The Effects of Stress on Gut Inflammation

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Summary

Transcript

Episode notes

The team measured the properties of the resulting sweets during storage for different lengths of time and at a range of temperatures. They then used the mechanical properties to estimate how aging affects a crucial feature, the average distance between its molecules. Sweets with longer intermolecular distances are softer. Out of the eight recipes studied, the team found that three resulted in optimal shelf life,. including one of them which surprisingly involved no starch at all. You can chew over that research in Physics of Fluence.

In this episode:

00:46 An AI that predicts gene interactions

Mapping the network of genes that control cellular processes can be difficult to do when gene-expression data is sparse, such as in rare diseases or those affecting tissues that are hard to clinically sample. To overcome this, a team has developed an artificial intelligence system trained on a large, general dataset, and used it to make predictions about gene interactions in data-limited situations. As a test-case they look at the heart condition cardiomyopathy, and show that the system can identify potential interactions that could represent new therapeutic targets.

Research article: Theodoris et al.

09:08 Research Highlights

Microbes that can break down persistent ‘forever chemicals’, and why intermolecular distances are the key to keeping gummy sweets chewy.

Research Highlight: Microbes take the ‘forever’ out of ‘forever chemicals’

Research Highlight: Better gummy sweets are within reach, thanks to physics

12:06 Briefing Chat

We discuss some highlights from the Nature Briefing. This time, how chronic stress can inflame the gut, and understanding how rocket launches might impact wildlife.

Nature News: Chronic stress can inflame the gut — now scientists know why

Nature News: Does the roar of rocket launches harm wildlife? These scientists seek answers

Subscribe to Nature Briefing, an unmissable daily round-up of science news, opinion and analysis free in your inbox every weekday.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.