Biology

Pregnancy linked to increased biological ageing in women, study finds

A study from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnancy may accelerate biological aging in women. The research, published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, revealed that each individual pregnancy reported was linked with an additional two to three months of biological aging. The study also showed that women who reported more pregnancies during a six-year follow-up period experienced a greater increase in biological aging. These effects were observed even after accounting for socioeconomic status, smoking, genetic variation, and the built environment in participants’ surroundings.

Aerobic Exercise in Later Life Prevents Genomic Instability, Study Finds

Study from the University of Utah suggests that regular aerobic exercise in later life can prevent DNA damage and telomere dysfunction, potentially reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality. The study, presented at the American Physiology Summit, highlights the positive impact of exercise on genomic stability and vascular health.

Attack and defence in the microverse

Research team at University of Jena examines the interaction of attack and defence strategies when cholera-causing bacteria are infected with a bacteriophage. Tiny RNA molecules play a decisive role in the complex interaction. The findings have been published in Cell Host & Microbe.

Epigenetic Signatures of Social Inequality in Spotted Hyenas

Research on spotted hyenas in Tanzania shows that social status affects gene activation at the molecular level, impacting physiological processes such as energy conversion and immune response. The study sheds light on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the interplay of social, environmental, and physiological factors in highly social mammals.

Pregnancy’s Effect on Biological Age

Pregnancy can have a significant impact on biological age, with new research showing a reversal of aging effects after delivery. The study from Yale University highlights the potential for bodies to bounce back from the changes of pregnancy, but researchers emphasize the need for further understanding of the mechanisms at work.

New Epigenetic Clock Modeled on Cheek Swabs Offers Non-Invasive Approach to Predict Biological Age

Learn about the new non-invasive epigenetic clock that can predict a person’s biological age using cheek swabs, offering potential for precision medicine. Understand how epigenetic clocks work and how DNA methylation is correlated with age, providing a predictable pattern to trace a person’s biological age.

Nematodes Discovered in Great Salt Lake, Challenging Long-Held Beliefs

Scientists at the University of Utah have discovered a third form of multicellular life in the Great Salt Lake – nematodes, or worms, thriving in its ultra-saline waters. This groundbreaking finding challenges long-held beliefs about the lake’s biodiversity and expands the understanding of nematode adaptability in extreme environments. The study’s use of advanced molecular techniques underscores the significance of the discovery, opening new avenues for research into the adaptability of organisms in hyper-saline environments.

Scientists Make Groundbreaking Discovery in Understanding Ebola Virus Replication Process

Scientists in Canada and the U.S. have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the replication process of the deadly Ebola virus. The research sheds light on how the virus interacts with a human protein called ubiquitin and identifies a potential target for new drugs to prevent the disease. The study utilized a combination of experimental and computational methods to investigate the interaction between the Ebola virus VP35 protein and ubiquitin chains, leading to the identification of potential chemical compounds that could disrupt this interaction. This breakthrough offers a promising avenue for the creation of more effective therapies to combat the devastating outbreaks and high mortality rates of the Ebola virus.

MIT scientists develop rapid gene-editing screen to identify cancer mutations

MIT scientists have developed a rapid gene-editing screen using prime editing to identify the effects of cancer mutations. This new technique aims to revolutionize the identification of mutations that could be targeted with new cancer therapies, potentially leading to personalized cancer treatments and more effective therapies in the future.

Link Between Schizophrenia and Aging Uncovered in New Study

Recent research published in Nature suggests a potential link between schizophrenia and aging, revealing coordinated changes in gene expression activity in neurons and astrocytes as a key factor. The study’s findings offer valuable insights into the potential biological underpinnings of cognitive decline in schizophrenia and aging, providing hope for future targeted interventions and therapies.