Congenital deafness can be treated with CRISPR

Genetic hearing loss is one of the main causes which leads to deafness, and there’s nothing you can do about it. However, a team of researchers used the popular gene-editing technique CRISPR prevent some baby mice from going deaf because of this congenital condition. Now, researchers hope they can apply the same treatment to humans as well.

Deafness is genetically inherited in half of the cases

About half of all cases of deafness are inherited, which leaves us with limited options of treatment. This means the deafness traits are present in the genes, so the rapid emergence of gene-editing methods like CRISPR can be one of the best solutions for this kind of problems.

Researchers decided to explore the effectiveness of CRISPR in this congenital hearing loss issue, and discovered that only one injection containing the gene-editing tools could prevent baby mice from going deaf when there was apparently no other solution.

The gene-editing technique erased the mutated gene

At first, researchers had to identify the mutated gene which could cause deafness. This was Tmc1, which leads to the gradual loss of the hair cells of the inner year over time. These cells are essential in creating the hearing sensation, as they pick up all the sound vibrations and then transmit them to the nerves. If a child inherits the mutated gene, the hairs will gradually degrade until they go completely deaf.

However, the child must have a non-mutated version of the gene as well, inherited from the other parent. Therefore, researchers decided to see if they could use CRISPR to delete the mutated gene. They tested it on mice with inherited deafness and, after eight weeks, the hairs in the inner ear resembled those of healthy mice. Also, the hearing test came back positive.

The study was published in the journal Nature.
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A new study found that the human touch is far more sensitive than initially believed.

According to new research from scientists at the University of California San Diego, the human touch is many times more sensitive than we would have thought. It might even be able to literally tell us the difference between molecules with just a feel.

Through experiments conducted at the university, researchers found that even just a single layer of a substance one molecule thick was enough to allow subjects to differentiate it from others.

Human Touch is More Sensitive Than Estimated

Oxygen, fluorine, and carbon atoms were used during testing. Study subjects were easily able to identify them even when only the topmost layer of molecules on each sample was changed.

They were instructed to rub or tap their fingers across silicon wafers. All of these were identical except for a top layer of molecules composed of different substances. One experiment consisted of only two wafers. A second one came with three different ones. Participants were also asked to decode a message. This was written on wafers using binary, and it spelled out the word “lab”.

In all the experiments run, a vast majority of the subjects was able to correctly identify the difference in the wafers. The participants were also able to decode the message. Around 71% and 91% of the subjects passed in substance differentiation and binary decoding, respectively.

The researchers theorize that the ability to pass these tests is partially due to the friction experienced against the fingertip with each different kind of substance. Minute differences in sound when being tapped might also help as well.

“This is the greatest tactile sensitivity that has ever been shown in humans,” said Darren Lipomi. He is one of the project leaders and a professor at UC San Diego.

Through this discovery and an increased understanding of just how acute our sense of touch really is, we could begin to see further advances in wearable prostheses. The same could be said about virtual reality technology as well. A better knowledge of just how powerful touch is and how it happens could quickly see a breakthrough in replicating that ability in machinery.

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The woman made her son undergo surgeries and unnecessary treatments just to attract attention

A woman from Texas was accused of serious charges after she forced her healthy 8-year-old son to undergo a series of surgeries. The boy was taken to 323 check-ups and suffered 13 surgeries, which were completely unnecessary. Now, the woman was arrested and is waiting for the trial.

The woman made his son undergo 13 surgeries

Kaylene Bowen, aged 34, is a woman from Dallas who took her son Christopher on a check-up spree to over 300 doctors. Between 2009 and 2016, she forced the boy to undergo a series of surgeries that he didn’t need, as he was later found to be healthy.

These procedures were traumatizing for the child. For instance, he received a feeding tube which fed him directly into his intestines, preventing him from receiving real food. Also, the woman tried to get her son’s name on a lung transplant waiting list, although his respiratory system was perfectly healthy.

