Research team introduces new technology for analysis of protein activity in cells

Proteins constitute principal building blocks in all living organisms. They are often described as the workers of the cell, where they⁠—together or individually⁠—perform numerous essential tasks. If something goes wrong, the consequences are often serious. Both research and health care have expressed the need for effective tools to analyze the functions and activities of proteins, and in a new article in scientific journal Nature Communications, Professor Ola Söderberg's team introduces MolBoolean, a technology that is expected to open important doors in cell and cancer research.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/research-team-introduces-new-technology-for-analysis-of-protein-activity-in-cells

Statistical tool finds 'gaps' in DNA data sets shouldn't be ignored

A simple statistical test shows that contrary to current practice, the "gaps" within DNA protein and sequence alignments commonly used in evolutionary biology can provide important information about nucleotide and amino acid substitutions over time. The finding could be particularly relevant to those studying distantly related species. The work appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

source https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/statistical-tool-finds-gaps-in-dna-data-sets-shouldnt-be-ignored

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron surge in patients on dialysis

In a recent study published in Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, a third COVID-19 mRNA vaccine dose in adults with kidney failure who were on dialysis enhanced patients' protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection during the omicron-dominant period. A patient's response to vaccination or prior infection—as measured by circulating anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels—was also an important predictor for subsequent risk of infection.

Monkeypox virus found in anal samples from asymptomatic MSM

A brief research report documents positive monkeypox virus PCR results found in anal samples taken from asymptomatic MSM (men who have sex with men). These findings suggest that vaccination limited to those with known exposure to the monkeypox virus may not be an effective strategy for preventing infection. The report is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

New research shines light on racial disparities in cancer treatment

In a study published August 5 in Advances in Radiation Oncology, researchers from Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah found significant health care delays for people of color when they tried to obtain a more advanced, targeted form of radiation therapy.

Clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) has released clinical practice guidelines for the appropriate use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) in hospital and outpatient settings. Based on two living systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the guidelines provide five specific recommendations for treating patients with COVID-19 and suggest that CCP is most effective when transfused with high neutralizing titers to infected patients early after symptom onset. The guidelines are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

1 in 3 parents worry that school traffic is a danger for kids

For some elementary and middle schoolers, one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the school day starts before the first bell even rings: morning drop off.

Research shows it's how often you do it, not how much

So… should I exercise a little bit every day, or exercise for longer once a week?