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Understanding Why Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Brain Damage Doesn’t Immediately Trigger Symptoms

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Examining Resilience to Alzheimer’s Disease: Why Some Individuals Remain Symptom-Free

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Recent studies reveal that some individuals exhibit brain changes tied to Alzheimer’s disease yet show no symptoms like memory loss. Though the reasons remain unclear, innovative research is uncovering protective factors that may prevent cognitive decline.

Alzheimer’s disease is marked by amyloid plaques and tau tangles accumulating in the brain, widely believed to contribute to cognitive decline. However, some individuals, known for their resilience, defy this notion. In 2022, Henne Holstege and her team at the University Medical Center in Amsterdam discovered that certain centenarians retain good cognitive function despite these pathological changes.

Expanding on this research, the team conducted a new study involving 190 deceased individuals. Among them, 88 had Alzheimer’s diagnoses, while 53 showed no signs of the disease at death. Their ages ranged from 50 to 99, and 49 were centenarians with no dementia, though 18 exhibited cognitive impairment previously.

The focus was on the middle temporal gyrus—an early site of amyloid plaques and tau tangles in Alzheimer’s. Interestingly, centenarians with elevated amyloid levels had tau levels akin to those without Alzheimer’s, suggesting that limiting tau accumulation is critical for resilience, according to Holstege.

While amyloid plaques are linked to cognitive decline, Holstege posits that tau accumulation may activate a cascade of symptoms. Notably, amyloid plaques alone may not cause significant tau tangling. “Without amyloid, tau can’t spread,” she explains.

Further analysis of approximately 3,500 brain proteins revealed only five were significantly associated with high amyloid plaques, while nearly 670 correlated with tau tangles. Many of these proteins are involved in crucial metabolic processes like cell growth and waste clearance. Holstege emphasizes, “With amyloid, everything changes; with tau, it’s a different story.”

In the cohort of 18 centenarians with high amyloid levels, 13 showed significant tau spread throughout the middle temporal gyrus, a pattern similar to Alzheimer’s, but the overall tau presence remained low.

This distinction is vital, as diagnosis hinges on tau spread, indicating that accumulation, not just proliferation, triggers cognitive decline. “We must understand that proliferation doesn’t mean abundance,” Holstege clarifies.

In a second study, Katherine Prater and her team at the University of Washington examined 33 deceased individuals—10 diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, 10 showing no signs, and 13 deemed resilient. Most subjects were over 80 and underwent cognitive assessments within a year before death.

In line with previous findings, the research indicated that tau was present but not accumulated in resilient brains. Though the mechanisms remain elusive, Prater theorizes that microglia—immune cells regulating brain inflammation—might play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive function in resilience.

Previous research has shown that microglia often become dysfunctional in Alzheimer’s disease, contributing to degenerative processes. While the researchers could not analyze microglia extensively, Holstege noted their significance.

The team also conducted genetic studies on microglia from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, essential for managing complex tasks. They discovered that resilient individuals’ microglia exhibited heightened activity in messenger RNA transport genes compared to those with Alzheimer’s. This suggests effective gene transport, vital for protein synthesis, is preserved in resilient brains.

“Disruptions in this process can severely impact cell function,” Dr. Prater remarked at the Neuroscience Society meeting in San Diego. However, its direct relationship to Alzheimer’s resilience remains to be elucidated.

Moreover, resilient microglia demonstrated reduced activity in metabolic energy genes compared to those in Alzheimer’s patients, mirroring patterns in healthy individuals. This suggests heightened energy expenditure in Alzheimer’s due to inflammatory states that disrupt neuronal connections and lead to cell death.

“Both studies indicate that the human brain possesses mechanisms to mitigate tau burdens,” Prater concludes. Insights gained from this research could pave the way for new interventions to delay or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. “While we aren’t close to a cure, the biology offers hope,” she stated.

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  • Brain/
  • Alzheimer’s Disease

Source: www.newscientist.com

Rapamycin May Extend Lifespan by Safeguarding Against DNA Damage

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Illustration of rapamycin (red), a drug that inhibits proteins known as MTOR (blue)

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The anti-aging benefits of rapamycin may be related, at least in part, to its ability to prevent DNA damage in immune cells.

Initially created as an immunosuppressant for organ transplant patients, rapamycin blocks the function of the MTOR protein, which is crucial for cell growth and division. Studies suggest that low doses can extend the lifespan of various organisms, including the mouse, potentially by disrupting processes associated with aging, such as inflammation, intracellular breakdown, and decline in mitochondrial function.

