Tag Archives: promises

Unapproved Gene Therapy for Longevity: Upcoming Release Promises Revolutionary Benefits

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Gene therapy aims to teach individuals how to synthesize anti-aging proteins, while remaining independent of a person’s genome.

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An innovative injectable gene therapy promising to extend human lifespan is set to be available in several countries. However, it is important to note that this therapy has not undergone exhaustive clinical trials nor received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or equivalent regulatory bodies.

Developed by Minicircle, a biotech company based in Austin, Texas, this therapy aims to enhance the production of klotho, an anti-aging protein, within human cells. To avoid lengthy FDA clinical trials, Minicircle plans to offer this largely unproven therapy to individuals traveling to Honduras, the Bahamas, and Panama. Interested parties can join a waiting list on their website to access treatments projected to commence within six months.

Medical ethicists caution that bypassing regulations meant to ensure patient safety could be dangerous. “This mirrors Silicon Valley’s attitude of ‘move fast and break things,’ posing a real risk of harm,” asserts Christopher Rudge from the University of Sydney, Australia.

Named after a Greek goddess believed to weave the fabric of life, the effects of klotho were first noted in studies involving mice devoid of this protein, which experienced accelerated aging and premature death. Subsequently, genetically modified mice producing excess klotho showed a lifespan increase of up to 30%. Additionally, injections of klotho have shown promise in enhancing memory in older primates.

As people age, klotho levels decrease, prompting Minicircle and others to seek methods for replenishing these levels. Rudge warns that although there are studies indicating potential lifespan extension in mice, the effects on humans remain unverified. Furthermore, a case of a child with naturally high klotho levels highlighted potential health risks, including bone fragility and growth disorders, suggesting that excessive intake might be detrimental.

According to Minicircle, their “life-extending” gene therapy utilizes a mini circular DNA structure, known as MiniCircle DNA, which instructs cells on how to produce the klotho protein. Administered via injection into abdominal fat, it is absorbed by fat cells, promoting klotho production that then circulates throughout the body. This DNA remains outside the chromosomes and does not integrate into the genome, eventually being degraded and eliminated. The company’s projections suggest effects could last for up to a year.

Minicircle has estimated that its therapy will cost over $300,000, allowing a three-year window for FDA approval. As an alternative, the company conducted a “proof of concept” trial in late 2025 with 24 participants in the U.S., treated at an “international partner clinic.” Notably, a clinic in Honduras allows developers to work within a flexible regulatory framework, also present in Panama City and Paradise Island, Bahamas.

While results from the klotho trial remain undisclosed, the company has indicated plans to publish clinical trial data soon. The founder and CEO, Mac Davis, shared personal experiences with the therapy, reporting improved immune response and reduced food sensitivities, though he also encountered transient effects. Nonetheless, the company has not responded to inquiries regarding clinical results.

Critics like Gyngell describe the small-scale trial conducted without a control group as insufficient for validating safety and efficacy. “Continuous protein production might yield adverse effects over time,” he notes. Additionally, prior gene therapy trials, even under strict supervision, have led to serious complications, underscoring the need for meticulous regulatory oversight.

Currently, no other klotho-enhancing gene therapy has been examined in human subjects. Researchers, including Miguel Chillon from Spain’s Autonomous University of Barcelona, have been exploring alternative klotho therapies through animal studies, reporting a 20% lifespan increase in rats, albeit with significant side effects. Chillon’s team is now investigating a smaller version of klotho, which appears to exhibit fewer adverse reactions, and aims to conduct trials under established regulations.

Experts, including Alex John London from Carnegie Mellon University, stress that premature efforts by companies like Minicircle could have detrimental effects on the entire field. “If risky treatments result in harmful outcomes, it could undermine years of diligent search for safer solutions,” he warns.

Although drug development is notoriously expensive, London emphasizes that the intricacies of human biology require thorough testing. Unregulated therapies risk repeating past mistakes that regulations aim to guard against, reminding us of the importance of patient safety.

