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​Dive into the latest biological research! Learn about the regulation and policy of stem cell research, health inequalities and other public health news. Biology Articles Dive into the latest biological research! Learn about the regulation and policy of stem cell research, health inequalities and other public health news. You may also like: Cancer , Ecology , Genetics , Immunology , Neuroscience , Zoology , and Medicine Regulation and policy of stem cell research The 14-day rule and stem cell-based embryo models Maveerar Naal Health, trauma, and resilience amid decades of war in Sri Lanka What are health inequalities? Unequal access to healthcare. Article #1 in a series on health inequalities. Socioeconomic health inequalities Unequal access to healthcare due to social and financial factors. Article #2 in a series on health inequalities. Ethnic health inequalities Unequal access to healthcare due to ethnicity and race. Article #3 in a series on health inequalities. Addressing health inequalities Addressing these inequalities due to various reasons. Article #4 in a series on health inequalities. Previous

An extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you.  Discover Your Next Great Read Deep Dive into STEM Books Here you can explore an extensive collection of insightful reviews on the best STEM books available. Whether you're a student looking to deepen your knowledge or something to aid or complement your revision and research, an educator seeking great resources for your classroom, or simply a curious mind passionate about science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medicine and more, you'll find something here to inspire and inform you. Our Curated Selections: Intern Blues by Robert Marion, M.D. The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee The Molecule by Dr Rick Sax and Marta New

Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and the other sciences. Log In Welcome to Scientia News DELIVERING INFORMATIVE CONTENT Scientia News is full of STEM blogs, articles and resources freely available across the globe for students. Browse all of our fascinating content written by students and professionals showing their passion in STEM and other sciences. We hope this platform helps you discover something that inspires your curiosity, and encourages you to learn more about important topics in STEM. Meet the Official Team NAVIGATE AND CLICK THE PHOTOS BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT US! To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Latest Articles ecology Rock, paper, survival? View More chemistry Diels–Alder Reaction View More biology Addressing Health Inequalities View More chemistry Molecular blueprints: the synthesis of ibuprofen View More CONTACT CONTACT US Scientia News welcomes anyone who wants to share their ideas and write for our platform. If you are interested in realising your writing potential with us AND live in the UK; and/ or would like to give feedback: Email us at scientianewsorg@gmail.com or fill in our GET IN TOUCH form below and we'll be in contact... Follow us on our socials for the latest updates. Comment, like and share! Join our mailing list below for latest site content. You can also sign up to become a site member . SUBSCRIPTION Join our mailing list to receive alerts for new articles and other site content. Be sure to check your spam/ junk folders in case emails are sent there. Email Subscribe GET IN TOUCH First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Diving deep Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link The science and controversy of water fluoridation 03/04/26, 16:23 Last updated: Published: 17/11/23, 17:00 Diving deep In the pursuit of national strategies to improve oral health, few interventions have sparked as much debate and divided opinions as water fluoridation. Whilst some have voiced concerns about water fluoridation in recent years, viewing it as mass medicalisation and an intrusion into personal choice, researchers and dental professionals continue to champion its benefits as a cost-effective, population-wide approach that can significantly reduce tooth decay and enhance the oral health of communities across the country. The statistics from 2021-2022 paint a concerning picture, with a staggering 26,741 extractions performed on 0-19-year-olds under the NHS due to preventable tooth decay, amounting to an estimated cost of £50 million. With the NHS bearing the responsibility of providing dental care to millions of people nationwide, the introduction of water fluoridation stands out as a promising ally in the quest for more efficient healthcare and the alleviation of the burden on our already-strained healthcare system, all while improving dental health in a cost-effective manner. Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical element found in soil, plants and groundwater, which can reduce dental decay through a dual mechanism; fluoridating water reduces dental decay by both impeding demineralisation of enamel and enhancing remineralisation of teeth following acid attacks in the mouth. When sugars from food or drinks enter the mouth, the bacteria present in plaque act to convert these sugars to acid, demineralising the outer surface of teeth and leading to the formation of cavities. The incorporation of fluoride into the structure of tooth enamel during remineralisation strengthens and hardens the outer layer of teeth, rendering teeth less susceptible to damage and more resistant to acid-induced demineralisation. Moreover, fluoride has also been proven to reverse early tooth decay by repairing and remineralising weakened enamel, thus averting the need for restorative dental procedures such as fillings. The inhibition of demineralisation and encouragement of remineralisation overall prevents cavities forming and preserves the vitality of our smiles. The main adverse effect of fluoridating water is the risk of dental fluorosis, which affects the appearance of teeth. Dental fluorosis is a cosmetic dental condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure, resulting in changes in tooth colour and texture. It presents as small opaque white spots or streaks on the tooth surface. It is important to note that these conditions generally occur at fluoride levels significantly higher than those recommended for water fluoridation. Opponents of water fluoridation also argue on ethical grounds, citing concerns about mass medication infringing on personal choice and the right to decide whether to use fluoride or dental products containing fluoride. In some cases, opposition is rooted in conspiracy theories and scepticism about government motives. Findings from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities and the UK Health Security Agency highlight the benefits of water fluoridation. The data collected illustrates young populations in areas of England with higher fluoride concentrations are up to 63% less likely to be admitted to hospital for tooth extractions due to decay compared to their counterparts in areas of lower fluoridation levels. This disparity is most pronounced in the most deprived areas, where children and young adults benefit the most from the addition of fluoride to the water supply. These findings strongly support the evidence for the advantages of water fluoridation and highlight how this simple method can substantially improve health outcomes for our population. While fluoridation has proven beneficial for communities, especially those from deprived backgrounds, it has demonstrated successful outcomes for individuals across all demographics, irrespective of age, education, employment, or oral hygiene habits. It's essential to emphasize that water fluoridation should not replace other essential oral health practices such as regular tooth brushing, prudent sugar intake, and dental appointments. Instead, it should complement these practices, working in synergy to optimize oral health. As of now, approximately 10% of the population in England receives water from a fluoridation scheme. While the protective and beneficial effects of fluoridation are well-established, the decision to move towards a nationwide water fluoridation scheme ultimately rests with the Secretary of State for Health in the coming years. As of 2025-26, the government is actively moving to expand coverage (inc. in the North East England) to reduce NHS dental costs. Written by Isha Parmar Project Gallery

Our planet's ecosystems are teeming with life! Navigate the intricate web of interactions in these intriguing articles. How do organisms relate to one another and their surroundings? Ecology Articles Our planet's ecosystems are teeming with life! Navigate the intricate web of interactions in these intriguing articles. How do organisms relate to one another and their surroundings? You may also like: Biology, Zoology Galápagos Tortoises An end at the beginning: their conservation Beavers are back in Britain The role of beavers in the ecosystem and their reintroduction in the UK. Article #3 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Pangolins in China From poached to protected. Article #4 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique From conflict to community. Article #5 in a series on animal conservation around the world. Wildlife corridors Why did the sloth cross the road? Meet the microbes that feed phosphorus to plants Plants need phosphorus to make biological molecules like DNA, ATP, and the phospholipid bilayers that form cell membranes How human activity impacts the phosphorus cycle Discussing eutrophication and industrial activities Rock, paper, survival? This theory occurs when three equally strong variants coexist in a population

Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. Chemistry Articles Elements, compounds, and mixtures make up the building blocks of materials that shape our world. Read on to uncover the latest contributions in chemistry, such as advances in mass spectrometry and quantum chemistry. You may also like: Medicine , Pharmacology Advances in mass spectrometry Analytical chemistry Bioorthogonal chemistry Chemical reactions with high yields Polypharmacy Multiple medications Plastics and their environmental impact The same property that makes plastics so strong endangers the environment Quantum chemistry A relatively new field of chemistry Nanomedicine and targeted drug delivery An overview as to why nanoparticles are suitable for drug delivery Nanogels Smarter drug delivery The importance of symmetry in chemistry Symmetry in spectroscopy, reaction mechanisms and bonding Not all chemists wear white coats Computational organic chemistry Molecular blueprints: the art of synthetic planning Article #1 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Looking at the rare earth elements These comprise the lanthanide series as well as scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y), and are characterised by the similarity of their chemical properties. Molecular blueprints: the synthesis of ibuprofen Article #2 in a two-part series on retrosynthesis. Diels-Alder reaction A reaction that shows the importance of symmetry in chemistry Previous

A rare neurological disease that is caused by a flaw in genetics Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Pseudo-Angelman Syndrome 03/04/26, 16:13 Last updated: Published: 07/09/24, 20:20 A rare neurological disease that is caused by a flaw in genetics This is article no. 8 in a series on Rare Diseases. Next article: Breaking down Tay-Sachs . Previous article: Apocrine carcinoma . An overview Name of the disease: Pseudo-Angelman Syndrome Other names the disease is known by: MBD5-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder (MAND) 2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome Del(2)(q23.1) monosomy 2q23.1 Prevalence rate in the US: <1000 Average life expectancy: mid-50s – early 70s for severe to moderate intellectual disabilities Mortality rate: <10% in individuals with severe to moderate intellectual disabilities (this rate is more than double the general population) Pseudo-Angelman syndrome is a neurological disease, which is classified as Rare since it affects fewer than 1000 people in the US (as reported by the National Institute of Health). However, the information on this disease, like other rare diseases, is incomplete. This article aims to raise awareness of rare neurological diseases such as Pseudo-Angelman syndrome. Onset of symptoms: the symptoms of the disorder can appear early as a newborn and an infant Its symptoms include: - Seizures - Moderate-severe learning difficulties- mental retardation (MR)- and behaviour issues (the roles of the frontal and parietal lobes in the brain are planning and executing actions, as well as proprioception) - Speech and developmental delays (one of the functions the temporal lobe in the brain is responsible for is audio processing and speech) - Trouble sleeping - Repetitive movements of the fingers, wrists, etc. or motor stereotypy Hypotonia, slow weight gain, and shorter height may also be present in children affected by the disease. Symptoms help diagnose the diagnosis, but only genetic testing confirms it. The genetic mechanism of the disease Genetic cause of the disease: a microdeletion on 2q23.1 A chromosomal deletion occurs when a region of a chromosome is removed, resulting in the loss of genetic material within that specific segment. A microdeletion affects an even smaller part on the chromosome. Hence, in Pseudo-Angelman syndrome, the 2q23.1 microdeletion involves the loss of a small section of DNA on chromosome no. 2. More specifically, the DNA is lost from position 23.1 on chromosome 2. The exact role of chromosome 2 is not yet known (there is active research in this field), but chromosome 2 likely contains protein-coding genes. The chances are that key proteins that genes in chromosome 2 code for, are not made when there is a 2q23.1 microdeletion i.e. the microdeletion removes these crucial genes, and so cells cannot produce the proteins. Thus, giving rise to Pseudo-Angelman syndrome in the individual. Indeed, research has shown that usually the MBD5 gene is deleted in patients with the syndrome (in one study, all 15 patients had lost this gene from the removed region). The next prominent gene that is deleted is EPC2 , which is a gene that is thought to be involved in causing MR. Inheritance of the disease: mostly de novo A study by van Bon et. al (2009) depicted that 10 out of 11 patients were shown to have de novo inheritance of 2q23.1 microdeletion. Comparison to Angelman syndrome See Table 1 The syndrome is called Pseudo-Angelman, so where does the Angelman part of the name come from? (The disease is named after Dr. Harry Angelman, who had first described and reported the syndrome in 1965). Angelman syndrome (AS) is also a rare disease, however, it has a higher prevalence rate than Pseudo-Angelman. One possibility could be in the way these different conditions come about in the first place. Loss of function (rather than a deletion) of the UBE3A gene in chromosome 15 from the mother, gives rise to AS. It is an example