No two brains are wired exactly the same way, and therefore everyone’s reality is also different.

The article discusses the phenomenon of synesthesia, referencing Dr. Richard E Cytowic's book 'Synesthesia' published by MIT Press, and Dr. Guy Leschiziner's 'The Man Who Tasted Words'. It highlights how synesthetes experience the world differently and the interconnectedness of senses in the brain. The article also covers the discovery of a cancer-causing compound in the drug ranitidine, known as Zantac or Zintac, leading to its ban by the FDA. The journalist shares their personal experience with social media, particularly their move from Twitter to Mastodon, and the benefits they've found in the new platform. The article also touches on other topics such as meditation, sports concussions, and a carnivorous plant.

New year. New ways.

The author discusses various topics including the importance of publicly funded science, exemplified by the US Geological Survey's work on the Mauna Loa eruption in Hawaii. They express skepticism about the effectiveness of anti-aging drugs and books like 'Lifespan', citing a critical review by scientist Charles Brenner. The article also explores the nutritional benefits of banana peels and their use in baking. The author shares personal travel experiences in Costa Rica, highlighting the country's biodiversity and the depiction of wildlife on its currency. They delve into the geological history of Earth's continents, referencing Alfred Wegener's theory of continental drift and the concept of Pangea. The piece concludes with a discussion on the migration of New World monkeys from Africa to South America and the dubious claims surrounding 'medbeds', a supposed medical miracle device.

A New Approach to Treating Rectal Cancer: The Promise of Precision Medicine

The article discusses a new approach to treating rectal cancer, highlighting a trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where the drug dostarlimab, a monoclonal antibody, was used for patients with mismatch-repair deficient cells. The treatment showed promising results, with all patients in the trial experiencing resolution of clinical signs without the need for radiation or chemotherapy. However, the author cautions that it is too early to declare a cure, as cancer can be unpredictable, and the trial size was small. The article also touches on the potential influence of the gut microbiome on the effectiveness of immunotherapy and the challenges of cost and diagnostic tool availability, particularly in countries like India. The author, Anirban Mahapatra, emphasizes the significance of precision medicine in cancer treatment and the slow but ongoing progress in the field.

The views expressed are personal

The article discusses the limitations of the amyloid hypothesis in Alzheimer's disease research, which has been the primary focus for decades without yielding effective treatments. It highlights a study published in Nature Neuroscience showing damage within neurons before amyloid plaque formation, suggesting alternative mechanisms for disease progression. The piece also references the book 'How Not to Study a Disease' by neurobiologist Karl Herrup, which critiques the narrow definition of Alzheimer's based on plaques. The author argues for diversified research into other potential causes and treatments, such as tau protein tangles and infections, especially in light of recent considerations of Alzheimer's-like syndromes in long COVID patients. The article emphasizes the need for accelerated research beyond the amyloid-centric approach.

The Future of Life on Earth: Extinction, Evolution, and the Anthropocene

The article discusses the potential future of human extinction and the impact of human activities on biodiversity and the climate. Citing Duke University biologist Stuart Pimm, it notes that species are dying at a rate far exceeding the rate of evolution due to human actions, leading to a mass extinction event. The author reflects on the unknown number of species on Earth, particularly insects, and the inevitability of life persisting beyond humans. Ecologist Rob Dunn's book is referenced for its predictions on post-human life and the biological principles that will continue to govern evolution. The article also touches on how urban environments, domestic species, and climate change will influence future life forms. It concludes with a perspective on the resilience of microbial life and the author's background as a scientist and author.

Could Gene Editing Provide a One-and-Done Treatment for High Cholesterol?

The article discusses a new gene-editing treatment for heart disease developed by Verve Therapeutics. The company's approach, led by Dr. Sekar Kathiresan, uses base-editing technology to make a single chemical change in the PCSK9 gene, which is linked to LDL cholesterol levels. This treatment, known as VERVE-101, aims to provide a permanent solution to reduce 'bad cholesterol' and prevent heart disease. The first human trial has begun in New Zealand, with the potential to revolutionize heart disease prevention and treatment. The article also compares this new method to existing treatments like statins and highlights the importance of genetic factors in heart disease risk.

Innovative Suction Patch Inspired by Octopus Suckers Could Revolutionize Drug Delivery

The article discusses the evolution of drug development, focusing on the distinction between small-molecule drugs and large-molecule drugs, or biologics. Small-molecule drugs, like aspirin and antibiotics, are simple in structure and easy to administer. Biologics, derived from living organisms, are more complex and targeted but are difficult to administer orally due to their size. The article highlights a recent study in Science Translational Medicine where researchers, led by Zhi Luo and David Klein Cerrejon, developed a suction patch inspired by octopus suckers to deliver large-molecule drugs through the buccal mucosa. This patch has shown promising results in tests on dogs and a human trial, with participants preferring the patch over injections. The technology could revolutionize the delivery of biologics and large-molecule drugs, potentially replacing injections. The team has patented the prototype and is seeking partners and funding for further development.

The Unsolved Mystery of Yellow Fever in India

The article discusses the medical mystery of why yellow fever has not caused outbreaks in India despite the presence of the same conditions that facilitate its spread in Africa and South America. Yellow fever is a serious disease spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and is related to dengue. The article explores historical aspects of the disease's spread, the presence of the mosquito vector in India, and various hypotheses as to why yellow fever has not taken hold in Asia. It also mentions the limited availability of vaccines and the potential risk of an epidemic due to international travel. The World Health Organization's concerns about the risk of urban epidemics in Latin America are highlighted, and the article stresses the importance of vigilance against the disease.

When Monkeys Sailed to South America

The article discusses the geological concept of plate tectonics and its historical acceptance in the scientific community. It highlights the journey of prehistoric monkeys that migrated from Africa to South America around 40 million years ago, a voyage made possible by the movement of continents. The author, Anirban Mahapatra, references the book 'Otherlands: A Journey Through Earth's Extinct Worlds' by Thomas Halliday to describe the monkeys' journey. The article also touches upon the broader implications of geological and biological changes over Earth's history, reminding readers of the planet's dynamic nature and the relatively short time humans have been a part of it.

DIY: Building brains from scratch

The article discusses significant advancements in biomedical research, particularly in the creation of human and human-animal hybrid brains. It begins by highlighting the work of Shinya Yamanaka, who reprogrammed adult skin cells into stem cells, a discovery that won him the Nobel Prize. These stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and have potential in regenerative medicine. The article then covers the development of human minibrains or brain organoids, which are 3D structures that mimic the human brain, and notes the accidental discovery by Madeline Lancaster. It also mentions Jay Gopalakrishnan's work on brain organoids with eye-like optic cups. The focus then shifts to recent research where a human brain organoid was grafted onto a rat brain, integrating and developing like a human brain cortex within the rat brain, a study led by Sergiu Pasca and published in Nature. The article addresses the ethical concerns surrounding this research and suggests that if such studies can help understand and cure human diseases, they are justified.