Cancer is notoriously challenging to detect early, which is a significant problem as early cancer detection saves lives. While there are many approaches to detect cancer early, too many cancers are detected too late. In today's episode of Beyond the Abstract, Derek and Dan discuss an important new approach to cancer detection called a blood biopsy, which analyses molecules in a blood draw to search for signs of cancer. They discuss a new study using blood biopsies to detect colon cancer, and explain some statistical principles that help us understand whether a new cancer test actually works.

Articles discussed

A Cell-free DNA Blood-based Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Chung et al. 2024 NEJM.

ECLIPSE trial

Next-Generation Multitarget Stool DNA Test for Colorectal Cancer Screening. Imperiale et al. 2024 NEJM. BLUE-C trial

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of global mortality. Among the many risk factors for cardiovascular disease, it's long been known that high cholesterol increases the risk for heart attacks and stroke. In today's episode of Beyond the Abstract, Derek and Dan discuss two new papers that challenge commonly held beliefs about the way in which cholesterol increases the risk for cardiovascular disease. They finish by talking about a new type of genetic medicine to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Papers discussed

Alternating high-fat diet enhances atherosclerosis by neutrophil reprogramming, Lavillegrand et al 2024 Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07693-6

Early intermittent hyperlipidaemia alters tissue macrophages to fuel atherosclerosis, Takaoka et al 2024 Nature

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07993-x

Zodasiran, an RNAi Therapeutic Targeting ANGPTL3, for Mixed Hyperlipidemia, Rosenson et al 2024 NEJM

http://nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404147

Plozasiran, an RNA Interference Agent Targeting APOC3, for Mixed Hyperlipidemia, Ballantyne et al 2024 NEJM

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404143

Humans have long sought the fountain of youth, and recently scientists have explored the biological basis of aging and potential strategies to reverse the process. Along with groundbreaking discoveries that have enabled extending the lifespan of model organisms, the anti-aging movement has spurred an entire industry focused on stopping the biological clock. In today's episode of Beyond the Abstract, Derek and Dan discuss recent studies about the aging process and debate the promises and pitfalls of this fast-moving field.

This episode is sponsored by Proteintech Group, a company that creates reagents for the biomedical sciences so scientists can conduct groundbreaking science. Visit them at www.ptglab.com to find out more.

The information presented here is not medical advice. Consult your physician for any questions regarding your personal health.

Articles Discussed

Abad et al. Reprogramming in vivo produces teratomas and iPS cells with totipotency features. Nature, 2013.

Ross et al. Depleting myeloid-biased haematopoietic stem cells rejuvenates aged immunity. Nature, 2024.

Ocampo et al. In Vivo Amelioration of Age-Associated Hallmarks by Partial Reprogramming. Cell, 2016.

Wang et al. In vivo partial reprogramming of myofibers promotes muscle regeneration by remodeling the stem cell niche. Nature Communications, 2021.

Browder et al. In vivo partial reprogramming alters age-associated molecular changes during physiological aging in mice. Nature Aging, 2022.

Weindruch et al. The retardation of aging in mice by dietary restriction: longevity, cancer, immunity and lifetime energy intake. Journal of Nutrition, 1986.

Lu et al. Reprogramming to recover youthful epigenetic information and restore vision. Nature, 2020.

Yucel and Gladyshev. The long and winding road of reprogramming-induced rejuvenation. Nature Communications, 2024.

Lopez-Otin et al. The Hallmarks of Aging. Cell, 2013.

Choudhury et al. Proline restores mitochondrial function and reverses aging hallmarks in senescent cells. Cell Reports, 2024.

Zeng et al. Restoration of CPEB4 prevents muscle stem cell senescence during aging. Developmental Cell, 2023.