How do we age? New insights into aging

A recent study tracked molecular changes in 108 people over time, revealing that aging involves critical shifts around ages 44 and 60. These changes impact immune function and metabolism, shedding light on how aging affects disease risk and highlighting new areas for potential treatments. Read more about this under Article 1 below.

Article 1: Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging

This study examines nonlinear molecular changes associated with aging by analyzing data from 108 individuals aged 25-75 over several years. Researchers identified key shifts in aging-related markers around ages 44 and 60, linked to changes in immune function, metabolism, and disease risks. These findings suggest that aging-related diseases and biological functions change nonlinearly, providing new insights into the molecular pathways involved and potential therapeutic targets to enhance healthspan. Read the full article here.

In summary: Aging reveals molecular shifts around ages 44 and 60

Article 2: Feeding gut microbes to nourish the brain: unravelling the diet–microbiota–gut–brain axis

This review highlights the growing link between diet, gut microbiota, and brain health. Poor dietary habits are linked to rising brain disorders, while healthy diets support mood and cognitive function. The “diet–microbiota–gut–brain axis” is proposed as a key pathway influencing brain health. The review explores how diet affects gut microbiota, impacting cognition and emotional health, and suggests this axis as a potential target for diagnosing and treating neuropsychiatric disorders. Read the full article here.

In summary: Diet affects gut microbiota, influencing brain health

Article 3: ONCOLINER: A new solution for monitoring, improving, and harmonizing somatic variant calling across genomic oncology centers

This study introduces ONCOLINER, a tool designed to improve and standardize tumor genome analysis across cancer research centers and hospitals. By enhancing the identification of somatic variants like SNVs, indels, and structural variants, ONCOLINER helps ensure more consistent tumor diagnoses and facilitates data sharing. It provides personalized recommendations for harmonizing genomic analysis, supporting more reliable cancer research and personalized medicine in clinical oncology. Read the full article here. 

In summary: ONCOLINER enhances tumor genome analysis and diagnosis consistency

Article 4: Genetic associations between non-cognitive skills and academic achievement over development

This study explored the relationship between non-cognitive skills (like motivation and self-regulation) and academic achievement in over 10,000 children aged 7 to 16 in England and Wales. The findings showed that non-cognitive skills increasingly influenced academic success as children grew older. Genetic analyses revealed that the connection between non-cognitive traits and academic performance strengthened over time, suggesting a possible role for gene-environment interactions in shaping academic development. Read the full article here.

In summary: Non-cognitive skills and genetics increasingly affect academic success

Stay informed on the latest monkeypox developments: The WHO has declared a public health emergency as a new strain of the mpox virus (clade Ib) spreads in Africa. Unlike earlier strains, clade Ib is transmitted mainly through human contact, including sexual transmission, leading to 18,000 suspected cases and 600 deaths in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Existing vaccines, designed for a different strain, may be less effective against clade Ib, complicating outbreak control. Learn more here.

References

[1] Shen, X., Wang, C., Zhou, X., Zhou, W., Hornburg, D., Wu, S., & Snyder, M. P. (2024). Nonlinear dynamics of multi-omics profiles during human aging. Nature aging, 10.1038/s43587-024-00692-2. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-024-00692-2      

[2] Schneider, E., O’Riordan, K. J., Clarke, G., & Cryan, J. F. (2024). Feeding gut microbes to nourish the brain: unravelling the diet-microbiota-gut-brain axis. Nature metabolism, 6(8), 1454–1478. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-024-01108-6

[3] Martín, R., Gaitán, N., Jarlier, F., Feuerbach, L., de Soyres, H., Arbonés, M., Gutman, T., Puiggròs, M., Ferriz, A., Gonzalez, A., Estelles, L., Gut, I., Capella-Gutierrez, S., Stein, L. D., Brors, B., Royo, R., Hupé, P., & Torrents, D. (2024). ONCOLINER: A new solution for monitoring, improving, and harmonizing somatic variant calling across genomic oncology centers. Cell genomics, 100639. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100639   

[4] Malanchini, M., Allegrini, A. G., Nivard, M. G., Biroli, P., Rimfeld, K., Cheesman, R., von Stumm, S., Demange, P. A., van Bergen, E., Grotzinger, A. D., Raffington, L., De la Fuente, J., Pingault, J. B., Tucker-Drob, E. M., Harden, K. P., & Plomin, R. (2024). Genetic associations between non-cognitive skills and academic achievement over development. Nature human behaviour, 10.1038/s41562-024-01967-9. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-024-01967-9