In 2022, Minicircle introduced another non-FDA approved gene therapy targeting muscle growth through increased protein levels of follistatin. Preliminary results from a trial with 43 participants aged 23 to 88 indicated an average lean muscle increase of 770 grams after three months. However, due to the absence of a control group, the implications remain unclear. Notably, tech entrepreneur Brian Johnson underwent follistatin gene therapy, claiming a 7% increase in muscle mass for a cost of approximately $25,000.

“Individuals must have a clear understanding of risks and benefits if they choose to participate in these pioneering treatments,” Gyngell concludes. “Currently, the uncertainties surrounding these gene therapies are significant enough to warrant caution.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Revolutionary One-Dose Treatment Promises to Reverse Frailty

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A single dose of stem cells can significantly enhance physical endurance in older adults experiencing frailty. According to 1 in 10 people over the age of 65 are affected by this condition, as highlighted by a recent study published in the journal Cell Stem Cells.

The randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated four escalating doses of laromestrocel, a treatment derived from donated bone marrow, in 148 adults aged 70 to 85 who were diagnosed with frailty.

After nine months, participants receiving the highest dose walked an average of 60 meters further than those given a placebo during a standard six-minute walk test, reflecting a remarkable 20% improvement.







“The results were astonishing,” said Dr. Joshua Hare, chief scientific officer of Ronnebellon, the company behind the treatment. He emphasized, “We noted a clear correlation based on dosage over time; higher doses led to a more pronounced increase in the six-minute walk test.”

Frailty is a prevalent but often misunderstood medical condition characterized by heightened vulnerability to stressors such as infections, falls, and surgical procedures, significantly beyond what is typically expected from normal aging.

This condition includes decreased muscle strength and endurance, leading to a sharply increased risk of disability, hospitalization, and mortality. According to the British Geriatrics Society, individuals with severe frailty are five times more likely to die within a year compared to those without frailty.

“When you observe 80-year-olds, some require 24-hour care in nursing homes, while others lead vibrant lives, participating in activities like tennis and golf,” Hare noted. “The biological differences play a crucial role.”

Hare suggests that inflammation, often exacerbated by age-related factors, is a significant contributor. As individuals age, their immune systems become dysregulated, with higher levels of inflammatory signaling molecules known as cytokines.

This chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels, deplete stem cell reserves, and accelerate muscle loss, culminating in a condition known as sarcopenia.

The result is frailty; the body becomes less capable of self-repair and responding to physical or medical stressors.

Current treatments primarily focus on nutritional support and physical therapy.

“Typical interventions are rather straightforward,” Hare explained. “We recognized the need to address this at a biological level, as we understand the underlying issues.”

Mesenchymal stem cells, naturally found in bone marrow and other tissues, are of great scientific interest due to their immune-modulating capabilities.

Importantly, these cells possess minimal surface proteins responsible for immune rejection, minimizing the need for immunosuppressive drugs—an important consideration for vulnerable patients.

Participants receiving the highest dose of stem cells achieved a remarkable 20% improvement in a six-minute walk test – Photo credit: Getty

Hare and his team harvested stem cells from donated bone marrow and administered them intravenously to participants, who were either given a placebo or one of four doses of lalometrocel in a double-blind setup.

The results, monitored every three months over nine months, clearly indicated that increased stem cell doses significantly enhanced walking distance. Conversely, the placebo group exhibited expected declines in physical performance typical of frail individuals aged 75 and older.

Patient-reported outcomes from questionnaires assessing physical performance, upper body strength, and mobility confirmed improvements that aligned with objective measurements from the walk tests. Participants also showed progress on a doctor-rated frailty scale ranging from 1 (most frail) to 9 (least frail).

“One-third of treated participants achieved health scores of 2 or 3,” Hare stated, indicating they were no longer deemed frail.

Researchers identified soluble Tie2 as a potential biological marker for therapeutic efficacy, a protein released into the bloodstream upon inflammation or breakdown of blood vessel walls. Patients receiving stem cells showed decreasing levels of this marker in a dose-dependent manner.