Recent research by Lynn Cox and colleagues at Oxford University has demonstrated that rapamycin also appears to prevent DNA damage in certain types of immune cells. DNA damage is one of the key factors contributing to aging in our immune system, accelerating the aging process throughout the body.

The researchers conducted experiments with human T cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections. When T cells were exposed to an antibiotic named zeocin alongside rapamycin, significant DNA damage occurred.

Results showed that rapamycin lowered DNA damage and tripled cell survival rates compared to T cells exposed to zeocin alone.

The researchers found no indication that the observed effects were due to other actions of rapamycin, such as preventing cell failure. “We consistently observe this effect regardless of whether rapamycin is administered prior to, during, or post-injury,” noted team member Ghada Arsare at Oxford University.

The rapid response suggests a direct impact. “The effect is very swift, indicating it influences the DNA damage response and accumulation. The lesions observed last about four hours, so it’s unlikely that there are downstream effects impacting other processes,” explained Cox.

According to Matt Kaeberlein from Washington University in Seattle, the findings support the notion that rapamycin can directly protect DNA, but “this is not the critical mechanism.” Researchers aim to explore rapamycin-induced alterations in RNA and proteins produced in immune cells.

In a separate part of the study, nine men aged 50 to 80 were assigned to receive either 1 milligram of rapamycin or a placebo daily. Blood tests conducted eight weeks later revealed that T cells from men taking rapamycin exhibited less DNA damage. Furthermore, neither group experienced a decrease in overall white blood cell counts, indicating that rapamycin does not negatively impact immune functionality. “Our findings confirm that low doses are safe, which is crucial,” stated Cox.

Mitigating DNA damage in the immune system may provide a pathway for reducing overall aging, according to Cox. Arsare highlighted the potential for rapamycin to be used preventively, such as for astronauts exposed to cosmic radiation.

“Rapamycin is particularly promising in addressing aging-related issues where DNA damage is a significant factor, such as skin aging,” noted Kaeberlein. Referring to a study, he added that local use of rapamycin reduces aging markers in human skin. However, he cautioned against generalizing results to other types of damage, such as radiation, given that Cox’s team used antibiotics to create DNA damage.

Zahida Sultanova from the University of East Anglia emphasized the necessity for trials involving women and individuals across various age groups, as the placebo-controlled experiments were limited to older men. Evidence from non-human animal studies indicates that rapamycin may have sex-specific and age-specific effects.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Study Identifies Factors Behind Satellite Electrical Discharge Damage

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Based on data gathered by the sensors aboard the US Department of Defense Space Test Program Satellite 6 (STP-SAT6), we discovered a direct correlation between the frequency of electrical discharges on a spacecraft and the electron density in its environment.

STP-SAT6. Image credit: Northrop Grumman.

Spacecraft environmental discharges (SEDs) are short-lived electrical failures that may harm sensitive onboard electronics and communication systems.

While researchers have acknowledged the presence of SEDs for some time, the relationship between spatial environments and their electrons remains unclear.

“To explore this, we required two sensors on the same spacecraft: one to monitor electron quantity and activity, and another to detect radio frequency signals,” explained Dr. Amitabh Nag, a researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

SEDs arise from variations in surface charging, typically due to the accumulation of electrons on the surfaces of orbiting spacecraft.

This process differs from static electricity on Earth. For instance, when someone walks across a carpet and discharges static after touching a door handle, a buildup of energy occurs. Likewise, when a spacecraft’s energy storage reaches a critical voltage, it results in an electrical discharge in space.

The STP-SAT6 is fitted with both sensors, allowing a unique opportunity for researchers to analyze both radio frequency and electronic activity simultaneously.

“We managed to assess the speed of SEDs as reported by the radio frequency sensors and compare it with the electronic particle activity within specific voltage ranges,” Dr. Nag noted.

“Our findings indicated that the peak of SEDs coincides with the peak of electronic activity.”

The authors analyzed data from two sensors over a year-long period, identifying heightened electronic activity during 270 high-speed SED occurrences and numerous episodes.

In roughly three-quarters of instances, the peak in electronic activity occurred 24-45 minutes before the SED event.

This delay implies that the buildup of charge from low-energy electrons plays a crucial role in preparing the spacecraft for electrostatic discharge.

“We noted that as electronic activity increases, the spacecraft begins to gather charges, especially in the 7.9-12.2 keV range,” Dr. Nag added.

“This process continues until a tipping point is reached, resulting in an SED.”

“Such lead time presents an opportunity for potential forecasting tools to reduce risks.”