of an imprinting disorder. (Two copies of each chromosome are normally inherited, but in genomic imprinting, only one copy of a particular chromosome is passed on i.e. either the copy from the mother is inherited, or from the father- not both. Deletion, loss of function etc. may cause the other copy to not be inherited. Imprinting disorders lead to developmental and growth problems in the affected individual). In contrast, Pseudo-Angelman syndrome is often de novo, and not inherited. It is not an imprinting disorder like Angelman’s, because Pseudo-Angelman is caused by a microdeletion in 2q23.1. However, AS presents severe physical, learning, and intellectual problems. The syndrome causes seizures and developmental delays. The similarity in patients with Pseudo-Angelman can be seen here; therefore, it may be why Pseudo-Angelman is named so. Table 1: a comparison of AS and Pseudo-Angelman syndrome Angelman syndrome (AS) Pseudo-Angelman Syndrome Prevalence rate 1 in 20,000- 12,000 <1000 in the US Symptoms in common severe physical, learning, and intellectual problems seizures and developmental delays severe physical, learning, and intellectual problems seizures and developmental delays Cause Loss of function of UBE3A gene Microdeletion (of MBD5 and ECP2 genes among others) Chromosome affected Chromosome 15 Chromosome 2 (2q23.1) Mode of inheritance Genomic imprinting; inherited in an autosomal dominant way in rare cases De novo Are there any treatments for Pseudo-Angelman syndrome? Cure available: none There is no one cure to help patients with the disease, but depending on symptoms, treatment may be offered accordingly. Current treatments based on symptoms: - Seizures--> anti-seizure medicines - Behaviour issues--> behaviour therapy - Speech and developmental delays--> speech therapy - Difficulty sleeping--> medicine, sleep training Potential future treatments or cures: targeted therapy in chromosome 2 Latest research has confirmed Mbd5 as the primary driver of symptoms through the use of Mbd5 gene-trap mouse models, which mimic human behavioral and cognitive deficits- thus giving this syndrome a new term, MBD5-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder (MAND). The outlook for research into this disease Aside from discerning the exact roles and functions of the genes on chromosome 2, there is active research in targeted therapy for Pseudo-Angelman syndrome. Likely, once the rest of the roles of the genes on chromosome 2 are elucidated, efforts can be invested towards modifying or even inserting these genes (i.e. MBD5 ) back into the chromosome, which would lead to better protein expression. This could be a possible treatment for the rare neurological disease. Outside the molecular and genetic front, there should be increased awareness about this disease: this helps in reporting and diagnosing the syndrome, in addition to providing care and treatment to patients and their families. Summary In conclusion, Pseudo-Angelman Syndrome (now known as MBD5-Associated Neurodevelopmental Disorder (MAND)), is a rare 2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome, which gets its name from the imprinting disorder AS. Pseudo-Angelman is characterised by seizures, moderate to severe learning difficulties, and developmental delays. Hence, making it a neurological disease as well. Treatments are available according to symptoms; but efforts are ongoing to ascertain the roles of other chromosome 2 genes, especially Mbd5, leading to potential targeted therapy. -- Patient organisations specifically for this disease: - Chromsome Disorder Outreach - Unique The information in this article does not substitute professional medical advice. For any concerns, please refer to your doctor or local genetic centre. -- Written by Manisha Halkhoree Related article: Childhood intelligence REFERENCES van Bon, B., Koolen, D., Brueton, L. et al. The 2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome: clinical and behavioural phenotype. Eur J Hum Genet 18, 163–170 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2009.152 Mayo Clinic, 2024. Angelman syndrome . Retrieved from Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angelman syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355627#:~:text=Depending%20on%20your%20child's%20symptoms,sign%20language%20and%20picture%20communication. Medline Plus, 2024. Angelman syndrome . Retrieved from Medline Plus Gov: https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/angelman-syndrome/#:~:text=Angelman%20syndrome%20affects%20an%20estimated%201%20in%2012%2C000%20to%2020%2C000%20people . National Institute of Health, 2024. 2q23.1 microdeletion syndrome . Retrieved from National Institute of Health: https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/10998/2q231-microdeletion-syndrome Project Gallery