Ryan Crawford, the father of the boy, took action as soon as his mother started carrying the boy to all kinds of doctors. He knew his son was healthy, and tried to convince the judges from the Dallas Family Court of it. Last month, the Child Protective Services started an investigation, and concluded that Christopher wasn’t ill.

The woman was suffering from Munchausen syndrome

Crawford explained that, after dating the woman for a period of time, she got pregnant. Only after did he realize she was suffering from Munchausen syndrome. This condition is characterized by a person acting as if they were mentally or physically ill just to get the attention of other people.

The woman manipulated the health system by claiming her son was suffering from various diseases, and managed to raise a huge amount of money for possible transplants. However, when he claimed the boy suffered a seizure, the doctors discovered he was alright. After the boy’s father tried to get the issue to everyone’s attention without success, the authorities finally understood what was happening.

The woman is now under arrest, and the boy ended up in foster care. His father is currently fighting to win his custody.
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Man flu should be taken seriously, as men are more vulnerable to influenza

For so many years, women kept making fun of man flu, and of their partners’ inability to cope with a cold. However, a new research shows us it might be time to stop, as these symptoms aren’t an overreaction. Men and women are different from a biological point of view, and these differences make them have different reactions to viruses. As a result, men might react more severely to the flu.

Man flu is real

Men shouldn’t be regarded as babies when they complain too much about the flu. The study has found enough evidence that the male immune system is more frail in front of cold viruses, so man flu is a real thing. This means their symptoms are more severe, so they are more likely to end up in the hospital and even die from influenza.

For this analysis, researchers assessed more studies on the matter, with both humans and animals as subject. Sex hormones are to blame for this different response, as testosterone appears to weaken the male immune system and make it more vulnerable to the flu virus. Also, it takes them longer to get back on their feet. On the other hand, the female sex hormones make the immune system stronger against influenza.

The male immune system seems to be weaker in front of the flu virus

This might be a good explanation for man flu, but researchers still need more studies to prove this difference between men and women is real. Many say that women are more capable of dealing with their flu symptoms, but this is easier for them if their symptoms aren’t as severe.

The flu season will soon reach its peak, so people must get ready for it. The flu shot is more than necessary, as it can help them avoid hospitalization and complications. Since it was proven that man flu is a thing, the wisest thing men could do would be to take all the measures to protect themselves from the virus.

The study was published in BMJ.
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The high caffeine concentration in energy drinks is bad for young teenagers

Teachers in Great Britain want to prevent their students from drinking energy drinks, as they are concerned about the health effects these beverages might have on them. Therefore, they are seeking to ban the sale of these drinks to teenagers under 16. The drinks are high in sugar and caffeine, and might cause the children to experience palpitations and headaches.

Energy drinks make children hyperactive, as they contain too much caffeine

British teachers want their students to be healthy, so they thought that banning energy drinks was one of the best decisions they could take. The biggest teaching union in the country, NASUWT, discovered that these drinks were dangerously easy to purchase. They investigated and discovered that kids can buy them for less money than water or soda. Moreover, they make them hyperactive, affecting their behavior in the classroom.

A report discovered that about one in four youngsters regularly consumes energy drinks, which are often sold in batches of four for small prices. Only one can contains around 160 mg of caffeine, while the recommended dose for a preteen is of 105 mg per day.

The beverage can affect the health of preteens

Teachers have already started reporting that their students weren’t on their best behavior after consuming energy drinks. Also, banning them among young teens would be better for their health as well. Most of the time, they are not aware of the fact that these drinks actually contain too many stimulants.

Such a move was actually necessary in the UK. Here, people consume more energy drinks than in all the other European countries, and the energy drink consumption and purchase has increased over the past ten years. The British Soft Drinks Association said they found the beverages safe even for young people, but they still come with a lot of risks.