“This evidence suggests that medical interventions can potentially reverse frailty,” stated Dr. Andrew Steele, Director of the Longevity Initiative. He highlighted the challenge of achieving physical activity in frail individuals and celebrated the remarkable potential of stem cell infusions to not only slow decline but also to foster tangible improvement.

Nonetheless, the study raises key questions. The wide-ranging effects of stem cells leave uncertainties about the exact mechanisms at play.

“These cells might be targeting areas where they are most needed and regenerating cells,” said Steele. “Alternatively, they could be releasing a mix of anti-aging molecules that rejuvenate the body’s own cells.”

The follow-up period lasted nine months, leaving questions regarding the sustainability of improvements and the effectiveness of repeated doses.

Hare’s team has conducted long-term trials with multiple doses, showing preliminary evidence that participants improve without side effects and maintain benefits, though the evidence lacks robustness compared to controlled trials. Formal studies on repeat dosing are on the horizon.

Furthermore, significant regulatory challenges loom. Currently, frailty is not recognized as a disease by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the European Food and Drug Administration, complicating the approval process.

“It will be a tough fight,” Hare cautioned, adding that the approval pathway for laromestrocel could be expedited for Alzheimer’s disease, with promising results in related clinical trials evidenced in another study.

“We believe treatments for age-related frailty will likely be approved alongside those for Alzheimer’s, given that the latter is a well-defined condition with pressing unmet needs.”

To date, the trials indicate promise, presenting strong evidence that frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging but a biological process that can be at least partially reversed.

“Human lifespan has nearly doubled in the last 120 years,” Hare remarked. “However, healthy life expectancy hasn’t progressed at the same pace. There will always be an end-of-life phase marked by disability and frailty.”

If progress continues, the gap between lifespan and healthy living could finally begin to close.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Big Tech Promises User Protection Amid Spyware Firms’ Rise in Trump Administration

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Apple and WhatsApp have committed to continue alerting users if their devices are targeted by government hacking software, particularly in the United States, as two spyware companies aim to penetrate the Trump administration.

The two tech giants provided statements in response to questions from the Guardian, as two Israeli-founded cyber weapon manufacturers, now under U.S. ownership, aggressively seek access to the American market.

Paragon Solutions, known for its spyware called Graphite, has already reached an agreement with the Trump administration to provide U.S. immigration officials with one of the most advanced hacking tools globally as of September, following the unfreezing of a $2 million contract by the Department of Homeland Affairs with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Paragon did not reply to requests for comment.

NSO Group, another firm cited by the Biden administration in 2021 for conducting business “that goes against the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States,” revealed over the weekend that David Friedman, former U.S. ambassador to Israel during Donald Trump’s initial term, will become executive chairman of the parent company that owns NSO. The company has reportedly been recently acquired by new investors, including American film producer Robert Simmons.

Both Paragon and NSO Group develop spyware capable of infiltrating any phone without the knowledge of the user, enabling the spyware operator to read texts, eavesdrop on calls, track locations, and turn mobile devices into wiretapping tools or remote cameras.

While both companies defend their products as tools to combat serious crimes and thwart potential terrorist activities, their software is also weaponized by government clients to spy on individuals they wish to monitor covertly, including journalists, business leaders, and human rights advocates.

Apple and WhatsApp have consistently opposed the proliferation of spyware worldwide, notifying users via alerts when potential hacking attempts are detected in various countries, including Italy, Spain, and India.

In October, a U.S. court ruled in favor of WhatsApp after six years of legal battles, preventing NSO from targeting WhatsApp users in the future.

However, concerns arise due to the close connections between Apple, WhatsApp’s parent company Meta, and the Trump administration regarding whether they will persist in warning users amid such spyware threats in the United States.

“Threat notifications are intended to individually inform and assist users who may be victims of mercenary spyware, irrespective of geographic location,” Apple stated.