Protective bodies regulate animal use in research worldwide Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Animal ethics: the good, the bad, and the ugly? 03/04/26, 16:04 Last updated: Published: 09/06/24, 11:07 Protective bodies regulate animal use in research worldwide Many research trials involve using animals, specifically those labelled as ‘model organisms’. This refers to species of animals that are desirable for scientific research as they are usually cost-effective, easily manipulated, and well understood in terms of their genetic background. Good knowledge of their genetic background allows for these experiments to be applied with the intention of human benefit. Protective bodies regulate animal use in research worldwide, albeit with various degrees of severity. One of the strictest regions when it comes to animal legislation is the United Kingdom. The Animal Scientific Procedures Act 1986 protects the use of animals in the UK; they, do this by only licensing trusted individuals and experiments that follow the principle of the ‘3Rs’. This principle aims to; r educe the number of animals used r efine procedures to reduce pain r eplace experiments on animals with artificial systems such as cell cultures. In November 2025, the UK government published its official roadmap to accelerate the transition away from animal use in science; "This includes an end to regulatory testing on animals to assess the potential for new treatments to cause skin and eye irritation and skin sensitisation by the end of 2026." Research by Byron Blagburn and coworkers had some controversy as they tested four commercially available heartworm preventatives in dogs, as they first had to infect them. This parasitic worm that was infected in the dogs is extremely severe and life-threatening. The point of the experiment was to see which was the most effective treatment, and they did find that the combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin was 100% effective at eradicating the infection. Despite this research being approved by the Auburn University, Alabama USA Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, many ethical principles were breached. As the dogs had no choice but to participate in the experiment which completely disregards the autonomy of the dogs. However, Byron and his colleagues would counteract that argument by saying they acted with beneficence as the study’s intention was to find out what was the best treatment for the dogs to improve their health. But for this beneficence to be achieved, non-maleficence was broken as the dogs were given parasitic infections that inflicted pain. Unfortunately, according to the DxE investigators (Direct Action Everywhere), after 5 months the dogs were euthanised. Although the researchers defended the morality of their study by pointing out that all treatments were already in commerce, some have argued that the infection of a previously healthy dog with a parasite is morally wrong. Many religions and groups oppose the use of animals in research as they value animal life as much as human life. Buddhists, for example, believe that animals have moral significance, as the Buddha condemns occupations that involve harming animals and encourages his followers to help animals where they can. While many groups stand against this research, most of our findings and medicine today would not be available without the contribution of animals. According to the American Medical Association: Virtually every advance in medical science in the 20th century, from antibiotics and vaccines to antidepressant drugs and organ transplants, has been achieved either directly or indirectly through the use of animals in laboratory experiments. Thus, showing how important the use of animals is in terms of medical advancements and improvement of human life. One of the most vocal groups is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA): PETA is an organisation advocating for animal rights and strongly opposing many of the current research studies. For example, the research of sepsis is undertaken at many universities like Pittsburgh and California involves puncturing of mice intestines while awake and then stitching multiple of these punctured mice together. This then leads to the excruciating death of these animals. Now, this has aided in the knowledge of sepsis and potential treatment. However, the autonomy of the animals is disregarded whilst the researchers act with maleficence. Therefore, we are at a vital stage with animal experimentation as the intention is for improving health and can be argued to be necessary for the advancing medicine for humans and animals. Nevertheless, religious groups and animal rights groups believe that justice is not being served as the animals are subject to harm without a choice. Despite the advancements of artificial systems such as organ-on-a-chip (OOC) - multi-channel 3-D microfluidic cell culture that simulates the activities, mechanics and physiological response of an entire organ or an organ system, the findings of animal studies are required before trialling within humans. When artificial systems improve and become more available there could be a world where animal studies are limited or non-existent to please animal rights activists and still aid the enhancements of modern-day medicine. Written by Harvey Wilkes Related articles: Regulation and policy of stem cell research / Miniature organs in biomedicine REFERENCES Blagburn, B.L., Arther, R.G., Dillon, A.R., Butler, J.M., Bowles, J.V., von Simson, C. and Zolynas, R., 2016. Efficacy of four commercially available heartworm preventive products against the JYD-34 laboratory strain of Dirofilaria immitis. Parasites & vectors, 9, pp.1-10. Mice stitched together, injected with bacteria-take action! (no date) PETA. Available at: https://support.peta.org/page/6980/action/1?locale=en-US (Accessed: 29 May 2024). Project Gallery

Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification in the context of health Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link How does moving houses impact your health and well-being? 03/04/26, 16:02 Last updated: Published: 13/07/24, 11:02 Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification in the context of health Introduction According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity". Another way to define health is an individual being in a condition of equilibrium within themselves and the surrounding environment, which includes their social interactions and other factors. Reflecting on historical views of health, ancient Indian and Chinese medicine and society in Ancient Greece thought of health as harmony between a person and their environment, which underlines the cohesion between the soul and body; this is similar to the WHO’s definition of health. Considering these ideas, one key determinant of health is gentrification (see Figure 1 ). It was first defined in 1964 by British sociologist Ruth Glass, who witnessed the dilapidated houses in the London Borough of Islington being taken over and renovated by middle-class proprietors. The broader consequences of gentrification include enhanced living conditions for the residents, differences in ownership prerequisites, increased prices of land and houses, and transformations in the social class structure. Also, these changes cause lower-income inhabitants to be pushed out or go to poorer neighbourhoods, and the conditions in these neighbourhoods, which can include racial separation, lead to inequities and discrepancies in health. For example, a systematic review discovered that elderly and Black residents were affected more by gentrification compared to younger and White citizens; this highlights the importance of support and interventions for specific populations during urban renewal. Given the knowledge provided above, this article will delve further into the advantages and disadvantages of gentrification in the context of health outcomes. Advantages of gentrification Gentrification does have its benefits. Firstly, it is positively linked with collective efficacy, which is about enhancing social cohesion within neighbourhoods and maintaining etiquette; this has health benefits for residents, like decreased rates of obesity, sexually transmitted diseases, and all-cause mortality. Another advantage of gentrification is the possibility of economic growth because as more affluent tenants move into specific neighbourhoods, they can bring companies, assets, and an increased demand for local goods and services, creating more jobs in the area for residents. Additionally, gentrification can be attributed to decreased crime rates in newly developed areas because the inflow of wealthier citizens often conveys a more substantial sense of community and investment in regional security standards. Therefore, this revitalised feeling of safety can make these neighbourhoods more appealing to existing and new inhabitants, which leads to further economic development. Moreover, reducing crime can improve health outcomes by reducing stress and anxiety levels among residents, for example. As a result, the community's general well-being can develop, leading to healthier lifestyle choices and more lively neighbourhoods. Furthermore, the longer a person lives in a gentrifying neighbourhood, the better their self-reported health, which does not differ by race or ethnicity, as observed in Los Angeles. Disadvantages of gentrification However, it is also essential to mention the drawbacks of gentrification, which are more numerous. In a qualitative study involving elderly participants, for example, one of them stated that, “The cost of living increases, but the money that people get by the end of the month is the same, this concerning those … even retired people, and people receiving the minimum wage, the minimum wage increases x every year, isn’t it? But it is not enough”. Elderly residents in Barcelona faced comparable challenges of residential displacement between 2011 and 2017 due to younger adults with higher incomes and those pursuing university education moving into the city. These cases spotlight how gentrification can raise the cost of living without an associated boost in earnings, making it problematic for people with lower incomes or vulnerable individuals to live in these areas. Likewise, a census from gentrified neighbourhoods in