Inside your cat's poop; VO2 max; a pregnant person's brain and more
This week, we learn about what our cat's poop has, VO2 max, how pregnancy changes the brain, resilient plants, a screening test for colon cancer, and the blurred lines between TB and Long COVID.
Engineered brain parasite ferries useful proteins into neurons
By Nature Research Highlight
There is a parasite in cat’s poo that can make it into our brains. A new study wants to use the parasite to treat our brain – a difficult organ to send help to in many diseases. By modifying Toxoplasma gondii, scientists believe that one can turn this parasite into a drug delivery platform to our brains.
What’s your VO2 max? The answer could transform your health
By Ellen O’ Brien
Your oxygen consumption during exercise defines your VO2 max. If you check your fitness watch, it might show you yours. While this measure is popular with athletes, VO2 max can decide how long one lives. The most surprising thing I learned about VO2 max – even a slight increase in this measure can prevent us from dying by 10 percent. Running, cycling, or swimming are great ways to improve your VO2 max.
How pregnancy transforms the brain to prepare it for parenthood
By Liam Drew
A part of a mother’s brain shrinks by 2 percent after giving birth. The shrink predicts the attachment of the mother to their child. By changing the way, the neurons talk to each other, the body prepares for a child to arrive. Neuroimaging studies have just started to scratch the surface of this field. Hormones, immune factors, psychological changes and many other factors can impact women during pregnancy. The more we learn, the better we can support women during pregnancy.
Surviving the Scorch: Unraveling the Genetic Blueprint of Atacama Desert Plants and the Future of Crop Resilience
By Maya Razmi
Not only humans, but plants also suffer from extreme heat. To save the plants, scientists travelled to the Chilean Atacama desert, one of the driest places on Earth. Atacama plants invest more in energy production and photosynthesis. About 265 genes were discovered to provide these plants the ability to thrive in dry conditions. By engineering plants with climate-resilient genes, we might preserve the plant kingdom.
FDA Approves Blood Test for Colon Cancer Detection
By Gina Kolata
Colorectal cancers are preventable but the existing screening methods are tedious. A routine blood test approved by the FDA can encourage people for screening regularly. The blood test named Shield looks for DNA shed by cancer cells in our blood. While it isn’t always perfect, it can change the narrative of colorectal cancer screening. More people might test during regular check-ups and even be prompted to have a colonoscopy and a fecal test.
In South Africa, Long Covid is an afterthought to Tuberculosis
By Ray Mwareya
Tuberculosis shares many of its symptoms with Long Covid. In South Africa, many patients of Long Covid are asked to test for TB or are dismissed regularly. While the country spends $4.6 million annually to treat TB, Long Covid hardly makes it to the conversation. Only the elite make it to the clinics for getting a treatment for Long Covid. Black and poor people will be undiagnosed and left to suffer. This commentary makes a case to acknowledge Long Covid as another reality and bring systemic changes in patient care, so that no one is left behind.
Thanks for stopping by,
Ananya
A sneak peak of the weird and wonderful ways science impacts us everyday in a series I call “Slice of Science”! This week, I have one delivery to make, I am highlighting science stories (and exceptional writers) that find their way to me - if you are interested to keep reading more, subscribe & share this with someone!