Aggregator

Mammalian Atg8-family (ATG8) proteins are crucial for macroautophagic/autophagic degradation in the lysosome and facilitate non-degradative processes including multiple distinct forms of unconventional protein secretion. These secretion pathways, collectively termed secretory autophagy, depend upon ATG8 conjugated to membranes to both specify and traffic molecules for extracellular release. Here, we review the current understanding of how membrane ATG8ylation supports secretory autophagy, and...

The effect of NAD^(+) in enhancing mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in human cells is closely linked to NAD^(+)-dependent sirtuins (i.e. SIRT1 and SIRT3). SIRT2 primarily functions in the cytoplasm, where it can serve as a key deacetylase for tubulin and modulates stability of microtubules. Microtubule plays a pivotal role in regulating mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial movement, fission/fusion, repair, and mitophagy-dependent clearance. However, the potential role of...

Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice may do more than support heart health — it could actually reshape the bacteria living in the mouth in ways that help lower blood pressure in older adults. In the largest study of its kind, researchers found that older people who drank concentrated beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks experienced noticeable blood pressure reductions, while younger adults did not.

Scientists at McGill University have found a way to supercharge the immune system’s natural killer (NK) cells, helping them break through the defenses tumors use to stay alive. By temporarily blocking two proteins, researchers turned these cells into far more effective cancer fighters against difficult cancers like leukemia, glioblastoma, kidney cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Scientists at UT Southwestern have uncovered a surprising new “master switch” that helps control how much cholesterol the liver sends into the bloodstream. The newly identified protein, HELZ2, works by shutting down the genetic instructions needed to produce apoB — a key building block of the cholesterol-carrying particles linked to clogged arteries and heart disease.

Researchers found that adding bananas to berry smoothies can dramatically reduce the body’s ability to absorb healthy flavanols. The surprising discovery shows that even simple food combinations can change how much nutrition your body actually gets.

Scientists have cracked open the “black box” of feline cancer in a landmark study that genetically analyzed nearly 500 cat tumors from around the world. The research uncovered striking similarities between cancers in cats, dogs, and humans — including shared cancer-driving genes tied to aggressive breast cancers.

For millions battling chronic nerve pain, even the softest touch can feel agonizing — but scientists may have uncovered a radically new way to stop it at the source. Researchers at Duke University found that damaged nerves can be revived by supplying them with healthy mitochondria, the tiny energy producers inside cells.

By analyzing over 400,000 Reddit posts, researchers discovered that users of popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs frequently discussed unexpected symptoms like menstrual irregularities, chills, and hot flashes. The findings suggest AI could turn social media into a powerful early-warning system for spotting side effects that clinical trials may miss.

A crucial factor limiting the physiological relevance, reproducibility and ease of adoption of microphysiological systems is the constrained non-specific design and performance of existing perfusion systems. Inspired by the physics of the accordion music instrument, we have engineered Hemadyne, a standalone mechanical pump with compact footprint that operates without any additional instruments. The pump is paired with a custom-built control algorithm to reproduce clinical waveforms with a...

A newly identified brain protein may play a major role in how the body ages. Researchers discovered that declining levels of Menin in the hypothalamus triggered inflammation, memory problems, bone loss, and other aging-related changes in mice. Restoring Menin reversed several of these effects, while a simple amino acid supplement called D-serine boosted cognition. The discovery opens a surprising new path for fighting age-related decline.

A surprising study suggests vitamin D2 supplements may reduce the body’s levels of vitamin D3 — the more effective form of vitamin D. Researchers found D3 not only boosts vitamin D status more efficiently, but may also play a unique role in helping the immune system fight off viruses and bacteria. The discovery is prompting scientists to rethink whether D3 should become the preferred choice for supplementation.

A new analysis is raising concerns about Wegovy, the blockbuster weight-loss drug, after researchers found it may carry the highest risk of a rare “eye stroke” that can cause sudden vision loss. The study, based on millions of FDA side-effect reports, found the risk signal was nearly five times stronger for Wegovy than for Ozempic, despite both containing semaglutide.

Scientists have created an AI-powered system that can scan and map an entire mouse body in extraordinary detail — and it just uncovered a surprising new effect of obesity. Beyond disrupting metabolism, obesity appears to damage facial sensory nerves linked to touch and sensation, while also triggering widespread inflammation across the body.

Aging leads to renal function decline and increases the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential fatty acids for humans, exerting their functions via free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4). Clinical studies indicate that omega-3 PUFAs supplementation shows benefits for the elderly population and CKD patients, but these results remain controversial. Herein, we found that omega-3 PUFAs alleviated renal fibrosis and tubular senescence in aged mice,...

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including machine learning (ML), are transforming healthcare by enabling personalized interventions that integrate multimodal data to support rehabilitation, preventive care, and remote monitoring. Despite their broad potential, older adults remain underrepresented in model development, raising concerns about bias and limited generalizability. As AI/ML adoption expands, it is essential to critically appraise emerging tools to ensure ethical, equitable,...

Human longevity is a complex trait shaped by genetic background and population-specific factors. Calabria, a region in Southern Italy with a high prevalence of centenarians and relative genetic isolation, is a valuable model for investigating the genetic architecture of extreme survival. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study of longevity in 705 Calabrian individuals, comparing long-lived subjects to younger controls using a mixed-model approach that accounts for relatedness and...

CONCLUSIONS: Purposeful digital engagement can improve orientation and alleviate loneliness in Chinese older adults. It also helps preserve orientation ability partly by reducing feelings of loneliness, whereas use proficiency may exacerbate loneliness and diminish life satisfaction.