Pittsburgh showed that participants more typically conveyed negative health changes and reduced resources. Additionally, one study examined qualitative data from 14 cities in Europe and North America and commonly noticed that gentrification negatively affects the health of historically marginalised communities. These include threats to housing and monetary protection, socio-cultural expulsion, loss of services and conveniences, and raised chances of criminal behaviour and compromised public security. This can be equally observed during green gentrification, where longtime historically marginalised inhabitants feel excluded from green or natural spaces, and are less likely to use them compared to newer residents. To mitigate these negative impacts of gentrification, inclusive urban renewal guidelines should be drafted that consider vulnerable populations to boost health benefits through physical and social improvements. The first step would be to provide residents with enough information and establish trust between them and the local authorities because any inequality in providing social options dramatically affects people’s health-related behaviours. Intriguingly, gentrification has been shown to increase the opportunity for exposure to tick-borne pathogens by populations staying in place, displacement within urban areas, and suburban removal. This increases tick-borne disease risk, which poses a health hazard to impacted residents ( Figure 2 ). As for mental health, research has indicated that residing in gentrified areas is linked to greater levels of anxiety and depression in older adults and children. Additionally, one study found young people encountered spatial disconnection and affective exclusion due to gentrification and felt disoriented by the quickness of transition. Lastly, there is something called Relocation Stress Syndrome (RSS), which occurs when a person, especially an older adult, moves to a new environment. This syndrome is also called transfer trauma. Therefore, all of these problems associated with gentrification reveal that it can harm public health and well-being, aggravating disparities and creating feelings of isolation and aloneness in impacted communities. Conclusion Gentrification is a complicated and controversial approach that has noteworthy consequences for the health of neighbourhoods. Its advantages include enhanced infrastructure and boosted economic prospects, potentially leading to fairer access to healthcare services and improved health outcomes for residents. However, gentrification often leads to removal and the loss of affordable housing, which can harm the health of vulnerable populations. Therefore, it is vital for policymakers and stakeholders to carefully evaluate the likely health effects of gentrification and enforce alleviation strategies to safeguard the well-being of all citizens (see Table 1 ). Written by Sam Jarada Related articles: A perspective on well-being / Socioeconomics health inequalities / Life under occupation REFERENCES WHO. Health and Well-Being. Who.int . 2015. Available from: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/major-themes/health-and-well-being Sartorius N. The meanings of health and its promotion. Croatian Medical Journal. 2006;47(4):662–4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2080455/ Krahn GL, Robinson A, Murray AJ, Havercamp SM, Havercamp S, Andridge R, et al. It’s time to Reconsider How We Define Health: Perspective from disability and chronic condition. Disability and Health Journal. 2021 Jun;14(4):101129. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1936657421000753 Svalastog AL, Donev D, Jahren Kristoffersen N, Gajović S. Concepts and Definitions of Health and health-related Values in the Knowledge Landscapes of the Digital Society. Croatian Medical Journal. 2017 Dec;58(6):431–5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778676/ Foryś I. Gentrification on the Example of Suburban Parts of the Szczecin Urban Agglomeration. remav. 2013 Sep 1;21(3):5–14. Uribe-Toril J, Ruiz-Real J, de Pablo Valenciano J. Gentrification as an Emerging Source of Environmental Research. Sustainability. 2018 Dec 19;10(12):4847. Schnake-Mahl AS, Jahn JL, Subramanian SV, Waters MC, Arcaya M. Gentrification, Neighborhood Change, and Population Health: a Systematic Review. Journal of Urban Health. 2020 Jan 14;97(1):1–25. Project Gallery