“WhatsApp aims to safeguard our users by disrupting hacking attempts from mercenary spyware, advancing protective measures, and notifying those whose devices are under threat, no matter where they are globally,” commented a WhatsApp representative.

Former FBI Director Christopher Wray testified that the FBI considered utilizing NSO’s Pegasus but ultimately declined to incorporate commercial spyware into its operations. Experts express concern over the legality surrounding the use of spyware in the United States, given existing laws that restrict targeted surveillance of Americans.

An aide to Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, a member of the Select Committee on Intelligence, mentioned that current immigration officials provided a preliminary briefing to his office, stating that “the policy is still under development,” but there has been no feedback since the government shutdown began in October.

When asked about the potential lifting of sanctions imposed on NSO by the Biden administration in 2021, Friedman mentioned during a phone call from Israel that he has yet to discuss the matter with President Trump, stating, “I hope that happens, but I have not made that request yet.” He added it is “too early to determine” when NSO may pursue the removal of these sanctions.

Regarding mercenary spyware, John Scott Railton, a senior research fellow at the University of Toronto’s Citizen Research Institute, warns that “no one is safe.” He is recognized as a leading authority on tracking and disrupting spyware usage against civil society members globally.

“American firms are unprepared to detect and defend against this type of menace domestically, similarly to healthcare institutions, legal professionals, politicians, and the general populace,” he noted. “The last thing America needs now is a silent spyware epidemic.”

Paragon initially signed a contract with ICE in 2024 under the Biden administration. The relatively small agreement went unnoticed by the White House until its official announcement, several insiders disclosed. Wired reported. The contract was subsequently suspended to ascertain whether it complied with a significant executive order issued earlier. Signed by the White House in May 2023, it prohibited the operational use of spyware that “poses a risk to national security or has been exploited by foreign entities for human rights violations globally.”

At that point, Paragon was free from surveillance controversies, unlike NSO Group, which faced scrutiny for its Pegasus spyware targeting a plethora of civil society organizations.

However, the situation shifted in January 2025 when WhatsApp disclosed that 90 individuals, including journalists and civil society members, had been targeted by Paragon’s Graphite.

Following this revelation, Paragon severed its ties with the Italian government, alleging that Italy violated its service terms by using spyware against civil society members.

Since then, media accounts have detailed how several Italian journalists, at least two executives from Italy’s largest bank, an Italian human rights advocate, and an Italian political strategist were targeted by hacking spyware in 2024.

The current government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has admitted that the software was employed against certain activists by Italian agencies with legal authority, but has not accepted responsibility for other prominent targets.

“This is Italy’s Watergate,” remarked former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi in an interview.

“This is a tool that only governments can wield. If the Italian government continues to deny its usage, the question for multiple Italian business leaders and journalists remains, who is responsible?” he said. “I may not be closely aligned with journalists, but freedom of the press is essential in a free democracy. Using this tool against journalists is intolerable.”

Some officials are worried that this Graphite may now be under the control of U.S. immigration authorities.

“ICE is already undermining due process by hastily detaining children and families who pose no threat, ruining lives,” Wyden stated to the Guardian. “I am extremely concerned about how ICE will utilize spyware, facial recognition, and other technologies to further infringe upon the rights of American citizens and those whom Donald Trump views as adversaries.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Foundation Review: The New Season Promises Drama but Ultimately Falls Flat

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Kassian Billton stars as Dawn, a clone of the galaxy.

Patrick Redmond/Apple TV+

Foundation
Apple TV+

Mel Brooks and Carl Reiner had a nightly movie ritual, often indulging in cheesy films where phrases like “ensure you have boundaries!” get thrown around. So, why bring this up in relation to Foundation? This adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s work started with provocative ideas but has since become a formulaic experience—something like a ticking clock.

It’s been two years since the last season of Foundation, so if you’re a bit hazy about the plot, here’s a quick recap: the empire has long been governed by genetic dynasties. Three clone emperors—representing dawn, day, and dusk—come to rule, under the watchful eye of Demerzel (Laura Birn), the last existing robot. Approximately 150 years after Season 2, the first Foundation, conceived to replace the empire, now governs the outer planets.

