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This Week in Science: Jun 15, 2018

In this week's Science, a researcher from Stony Brook University discusses how residual genetic material found in the ocean — so-called environmental DNA (eDNA) — can be used to study hard-to-find marine animals. While current methods rely on capturing or visually identifying the animals, eDNA can be obtained from skin cells, scales, secretions, and other tissues that remain in waters for weeks. "Overall, eDNA analysis is more effective, safe, and feasible than other noninvasive sampling techniques and conventional capture procedures," Stony Brook’s Ellen Pikitch writes. Still, eDNA is limited to informing about attributes that are discoverable from genetic material. As such, it will complement — not replace — other research approaches when it comes to studying subjects such as life stage, size, age, growth rates, and the relationships between organisms and their environment. 

And in Science Advances, a team from Harvard Medical School identifies a gene on the X chromosome that appears to protect against bladder cancer in women, helping explain why men are far more likely to have the disease. Using sex-reversed mice, the scientists find that sex chromosomes amplify the effects of sex-hormones in the animals with bladder cancer. They also discovered that the X-linked lysine demethylase 6A (KDM6A) gene is sexually dimorphic, and its knockdown increases bladder cancer risk in female mice. When the investigators analyzed genomic and clinical data from 412 bladder cancer patients, they found that mutations or reduced expression of human KDM6A predicts poor prognosis of female bladder cancer patients.

The Scan

RNA Editing in Octopuses Seems to Help Acclimation to Shifts in Water Temperature

A paper in Cell reports that octopuses use RNA editing to help them adjust to different water temperatures.

Topical Compound to Block EGFR Inhibitors May Ease Skin Toxicities, Study Finds

A topical treatment described in Science Translational Medicine may limit skin toxicities seen with EGFR inhibitor therapy.

Dozen Genetic Loci Linked to Preeclampsia Risk in New GWAS

An analysis of genome-wide association study data in JAMA Cardiology finds genetic loci linked to preeclampsia that have ties to blood pressure.

Cancer Survival Linked to Mutational Burden in Pan-Cancer Analysis

A pan-cancer paper appearing in JCO Precision Oncology suggests tumor mutation patterns provide clues for predicting cancer survival that are independent of other prognostic factors.