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.
Researchers have used machine learning to investigate the rules of protein stability. It is hoped that scientists can use this new understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning protein structure to engineer new drugs and other crucial molecules.
In a bid to find new drug targets for Ebola, researchers have used machine learning to analyse images of CRISPR-perturbed cells. This method, known as optical pooled screening, has identified human host proteins that impact viral replication and could be targeted to treat this deadly virus.
A form of non-autoimmune type 1 diabetes has been identified within Sub-Saharan African and Black American individuals. The condition appears to be prevalent in young people, with this discovery opening more doors for treatment.
An assessment of over 200 tumour samples from a Phase III clinical trial has shown that a simple test could identify subsets of breast cancer that may respond better to certain treatments. This could help clinicians choose the right therapies for individual patients, meaning they could avoid unnecessary side effects.
A study of around 1,000 individuals has revealed that healthy brains aged faster during the COVID-19 pandemic than those analysed previously. This phenomenon was, strikingly, seen in those who were not infected with the virus, showing that the tumultuous nature of the pandemic impacted our health in more ways than one.
Scientists have developed a new form of vaccine that utilises a form of floss to deliver biological material to the gumline. The new technique triggered immune responses in mice, and could serve as an effective method due to most viruses entering the body via the mouth or nose.
A new AI system has been designed to create protein-based “keys” that can train a patient’s immune cells for precise cancer attacks in the space of a few weeks. This innovation could significantly cut the development time for personalised cancer immunotherapy.
A large-scale systematic review has revealed that the average time from symptom onset to dementia diagnosis is 3.5 years. The meta-analysis, which included data from across the globe, also showed that average diagnosis time for early-onset dementia is even longer, at 4.1 years.
Researchers have identified common industrial chemicals – PFASs – that can impact gene expression in firefighters who are exposed to them. These chemicals can alter miRNAs, which can subsequently impact the activity of disease-associated genes.
Finally, a study has shown that the level of physical activity conducted during leisure-time and home- and work-time is not only influenced by genetics, but that these different contexts are also genetically distinct. Physical activity carried out during home- and work-time is less beneficial with regards to health outcomes, and leisure-time physical activity can protect against certain diseases.
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