Hari Seldon (Jared Harris), with the ability to foresee the empire’s fall through the mathematical theory of psychohistory, has uploaded his consciousness to a secure location just before the impending “Seldon Crisis.” These crises signify pivotal moments that can plunge the galaxy into epochs of darkness. Meanwhile, the second Foundation—a secretive colony with telepathic prowess—operates covertly, aiming to prevent the third Seldon crisis, led by a version of Seldon and his protégé, Dornik (Rurbell).

Visually stunning—an array of exquisitely rendered planets render the cosmos seemingly infinite.

That’s the essential backdrop as we venture into Foundation‘s third season. There’s much to unpack, especially with new characters joining the narrative. There’s Quento (Cherry Jones), the inaugural ambassador of the Foundation, navigating a complicated rapport with the Empire; Han Pritcher (Brandon P. Bell), a spy operating between the two Foundations; and Toran Marrow (Cody Fern), a descendant of Wily Hober Marrow from Season 2.

This ensemble is designed to create a rich and intricate universe filled with well-crafted characters. The show skillfully merges drama with grand concepts, particularly involving DeMerselle, giving it a visually spectacular quality as numerous planets are rendered beautifully.

However, herein lies the paradox: while Foundation strives for intellectual stimulation through its lore and epic scope, many of its plotlines come off as ridiculous and superficial. The most captivating elements—the two Seldons, the potential alliance between the Foundation and the Empire, and the intrigues among the three emperors—remain largely unexplored. The narrative often feels intellectually shallow at times. And don’t get me started on the awkward dialogue; phrases like “we have a partnership” made me cringe, not to mention the repeated insistence to “ensure you have boundaries!”

It’s disheartening to watch a promising show decline while retaining traces of its former brilliance. After viewing nine episodes, I’m hopeful the tenth episode will tie everything together, much like Seldon’s Vault, with its buried secrets finally unearthed. Until then, whether you can overlook its shortcomings may determine your enjoyment of Foundation, which feels a step removed from the television gems it once resembled, at least offering some form of unsatisfactory entertainment.

Recommendations for Further Viewing…

Andor
Disney+
Foundation caters to historical enthusiasts intrigued by civilization’s cycles. For a similar experience, check out this Star Wars series that chronicles key figures in a very different empire’s downfall—something quite rare.

The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire
Chris Kempshall
While still rooted in Star Wars, this narrative of Emperor Palpatine’s 24-year reign, depicted from an in-universe historian’s viewpoint, makes for an engaging read.

The Art and Science of Writing Science Fiction

Engage in the craft of science fiction writing this weekend by creating new worlds and artistic creations.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Chinese tech company promises to combat online hate speech following knife attack

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Chinese internet companies have made a commitment to combat “extreme nationalism” online, specifically targeting anti-Japanese sentiment. This decision comes after a tragic incident in Suzhou, where a Chinese woman lost her life while trying to protect a Japanese mother and child.

The leading companies Tencent and NetEase have stated that they will actively investigate and ban users who promote hatred and incite conflict.

A spokesperson for Tencent, the operator of messaging app WeChat, mentioned that the incident in Jiangsu province has garnered significant public attention, with some internet users fueling tensions between China and Japan, leading to a surge in extreme nationalism.

Following the arrest of an unemployed man for the stabbing incident, which resulted in the death of the Chinese woman who intervened, there has been a mix of reactions online ranging from celebrating heroism to expressing nationalistic sentiments.

Social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin have highlighted the presence of extreme nationalistic and xenophobic content and are actively working to address these issues. This move marks a significant shift as such sentiments have been prevalent on China’s internet with minimal intervention.

In the wake of the Suzhou tragedy, online users have drawn parallels between xenophobic content online and real-world violence, emphasizing the need for regulation to prevent further incidents. Internet companies have reported removing a substantial amount of illegal content and taking action against violating posts.