“Future missions could include real-time monitoring of low-energy electrons to predict and react to charging events before they disrupt operations.”

The results will be published in the journal Advances in Space Research.

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Amitabag et al. 2025. Radio frequency transients correlated with electronic flux installed in STP-SAT6. Advances in Space Research 76 (6): 3692-3699; doi: 10.1016/j.asr.2025.07.026

Source: www.sci.news

Tesla Shares Plummet Amid Investor Concerns Over Potential Brand Damage from Elon Musk’s New Party

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Tesla stocks are poised for a significant decline in the US, as investors worry that Elon Musk might introduce more challenges for electric vehicle manufacturers by potentially launching a new political party.

On Monday, Tesla shares dropped over 7% in pre-market trading, which could erase approximately $70 billion (£51 billion) from the company’s market capitalization at the Wall Street opening.

Should the stocks decrease significantly, Musk’s net worth could fall by more than $9 billion, bringing it down to around $120 billion. According to Forbes, Musk, along with the head of SpaceX, ranks among the wealthiest individuals globally, with a combined fortune of about $400 million.


Tesla’s stock, currently valued at just under $10, is experiencing downward pressure largely due to Musk’s relationships with both the company and former President Donald Trump.

Musk’s staunch support for Trump has sparked consumer backlash, and the unpredictable nature of his relationship with the former president raises concerns about Musk getting sidetracked from his responsibilities, potentially leading to repercussions for the company.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives pointed out that Musk’s financial involvement in US political parties could deter investors.

“Musk diving deep into politics and now attempting to establish a Beltway is the opposite direction Tesla investors and stakeholders hope he would take at this critical juncture for the company,” Ives noted, adding that there is a palpable “broader fatigue” regarding Musk’s political endeavors.

On Sunday, Trump criticized Musk’s ambitions, labeling the American Party as a “silly” initiative.

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Trump took to Truth Social to express his disappointment over Musk’s new direction, stating: “I’m sad to see Elon Musk go to Rails completely.”

Over the weekend, Musk revealed the formation of the American Party on his X platform, declaring: “We live in a one-party system, not a democracy, which is bankrupting our country with waste and graft. Today, the American Party is formed to restore your freedom.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Energy Drinks: Simple Additions to Minimize Tooth Damage

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Energy drinks can enhance your mood, but excessive intake may harm your dental health.

Shutterstock/Francesco de Marc

Calcium-fortified energy drinks may mitigate tooth damage, though the impact on flavor remains uncertain.

Research reveals that dental enamel starts to erode when exposed to liquids with a pH below 5.5.

Investigating solutions, Eric Jacom from the University of Rio Grande and Grande in Brazil, along with his team, experimented with adding calcium and other minerals to standard Red Bull to assess the pH impact.

Notable combinations included calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, raising pH from 3.96 (for standard Red Bull) to 5.27, while dicoum malonate and calcium citrate both increased acidity.

The researchers exposed enamel samples from donated human teeth to these enhanced energy drinks for two minutes, evaluating changes in texture, hardness, and other indicators of enamel erosion.

All calcium-enriched variants showed less effect on roughness compared to the unmodified Red Bull, despite having a lower pH. Experts believe this might be due to calcium’s regenerative properties, which aid in mineral deposition on enamel to repair natural wear.

The formulation containing 2.15 grams of calcium-phosphorus-potassium mix and 2.5 grams of dicoum malate sustained enamel hardness. However, the former offers the most protective benefits, demonstrating a dual action of lowering calcium depletion while reducing acidity.

Future investigations should focus on identifying the optimal calcium formulation and the minimum concentration necessary to minimize enamel erosion, the researchers noted in their paper. Additionally, it is crucial to determine if calcium enhancement influences drink preferences and consumption patterns.

Before any shifts in formulation, David Bartlett from King’s College London advises that it’s premature to adjust energy drink compositions. “We recommend avoiding acidic foods or drinks between meals.” Consuming acidic foods and beverages in moderation is seen as less harmful since increased saliva helps neutralize some acid.

A representative from the UK Soft Drinks Association stated: “It’s important to reiterate that all soft beverages can be safely enjoyed within a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Red Bull has not responded to requests for comment.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Gene Editing Offers Hope for “Irreversible” Kidney Disease Damage Treatment

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Kidney disease can result in hypertension and infections

Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen/Getty Images

Recent animal research suggests that damage caused by the most prevalent hereditary kidney disease may not be as irreversible as previously thought. Researchers are using CRISPR gene editing to potentially reverse certain mutations responsible for the condition.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) gradually alters kidney function, leading to debilitating effects. “It was generally believed that correcting the mutations would not change the outcome,” says Michael Kaminski from Berlin University of Medicine.

