UNITED KINGDOM
Higher body weight related to Vel
Scientists are keen to understand obesity and now, according to research at U of Exeter, having a genetic variant that disables the SMIMI gene can leads to obesity for an estimated 300,000 people worldwide. Obesity is an imbalance of energy intake and expenditure. When the pendulum swings the wrong way, a person ends up with high levels of fat in the blood, signs of fat tissue dysfunction, increased liver enzymes and lower levels of thyroid hormones.
USA
Dozing at the wheel
To reduce falling asleep while driving—a situation that contributes to hundreds of fatal accidents a year, engineers at U of California Berkley have created earbuds that can detect the brainwaves associated with drowsiness. In three sizes, the out-of-the box earbuds called Ear EEG use what’s called neural recording and machine learning to determine the onset of drowsiness as accurately more complicated, bulky systems. Hopefully real-world applications will include driving, working with heavy machinery.
USA
A hotel that’s beyond accessible
Expected to break ground this year, Morgan’s Hotel in San Antonio near Morgan’s Wonderland, a one-of-a-kind accessible theme park, will provide accommodations for people of all ages and abilities. Gordon Hartman, who was inspired by his daughter’s needs, expects the property to serve as a model for the hospitality industry with it wider hallways, larger guest rooms, easy access and other modifications that exceed legislated standards. Staff will also be trained in disability etiquette, along with the skills needs to work with hearing aid loops, mobility devices and sensory -sensitive lighting plus many more ultra-accommodating customer service protocols. Hartman says he is negotiating with well-known names in the hotel industry for management and branding rights.
HONG KONG
Inventing clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat
According to the WHO, there were approximately 480,00 heat-related deaths in the past 20 years. Led by Dr. Dahua Shou, an advanced textile technologies team at Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed the first-of-its kind, thermally-insulated and breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing ambient temperatures. Designed to ensure worker safety in hot environments, the garments reduce heat stress and help lesson challenges that extreme heat causes for workers living with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health issues and asthma. It is also being tested for reducing the risk of infectious disease transmission.
UNITED KINGDOM
Simple test detects rare genetic heart condition
Led by Jason Roberts from McMaster University and Wayne Chen from U of Calgary, a team of international researchers has revealed a new clinical test to detect calcium release deficiency syndrome (CRDS), a life threatening genetic arrhythmia. CRDS causes dangerously fast heartbeats and can lead to severe complications such as sudden cardiac arrest and death. Their novel method monitors for changes in electrocardiography ECG after a brief period of fast heartbeat and a pause which can occur nationally or be induced. Hoping for the prevention of future tragedies, the team plans to utilize this simple pacing test in routine diagnostic exams for initially unexplained cardiac incidents.
CANADA
Women continue to be under-represented in health research
In a recent report, Women’s College Hospital in Toronto suggests women that, “Empowering older women requires a collective and concerted effort from researchers, healthcare providers, community organizations and government.” Highlighting health and well-being challenges that older women face daily and on a systemic level, the report aims to shed light on issues, propose solutions and call for action to improve quality of life for older women.
SWITZERLAND
Orexin and metabolic disorders
How we decide whether to exercise or have a snack, for instance, has long been a mystery. Dopamine is critical for general motivation but we don’t know why or how our brains we choose the café rather than going to the gym. Now, scientists at ETH Zurich have used mice to learn which brain chemical and nerve cells are involved by finding a messenger substance called orexin. Without orexin, food consumption wins. Now the same group is trying to verify the results in humans with the hope that their work can lead to the development of more effective strategies for addressing metabolic disorders and even the global obesity epidemic.
