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Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why statins, the widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that help prevent heart attacks and strokes, can sometimes cause muscle pain, weakness, and even severe muscle damage. Using advanced imaging technology, researchers discovered that statins can attach to a crucial protein in muscle cells and force open a channel that normally controls calcium flow. This causes calcium to leak continuously, potentially damaging muscle tissue.

Scientists have discovered a natural compound that targets dangerous C. difficile bacteria without wiping out the gut's beneficial microbes. Successful early tests suggest it could lead to a gentler, more effective treatment for stubborn intestinal infections that frequently return.

The aging brain may be undergoing a remarkable transformation rather than simply losing its abilities, shifting its focus from remembering details to understanding the bigger picture. Scientists suggest this change could be an evolutionary adaptation that helps older adults develop wisdom and share decades of knowledge with younger generations.

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Baker's yeast is a long-standing model for studying mechanisms of aging. Due to asymmetric division, yeast mother and daughter cells are distinguishable, and mother cells usually cease division after 15-25 budding events. However, yeast suspensions consist predominantly of young cells. Here we investigated whether, under harsh environmental conditions, replicative aging-defined by the number of buds produced-manifests at early replicative ages. To test this, we adapted a flow-cytometry-based...

Scientists have found a promising way to protect the brain from Alzheimer’s-related damage by blocking immune cells that contribute to the destruction of neurons. In mice, the treatment preserved roughly 40% more tissue in memory centers and improved memory, even without removing harmful tau protein buildup.

A surprising clinical trial suggests that taking vitamin C daily could improve survival in people with precancerous blood disorders and early-stage blood cancers. Patients receiving the supplement had fewer adverse events and showed a promising survival advantage, raising hopes that a common vitamin could help protect against leukemia-related complications.

Researchers discovered that recurring arthritis triggered by cancer immunotherapy may be driven by immune cells that remember previous attacks and return in a more aggressive state. The findings could pave the way for treatments that prevent painful flare-ups while preserving the immune system's ability to fight cancer.

Scientists have discovered why some people with a high genetic risk of Alzheimer’s remain mentally sharp into their 80s, uncovering a rare mutation that protects the brain from harmful protein buildup. The findings reveal a potential new way to prevent early brain damage and could pave the way for treatments that mimic this natural defense.

Scientists have uncovered a possible explanation for why some people struggle to taste food more than a year after recovering from COVID-19. By examining taste buds from patients with lingering symptoms, researchers discovered molecular abnormalities that weaken the signals responsible for detecting sweet, bitter, and savory flavors.

Walking just 3,000 steps a day could help slow Alzheimer’s-related brain changes, according to new research. Scientists discovered that physical activity was linked to less buildup of harmful tau proteins and nearly half the cognitive and functional decline, even in people already showing early signs of the disease. The strongest benefits appeared at 5,000 to 7,500 daily steps, suggesting that the popular 10,000-step goal may not be necessary.

Experts worry the proposed research could produce biased results

A discovery in tiny algae led to a Nobel Prize-winning breakthrough that allows scientists to switch brain cells on and off using light. The revolutionary technique has already helped researchers activate memories and is opening new possibilities for restoring vision and treating brain disorders.

α-synuclein (αS), amyloid-β (Aβ), and Tau aggregates are hallmarks of many neurodegenerative diseases, yet the prevalence and nature of their nanoscopic co-assemblies remain poorly understood. Here, we adapt a single-molecule pull-down (SiMPull) assay to profile αS, Aβ, and Tau co-assemblies across post-mortem brain tissue homogenates, soluble brain fractions, human serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and saliva. We show that αS-Tau co-assemblies are abundant across all sample matrices, accounting for...