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.
New research has revealed that several bacterial strains found in the gut play a role in converting fat cells into a different form. The work showed that four species of gut bacteria turn white fat cells into energy-burning beige fat cells, and, when transplanted into a host, were linked to weight loss and lowered cholesterol.
An enzyme previously linked to the development of mutations in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer has been shown to target regulatory areas of the genome, rather than protein-coding areas. The resulting DNA damage helps to activate growth-related genes when the oestrogen receptor is stimulated, driving the evolution of the disease.
A large-scale study has provided new evidence about how much tissue should be removed during surgery to treat ductal carcinoma in situ. Patients who had less than 2mm of healthy breast tissue removed around their tumour faced increased risk of relapse, but removing more than this provided no further benefit.
Scientists have developed an mRNA therapy that restored sperm production in a mouse model of male infertility. The treatment targets a genetic defect responsible for impaired sperm production, with affected mice going on to produce healthy offspring.
Results of a clinical trial have shown that an antisense oligonucleotide therapy can dramatically reduce the number of seizures suffered by children with a rare form of epilepsy. The treatment was also linked to an overall improvement in quality of life.
New research in animal models has shown that GLP-1 drugs could reduce the risk of tissue damage after a heart attack. This common side effect could potentially be avoided if paramedics administer the repurposed weight loss drugs to patients.
Researchers have mapped DNA methylation changes in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. The findings from the study show that some of these changes may influence the function of oligodendrocytes, leading to the buildup of tau protein.
A new study reports a potential treatment strategy for Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the MECP2 gene. The work shows that isoform switching increased levels of the MeCP2 protein in mice and patient cell models.
New research suggests that taking a multivitamin every day for at least two years could slow biological ageing. The effect was more noticeable in individuals who already showed signs of accelerated ageing compared to their peers.
The number of cancer-related deaths in the UK has fallen to an all-time low, according to a new report from Cancer Research UK. There are around 29% fewer deaths now than in the 1980s, likely due to developments in prevention, detection and treatment.
Check out last week’s Week in Brief here.
