The Wolverine Wake-Up Issue 65
11-18-22
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Premature Death
-Oliver McKeon
Ancient Viral DNA in Human Genome Guards Against Infections
Scientists have shown that ancient viral DNA in the genomes of mice, chickens, cats and sheep provide immunity against modern viruses that originate outside the body. The study was conducted with human cells in culture in the lab, but it shows that the antiviral effect of such DNA also exists for humans.Researchers at the University of Bristol in the UK have identified a possible new class of viruses that could lead to treatments without autoimmune side effects.A study by researchers at the University of Maryland has shown that a reservoir of proteins in the human genome could protect against a wide range of viruses. The study's lead author is a former graduate student who is now a postdoctoral researcher at Yale University, where he is an assistant professor.Endogenous retroviruses account for about 8% -- at least four times the amount of DNA that make up the genes that code for proteins. They introduce their RNA into a host cell, which is converted to DNA and integrated into the host's genome.When a virus infects a cell, it hijacks the cell's machinery to replicate itself. This opens the door for retro-viral DNA to pass from parent to offspring and eventually become permanent fixtures in the host genome.It's very similar to how a key enters a lock - by binding to a receptor on the surface of the cell, much like a lock.A new study shows that retro-viral envelope genes are active in the early embryo and in germ cells, and a subset are expressed in immune cells upon infection. Frank, Feschotte and colleagues used computational genomics to scan the human genome for these genes.
-Carson Ososki
Fights in Pro Hockey Don't Deter Greater Violence, Study Finds
Fighting in the NHL has declined dramatically, a study finds. Teams and players that fight more often are responsible for a disproportionate number of violent penalties. The study was published today (June 22, 2022) in the journal PLOS ONE by Michael Betz at The Ohio State University. The number of violent penalties called against a team after a fight increased in a game, according to an analysis by economist John Betz. Each additional fight a team was engaged in was associated with more violent penalties taken against them, Betz's study found. A fight between two teams did not significantly reduce violent penalties in a later season's game. These junior leagues follow the lead of the NHL and, unlike colleges, allow fighting. The number of violent penalties increased in a game after a fight as opposed to decreasing. Violent penalties included boarding, charging, elbowing, roughing and major interference penalties. the 2018-19 season had 65% fewer fights per game than the 2010-11 season. If fighting ever did deter more egregious violence against players, this study shows it no longer does in the modern NHL
-Leatta McKeon