PKD results in the formation of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys and liver, leading to organ failure and necessitating dialysis or transplants. Besides organ failure, damage and swelling can lead to other severe issues, including high blood pressure and infections.

The disease typically affects adults, with approximately 12 million individuals globally estimated to be affected. Symptoms may not manifest until the cysts reach significant size in one’s 30s, by which point there may already be extensive damage to the kidneys and liver.

Kaminski’s team has utilized a CRISPR method known as base editing to correct mutations in the PKD1 gene in mice models.

This technique successfully corrected mutations primarily in the liver, resulting in a reduction in both the size and number of cysts post-treatment. Kaminski noted potential improvements in the kidneys as well.

Specifically, Xiaogang Li’s team at Mayo Clinic conducted a similar study using more precise methods targeting the kidneys, indicating a reduction in cyst size and quantity, according to Li.

Both teams employed viral vectors to deliver gene-editing tools, which poses challenges with repeated doses due to immune responses might hinder treatment. “This is a legitimate concern,” Li notes. “However, we’ve observed limited immune responses in our animal models so far.”

Utilizing lipid nanoparticles instead of viral vectors, as seen in mRNA vaccines, could mitigate immune-related issues, but Kaminski warns that these particles may struggle to penetrate deeply into the kidneys through the bloodstream. “I believe that the delivery method using [lipid nanoparticles] might become more feasible through urinary pathways,” he says.

Another limitation is that base editing primarily addresses single-character mutations, rendering it ineffective for individuals with longer mutation sequences. However, Li reports successful outcomes using a technique known as Prime editing.

These findings are poised to be published shortly in scientific journals, with plans for human trials to follow. “After our publication, I aim to organize a small clinical trial,” he states.

The broader implications of this research suggest that if PKD can indeed be reversed, it could ignite more research into this potential therapeutic avenue. Currently, the only approved treatment is tolvaptan, which only slightly slows disease progression and requires significant fluid intake.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Vermont Mandates Fossil Fuel Companies to Provide Compensation for Climate Damage

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Vermont’s groundbreaking new law is set to become the first in the United States to mandate that fossil fuel companies contribute to the expenses associated with weather-related disasters caused by climate change.

The bill was authorized by Republican Governor Phil Scott on Thursday night without his signature, following its passage in the state Legislature with majority support from Democrats.

According to Vermont law, the Climate Superfund Act is designed to hold companies accountable, similar to the EPA’s Superfund program, by requiring large oil and high-emission companies to cover expenses related to preparing for and recovering from extreme weather events resulting from climate change.

The companies subject to taxation and the specific amounts they must pay will be determined based on a calculation of the role of climate change in Vermont’s weather disasters and the costs incurred by the state. Each company’s share will be based on their carbon dioxide emissions between 2000 and 2019.

Following the bill’s passage in Vermont, there was uncertainty among state lawmakers regarding Governor Scott’s potential veto of the legislation. In a memo to lawmakers, Scott expressed concerns about the bill’s impacts.

However, supporters of the law celebrated its enactment, viewing it as a step towards holding major polluters accountable for environmental damage. Elena Millay, vice president of the Vermont Environmental Protection Law Foundation, praised the legislation.

Ethan Poplawski’s family home was destroyed in a landslide in July 2023 in Lipton, Vermont.
Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images file

Lauren Hierle, executive director of Vermont Environmental Voters, highlighted the importance of the Climate Superfund in distributing cleanup costs fairly and preventing taxpayers from bearing the burden alone.

The funds collected from fossil fuel companies under the new law will go towards upgrading infrastructure, securing schools and public buildings against extreme weather, storm cleanup, and reducing public health expenses related to climate change. State agencies will determine each company’s financial obligations by 2027.

While the law is expected to face legal challenges, including potential lawsuits, critics like the American Petroleum Institute argue that the fees are unjust and damaging to the energy industry.

Other states such as Massachusetts, Maryland, and New York are also contemplating similar legislation in response to escalating climate disasters, showcasing a growing need for financial resources to support recovery efforts.

Jennifer Rushlow, a Vermont Law School professor, emphasized the significance of Vermont’s law in setting a precedent for resilient climate Superfund legislation that could be adopted by other states.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Repaired coral reefs will swiftly recover from damage

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Hexagonal frames called Reef Stars are installed in disturbed areas to stabilize loose debris and encourage rapid coral growth.

