Everyday Science in a Nutshell

Health officials repeatedly  advised suspected contacts  of people with the new coronavirus disease to isolate themselves for 14 days, the incubation period of the disease. If they did not develop any symptoms, they are free to go. Now, health officials have warned that the incubation period can be more than previously thought. It could be 27 days! In China, a man, who had close contact with a family member who tested positive of the coronavirus, developed symptoms after 27 days of exposure.  References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200224/Coronavirus-incubation-period-could-be-27-days-longer-than-previously-thought.aspx Dong, E., Du, H., and Gardner, L. (2020). An interactive web-based dashboard to track COVID-19 in real time. The Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30120-1/fulltext U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). https://www.c...

On February 4, 2020, a new study published in ACS Infectious Diseases found that a non-psychoactive cannabis compound called cannabigerol (CBG) has antibiotic potential against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in mice. Researchers found that CBG is able to target the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. References https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsinfecdis.9b00419 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200226/Researchers-uncover-hidden-antibiotic-potential-of-cannabis-compound.aspx .

On February 19, 2020, a new study published in the Jo urnal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that substantial breakfasting should be preferred over large dinner meals to prevent obesity and high blood glucose peaks. Researchers found that diet-induced thermogenesis (heat energy that is produced from the food eaten) is remarkably higher in the morning than in the evening, irrespective of the consumed calorie amount. References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200220/Researchers-say-e28098yese28099-to-a-heavy-breakfast-to-lose-weight.aspx https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/105/3/dgz311/5740411?redirectedFrom=fulltext

On February 20, 2020, unprecedented study published in the journal   Cell designed a computer program that has the ability to screen through a hundred million potential chemicals that could be antibiotics and select the appropriate molecule. This compound could have the properties required to kill the bacterial strains. References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200220/Artificial-Intelligence-brings-a-novel-antibiotic-compound.aspx https://www.cell.com/cell/pdf/S0092-8674(20)30102-1.pdf

Antibiotic resistance is the microbiologist's nightmare. Ongoing researches are trying to solve this worldwide dilemma. On February, 12, 2020, a breakthrough study published in the journal Nature found that new group of antibiotics inhibit the action of autolysins, which are pivotal for cell division and growth. The new group of antibiotics, consisting of corbomycin and complestatin, come from a family of antibiotics known as glycopeptides, which are secreted by soil bacteria. Other antibiotics, such as penicillins, prevent bacteria from building its cell wall, which is the source of its strength. These novel antibiotics make the opposite. Instead of preventing building the wall, it stops the cell wall from being broken down.  Therefore, inhibiting the breakdown of the wall would render the bacteria impossible to divide and expand. For the sake of simplicity, you can imagine that the bacteria is trapped in prison. This unique approach to attacking bacteri...

Bacteriophages typically have small genomes and depend on their bacterial hosts for replication. Yet, recent study changes this concept. On February 12, 2020, an unprecedented study published in the journal Nature discovered the largest bacteriophage, with a genome of 735,000 base pairs. This gigantic bacteriophage is nearly 15 times larger than the average phage. It blurs the line between living and nonliving. It is expected that there will be a lot of potential for finding new tools for genome engineering in these huge phages. References https://interestingengineering.com/scientists-discover-gigantic-bacteria-eating-viruses-that-blur-the-line-between-the-living-and-non-living https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2007-4 https://flipboard.com/topic/biology/huge-bacteria-eating-viruses-close-gap-between-life-and-non-life/a-3P29ZA0nQgG2oyEQ7sIA5Q%3Aa%3A12688628-b7953bd9f6%2Fphys.org https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200212131458.h...

On February 17, 2020, Chinese health officials asked recovered Covid-19 patients to donate blood so that plasma can be extracted to treat other patients who are seriously ill.  This urgent request comes days after China's state-owned medical products maker reported successful results from its trial at Wuhan First People's Hospital. References https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2020/02/566572/china-asks-recovered-covid-19-patients-donate-plasma-treatment https://www.france24.com/en/20200217-china-asks-recovered-patients-to-donate-plasma-for-virus-treatment

On February 17, 2020, a new study published in journal Gut found that mediterranean diet intervention changes the gut microbiome in older people lowering frailty and promoting health status. The findings support the feasibility of improving the habitual diet to alter the gut microbiota which in turn has the potential to improve healthy ageing. References https://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2020/01/31/gutjnl-2019-319654 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200217/Mediterranean-diet-promotes-healthy-aging-with-healthier-gut-microbiome.aspx

On November 20, 2019, a novel study published in the journal Toxins found that Crotoxin (CTX), encapsulated in nanostructured SBA-15 silica, can induce long-last analgesic effect in the neuropathic pain model in mice. CTX is extracted from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Although CTX is well known for its potent analgesic effect, the toxicity of CTX limits its medicinal use. If CTX is encapsulated in nanostructured SBA-15 silica, its toxicity can be reduced and therapeutic effects can be also enhanced. These data underscore the potential use of the CTX:SBA-15 complex for neuropathic pain control and confirm the protective potential of SBA-15. References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200216/Novel-formulation-allows-use-of-toxin-from-rattlesnake-venom-to-control-neuropathic-pain.aspx https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31757011

