Sci-Ed Update 234
And the good news is... humans are still evolving.
A Toxic Inheritance: Chemotherapy Could Increase Disease Susceptibility in Future Generations
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be used to cure cancer, reduce the size of tumors, or slow the progression of the disease. It may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and fatigue, but these are usually temporary and can be managed with medication.
Previous research has shown that cancer treatments can increase the risk of developing disease later in life for patients, but this study expands upon that understanding by demonstrating that the effects of chemotherapy can be passed down to future generations.
“The findings suggest that if a patient receives chemotherapy, and then later has children, that their grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren, may have an increased disease susceptibility due to their ancestors’ chemotherapy exposure,” said Michael Skinner, a WSU biologist and corresponding author on the study.
New research shows that exercise is protective against hospitalization and death due to covid-19. (Vanessa Nunes/Getty Images/iStock)
Regular exercise protects against fatal covid, a new study shows
The study found that exercise, in almost any amount, reduced people’s risks for a severe coronavirus infection
Men and women who worked out at least 30 minutes most days were about four times more likely to survive covid-19 than inactive people, according to an eye-opening study of exercise and coronavirus outcomes among almost 200,000 adults in Southern California.
The study found that exercise, in almost any amount, reduced people’s risks for a severe coronavirus infection. Even people who worked out for as little as 11 minutes a week — yes, a week — experienced lower risks of hospitalization or death from covid than those who moved about less.
KP: I think I can do 11 minutes a week!
The Texas State Capitol is seen on the first day of the 87th Legislature’s special session on July 8, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Tamir Kalifa/Stringer via Getty Images
Texas bill would ban diversity offices at public colleges
A conservative state legislator in Texas is seeking to ban public colleges from funding campus offices of diversity, equity and inclusion.
State Rep. Carl Tepper recently introduced a bill that would only allow college departments to promote diversity if they were doing so to uphold equal protection laws under the 14th Amendment.
It also contains a provision that allows even individuals unrelated to public institutions to sue over potential violations of the legislation. Colleges would need to pay attorneys fees and court costs of those who prevailed in such lawsuits.
…it prohibits public colleges from endorsing, discussing or interfering with “any lifestyle, race, sex, religion, or culture.”
KP: this kind of legislation could affect how we discuss humanity in our A&P course, especially if we discuss diversity or take an interdisciplinary approach.
The Great Faculty Disengagement
Faculty members aren’t leaving in droves, but they are increasingly pulling away.
In response to our Twitter thread, people said they were doing what they must, but nothing extra. They said they used to be a “rah-rah team player,” but not anymore. They used to feel strong ties to their institution, but they have since felt so undervalued that they’re cutting back. One response that especially stood out to us: “Faculty might not be quitting, but they’ve left the building — sometimes departure is a state of mind.”
'Greenness' Tied to Lower Hospitalization Risk for Neurodegenerative Diseases
"The environment that we live in affects our health in multiple ways," says study author
Greater exposure to natural environments was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for neurodegenerative diseases in a cohort of older individuals.
We've come a long way since sharing a common ancestor with marmosets. (Mark Finney/Moment/Getty Images)
Tiny New Genes Appearing in Human DNA Show How We're Still Evolving
We may have parted ways with our primate cousins millions of years ago, but a new study shows just how human beings continue to evolve in ways we never imagined.
Researchers from Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" (BSRC Flemming) in Greece and Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, have identified 155 genes in our genome that emerged from small, non-coding sections of DNA. Many appear to play a critical role in our biology, revealing how completely novel genes can rapidly evolve to become essential.
Why Do A&P Students Hate Histology?
And How Do We Fix That?
In episode 113, host Kevin Patton discusses the fact that many students hate histology. And perhaps even some faculty. Are there any ways to fix that? Kevin thinks he may have found a breakthrough idea.
Catch up with your favorite podcast for anatomy and physiology faculty!
Clumps of proteins surrounding neurons in the brain are associated with the development of Alzheimer's. (Ozgu Arslan/Getty Images)
New Blood Test Accurately Predicts Alzheimer's Years Ahead of First Symptoms
A new type of blood test can detect a hidden toxin behind Alzheimer's disease years before a patient shows any symptoms of memory loss or confusion.
If the proof-of-concept can be further tested and scaled, the test could significantly speed up diagnosis, giving millions of patients answers and access to proper care long before their disease progresses.
Breakthrough! Receptor “Decoy” Drug Neutralizes COVID-19 Virus Including Omicron and Other Variants
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have created a powerful drug that can effectively neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, including the Omicron variant and all other tested variants. The innovative design of the drug allows it to remain effective against future variants, even if the virus undergoes natural selection to maintain its infectiousness.
h