Multi-omics assist in designing the next generation of COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccines

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has raised global concern on public health. There are major challenges ahead to develop new therapeutics and vaccines for difficult-to-target pathogens, for which we urgently need a better understanding of protective immunity. The development of high-throughput sequencing, mass spectrometry, computer science and algorithms provide us with a comprehensive and systematic picture of life processes, and enhance our understanding of human immunity and diseases.

Survey suggests geographic inequalities in patient registration can exclude patients from comprehensive care access

French researchers conducted a large, simulated study to examine the relationship between the presence of primary care physicians (PCPs) and the ability of patients to register with a PCP. The study aimed to analyze local PCP supply based on various indicators, including PCP presence, patient registration availability for office visits, and patient registration availability for home visits.

Study shows that weighing female patients at health care visits is associated with negative mental health

A routine trip to the doctor’s office almost always includes being weighed, a request that can be stressful. However, stepping on the scale isn’t always necessary and as more people learn they can decline being weighed, researchers at the University of Missouri are uncovering the reasons why a growing number of people are refusing the request.

Water-scarce cultures value long-term thinking more than their water-rich neighbors do

Water is the world’s most valuable natural resource. Although a human can survive weeks or even months without food, going as little as three days without water could spell the end. The effects of water scarcity aren’t limited to immediate survival situations, however. Recently published research in Psychological Science suggests that cultures from water-scarce environments tend to be more likely than cultures from water-rich areas to value long-term thinking and to scorn short-term indulgence.

Guidance on clinical management of CHEK2 pathogenic variants and cancer risks

An international workgroup of genetics and cancer experts convened by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has published a highly anticipated and detailed clinical practice resource on CHEK2 pathogenic variants: “Management of Individuals with Germline Pathogenic/Likely Pathogenic Variants in CHEK2: a Clinical Practice Resource of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.”