DNA extracted from ‘Pando,’ a magnificent forest comprising nearly 50,000 genetically identical quaking aspen trees interconnected through a single root system, has led researchers to conclude that it may rank among the oldest living organisms on the planet. By meticulously sequencing hundreds of samples from the species Populus tremuloides, scientists discovered that Pando’s age ranges from 16,000 to an astonishing 80,000 years, illustrating its remarkable history. Furthermore, they analyzed genetic variation patterns spread throughout this extensive arboreal network, revealing valuable insights into its adaptive strategies and evolutionary journey over millennia.
Nature | 5 min read
Reference: bioRxiv preprint (not peer reviewed)
Recent research highlights a concerning link between sugary diets during a child’s formative years and the subsequent development of diabetes and high blood pressure in adulthood. A comprehensive analysis focused on the UK sugar rationing era of the 1950s reveals that the quantity of sugar consumed by children after reaching six months of age had the most significant impact on their diabetes risk. Notably, children who were exposed to higher sugar levels in utero demonstrated elevated risk factors compared to those conceived during the rationing period. While the findings do not suggest the complete removal of added sugars from diets, economist and co-author Tadeja Gračner underlines the importance of moderation, particularly considering that pregnant and lactating individuals in the United States often consume more than three times the recommended sugar intake.
Nature | 4 min read
Dusky lory parrots (Pseudeos fuscata) are some of the most colorful birds in the avian world, owing to a distinctive genetic mutation that permits them to display an array of vibrant feather colors. The colorful pigments in their plumage, known as psittacofulvins, are unique to parrots and consist of carbon chains of various lengths. Researchers have identified a specific gene in the dusky lory’s genome responsible for encoding an enzyme that can transform an aldehyde group—a default state during pigment synthesis—into a carboxyl group, resulting in a vibrant yellow hue. Chemist Keith Gordon emphasizes that nature often utilizes remarkably simple chemical reactions to engender substantial transformations.
Features & opinion
Psychologist Sander van der Linden contends that a menacing infection is proliferating globally—misinformation. He proposes a novel strategy to tackle this issue: ‘inoculating’ individuals against misinformation, similar to how we vaccinate against viral diseases. This preventative method, known as ‘prebunking,’ involves cautioning individuals about the potential for deliberate misinformation and subsequently exposing them to a mild variant of misinformation. While evidence suggests this strategy can diminish the potency of falsehoods, some critics argue it unfairly places responsibility on individuals while potentially exonerating social media platforms that may profit from the dissemination of inaccuracies.
Initially, the enthusiasm surrounding the GLP-1 hormone—which is the foundation for the highly successful diabetes and obesity medications Ozempic and Wegovy—waned as pharmaceutical companies grappled with the challenge of extending its fleeting minutes-long half-life. “They all ran away,” recalls Lotte Bjerre Knudsen, the current chief scientific advisor at pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk. In a final push to optimize the hormone, Knudsen employed a cutting-edge protein-engineering approach using ‘fatty acid acylation’ to enhance its half-life, leading to the development of the groundbreaking once-daily GLP-1 analogue, liraglutide. Fast forward three decades, and Novo’s weekly GLP-1 analogue, semaglutide, has emerged as a health and commercial powerhouse, generating over US$18 billion in sales last year across diabetes and obesity markets.
Nature Reviews Drug Discovery | 9 min read
As the United States prepares for its presidential election this week, we are revisiting Nature’s compelling three-part podcast series that delves into the intersection of politics and science. This enlightening series discusses the myriad ways in which political decisions affect the scientific community, shaping both the quality and trajectory of research endeavors, thereby justifying why Nature cannot remain isolated from political discourse.
Nature | 3-part podcast series
Where I work
Ana Gonzalez is a protected-areas analyst for the Canadian Wildlife Service in Delta, British Columbia.Credit: Ugo Mellone
In Asunción Atoyaquillo, Mexico, dedicated protected-areas analyst Ana Gonzalez and her colleagues engage in the meticulous task of tagging a yellow-breasted chat (Icteria virens), tracking its migratory movements and behaviors at wintering locations. “One thing I love about this photo is that it highlights the collaboration intrinsic to this work,” she states. “Sergio is expertly handling a radio transmitter with tweezers, while Adrián diligently records the data. Could I perform this work solo? Perhaps, but it is undeniably more efficient and enjoyable with partners.” (Nature | 3 min read)
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Climatologist Friederike Otto emphasizes the urgent need for Europe to bolster its preparedness for devastating floods analogous to those recently experienced in Spain. She advocates for more timely warning systems and proactive urban planning to better anticipate extreme rainfall events. (The Guardian | 5 min read)
On Friday, Leif Penguinson was taking in the sights of Dunure Castle on the West coast of Scotland. Did you find the penguin? When you’re ready, here’s the answer.
Thanks for reading,
Flora Graham, senior editor, Nature Briefing
With contributions by Jacob Smith
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Vered.com/” data-track=”click” data-label=”https://www.undiscovered.com/” data-track-category=”body text link”>Undiscovered in the Antarctic, documenting the breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife that characterize this remote region. His journey underscores the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these fragile ecosystems. With each snapshot, he hopes to raise awareness about the challenges the Antarctic faces due to climate change, particularly the accelerating melt of ice and its global implications. “Every picture tells a story,” he reflects, emphasizing the urgency to act before these stories are lost forever.
Nature | Ongoing Story
Reference: Nature
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This summary covers various recent studies and opinions from a collection of scientific articles published in *Nature* and *Science*, focusing on topics such as the risks associated with sugary diets in childhood, the genetics behind parrot coloration, the global challenge of misinformation, advancements in diabetes treatment, and the importance of conserving Antarctica’s unique ecosystem.
