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Epigenetic clocks based on DNA methylation provide robust biomarkers of biological age, yet the mechanistic basis and functional significance of slowing these clocks remain unclear. Progress has been limited by the lack of short-lived, genetically tractable model organisms with functional DNA methylation systems. The jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis, offers a unique solution. It combines a functional DNA methylation system with a short lifespan and established tools for experimental manipulation....

Aging is a risk factor for severe COVID-19, characterized by vascular endothelial dysfunction. Although possible susceptibility of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been suggested, the details of entry into cells have not been clarified. Previously, we reported that in an aged mouse model of severe COVID-19, ECs show a massive viral uptake and inflammatory response. Here, we focused on the endocytic capacity of senescent ECs. We found that the senescent ECs showed high...

As memories age, their immediate retrievability decreases albeit, due to ongoing memory consolidation, their future rate of forgetting weakens. Here, we show in two experiments (N = 1.216 participants) that mentally traveling back in time to older memories' temporal context at encoding reverses the two effects and makes the memories similar again to how they were at an earlier point in time. Mental time travel increased both the memories' immediate retrievability and their future rate of...

Funding multiyear grants up front will sharply cut number of investigators receiving awards

Analysis of DNA from 23andMe users points to variants in genes linked to brain function and sense of rhythm

Imminent termination of the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer shocks polar scientists

Tail feathers can emit narrow beams of light, a first in the animal kingdom

Age-related structural and functional deterioration of the kidneys is common among elderly individuals and contributes to increased mortality and morbidity. Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence are two hallmarks of aging that drive a progressional renal decline; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms and endogenous regulators behind these processes remain incompletely understood. The metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids by CYP450 enzymes produces numerous bioactive lipid...

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related condition characterized by progressive prostate enlargement driven in part by the accumulation of senescent epithelial cells and their pro-inflammatory secretome. Using human single-cell RNA sequencing and laser capture microdissection, we identified C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 13 (CXCL13) as a key chemokine secreted by senescent prostate epithelial cells. CXCL13 recruits CD4^(+) T cells via the C-X-C Chemokine Receptor Type 5 (CXCR5)...