SIGNIFICANT DEATH TOLL.
The U.N. health agency’s chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, highlighted an increase in COVID-19 transmission last month, attributed to holiday gatherings and the spread of the JN.1 variant, an omicron subtype. Nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, with hospital admissions surging by 42% in about 50 countries, primarily in Europe and the Americas. Tedros emphasized that this level of preventable deaths, though lower than the pandemic’s peak, is still unacceptable. He urged governments to maintain surveillance and ensure access to treatments and vaccines, noting that many places might be underreporting cases. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead, observed a global rise in respiratory diseases, including COVID-19, flu, rhinovirus, and pneumonia, expecting these trends to persist during the winter in the northern hemisphere and the current summer in the southern hemisphere. She mentioned the co-circulation of various pathogens this year. WHO officials advise vaccination, mask-wearing, and ensuring good ventilation in indoor spaces. Dr. Michael Ryan, head of emergencies at WHO, underscored that vaccines significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death, even if they don’t completely prevent infection. (Associated Press)
MORE COVID NEWS.
This winter has seen a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, largely attributed to the JN.1 coronavirus variant. Despite nearly 2 million new infections per day in the U.S., hospitalization rates are lower compared to last year. Eric Topol and Mark Cameron highlight the ongoing rise in infections and the potential for increased hospitalizations and deaths, especially concerning during the flu season. Accurate tracking of COVID-19 infections is challenging, with testing and tracing infrastructure reduced in the U.S. Researchers now rely on wastewater surveillance as a proxy. The concurrent spread of RSV, flu, and COVID complicates the situation, leading to the CDC’s health alert urging vaccinations. Most Americans haven’t received the updated 2023–2024 booster shot, posing a risk of spreading the virus to vulnerable populations. The booster, though not as effective as the original vaccines, offers significant protection, including a potential 70% reduction in long COVID risk. As the pandemic enters its fifth year, experts advise continued vigilance with vaccinations, masking, and testing, especially for high-risk individuals. The severity of COVID-19 has decreased, making its impact now more comparable to RSV and the flu, marking a significant shift from the early pandemic years. (Wired)
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BRAIN-LIKE STRUCTURE GROWN IN LAB.
Researchers have developed a new method to study human brain development by growing organoids, brain-like structures, from fetal brain tissue. This breakthrough, reported in “Cell,” offers a more accurate model for examining developmental disorders and brain cancers compared to previous stem cell-derived methods. The fetal brain organoids (FeBOs) are grown from human fetal tissue obtained between 12 and 15 weeks postconception, forming 3D structures that closely resemble brain tissue. This approach allows the study of specific brain regions and how they develop. This method has enabled the genetic engineering of organoids to mimic brain diseases, providing a realistic platform for testing cancer drugs. While the research offers significant insights, it is ethically sensitive, involving strict consent and ethical guidelines. Despite the advantages of FeBOs, stem cell-derived organoids remain more accessible for many researchers, each method offering unique insights into brain development and disorders. (Science)
HOW THE LARGEST PRIMATE DISAPPEARED.
Gigantopithecus blacki, the world’s largest primate, may have gone extinct due to its inability to access nutritious fruits, a study in “Nature” suggests. This massive primate, standing 3 meters tall and weighing 200-300 kilograms, is known mainly from teeth and jawbones found in Chinese caves. Kira Westaway and her team used diverse dating methods and environmental reconstruction to study these fossils, concluding that G. blacki disappeared between 295,000 and 215,000 years ago. Originally thriving in dense forests, G. blacki’s diet became less varied as its habitat changed to open grasslands, leading to dietary distress. In contrast, an ancient orangutan species, Pongo weidenreichi, adapted better to these changes, possibly due to its ability to climb trees and access different foods. The study underscores the importance of diet and adaptability in survival amidst environmental changes. It also highlights the need for more fossil discoveries to fully understand G. blacki’s biology and the reasons behind its extinction. (Nature)
GAS STATION HEROIN.
Eric, a 26-year-old father, suffered a severe reaction from Neptune’s Fix, a cherry-flavored elixir containing tianeptine, also known as “gas-station heroin.” Used for mood enhancement, tianeptine is unregulated in the U.S. and has addictive properties. After consuming it, Eric collapsed and was hospitalized. Sold as a dietary supplement in places like smoke shops, products containing tianeptine, such as Tianaa, Zaza, and Pegasus, are not FDA-approved and have been linked to overdoses and deaths. Despite FDA warnings, regulation is challenging due to the agency’s limited enforcement powers. Reports of tianeptine abuse have escalated, with symptoms ranging from unconsciousness to seizures. Treatment options include medications like buprenorphine for withdrawal. Experts debate the best regulatory approach, suggesting either strict control or public education. The widespread availability of tianeptine, both online and in retail stores, complicates efforts to limit its use. (New York Times)
HOW PSYCHEDELICS WORK.
Recent studies have explored MDMA (ecstasy) as a treatment for PTSD, showing promising results. In these trials, participants undergoing therapy were given either MDMA or a placebo. Those receiving MDMA showed a significantly higher rate of improvement than those on the placebo. This research is part of a broader investigation into the use of psychedelics, including LSD, psilocybin, and DMT, for treating mental health conditions. However, the exact mechanisms of how these drugs facilitate healing remain unclear. Scientists are probing the effects of psychedelics at both molecular and brain-wide levels to understand their impact on mental health. These drugs primarily affect serotonin receptors, which are crucial for mood regulation, and can lead to dramatic effects like hallucinations and empathetic feelings. Current treatments using psychedelics are not universally applicable and exclude individuals with certain conditions, like psychosis. As the field progresses, understanding individual responses and the necessity of the psychedelic experience for therapeutic success is crucial. This growing body of research highlights the potential of psychedelics to revolutionize mental health treatment. (PNAS)
BREATHING FOR ALTERED STATES.
At a recent workshop in San Francisco, health care professionals participating in a certificate program in psychedelic therapy experienced holotropic breathwork, a vigorous exercise intended to induce altered states of consciousness. Participants lay on cots with eyeshades, breathing deeply to fast-paced music. Some exhibited intense emotional and physical reactions, akin to a psychedelic experience. This session is part of a growing interest in psychedelic therapy, spurred by clinical studies, celebrity endorsements, and cultural shifts. Psychedelic therapy, explored in the 1950s and ’60s, was sidelined due to drug prohibition but is now resurging. Clinicians are seeking training to address mental health issues like depression, trauma, and addiction, which traditional treatments often fail to resolve adequately. The training aims to establish best practices and ethical guidelines for psychedelic therapy. Despite the promise of psychedelics, challenges include understanding their limitations and risks, and ensuring they’re administered ethically and safely. This resurgence requires trained professionals to guide experiences, as the effects of psychedelics and related practices like breathwork can vary greatly among individuals. (New York Times)
Thanks for reading. Let’s be careful out there.
WORDS: The Biology Guy.
IMAGE CREDIT: Vlada Karpovich.