Bipolar disorder, recurrent implantation failure, single-cell RNA sequencing, methane-eating bacteria, and cancer gone viral

Longitudinal changes in structural connectivity in the brain across both high-risk and control groups. Source: Roberts, Perry, Ridgway, et al, 2022.

Here’s the bird’s eye view on science this week:

Physical brain changes could be clues in predicting bipolar disorder episodes

Comparing young people with high and lower risk of bipolar disorder (BD), researchers observed how their thinking processes and parts of their brains started to differ over time. This could help predict who will experience the disorder. Read full Digest >>>

Any hope with recurrent implantation failure in IVF?

Despite huge advances in in-vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, still, around 10% of patients suffer what is called: “recurrent implantation failure” or RIF, a condition characterized by failure to achieve a pregnancy after repeated and multiple IVF embryo transfers. Read full Digest >>>

Immunity vs. Cancer: Big Data to get grips on the tumor microenvironment

Scientists have been using an amazing technology called single-cell RNA sequencing to try to make sense of the different ways our immune system can interact with tumors. Read full Digest >>>

The metamorphosis of methane: microbes turn greenhouse gas into fuel

Scientists have discovered a way that could help convert methane into methanol, reducing the levels of the potent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. The discovery identifies an enzyme ‘living ‘in bacteria that is crucial in the process of turning methane into a useful product. Read full Digest >>>

Cancer gone viral: The hefty burden of viral cancer

Viruses cause a substantial proportion of human cancers. In this newest Sparrow series Cancer Gone Viral, we will take a closer look at why this happens. Read full Digest >>>

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