans, contributed to our modern-day physical characteristics?
Well, a group of researchers decided to dig into this ancient puzzle by examining a specific DNA variant that these extinct hominins carried in a gene called GLI3. This gene is responsible for regulating various aspects of development in organisms, including us humans.
The researchers focused on a specific mutation called GLI3 R1537C, which was present in the Neanderthals and Denisovans.
Now, you might be thinking, how does this mutation affect us today? Surprisingly, this mutation does not impact the stability of the protein or its ability to activate important genes. Instead, it influences the regulation of downstream genes that are involved in key developmental processes.
To truly understand the significance of this ancient DNA variant, the researchers turned to our furry friends: mice.
By genetically modifying mice to carry the Neanderthal/Denisovan GLI3 mutation, they were able to observe how it affected their skeletal structure.
Fascinatingly, these mice displayed a range of alterations in their bone morphology, giving us valuable insights into the potential contributions of this ancient DNA variant to the anatomical variations we see in modern humans.
This research suggests that the genetic legacy of our ancient relatives may have influenced our species-specific anatomical diversity.
During the course of human evolution, our developmental programs may have become more flexible, allowing these variations to be tolerated over time.
In conclusion, this study deepens our understanding of how ancient DNA variants can shape our physical characteristics and provides crucial evidence to support the idea that our Neanderthal and Denisovan ancestors have left a lasting impact on our genetic makeup.
So, next time you marvel at the diversity of human anatomy, remember the important role our ancient relatives played in shaping who we are today.