What’s been going on in the life sciences world this week? Check out Week in Brief for an overview of the biggest news from the last seven days.
A study has found that older adults who harbour a genetic risk of Alzheimer’s disease may be able to offset this effect by eating large quantities of meat. The findings suggested that a tailored diet could be employed to prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
Researchers have identified a gene that impacts decision making and impairs the processing of new information for schizophrenia patients. The grin2a gene was seen to impact a brain circuit involved in updating beliefs when new information is presented.
A study has shown that nerve and immune cells, collected via a simple nasal swab, can be used to pinpoint gene expression changes linked to Alzheimer’s. The test was able to identify those who did not yet show symptoms of the disease.
New research has shown that as many as 30% of African American individuals harbour a genetic variant linked to significantly increased rates of Alzheimer’s, which impairs the function of brain networks. This impact is seen years before symptom onset, and suggests ancestry-specific disease mechanisms are at play.
Students in Kent have been offered a targeted vaccine against the meningitis B strain, following reports that more cases have been confirmed. The UKHSA continues to monitor risk, and may expand this initiative if necessary.
A study of genetic data from over 2 million individuals has shed new light on how genes influence addiction risk. The findings showed that genetic risk fell into two main categories; a broader pathway related to impulse control and risk taking, and some substance-specific pathways.
Two genome-wide association studies have shown that height is linked to a greater risk of endometriosis and atrial fibrillation. The work was carried out specifically using data from East Asian individuals, shedding light on health risks within this population.
Researchers have used global data to build metabolic polygenic risk scores for obesity and type 2 diabetes. The scores can also help to predict potential consequences of these conditions.
Scientists have developed a blood test for women over the age of 70 who are suffering from breast cancer. The test can predict who will respond well to endocrine therapy alone, eliminating the need for other treatments that may not further improve outcomes.
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
