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Regions of brains linked to paranoia found in humans, non-human primates: By comparing data from humans and non-human primates, researchers identified specific regions of the brain involved in paranoia, finding that lesions in these areas were associated with negative behaviors linked to paranoia, according to a study in Cell Reports. Scientists hope that this research could translate to other species, like mice or invertebrates, and could ultimately help find treatments for paranoia in humans.

Personalized cancer vaccines show promise in preventing melanoma recurrence: As part of a 2020 clinical trial, melanoma patients had their tumors surgically removed and received a personalized mRNA vaccine that targeted their cancer to prevent recurrence, with three-year results from Moderna and Merck showing reductions in the risk of recurrence and life span extension. The drugmakers are conducting additional vaccine trials that address other cancers, which is made possible using Moderna’s “single use personalized RNA+” machine that churns out mRNA encoding up to 34 cancer mutations selected by AI.

Flexible film that senses neural activity to allow for safer neurosurgeries: Researchers have developed a flexible film embedded with microsensors that could be placed over the brain’s surface to detect neural activity, providing resolution that’s 100-times better than current technology and allowing for improved functional brain mapping for safer brain surgery. Researchers are developing a wireless version that could allow for better epilepsy monitoring and ultimately hope to use this technology as a brain-computer interface to aid people who are paralyzed.

Placenta-on-a-chip may be game-changer for women’s health: Mechanical Engineer Nicole Hashemi is one of the few people in the world developing a placenta-on-a-chip to help researchers study the impacts of drugs and toxins on a fetus. Pregnancy is a common clinical trial exclusion criterion, studies of pregnancy registries or retrospective cohort studies are prone to errors, and findings from animal studies and research on postpartum placental tissue does not always translate to real pregnancies. Placenta-on-a-chip technology is “going to be a game-changer for pregnancy studies,” said Ahizechukwu Eke, a Maternal-Fetal Research Team Leader.

Researchers ask if SARS-CoV-2, cancers could be linked: National data and some large cancer treatment organizations have indicated an unexpected rise in aggressive, late-stage cancers since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Some experts believe the trend is due to health care disruptions caused by the crisis; however, David Tuveson of the Cancer Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory said some small early studies suggest the viral infection can lead to inflammation and other responses that may factor into the growth of cancer cells.

New compound demonstrates reversible male contraception in mice: A new hormone-independent male contraceptive called compound CDD-2807 demonstrated reversible contraceptive action in mice, with reductions in sperm count and motility through inhibition of STK33, a protein known to be involved in infertility, according to a study in Science. Researchers plan to test this contraceptive in non-human primates as a next step, with the hope of providing more options for male birth control.

POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) gene mutations linked to obesity in dogs: Researchers have found that mutations in the POMC gene lead to increased body fat in dogs, as a result of increased appetite and persistence during the “sausage-in-a-box test” and reduced resting metabolic rates. Eleanor Raffan, Senior Author of the study in Science Advances, hopes this work can be used to improve canine health and provide clues for understanding human obesity genetics.

Mice show infection after drinking H5N1-contamination raw milk: Lab mice that consumed 20 drops of raw milk from cows infected with H5N1 avian influenza developed ruffled fur and lethargy on the first day; high viral loads were found in the animals’ nasal passages, trachea and lungs; lower levels of virus were found in their other organs; and the virus was found in the mammary glands of two mice that were not lactating, researchers reported in The New England Journal of Medicine. Virus levels remained high in contaminated milk that was refrigerated for five (5) weeks; heating milk to 145 degrees F killed the virus in five (5) minutes; however, heating to 161.6 degrees F for 20 seconds killed some but not all of the virus.

Scientists find microplastics in testicular tissue: University of New Mexico toxicologist John Yu and colleagues have discovered microplastics in the testicles of humans and dogs, raising concerns about potential effects on male fertility, according to a study in Toxicological Sciences. The study detected plastics such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride in the samples tested — an unexpected finding given the tight blood-tissue barrier in testicles, Yu said — and the results underscore the importance of further research into how microplastics affect human health.

Rocketing tumors into space illuminates human biology: Hematologist Catriona Jamieson, Director of the Sanford Stem Cell Institute, says that sending tumor organoids and stem cells aboard space flights is helping her understand stem cell aging and the mechanisms behind cancer growth. The tumors grew very rapidly, and Jamieson’s Lab Manager, Jessica Pham, suggested testing a novel blocker that appears to work as a cancer kill-switch.