PatientCV

The same neurotransmitter commonly leveraged to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety also may exacerbate a vexing condition known as tinnitus, according to new research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Tinnitus is a constant sensation of ringing or buzzing in the ears, creating a continual irritation for some and severe anxiety for others. Global prevalence is estimated to be as high as 14%, with many severely affected.

A University of Michigan study suggests that the nitrile and latex gloves scientists commonly use could be causing microplastics levels to appear higher than they actually are. Researchers found that these gloves can unintentionally transfer particles onto lab tools used to analyze air, water, and other environmental samples. The contamination comes from stearates, which are not plastics but can closely resemble them during testing. Because of this, scientists may be detecting particles that are not true microplastics. To reduce this issue, U-M researchers Madeline Clough and Anne McNeil recommend using cleanroom gloves, which release far fewer particles.

A University of Texas at Austin-led team has reconstructed the most detailed map to date of the molecular machines that carried out the functions of life in an ancient ancestor that gave rise to all complex life on Earth, including us, shedding new light on genetic causes of human diseases. This representation of protein networks, known as the protein interactome and published in Cell Genomics, is like a treasure map the researchers have used to dig up hundreds of genes that weren't previously known to be associated with human diseases. Using animal models and human patient data, they have already confirmed for the first time that three of these genes are connected to rare disorders. The work could potentially lead to new targets for treating a host of other diseases.

A study by researchers at Duke University School of Medicine identifies a new way that G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs)—targets of roughly one-third of FDA-approved drugs—control signaling in cells. The paper is published in the journal Nature.