Despite the efforts by internet companies, some individuals have criticized the crackdown on anti-Japan content, revealing differing perspectives within the online community. Chinese authorities have labeled the knife attack as an isolated event, in contrast to previous incidents involving foreigners.

Further research by Lin Zhihui

Source: www.theguardian.com

Revolutionary New Test Promises Breakthrough in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Treatment

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A breakthrough assay to detect acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through a KMT2A gene fusion promises to enhance diagnosis and treatment and represents a major advance in leukemia research.


The researchers Accuracy
Detecting specific molecular markers within leukemia cells has the potential to significantly improve the assessment of measurable residual disease. This advancement will enable better-informed treatment decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

A new assay that detects unique molecular markers in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) could revolutionize how the disease is detected and treated, according to a recently published new report. Molecular Diagnostic Journal Published by Elsevier. This assay may improve the detection of AML due to factors such as: Kuomintang 2A Gene fusions can impact treatment decision-making, assessment of response to treatment, and long-term monitoring.

AML is a rare, aggressive blood cancer that is diagnosed in approximately 120,000 people worldwide each year. Detecting residual disease during treatment is essential to determine prognosis and guide treatment decisions.Currently, methods to detect measurable residual disease (MRD) during treatment of AML include bone marrow morphology, multiparameter flow cytometry (MPFC), and DNA Sequencing.

Morphological evaluation detects leukemic cells only with a detection limit of 5%. Although MPFC has a more sensitive detection limit of 0.01% to 0.001%, it is difficult to implement and interpret and is not standardized across laboratories. DNA sequencing approaches can identify leukemic cells by somatic mutation profiles, but are expensive and can be confounded by clonal hematopoiesis in nonleukemic blood cells.

Breakthrough progress in leukemia research

“We’ve seen a lot of research in this field,” explained lead researcher Dr. Grant A. Challen, of the Department of Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Normally absent in healthy cells. Other diseases such as chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) can already be tracked by standard BCR-ABL fusions, and sensitive detection of these fusions has revolutionized the way CML is treated. . For AML patients whose disease is caused by oncogenic fusions, the KMT2A fusion is a molecular marker that can be exploited for sensitive MRD detection. Therefore, we wanted to develop a platform for sensitive KMT2A fusion detection to improve detection and treatment methods for this disease. ”

Researchers have developed a new droplet digital PCR assay that allows for high sensitivity. Kuomintang 2A Fusion detection with the five most common fusion partners.At least 80 are known Kuomintang 2A There are fusion partners, but approximately 80% of fusions involve only 5 partners – AF9, AF6, AF4, Elleand English. They benchmarked the assay in human cell lines and patient samples and demonstrated sensitivity and specificity. Kuomintang 2A Fusion detection.

This assay detects these fusions by splitting cDNA molecules into microfluidic droplets and assaying them using primers and probes that generate a positive signal only when the fused transcript is present. Researchers were able to combine multiple primer/probe sets targeting different fusions into a pooled fusion detection reagent. they again, Kuomintang 2A Fusions in patient samples are known to be present Kuomintang 2A fusion.

Implications for AML treatment and future research

Dr. Challen said: This assay can be easily extended to include additional oncogenic fusions. This has potential implications for treatment decision-making and assessment of response to treatment. Knowing whether treatment is effective is critical to deciding when to escalate treatment or perform a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. ”

“This is a powerful new tool for highly sensitive KMT2A fusion detection and can be directly applied to disease detection in leukemia patients caused by these fusions. This fills a void in oncogenic fusion detection. , we offer several technical improvements. This assay is also highly scalable, and additional fusions can be easily added to the assay to expand coverage of other oncogenic fusions. We is improving blood cancer detection one drop at a time.”

Reference: “Droplet Digital PCR for Oncogenic KMT2A Fusion Detection” by Andrew L. Young, Hannah C. Davis, and Grant A. Challen, October 7, 2023. Molecular Diagnostic Journal.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2023.09.006

This research was funded by: National Institutes of Health and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Source: scitechdaily.com