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A massive study of more than 600,000 U.S. veterans suggests that popular GLP-1 drugs such as semaglutide may do far more than help with diabetes and weight loss—they could also fight addiction itself. Researchers found that people taking these medications were less likely to develop substance use disorders involving alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and other drugs, while those already struggling with addiction experienced fewer overdoses, hospitalizations, emergency visits, and drug-related deaths.

Scientists have developed an experimental diabetes and obesity pill that works in a completely different way from drugs like Ozempic. Rather than reducing hunger, it activates metabolism in skeletal muscle, helping lower blood sugar and increase fat burning while preserving muscle mass. Early clinical results suggest the treatment is safe and well tolerated.

A newly identified group of amygdala neurons appears to play a central role in anxiety and social behavior. Restoring normal activity in this tiny brain circuit reversed anxiety and social deficits in mice, revealing a promising new target for future treatments.

Physicists hope back-to-basics approach could point toward alternative paths to “theory of everything”

Human infancy is characterized by protracted brain development coinciding with sensitive periods of extensive synaptic remodeling. Whether this is supported by human infant-specific transcriptional programs is unknown as comparative material in closely related primate species was unavailable. Here, we analyze rare newborn chimpanzee and age-matched human and rhesus macaque brain samples using single-cell transcriptomics and epigenomics. We identify a human infant-specific transcriptional program...

The protein arginine methyl transferase 5 (PRMT5) emerges as a therapeutic target in S-methyl-5'-thioadenosine phosphorylase (MTAP)-deleted cancers, where 5'-methylthioadenosine (MTA) accumulation partially inhibits its activity. However, it remains unclear whether other genetic alterations can dictate PRMT5 activity in cancer. Here, we identify liver kinase B1 (LKB1) as an alternative predictor of PRMT5 inhibition in lung cancer independent of MTAP. Mechanistically, LKB1 loss activates...

Individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at higher risk for age-related physical comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disorders, and exhibit accelerated epigenetic and brain aging. The present study examined PTSD as a moderator of the association between DNA methylation (DNAm)-based systemic aging (GrimAge, PhenoAge) and brain aging, indexed by MRI-based and DNAm-derived BrainAge estimates, in 174 lifetime PTSD cases and 138 trauma-exposed controls from four cohorts....

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CONCLUSIONS: While the + AGIL Barcelona program had a limited quantitative impact on polypharmacy, it significantly reduced PIMs' use, particularly in nervous system-acting medications, which are involved in increased risk of falling and cognitive impairment in older adults. The study highlights the importance of medication review in multidimensional frailty management, although future research with larger samples and standardized medication review protocols is needed.

CONCLUSIONS: This observational study highlights that the relationship between DSI and cognitive impairment varied by personal responsibility for health. It is crucial to focus on the cognitive function of older adults with DSI and low personal health responsibility in rural China.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings underscore the need to review the type and range of activities offered in institutional settings, reducing time devoted to highly structured leisure activities and promoting more enriching experiences. To do so, experience-based co-design approaches involving institutionalised older adults and professionals in these settings are essential to develop person-centred programmes to enhance engagement in meaningful activities and occupational balance. Future research...

Defendants plead not guilty but could face up to 5 years prison for alleged “smuggling” and “conspiracy”