DFNB9 affects 1 to 16 newborns every 50,000 Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link DFNB9: The first deafness ever treated by gene therapy 03/04/26, 16:00 Last updated: Published: 05/09/24, 10:03 DFNB9 affects 1 to 16 newborns every 50,000 Two (TWO!) AAV gene therapies have restored hearing in deaf patients! Scientists have corrected DFNB9 deafness! These are headlines you have likely read last January. The technology making this achievement possible rightfully took the spotlight (e ven I chimed in! ). But what is DFNB9 deafness in the first place? Why do DFNB9 patients lose their hearing? In a nutshell, DFNB9 deafness is the failure of the ear to share what it has heard with the brain because of mutations in the OTOF gene. Do you want to learn more? Let me explain. Medical and genetic definitions of DFNB9 deafness DFNB9 is a type of genetic deafness. It affects 1 to 16 newborns every 50,000, and it accounts for 2 to 8% of all cases of genetic deafness. DFNB9 is (take a deep breath!) an autosomal recessive prelingual severe-to-profound non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. That’s a mouthful of a definition, I agree. Let’s break it down. In medical terms, DFNB9 deafness is: severe — sounds must be louder than 70 dB (think of a vacuum cleaner) to be heard — to profound — sounds must be even louder, over 90 dB (picture a lawn mower), prelingual, that is hearing is lost before developing language skills (2–3 years of age) not associated with other pathologies (non-syndromic). Geneticists describe DFNB9 as an autosomal recessive disease: the gene mutated is not on the sex chromosomes (but on the autosomes) and both alleles must be mutated for the disease to appear (recessive). This gene is OTOF . OTOF encodes otoferlin, a protein that enables the cells detecting sounds to communicate with neurons. As mutations in OTOF disrupt this dialogue, DFNB9 is classified as a sensorineural type of deafness. Otoferlin enables inner hair cells to speak to neurons How does otoferlin enable us to hear? This question needs a few notions on the two main cell types involved in hearing: auditory hair cells and primary auditory neurons. Auditory hair cells are the sound detector. These cells are surmounted by a structure resembling a tuft of hair, the hair bundle. Sounds bend the hair bundle, opening its ion channels; positive ions rush into the cells generating electrical signals that travel across the cell. Inner hair cells — one of the two types of auditory cells — transmit these signals to the primary auditory neurons ( Figure 1 ) The primary auditory neurons are the first station of the nervous pathway between the ear and the brain. Some primary auditory neurons (type I) extend their dendrites to the inner hair cells and listen. The information received is analysed and sent to the brain along the auditory nerve ( Figure 2 ). The synapse is where inner hair cells speak to primary auditory neurons. Otoferlin is essential for this dialogue: without it, inner hair cells cannot share what they have heard. Otoferlin, the calcium sensor At the synapse, synaptic vesicles are placed just beneath the membrane, like Formula 1 cars lined up the grid waiting for the race to start. In response to a sound, electrical signals trigger the opening of calcium channels and calcium ions (Ca2+) rush in. The sudden increase in Ca2+ is the biological equivalent of the “lights out” signal in Formula 1: as soon as Ca2+ enters, the synaptic vesicles rapidly fuse with the membrane. This event releases glutamate onto the primary auditory neurons ( Figure 3 ). The information in the sound is on its way to the brain. In the inner hair cells, otoferlin enables synaptic vesicles to sense changes in Ca2+. Anchored to the vesicles by its tail, otoferlin extends into the cell multiple regions with high affinity to Ca2+ (C2 domains) ( Figure 4 ). The many roles of otoferlin at the synapse Otoferlin is essential throughout the lifecycle of synaptic vesicles (Figure 5). This is a brief overview of its main roles at the synapse: 1 — Docking : Otoferlin helps position vesicles filled with glutamate at the synapse 2 — Priming : Otoferlin interacts with SNARE proteins, which are essential for the fusion with the membrane, and the vesicles become ready to rapidly fuse 3 — Fusion : electrical signals, triggered by sounds, open Ca2+ channels; Otoferlin senses the increase in Ca2+ and prompts the vesicles to fuse with the cell membrane, releasing glutamate 4 — Recycling : Otoferlin helps clear fused vesicles and recycle their components Imperfect knowledge can be enough knowlege (sometimes) Despite years of studies, the functions of otoferlin at the inner hair cell synapse are still elusive. Even more puzzling is the synapse of inner hair cells as a whole. Researchers are captivated and baffled by its mysterious architecture and properties (we would need a new article just to scratch the surface of this topic!). But let’s not forget that we now have two gene therapies to improve the deafness caused by mutations in the OTOF gene. These breakthroughs should encourage us: even with imperfect knowledge, we can (at least in some cases) still develop impactful treatments for diseases. Indeed, as of mid-2025, follow-up studies indicated that hearing improvements, including the ability to understand speech, are sustained. Written by Matteo Cortese, PhD REFERENCES Manchanda A, Bonventre JA, Bugel SM, Chatterjee P, Tanguay R, Johnson CP. Truncation of the otoferlin transmembrane domain alters the development of hair cells and reduces membrane docking. Mol Biol Cell. 2021 Jul 1;32(14):1293–1305. Morton CC, Nance WE. Newborn hearing screening — a silent revolution. 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