Research Roundup

Stroke stratification
 

A genome-wide association study of 110,182 patients who suffered a stroke has revealed 61 new stroke-risk loci (1). An independent follow-up saw replicated results in 87 percent of primary risk loci and 60 percent of secondary loci. A strong susceptibility to stroke across ancestries was also observed.

Puberty predictor
 

Researchers have discovered that INSL3 – a peptide hormone produced by Leydig cells in the testis – remains biologically consistent throughout puberty, making it a promising biomarker for age-related morbidity (2). The amount of INSL3 in blood samples correlated with a multitude of age-related issues – including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sexual dysfunction. 

Not so suPAR
 

A recent study has found that levels of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) are 17 percent higher in patients with heart failure (3). Researchers measured suPAR and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in 3,437 patients undergoing coronary angiogram and found suPAR levels to be effective myocardial markers of heart failure.

Careful classification
 

To investigate melanoma overdiagnosis, researchers have analyzed cancer registry data on patients diagnosed with stage one lesions less than 1 mm thick (4). Results showed that the overall seven-year mortality from melanoma was 25 percent, but a subset of the same 25 percent had a mortality risk under one percent, signaling a need for clearer classification criteria.

T. rex truths
 

A closer examination of Sue the Tyrannosaurus rex refutes the theory that mandibular lesions were caused by the parasitic protozoan Trichomonas (5). A comparative anatomical study with other Triassic reptiles instead revealed a strong resemblance to healing fractures – possibly caused by a traumatic injury during combat.