September 2023    
         
         
 
     
  Welcome to the September edition of µChicago, which brings the top science stories from across the University right to your inbox. This month, read about a new type of sensor for detecting water contaminants, research quantifying under-studied health disparities, and the latest in lifesaving genetic disease treatment.  
     
  A water sensor sandwich  
     
 
Artistic rendering of the water sensor
 
 
     
  Image: Artistic rendering of the water sensor, with graphene-based nanolayer and two electrodes attached at top. Alternating current voltages at varying frequencies (wavy lines) are used to rapidly screen the sensors for quality issues. (Argonne National Laboratory)  
     
 
     
  A new design for water sensors can detect multiple contaminants with its multilayered system, simultaneously catching mercury, lead, and E. coli in drinking water. Developed through collaborative research by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, the sensors’ versatility and reliability are promising advances toward improving public health outcomes. Read more.  
     
 
 
  It’s all in the genes  
     
 
     
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Sickle cell solutions: A new approach to gene therapy for sickle cell disease uses CRISPR technology to edit unhealthy blood cells and transfuse them back into patients, potentially replacing dangerous and difficult bone marrow transplants.
 
     
     
     
 
     
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Treating the root: A type of molecule released by stem cells shows promise in lowering gene activity that causes the hormone imbalances behind polycystic ovary syndrome—and may help doctors restore reproductive function in patients with the disorder.
 
     
     
     
 
     
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Tiny but mighty: Researchers shortened the RNA of a cellular system that uses CRISPR technology to edit cells while inside the body, improving its efficacy in fighting genetic disease on a microscopic scale.
 
     
     
 
         
         
    Spotlight    
         
         
 
     
  Quantifying transgenerational health disparities  
     
 
A scene inside a US prison
 
 
     
  Image: An estimated 1.8 million people are currently incarcerated in US prisons or jails, with another 3.9 million on probation or parole. Roughly 55–63 percent of incarcerated individuals are parents of children under 18. (UChicago Medicine website)  
     
 
     
  Incarceration of a parent before a child reaches the age of 18 can substantially increase the child’s risk of developing hypertension and coronary disease biomarkers by young adulthood, according to a study from UChicago Medicine. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)—such as a parent’s incarceration—are associated with lasting effects on physical and psychological health. The results of the study prompt further analysis of “how racial disparities in incarceration may be contributing to health disparities,” according to lead author Elizabeth Tung, SM’17, assistant professor at UChicago Medicine.  
     
 
 
  A quick byte  
     
  An astrophysicist, an evolutionary biologist, an atmospheric scientist, and other experts offer their perspectives on doomsday in the Summer/23 Core.  
     
  In case you missed it  
     
 
 
 
There’s something in the water: Researchers are fueling carbon-free technology with resources found in water and a geophysical scientist explains this summer’s historic weather.
 
 
Crisis and opportunity: Read about UChicago Medicine researchers working to solve human health challenges caused by the climate crisis.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
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