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Locomotor skills arise early in life and are maintained throughout an animal's lifespan, yet how this continuity is achieved despite major neural remodeling remains unclear. Using Drosophila, which undergoes complete metamorphosis, we show that the activity of embryonically established dopaminergic neurons (DANs) is essential for locomotion across all developmental stages and adulthood. Through stage-specific behavioral assays, optogenetics, in vivo brain imaging, and fluorescent neuronal...

Autophagy is a catabolic process that degrades cytoplasmic materials and is controlled by nutrient availability and signaling. The plasma membrane-associated pyruvate-solute carrier hermes (hrm) is required for regulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and the activation of autophagy during development. Here, we screen for pyruvate-influencing genes that suppress the hrm mutant phenotype. We show that the inhibitory effect of hrm loss on autophagy depends on pyruvate...

CONCLUSIONS: Consumer-reported unmet LTSS needs are frequent, vary greatly across care settings and funding programs, and are associated with poorer QoL-related outcomes; highlighting substantial system-level gaps in the fragmented LTSS landscape and the need for coordinated investments and structural reforms to better meet the needs of individuals relying on these services.

Immune function across development, tissue repair, aging, and disease depends not only on signaling pathways but also on epigenetic architectures that determine whether coordinated transcriptional programs can be accessed and resolved. Increasing evidence indicates that epigenetic gene networks regulate the accessibility and reversibility of semi-stable immune states, shaping plastic, homeostatic, reparative, and degenerative configurations. We propose the concept of epigenetic transition...

The relation between cognitive impairment and skeletal muscle mass or physical exercise has been broadly discussed. However, the underlying molecular features have not been systemically investigated. Essential amino acids are the key factors for skeletal muscle mass. In the current study, we investigated the abundance of metabolites in the serum of ~ 1500 participants in various cognitive status from multiple centers. Our study revealed a positive correlation between serum level of essential AA...

Beyond their role in energy production, mitochondria also interact with other organelles through forming membrane contacts that serve as central hubs of cellular metabolism and signaling. Aberrant mitochondria-organelle communication has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, but the underlying mechanisms and their pathological consequences remain poorly understood. Here, we reveal that tauopathy synapses exhibit excessive tethering of autophagosome/autophagic vacuole...

CONCLUSION: Higher SES was associated with higher QOL. Older age and widowhood were also associated with lower QOL. Thus, enhancing financial support, expanding social services, and prioritizing the socioeconomically disadvantaged and widowed elderly may contribute to promoting equitable and healthy aging.

CONCLUSIONS: Artificial intelligence holds significant promise for mitigating the global geriatric healthcare crisis exacerbated by demographic aging and nursing shortages. However, realizing its full potential requires a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to overcome the entrenched systemic, human, and social obstacles. The proposed roadmaps provide an actionable framework that may facilitate the development of artificial intelligence systems that are more efficient, equitable, and...

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CONCLUSION: These findings identify gaze fixation as a key determinant of increased spin-turn use during turning in older adults, whereby constraining gaze to the near walking surface alters visual information available for step planning and promotes maladaptive turning strategy selection.

Frequently ignored bodily rhythms may be skewing neuroscience experiments

Substance’s “remarkable” behavior could lead to devices powered by energy-rich gels

A new biomaterial made from jackfruit latex, pomegranate peel, and simvastatin could transform the treatment of severe gum disease. Early tests suggest it not only combats infection and inflammation but may also help rebuild lost bone and tissue around teeth.

Scientists may have uncovered a hidden trigger behind Alzheimer’s disease. Instead of plaques being the root cause, amyloid beta appears to interfere with tau, a protein that helps keep neurons functioning properly. This disruption could set off the damage that eventually leads to the disease’s most recognizable brain changes.

Plague was already a deadly killer 5,500 years ago, long before cities, farming, or the rat-infested conditions usually linked to historic outbreaks. By analyzing ancient DNA from hunter-gatherer cemeteries in Siberia, researchers discovered early plague strains in nearly 40% of the individuals studied and found evidence of rapid family-based outbreaks that wiped out many children and young teenagers.