Cancer cells in inhospitable brain fluids hijack iron to survive

In order to survive within the remote and harsh anatomical microenvironments of the central nervous system, the disseminated cancer cells that cause rare yet deadly leptomeningeal metastases (LM) hijack crucial iron micronutrients from native macrophages, researchers report. The work highlights the remarkable plasticity of tumor cells and reveals potential new avenues for treating these particularly…

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Recently discovered CRISPR enzyme from huge bacteriophages expands genome editing toolbox

A recently discovered hypercompact CRISPR enzyme found only in huge bacteriophages, and known as CRISPR-CasΦ, is functional, a new study by Patrick Pausch, Jennifer Doudna and colleagues reports, and it provides a powerful new tool in the CRISPR genome editing toolbox, including because it can target a wider range of genetic sequences compared to Cas9…

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Aging-associated inflammation may worsen COVID-19 outcomes in older individuals

The increased severity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 infections in older individuals may be related to inflammageing – an age-associated phenomenon of increased general inflammation. In this Perspective, Arne Akbar and Derek Gilroy discuss this possibility as well as strategies to mitigate related effects. Inflammageing is thought to be caused, at least partially, by deterioration of…

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Scientific Panel Urges That Schools Reopen

Wading into the contentious debate over reopening schools, an influential committee of scientists and educators on Wednesday recommended that, wherever possible, younger children and those with special needs should attend school in person. Their report — issued by the prestigious National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, which advises the nation on issues related to…

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Your New Favorite Sandwich

Good morning. The chef Brooks Headley is in the spotlight today, with his recipe for the crispy chicken-fried tofu sandwich (above) served at his Superiority Burger on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It’s a bit of a project as most restaurant recipes tend to be, but it’s neither complicated nor difficult. If you start…

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