Research Roundup: Covid; Gene Editing; Alzheimer’s
Each week, KHN compiles a selection of recently released health policy studies and briefs.
ScienceDaily:
MRI Sheds Light On COVID Vaccine-Associated Heart Muscle Injury
Vaccine-associated myocarditis shows a similar injury pattern on cardiac MRI compared to other causes of myocarditis, but abnormalities are less severe, according to a new study. (Radiological Society of North America, 2/15)
The Lancet:
Geriatric Risk Factors For Serious COVID-19 Outcomes Among Older Adults With Cancer: A Cohort Study From The COVID-19 And Cancer Consortium
Older age is associated with poorer outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection, although the heterogeneity of ageing results in some older adults being at greater risk than others. The objective of this study was to quantify the association of a novel geriatric risk index, comprising age, modified Charlson comorbidity index, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, with COVID-19 severity and 30-day mortality among older adults with cancer. (Elkrief, M.D., et al, 2/14)
ScienceDaily:
Model Of The Human Nose Reveals First Steps Of SARS-CoV-2 And RSV Infection
Researchers report the development of a versatile human nose organoid -- a laboratory representation of the cells layering the inside of the nose where the first events of a natural viral infection take place -- where they studied SARS-Cov-2 and RSV infections. (Baylor College of Medicine, 2/15)
ScienceDaily:
Gene Editing Now Possible In Ticks
Researchers have successfully used CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the genomes of the black-legged tick. To accomplish this feat, they developed an embryo injection protocol that overcame a major barrier in the field. (Cell Press, 2/15)
Nature Medicine:
A Solid Start For Gene Therapy In Tay–Sachs Disease
Tay–Sachs disease (TSD) is an inherited condition caused by mutations in the genes encoding β-hexosaminidase A (HexA), an enzyme responsible for the recycling of GM2 gangliosides, glycosphingolipids and oligosaccharides. Without this enzyme, these products accumulate in the lysosomes of nerve cells, among other cells, causing progressive neurodegeneration. (Timothy W. Yu and Olaf Bodamer, 2/10)
ScienceDaily:
Clearance Of Protein Linked To Alzheimer's Controlled By Circadian Cycle
The brain's ability to clear a protein closely linked to Alzheimer's disease is tied to our circadian cycle, according to new research. The research underscores the importance of healthy sleep habits in preventing the protein Amyloid-Beta 42 (AB42) from forming clumps in the brain, and opens a path to potential Alzheimer's therapies. (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2/10)
ScienceDaily:
Calorie Restriction Trial Reveals Key Factors In Extending Human Health
Decades of research has shown that limits on calorie intake by flies, worms, and mice can enhance life span in laboratory conditions. But whether such calorie restriction can do the same for humans remains unclear. Now a new study confirms the health benefits of moderate calorie restrictions in humans -- and identifies a key protein that could be harnessed to extend health in humans. (Yale University, 2/10)
ScienceDaily:
A Microbial Compound In The Gut Leads To Anxious Behaviors In Mice
A new study shows how a particular molecule, produced by gut bacteria, affects brain function and promotes anxiety-like behaviors in mice. (California Institute of Technology, 2/14)
