News
Study suggests that testosterone suppresses brain tumor growth in males
Scientists discovered that hormones associated with male development may play a key role in limiting the growth of brain tumors in men. The research team found that the loss of androgen hormones, such as testosterone, in a preclinical model of glioblastoma drove tumor growth by inducing local inflammation and triggering the production of stress hormones. In an analysis of data from more than 1,300 men with glioblastoma, the authors found that supplemental testosterone was significantly associated with improved survival, which was consistent with their preclinical experiments.
Researchers develop innovative model for risk assessment for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Findings from this study have identified a new model for predicting outcomes for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a heart condition with a prevalence of 1 in 500 people and a frequent cause of sudden cardiac death. Specifically, the findings demonstrate that incorporating prospective data including clinical history, imaging, and blood biomarker data into risk assessment can improve prediction of adverse cardiac events in people with HCM.
High risk of extinction across the flowering plant tree of life
Climate change and other massive global changes are increasing the risk of extinction for many species. Two papers in this issue address the extent of extinction risk to plants. Wang et al. used species distribution models to predict range shifts in response to climate change for more than 60,000 plant species. They found that 7 to 16% of these species will be at high extinction risk by 2100 across emissions scenarios. Forest et al. combined phylogenetic information with species extinction risk assessments to show that more than one-fifth of flowering plants’ evolutionary history is currently threatened, a ratio similar to that seen in vertebrate groups. Considering the extent to which people depend on the productivity and diversity of plants, these studies show what is at stake from uncurbed anthropogenic global change (see the Perspective by Scherson and Luebert)
What Lab Teams Really Need from Their Leaders
What is the focus of strong laboratory leadership? To be a strong lab leader, one must be introspective, learn soft skills, and practice. It can be very easy to focus on the personal journey and growth, and determine effectiveness using metrics like on-time delivery of results or low report revision rates. With all that said, however, the true focus of leadership is on those being led. As such, it is critical that, with all those skills and growth, a leader knows what the laboratory teams actually need. Without that knowledge, the lab leader’s effectiveness will be limited.
Using Machine Learning to Improve PPE Compliance in Scientific Workplaces
For lab managers and safety officers, the COVID-19 pandemic was a masterclass in the complexities of personal protective equipment (PPE). From supply chain collapses to the nuances of fit-testing, PPE became the frontline of workplace safety. However, understanding the specific, evolving challenges faced by workers is a monumental data task.
The month’s sharpest science shots, selected by Nature’s photo team.
Explore a stunningly detailed map of the Universe, Japan’s cherry blossoms and an image of a regenerating limb bud on an African clawed frog, among the images published last month.
Polydrug Use and Diagnostic Challenges in Emergency Departments
Rising polydrug use in the US is intensifying pressure on emergency departments to deliver rapid, reliable diagnostic data to guide overdose care
Broad-Range PCR and Sequencing Remains a Key Tool for Clinical Laboratories
In an era of emerging tech, broad-range PCR followed by sequencing remains a vital targeted approach for microbial identification
New antibody therapy promotes nerve regeneration after spinal cord injury
An international research group recently demonstrated that the antibody NG101 promotes the regeneration of damaged spinal cord tissue.
Regular arts engagement may help slow biological aging process
Regularly taking part in arts activities such as reading, listening to music or visiting a gallery or museum may slow the pace of biological aging, suggests a new study by University College London (UCL) researchers.
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