Are We Getting Dumber?

Rosie Bibby on 23 December 2023

After millions of years of evolution has bought the human race a brain size of 1600cc compared to that of a chimpanzee at 350cc. However, a recent press release has found a plethora of evidence to suggest human brain size is decreasing; resulting in lower IQs alongside mental health.

Our large brain is substantial but not compared to the 1700cc of a dolphin brain. These differences mostly arise due the nutrients we consume. Professor Micheal Crawford, the director of the Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition UK, claims omega-3 DHA, derived from algae, is they key fatty acid that stimulates our brains to express genes. He says this was the factor that “would have powered the increase in brain size and function.” In fact, dolphins are consuming considerably more omega-3 DHA than the average 21st century human.

Omega-3 DHL can be acquired from seafood including mussels, crabs, oysters and fish. The modern human consumes less of these than ever due to the shift in diet away from fats and towards carbohydrates and sugar. This arose from the misconception that it was the fat in our diets causing physical conditions such as heart disease, although evidence now suggests sugar is the biggest factor. The lack of seafood in our diets has led to “increased rates of depression, autism, ADHD and dementia” from lower omega-3 DHL intake; claims the CEO of the charity FoodfortheBrain, Patrick Holford.

Furthermore, Holford recommends if you are following a plant-based diet you “must supplement omega-3 DHL, derived from algae”. Getting a blood test to check your levels can help identify if you are taking the right amount of omega-3. This can be carried out via Food for the Brain’s pin prick test that can be delivered to your door!

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, brain expert Professor Stephan Cunnane suggests a “shore-based diet” including “frogs, bird’s eggs and aquatic plants” are the best way to increase your brain power.

Professor Crawford also highlights that during pregnancy, a diet poor in omega-3 can lead to the child having learning and emotional problems from the lower IQ. This arises from how the body produces a substitute fat, called oleic acid, to fill the baby’s brain in the absence of omega-3 DHL.

In the past couple of decades it has been measured that IQ scores are falling. This follows the long-term study by Norwegian researchers, analysing the IQ scores of Norwegian men born from 1962-1991.  They found that their scores had been steadily dropping. Ole Rogeberg, head of the research group states “similar studies in Denmark, Britain, France and the Netherlands, Finland and Estonia have demonstrated a similar downward Trent in IQ scores”.  Since the shift in diet to carbohydrates and fatty acids, IQ scores have been on a downward trend at a 7% loss per generation.

The consequences of a lower IQ score and brain size is not only related to intelligence but has been found to increase the risk of developing a mental health condition. A report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), found mental health conditions has risen by 13% and now one in earth people suffer from some form of mental illness. This corresponds with how there were over 100 million antidepressant prescriptions last year, in the UK alone.

“Our genome is adapted to eating the wild foods we ate during our species’ evolution” according to Crawford. So, before you chow down on your plate of chips or bowl of cornflakes, consider the effects these foods will have on your brain. Perhaps a meal containing more aquatic plants or fish will help you finish your assignment, so you can get to the pub sooner!

The race to perfect the liquid biopsy

Hannah Dale and Lily Page on 26 October 2023

Precision medicine alongside liquid biopsy brings us closer than ever to revolutionising the management of lung cancer.

Lung cancer has the highest global mortality rates of all cancers, due to the fact that many cases are only detected at advanced stages of disease. Whilst lung cancer grows more prevalent than ever, we are seeing increasing development in precision medicine techniques and non-invasive methods of obtaining samples such as liquid biopsy. 85% of lung cancers are classified as non-small cell lung cancer. Ultimately treatments are similar across 3 sub-types, however research suggests varying responses to drug treatment due to differing genetic characteristics.

Liquid biopsies would revolutionise cancer care

Currently, we use imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs and X-rays, followed by surgical biopsies to detect and diagnose tumours. Liquid biopsies refer to blood tests that analyse circulating tumour debris, shed into the blood, as an alternative to tumour biopsies which are more invasive. Scientists can use highly sensitive genetic techniques in tandem with liquid biopsy, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This is a powerful, high-throughput genetic sequencing technology;  such methods allow us to detect of cancers and dictate tailored treatments, saving lives and preventing reoccurrence.

Using liquid biopsy alongside genomic profiling techniques such as NGS, means we can easily access and profile genetic material and identify specific gene mutations. This will allow us to choose a tailored treatment which is more effective for the specific cancer and hence drastically improve the success of the treatment. With real time genetic information (facilitated by liquid biopsy) regarding the molecular characteristics of the disease, we can apply targeted, novel treatments which act on mutated (cancer) cells unlike older treatments which may destroy healthy cells in their path. Not only would this mean more positive treatment outcomes, but also provide the patient with a better quality of life due to the ease of sampling blood and serial repeats for real-time monitoring. Therefore, liquid biopsies would revolutionise cancer care on multiple fronts. 

Liquid biopsy is right on the cusp of starting a revolution

It is estimated that up to 55% of people with non-small cell lung cancer may experience recurrence of disease. This can be due to small groups of residual cancer cells which are too small to be seen on scans.  However, as the sensitivity of the genetic tests improve, we may be able to detect the remaining cells in the blood and treat people ahead of symptom presentation before the cells can proliferate again.

Revolutionising the management of lung cancer would involve drastically improving long term survival through detection, treatment, monitoring, and preventing recurrence through detecting relapse and resistance genotyping. It is certainly conceivable that liquid biopsy, combined with techniques such as NGS may facilitate this revolution. However, for widespread clinical use, the optimisation of test sensitivity and extraction techniques must be achieved to justify the replacement of established methods. More research is needed to determine these facts and it’s constantly accelerating. Only then, with the correct validation and facilities can we use the liquid biopsy to its full capacity. Glimmers of the future have already been seen in the FDA approval of the companion diagnostic Guardant360 CDx for osimertinib: testing patient eligibility based specific biomarkers. Oncologists have already deemed this as completely transformational for this group of patients in delivering highly precise and effective treatments. An interview with a precision oncologist revealed that, “liquid biopsy is right on the cusp of starting a revolution”, and the case is not “if” we will see results, but “when”.