On January 31, 2020, a recent study published in the journal Pediatric Obesity reported that greater fast food intake over 1 year was associated with increasing weight status during that time in this preschool‐age cohort. It is the first study to follow a cohort over time and to report that fast food, by itself, uniquely increases the likelihood of weight gain in preschoolers. References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200214/Study-shows-link-between-fast-food-intake-and-weight-gain-in-preschoolers.aspx https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijpo.12602?af=R https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/02/200214134723.htm

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a common and very serious cause of infection. MRSA is tough to treat because it is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. On February 11, 2020, a new study published in JAMA found that the addition of 7 days of an antistaphylococcal β-lactam (flucloxacillin, cloxacillin, or cefazolin) to standard antibiotic therapy (vancomycin or daptomycin) did not lead to significant improvement in the primary composite end point of mortality, persistent bacteremia, relapse, or treatment failure in adults with MRSA bacteremia. This study showed that there is no advantage in using two antibiotics (antistaphylococcal β-lactam plus standard antibiotic therapy) to treat MRSA infections. References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200214/Study-finds-no-advantage-in-using-two-antibiotics-to-treat-MRSA-infections.aspx https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2760737

On January 17, 2020, a novel study published in the journal Hepatology found that a natural compound (called indole) normally occurs in cruciferous vegetables as well as being synthesized by gut microbes can help in improving diet-induced fatty liver.  Researchers found an inverse correlation between blood indole levels and body mass index. Lower indole levels were seen in clinically obese subjects, and linked to greater fat content in the liver. References https://aasldpubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/hep.31115 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200209/Chemical-in-veggies-help-heal-fatty-liver.aspx

On February 11, 2020, WHO made the announcement via Twitter . It will spell as: C-O-V-I-D hyphen one nine – COVID-19" This style will give scientists a standard format for referring to new coronavirus diseases in future years. In a paper posted to the bioRxiv preprint server , the new virus coronavirus was named SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. The Committee’s study group on coronaviruses explains that this term underscores the new virus’ similarity to the SARS virus identified in 2003. If you still don`t understand the difference between COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2, think about the difference between AIDS and HIV. The first is for the disease, and the second is for the virus itself. References https://twitter.com/WHO https://globalbiodefense.com/2020/02/11/who-names-disease-caused-by-new-coronavirus-covid-19/ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00154-w https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.02.07.93786...

If you think that scientists have discovered all viruses on our planet, you have to think again. On January 28, 2020, a breakthrough study published in the preprint server bioRxiv discovered a mysterious virus in Brazil, with more than 90 percent of its genes had never been documented in viral research. Scientists named it as Yaravirus after Yara, the “mother of waters” in the mythology of the Tupi-Guarani indigenous tribes in Brazil because it was recovered from Lake Pampulha, an artificial lake in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte. References https://www.sciencealert.com/mysterious-virus-discovered-in-brazil-has-no-known-genes-scientists-can-identify https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/virus-no-genes-yaravirus-brazil-federal-university-minas-gerais-a9325931.html https://interestingengineering.com/scientists-discover-baffling-virus-in-brazil-with-no-recognizable-genes https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.28.923185v1.full.pdf https://futurism.com/mysterious-viru...

Obtaining venous access can be a challenge, with a possibility of missed sticks and injury to patients. Now, robots can take blood samples from patients. On January 22, 2020, an unprecedented study published in the journal Technology revealed the first robot that can take blood samples from  peripheral forearm veins of  patients. The device provides quick results, and can perform as well or even better than people in drawing blood.  The device is based on combination between ultrasound imaging and miniaturized robotics to recognize suitable vessels for cannulation and guide an attached needle (with the help of robot) toward the lumen center.  It is expected that this device can be used in other areas of vascular access such as dialysis, IV catheterization, central venous access, and arterial line placement. References https://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S2339547819500067 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200209/Robot-that-...

Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. There is no known single cause for autism spectrum disorder. Ongoing researches are trying to figure out the genetic basis of autism. On February 06, 2020, a novel study published in the international journal Cell identified 102 new genes implicated in risk for autism spectrum disorder. The results of this study could provide a better basis for understanding autism. It is expected that the findings of the study will have great impact on the treatment of not only Autism, but also other psychiatric disorders in the future. Reference https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867419313984 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200204/Study-uncovers-more-pieces-of-the-autism-puzzle.aspx

Going back to the nature is the current health trend. Ongoing researches are focusing on studying the positive impact of natural products on human health.  On January 29, 2020, a new study published in British Medical Journal revealed that persons who ate more of the fermented soy products such as miso, soy sauce, tempeh, natto etc. were more likely to live longer.  Researchers found that intake of fermented soy products was inversely associated with all cause mortality. As a result, higher intake of fermented soy was associated with a lower risk of mortality.  References https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m34 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200202/Fermented-soy-products-may-help-you-live-longer.aspx

Alzheimer's dementia is a progressive brain disorder, which is characterized by continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts an individual's ability to function independently. On January 29, 2020, a new study published in the journal Neurology concluded that higher dietary intakes of plant flavonols may be associated with reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia. People should regularly eat and drink more foods containing these compounds such as tea, oranges, kale, tomatoes and broccoli to reduce the risk of getting Alzheimer's dementia. If you want to reduce the risk of having  Alzheimer's dementia, it is simple. Just eat  more fruits and vegetables and drink more tea. It is easy and cheap recipe! References https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2020/01/29/WNL.0000000000008981/tab-article-info https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200202/Plant-flavonols-significantly-reduce-Alzheimere28099s-ri...

A new nightmare is on the horizon in China. Outbreak of the H5N1 bird flu is recently reported. Amid global health concerns over the potential of the spreading of the new coronavirus strain, China reported another recent outbreak of highly pathogenic strain of H5N1 bird flu. Although there is no report of human cases, cautious should be always taken.  References https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200203/China-reports-H5N1-bird-flu-in-Hunan-amid-coronavirus-crisis.aspx https://www.dailysabah.com/asia/2020/02/02/china-reports-bird-flu-outbreak-amid-coronavirus-spread https://www.dailysabah.com/asia/2020/02/02/china-reports-bird-flu-outbreak-amid-coronavirus-spread

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood glucose is too high. The most lingering problem in treating it is fluctuation in blood glucose level. Hence, regular check of blood glucose level throughout the day is inevitable.  On February 03, 2020, a pioneering study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering developed a smart insulin-delivery patch, about the size of a quarter, that could monitor and manage glucose levels in diabetic patients and deliver the required insulin dosage for once-a-day use. Although the research is conducted on mice and minipigs, it is expected to be applied on humans in the near future. This study is considered as the new hope for diabetic patients, who suffered from ups and downs in their glucose levels. Smart coin-sized insulin patch once daily may be just the answer! References https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-019-0508-y https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200205/Smart-insulin-delivery-patch-could-mon...

Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. The most common metastatic skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma.  In February 2020, a novel study published in the American Journal of Pathology discovered a new RNA molecule, PRECSIT, which regulates the growth and invasion of squamous cell carcinoma. PRECSIT is acronym of  p53 regulated carcinoma-associated STAT3-activating long intergenic non-protein coding transcript. In the future , RNA molecules such as  PRECSIT  could be utilized in cancer diagnostics as specific marker molecules and as targets for new therapies. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31837949 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200204/RNA-affecting-skin-cancer-progression-discovered.aspx https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-02-scientists-rna-affecting-skin-cancer.html

Arterial stiffness, a marker for heart disease risk, considerably worsens as women transition through menopause. On January 23, 2020, a new study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology Journal found that arterial stiffness accelerates within 1 year of the final menstrual period, with black women having greater progression in midlife compared with white women. This study underscores the importance of periodical check on heart health of women during the menopausal transition. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31969013 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200203/Arterial-stiffness-accelerates-as-women-transition-through-menopause.aspx

Antiretroviral therapy is prescribed to treat HIV infection. Although antiretroviral therapy has the impact of suppressing HIV levels in the blood, the virus continues to exist in long-lasting, latently infected resting CD4+ T cells. The HIV latency is the greatest obstacle to obtaining a cure for HIV infection as these cells can persist despite decades of treatment with antiretroviral therapy. Without  continuously   taking the antiretroviral therapy, viral loads increase in the blood. Till now, there is no treatment available to target these latently infected CD4+ T cells. On January 22,2020, unprecedented study published in the journal Nature developed a compound known as AZD5582 to activate latently infected CD4+ T cells, reversing the latency state. Researchers in this study found that AZD5582 showed very little or no toxicity, rendering it safe and suitable for use in the human body. For the first time, a study proves that targeting latent HIV infecti...

We live in a world, where we are overwhelmed by huge number of bacteria. We know that bacteria can enter our homes through the air, or on our skins, but what we actually do not know whether these bacteria can transfer antibiotic resistance traits to other bacteria residing in the indoor dust or not. On January 23, 2020, a novel study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens found that antibiotic resistance genes can be transferred from outdoor bacteria to indoor bacteria, rendering susceptible indoor bacteria to resistant ones. Researchers in this study concluded that dust within modern buildings is a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and a possible vector for bidirectional transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between the human microbiome and the outdoor environment.  References https://journals.plos.org/plospathogens/article?id=10.1371/journal.ppat.1008211 https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200126/Indoor-dust-carrying-bacteria...