Science and Technology links (September 28th 2019)

  1. Researchers have effectively rejuvenated the damaged skin of mice by using “exosomes”. These are packages that cells send in their environment, and it appears that other cells react positively to exosomes in some conditions. The therapy is non-invasive (no needle!) and it appears to be superior to existing skin rejuvenation treatments (e.g., retinol, stem cells). Skin thickness and collagen production were both improved.
  2. Researchers have effectively created new neurons in the brain of mice by converting existing glial cells (which are abundant) into neurons. This could be used one day to help patients recover from brain injuries or strokes.
  3. About one in six death in the USA is due to lead exposure. Lead accumulates in your body over time and significantly increases your risks of cardiovascular diseases, among other bad things. There are chelation therapies to lower your lead levels, but they are not in wide use even though it is surprisingly effective at improving the health of some sick people.

Published by

Daniel Lemire

A computer science professor at the University of Quebec (TELUQ).

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