Now, the teaching union is trying to restrict the sale of these drinks, and make them less accessible. It’s not enough for them to be banned in schools, as the government needs to intervene on a national scale.
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Air pollution is the biggest enemy of exercise

Doctors have always recommended old people to go out as much as possible and be physically active. However, going on walks and exercise sessions in a city which struggles with severe air pollution minimizes the positive effect of physical activity. A team of researchers from the Imperial College, London, discovered how any kind of exposure to traffic fumes can cut the benefits of a brisk walk.

Air pollution can cut the benefits of walking

Air pollution is one of the most serious threats to our health. There are plenty of polluting fine particles in the air which end up in our lungs, leading to the development of various respiratory diseases. Also, these particles can favorize heart disease, and thus increase the risk of death.

For the study, researchers decided to analyze the direct impact of air pollution on the health of older people. Therefore, 119 people aged over 60 had to take a two-hour walk across Hyde Park, and then across one of the busiest areas on Oxford Street. None of the participants had heart disease or was suffering from any kind of lung condition.

Older people should opt for greener areas when they want to go out

After the walk in the park, all participants experienced beneficial effects on their health. In only one hour, their arteries became less stiff, their blood pressure decreased, and their lung capacity greatly improved. However, after walking on the busy street, there were almost no changes in their lung and heart capacity.

This means that air pollution can really reduce the benefits that walking has for the elderly. Therefore, researchers advise older people to choose parks and green spaces whenever they want to go out and perform some exercise. Also, the same results might show the current levels of air pollution on the streets are way too high. This way, we might impose new limits for the pollutant levels present in the air.

The study has been published in the journal The Lancet.
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Healthy eating can cut the greenhouse gas emissions coming from food production

Healthy eating can protect you from diseases and prolong your life, but it turns out that not only humans can benefit from this. Switching your diet to a healthier one can save the environment as well, as greenhouse gas emissions resulting from crops and food productions would drop.

Healthy eating cuts the greenhouse gas emissions

We already know that healthy eating works wonders on our bodies. However, it doesn’t mean that we have to make drastic changes, such as going vegan or giving up gluten. Experts say that merely sticking to the dietary recommendations issued by nutritionists should be enough to benefit the environment, not only our health.

A recent study analyzed a hypothesis where the inhabitants of 28 countries with high incomes, such as US, Germany, or Japan would stick to the nutritional guidelines issued by each government. The results showed that greenhouse gas emissions related to food production would fall by almost 10 percent, from 25 percent to 13 percent.

However, these are not the only beneficial changes. Switching to healthy eating should reduce the surface of land needed for food production by almost 17 percent. While it doesn’t sound impressive at a first glance, it’s would still be a major improvement.

Everything people have to do is stick to the dietary guidelines

Food production is an important source of greenhouse gases. The growing and harvesting of crops, livestock, and the transportation of all the products contributes to as much as 30 percent of all gas emissions. However, healthy eating of more natural foods that don’t require much fertilizer can really work wonders.

If you want to embrace healthy eating completely, there are plenty of diets you can opt for in your everyday life, as anything can contribute to saving the environment. Of course, the change needs to be adopted by a large number of people, but anything is welcome.

The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
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Glitter is bad for the environment, as it’s made mostly of plastic

Glitter is probably one of the favorite items used by people who enjoy arts and crafts, and is widely used in producing decorations, cards, cosmetics, and sometimes even in our clothes. However, if you care about the environment, you might want to start going glitter-free, as this product appears to be extremely harmful for the oceans.

Glitter can easily end up in the stomachs of the fish

Glitter is a microplastic, which means it’s made of all kinds of materials which are bad for the environment. Among the many ingredients used to produce the shiny decoration, there is aluminum and PET. Aluminum might be found naturally in nature, but PET contains dozens of harmful chemicals which can affect both humans and animals.

An analysis performed on fish revealed that more than half of those caught for commercial purposes had consumed plastics. Some pollutants are big, so fish cannot always eat them. However, the small shiny particles can easily end up in their digestive systems, and its appealing looks might attract the creatures.

Turning to recyclable glitter is also an option

All shiny particles present in our cosmetics or on our Christmas decorations are dangerous for the environment. They can easily get on our skin, meaning that they end up down the drain. From there and ending up dumped in the ocean is a small step.

However, if you cannot lay off glitter, there’s still a solution. Some companies thought it would be a pity to ruin our favorite shiny products, so they created a biodegradable version of the bright particles. If you want to change something, the first step is to start buying eco-friendly DIY tools when you manufacture your own shiny stuff.

This might not be enough, so a group of researchers and environmentalists are trying to convince the companies to use non-plastic glitter. They are even going to ask the government for help, and make everyone be more careful with the products they use and what they contain.
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The elderly doctor was found unable to put diagnoses and to use an electronic database of her prescriptions

An 84-year-old doctor from New Hampshire was forced to give up her medical license after refusing to use a computer. The Board of Medicine in the state is questioning the doctor’s methods of keeping her records, as well as her ability to diagnose and to offer prescriptions. She agreed to surrender her practicing license, and now the judges have declined her request to regain it.

The elderly doctor was accused of offering a faulty treatment to a child

The state judges think Anna Konopka, the elderly doctor, uses some methods which are a little too outdated. She is unable to use a computer, meaning that she cannot keep up with the modern methods of diagnose and patient care. Also, this is a big problem in the context of opioid prescriptions, since they all need to be registered electronically for the authorities to keep an eye on them. This way, they hope they can reduce the number of opioid overdoses.

The authorities took action against the elderly doctors when she became the target of several accusations that she didn’t treat an asthmatic child properly. The accusations claimed she let the parents decide on the dosage of the medication, and didn’t prescribe daily inhalations. However, she said the child suffered no harm, and blamed the parents for misreading her recommendations.

The woman admitted that she couldn’t use a computer

However, the elderly doctor admitted that she was unable to use a computer. All her patients’ medical records are kept in a physical form, in several file cabinets. Also, when questioned about the database she had to use for the opioid prescriptions, she said she failed to learn how to use it. However, if she were to regain her practicing license, she said she would learn how to operate the electronic means.

In September, she agreed to surrender her license while the medical board assessed her case. However, she asked for permission to continue her activity as a doctor, but wasn’t allowed to do so. Now, the judges have established that she shouldn’t get her license back.
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The man had swallowed coins because he was suffering from a mental health condition

A 35-year-old man from India went to the emergency room after experiencing severe abdominal pains, so the doctors suspected he was suffering from food poisoning. However, soon after performing an endoscopy, they discovered the man had 100 nails and 263 coins in his stomach.

The doctors thought the man had food poisoning

Maksud Khan came to the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, complaining of abdominal pains, so the doctors decided to perform an endoscopy on him and find out what was causing the pain. They were quickly amazed to discover that food poisoning wasn’t actually the cause. Inside the man’s stomach, they found nails, coins, blades, pieces of glass, chain, and stones.

Soon afterwards, the doctors decided to start a surgery, as the man’s condition could have turned worse if they didn’t operate immediately. This is how they removed 7 kg of foreign objects which had accumulated over time in the man’s stomach.

They found 7 kg of coins, nails, and other metals in the man’s stomach

This was the first time when researchers had seen something like this. The patient appeared to have been suffering from a mental health condition which made him ingest strange objects. None of his relatives or friends were aware of what the man was doing, so nobody was expecting to find coins and nails inside his stomach.

The doctors, together with Khan’s family members, investigated the situation. The man, who was driving a three-wheeler for a living, seems to have been struggling with depression. His relatives suspect that he was swallowing the coins he received from his customers and, for three months, he kept complaining of severe abdominal pains.

Surprisingly, only now had all the nails and metal objects started causing damage. They had pierced the stomach and caused internal bleeding, but the doctors intervened just in time to prevent the case from getting worse. Now, the man’s condition is stable, and he swore he won’t keep swallowing strange objects.
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