The A﹠P Professor Science & Education Updates - Issue #189

Life Science

Researchers have successfully altered the blood type of donor kidneys in a discovery that could increase the supply of the organs for transplant.

The breakthrough has particular implications for minority groups, who often find it harder to find a match.

The Omicron subvariant BA.2.75, also dubbed Centaurus—seemingly because some guy on Twitter decided it should be—continues to drive up the number of COVID-19 cases in India, where it was first detected in May. There, the subvariant seems to have some sort of competitive advantage over BA.

Some people only need 4-6 hours of sleep to be well rested, and these people may also be more resistant to Alzheimer's disease. | Cardiology

Observational study affirms better odds of dodging infection by wearing a respirator mask

The human genome holds thousands of genes, and gene expression has to be carefully controlled in cells; the right gene must be expressed in the right place | Genetics And Genomics

During space travel, astronauts are exposed to a lack of gravity. This affects their physiology in different ways, including cardiovascular and musculoskeletal deconditioning, eye changes and immune dysfunction.

However, less is known about the effects on the digestive system from spaceflight exposure. It’s important that we understand more about these effects because the digestive system is responsible for the absorption of nutrients and fluids from our diet that keep our bodies healthy. In turn, digestive system adaptations affect all organs in the body.

Research suggests there's an ideal amount of physical activity that helps you live longer.

"No Poop July," which reemerged on TikTok this month, has been a joke challenge since as early as 2020. Some doctors urge users not to try it for real.

Teaching & Learning

Neuroscientists have documented a link between spatial and verbal reasoning by scanning students' brains while taking a course that emphasized spatial learning.

TAPP News & Notes

Benefits to A﹠P Faculty Taking Courses | How Olfactory Adaptation Really Works | Young Cerebrospinal Fluid Makes Us Remember Better