Maritime Agency

Research findings from a restoration project in Indonesia suggest that restored coral reefs can develop at a rate comparable to healthy coral reefs in just four years. Although quick recovery rates are anticipated, restored reefs tend to have lower species diversity compared to undamaged reefs, raising questions about their long-term survival under more extreme conditions like heat waves. Further studies are required to validate these findings.

Global coral reefs confront a variety of threats, from escalating sea temperatures and ocean acidification to human-related activities such as overfishing.

In the vicinity of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, coral reefs suffered severe damage approximately three decades ago due to dynamite fishing, a method involving the use of explosives in water to catch large quantities of fish.

According to Tim Lamont from Lancaster University in the UK, “recovery from dynamite fishing does not occur naturally.” The aftermath of this fishing technique leaves a substantial amount of fragmented dead coral skeletons floating, hindering natural coral settlement and growth.

To facilitate the recovery of coral reefs, the Mars Coral Reef Restoration Program has undertaken efforts to restore reefs. As part of Mars’ sustainability initiative, they have deployed sand-coated hexagonal steel structures on the seabed and transplanted them with cuttings from healthy corals. Known as reef stars, these structures stabilize loose debris and promote coral growth.

Simultaneously, Lamont and his team have been monitoring the progress of these initiatives.

One measure of coral health involves examining if the coral’s limestone skeleton grows faster than it erodes. This metric, known as the carbonate budget, signifies the reef’s overall growth rate.

“Four years post the commencement of the restoration process, the reef exhibited growth rates similar to those of healthy reefs,” noted Lamont. “It’s a remarkably rapid recovery.”

However, the composition of the restored coral reef differed from that of a healthy reef, predominantly comprising branched corals. This variance is primarily due to the restoration technique employing branch corals that can be sourced from living corals, entail less damage, and readily adhere to steel structures.

A local community attaches coral fragments to a steel frame as part of a restoration program in Indonesia

Maritime Agency

“Given that branching corals are generally more susceptible to bleaching, variations in communities could result in differing resilience to future stressors, particularly heat stress,” stated team member Ines Lange from the University of Exeter in the UK. “We anticipate that larger and more covered corals will naturally rejuvenate and recover in the restored areas over prolonged periods.”

Lamont emphasized that under stable climate conditions, it is feasible to reconstruct these vital ecosystems. Nevertheless, continued research is essential to assess the recovery of species diversity and the resilience of coral reefs when compared to healthy reefs.

While acknowledging the positive outcomes, members like Michael Bode from Queensland University of Technology, Australia, voiced concerns about the scalability of such projects amidst escalating climate change, the primary threat to coral reefs.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

The potential damage to skin health from wearing makeup during exercise

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Exercising while wearing foundation changes the properties of your skin.

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Wearing foundation while exercising can affect your skin health by changing the size of your pores and subsequently altering the release of sebum, which is responsible for keeping you healthy.

Lee Seok Ho The researchers at Texas A&M University in San Antonio recruited 43 college students, 20 men and 23 women. Participants first washed their faces with facial cleanser. The researchers then measured skin variables in different areas of the face, including pore size and sebum production.

A single layer of foundation was then applied to all participants’ faces, either on the forehead or cheeks, depending on the participant’s preference.

They then did a 20-minute moderate workout by running on a treadmill at 3 miles per hour (mph) for 5 minutes, 4 miles per hour for 10 minutes, and 5 miles per hour for 5 minutes.

After the training, the researchers repeated various skin measurements and found that areas with foundation had less sebum production than areas without makeup.

“This is a shining example of the negative effects of makeup during exercise,” the researchers wrote in their paper. “In this study, makeup use clogged pores and resulted in negative sebum scores.” The optimal amount of sebum is unknown, and too much can cause acne, while too little can cause skin irritation. To do.

Participants’ pore size also increased significantly in areas without foundation, but did not change significantly in areas with makeup. This suggests that this foundation may be inhibiting the natural enlargement of pores during exercise, preventing the release of sebum and sweat, which moisturize and cool the skin. The researchers did not assess whether these changes were related to skin problems.

Wearing foundation during exercise may not have a significant effect on most people who train for relatively short periods of time, but “we don’t know the effect on endurance-type athletes,” Lee said. say. The research team now wants to investigate the effects during longer exercise routines.

Shari Lipner Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York say the study’s split-face design is a good approach, but complicates comparisons because our skin characteristics vary across different parts of the face. Additionally, she says, the skin around the nose, mouth and eyes has a different thickness compared to the skin on the forehead and cheeks, so ideally these areas should have been studied as well.

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Source: www.newscientist.com