DNA Studies Reveal Impact of Heat, Starch, and Accelerated Evolution on Health

Research indicates that intense heat can accelerate cellular aging. A U.S. study involving over 3,600 participants found that exposure to temperatures above 32°C (90°F) can cause DNA changes, potentially increasing biological age by up to two years and eight months. This was published in Science Advances. Cornell University research, published in Microorganisms, links starch consumption to oral health based on genetic makeup. The study focuses on the AMY1 gene, which codes for salivary amylase, an enzyme that breaks down starch. The number of AMY1 copies, combined with starch intake, alters oral bacteria composition. UC San Francisco scientists discovered that rapidly evolving DNA regions, known as human accelerated regions (HARs), contribute to complex brain development. The study, published in Nature, compared artificial human and chimpanzee neurons, finding that human neurons grew more neurites (projections for signal transmission) due to HARs. This may also increase risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. South China Agricultural University researchers reviewed the genetic basis of nitrogen-dependent root system architecture (RSA) in plants. The review, published in the Journal of Frontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering, highlights the importance of N sensing and signaling for efficient nitrogen utilization in crops.