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Category: biotech/medical – Page 2

One Type of Fat May Accelerate Brain Aging, But Scientists Say There’s a Fix

A higher level of the fat that gathers around organs has been linked to faster brain aging in a new study, with glucose and insulin the likely mediators.

The study, led by a team from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel, suggests that reducing visceral fat can protect against brain atrophy.

Like other parts of the body, the brain doesn’t necessarily age at a consistent rate: wear and tear can increase or decrease, depending on numerous factors. Faster brain aging typically means a faster decline in mental performance, and a higher risk of brain diseases.

Specialized RNA molecules could counter ALS neurodegeneration

Misshapen proteins cause a mess of trouble—particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. But a new study suggests it’s possible that giving them a little bit of extra support could keep them working correctly, and even reverse the damage they have caused.

The new research focuses on one such aberrant protein, TDP-43, which binds to RNA in the cell’s nucleus and is responsible for regulating thousands of human genes. If TDP-43 turns from a healthy, liquid-like phase into diseased, fibrous solid-like aggregates, its presence can be fatal.

This protein is one of the key drivers of the diseases amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD)—a discovery first made by pioneering Penn Medicine scientists Virginia M.-Y. Lee, Ph.D., MBA, and the late John Trojanowski, MD, Ph.D.

Blood as the mirror and modulator of aging: mechanistic insights and rejuvenation strategies

Aging is a complex process influenced by changes in our blood that affect how quickly we age. Scientists have shown that blood contains important molecules and cellular components — including proteins, metabolites, and immune cells — that can either accelerate or slow aging. Tools such as the ‘proteomic aging clock’ predict age and disease risk based on blood protein profiles, whereas emerging multi-omics approaches integrate metabolomic and immunomic data. Large-scale analyses of circulating factors reveal how these components change with age and identify markers of organ-specific aging. Certain blood-borne molecules can predict diseases such as heart disease and Alzheimer disease. These findings demonstrate that aging does not occur uniformly across tissues. Overall, studying diverse blood components provides valuable insight into aging biology and offers opportunities to develop strategies that promote healthier aging and improve long-term health.

This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.

The next phase of human evolution is already underway

That is one of the stranger truths about human evolution. Some of the traits helping people survive now are not purely modern at all. They are remnants of older branches of humanity, carried forward because they still work.

Evolution needs variation, inheritance, and reproduction. Those conditions have not disappeared.

Long-term health studies that follow multiple generations indicate that natural selection is still acting in modern populations. Certain traits are associated with having more children, and over time those traits become more common. Patterns in the data point toward earlier childbirth and later menopause, which together extend the reproductive window. Other trends suggest shifts in metabolism, including lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

USU Biochemists Show CRISPR Can Selectively Destroy Cells, a Cancer-Treatment Goal

Cas12a2 enzyme is programmed to identify specific RNA sequences rather than DNA. Upon successful recognition and binding to its target RNA, the protein undergoes a conformational change that unleashes indiscriminate collateral cleavage of intracellular DNA, effectively shredding the genetic material and inducing rapid cell death. In preclinical in vitro and in vivo models, a single administration of this targeted Cas12a2 system suppressed the proliferation of KRAS-mutated cancer cells by 50% and eliminated human papillomavirus (HPV)-infected cells with an efficacy exceeding 90%. Crucially, the intervention demonstrated high specificity, displaying no significant off-target cytotoxicity or damage to healthy tissue. This RNA-triggered DNA-shredding mechanism provides a highly adaptable and potent platform for oncology and virology, shifting the CRISPR paradigm from localized genetic correction to the targeted apoptosis of diseased cells, with future applications potentially expanding to target HIV and other robust infections.

Kadin Crosby, Ryan Jackson and colleagues report newly discovered details demonstrating how CRISPR Cas12a2 can be repurposed to discriminately kill cancer cells in the petri dish and in mice.

In Vivo RNA Delivery to Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells via Targeted Lipid NanoparticlesClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!

A nicely concise paper on antibody-linked lipid nanoparticles which target hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in vivo, important yet tricky cell types to transduce for hematological gene therapy.

Ex vivo autologous hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) gene therapy has provided new therapies for the treatment of hematological disorders. However, these therapies have several limitations owing to the manufacturing complexities and toxicity resulting from required conditioning regimens. Here, we developed a c-kit (CD117) antibody-targeted lipid nanoparticle (LNP) that, following a single intravenous injection, can deliver RNA (both siRNA and mRNA) to HSCs in vivo in rodents. This targeted delivery system does not require stem cell harvest, culture, or mobilization of HSCs to facilitate delivery. We also show that delivery of Cre recombinase mRNA at a dose of 1 mg kg–1 can facilitate gene editing to almost all (∼90%) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in vivo, and edited cells retain their stemness and functionality to generate high levels of edited mature immune cells.

Anthropic research warns AI could build itself by 2028

In this exclusive interview, Axios co-founder Mike Allen sits down with Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark to discuss his warning that by 2028, AI systems may be able to improve and build better versions of themselves.

Clark explains why Anthropic is preparing for the possibility of an “intelligence explosion,” how advanced AI could accelerate breakthroughs in science and medicine, and why governments, companies and researchers need new plans for cyber threats, bio risks, economic disruption and the future of work.

Timestamps:
00:00 — Introduction: the future of AI
00:41 — The 2028 prediction: AI building itself.
01:49 — The risks of rapid acceleration.
03:11 — The 3D printer metaphor.
05:21 — Intelligence explosion and fire drill scenarios.
06:55 — Building a \.

Novel diabetic wound treatment turns cells into manufacturers

Spread the love Diabetes affects more than 40 million people in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. For many, the chronic condition means a lifetime of pain as worsening circulation leads to nonhealing ulcers in the extremities, especially the legs and feet. Chronic inflammation, difficulty in forming nutrient-carrying capillaries, and overzealous immune cells…

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