Singing mice, constipated kids and nurture beats nature: science stories of the week
Feb 20, 2025
auto_awesome
This week features fascinating insights into the genetic roots of human language, revealed through squeaks from engineered mice. It also highlights a troubling increase in childhood constipation cases, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive treatment approach. Furthermore, promising advancements in CAR T-cell therapy are showcased, illustrated by the success story of a young neuroblastoma survivor. Discover how environmental factors may play a greater role in aging than our genes!
19:01
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
A troubling 60% rise in childhood constipation hospitalizations highlights the need for improved dietary and psychological support measures.
Research indicates that environmental factors significantly influence aging and longevity, outweighing genetic contributions tenfold in impact.
Deep dives
Rising Rates of Childhood Constipation
A significant increase in hospital admissions for constipation among children in England has raised concerns among health experts. Over the past decade, there has been a 60% rise in diagnoses, amounting to more than 44,000 admissions last year alone. While constipation is common in children, often linked to potty training and dietary habits, its chronic nature can lead to severe health issues if not addressed early. Factors contributing to this problem include poor diet, inadequate fluid intake, and children’s fear of using public toilets, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to treatment that includes dietary improvements and psychological support.
Nature vs Nurture in Aging and Longevity
A major study utilizing UK Biobank data has shed light on the ongoing debate between genetics and environmental influences on aging and life expectancy. The findings suggest that environmental factors are ten times more impactful than genetics in predicting longevity, with 25 significant exposures identified, including maternal smoking and socioeconomic status. While genetics still play a role in certain diseases such as cancers and dementia, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing modifiable environmental factors. This research serves as a prompt for further exploration into how lifestyle and environmental conditions can improve public health outcomes.
Gene Insights into Human Communication
Research on a specific gene variant, NOVA1, has highlighted potential links between genetics and the evolution of human language. By employing CRISPR technology, scientists were able to create mice with the human version of this gene, which resulted in more complex mating calls, indicating a change in communication behavior. This suggests that specific genetic adaptations may have conferred advantages in language development through evolutionary history. While this gene is just one of many that contribute to language capability, it offers intriguing insights into the genetic foundations underlying human communication.
Science editor Ian Sample joins co-host Madeleine Finlay to discuss some of the most intriguing science stories of the week. From a concerning rise in hospital diagnoses of constipation in children, to research suggesting that the environment is far more important for ageing and longevity than our genes, and how squeaks from genetically engineered mice are providing insight into how human language may have emerged. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode