The Alzheimer's Solution is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive program for preventing Alzheimer's disease and improving cognitive function. Based on the largest clinical and observational study to date, this revolutionary book reveals how the brain is a living universe, directly influenced by nutrition, exercise, stress, sleep, and engagement. The authors, neurologists and codirectors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, present a personalized assessment for evaluating risk, a five-part program for prevention and symptom-reversal, and day-by-day guides for optimizing cognitive function. Don't let Alzheimer's disease affect you or your loved ones; take control of your brain's future with The Alzheimer's Solution. Recommended for anyone interested in brain health, aging, and disease prevention, The Alzheimer's Solution offers a comprehensive program for preventing Alzheimer's disease and improving cognitive function. This book is particularly relevant to individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or those who are interested in taking proactive measures to reduce their risk of cognitive decline. It is also useful for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers who are interested in the latest findings in the field of Alzheimer's disease prevention and treatment. Additionally, this book can be of interest to anyone looking to optimize their brain health through lifestyle interventions such as nutrition, exercise, stress management, and engagement.

Get ready to revolutionize the way we treat cancer and age-related diseases! A new company, GlioQuell, co-founded by Dr. Kambiz Alavian from the Department of Brain Sciences, is developing a cutting-edge approach to target the powerhouses of cancer cells - the mitochondria. By reducing the efficiency of these structures, GlioQuell aims to turn off the cancer cells' energy supply and treat one of the most aggressive forms of cancer - glioblastoma.

A study of rockfish longevity has revealed a set of genes controlling their aging process, leading to the discovery of a previously unappreciated group of genes associated with extended lifespan in humans. The findings show that the same pathways that promote longevity in rockfish also promote longevity in humans. The study identified two major metabolic systems that regulate lifespan in rockfish: the insulin-signaling pathway, which prior research has shown plays a major role in regulating the lifespan of many different animals, and the previously unappreciated flavonoid metabolism pathway. These results provide insights into how to prevent or delay common human diseases of old age.

Do you have a passion for science and a desire to help people? If so, Optometry may be the perfect field of study for you. Optometry is a branch of medicine that focuses on the eyes and vision. It is a fascinating field that combines science, technology, and patient care to help people see clearly and live their best lives. Optometry is all about helping people to see the world around them. As an optometrist, you will use your knowledge of the eyes and vision to diagnose and treat a range of eye conditions, from simple refractive errors to more complex diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. You will also help people to maintain their eye health and prevent vision problems from developing. One of the most exciting aspects of Optometry is the constant innovation and research that is taking place in the field. From new technologies that allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment, to groundbreaking research into the causes and treatments of eye diseases, there is always something new and exciting happening in Optometry. At the undergraduate level, typical majors and modules include anatomy and physiology of the eye, optics, visual perception, and ocular disease. Students will also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through clinical placements and internships. After completing their undergraduate degree, students can go on to specialize in areas such as pediatric optometry, contact lenses, or vision therapy. With a degree in Optometry, there are a range of potential job opportunities available. Optometrists can work in private practice, hospitals, clinics, or for government agencies. Some notable employers in the field include Bausch + Lomb, Johnson & Johnson, and Essilor. To succeed in Optometry, students should have a strong background in science, particularly biology and chemistry. They should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be working closely with patients on a daily basis. If you are passionate about science and helping people, a degree in Optometry may be the perfect choice for you.

Weight loss surgery decreases bile acids linked to higher appetite, but lifestyle changes could mimic the effect. Researchers from King's, the University of Nottingham, and Amsterdam University Medical Centre found that gut microbes play a key role in regulating bile acids and metabolism. The study's results have important implications for targeted interventions for metabolic disorders focused on the gut microbiome. Co-author Professor Tim Spector, the co-founder of personalised nutrition company ZOE, highlights the promise of gut microbiome testing in supporting metabolic health.

We all know how important it is to stay healthy and avoid getting sick. But have you ever wondered about the science behind vaccines? In this video clip, we learn about the key academic concept of how the immune system works to fight off infections and how scientists are working to develop a universal flu vaccine that could protect us against every strain of the flu, even ones that don't exist yet. Learning about this exciting field of research not only expands our knowledge of how vaccines work, but also helps us understand the importance of public health initiatives.

As we grow older, our bodies undergo many changes, including changes in our metabolism. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes that occur in our bodies to maintain life. These processes are essential for providing energy, building and repairing tissues, and eliminating waste products. As we age, our metabolic pathways can become altered, leading to various age-related diseases and conditions. One example of a metabolic pathway that is affected by aging is the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC is responsible for producing ATP, the primary source of energy for our cells. As we age, the function of the ETC can become impaired, leading to a decrease in ATP production and an increase in oxidative stress. This can contribute to age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes. Another example is the mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) pathway, which regulates cellular growth and metabolism. Studies have shown that inhibiting the mTOR pathway can increase lifespan in various model organisms, including mice. This has led to increased interest in developing drugs that target this pathway as a potential anti-aging strategy. One of the leading academics in this field is Dr. David Sinclair, a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Sinclair's research has focused on the role of metabolism in aging and age-related diseases, and he has made significant contributions to the field. For example, his research has shown that supplementing with NAD+, a molecule involved in energy metabolism, can improve various aspects of aging in mice. Another leading academic in this field is Dr. Valter Longo, a Professor of Gerontology and Biological Science at the University of Southern California. Dr. Longo's research has focused on the role of fasting and caloric restriction in aging and age-related diseases. His work has shown that periodic fasting can have a range of health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. In conclusion, the study of metabolic pathways in aging is a fascinating and rapidly growing field. By understanding the complex interplay between metabolism and aging, we can better understand the underlying causes of age-related diseases and conditions. Students who are interested in this topic can continue to explore it through reading and research, or by pursuing their own experiments and projects. With the right tools and resources, they can make meaningful contributions to this exciting field and help improve our understanding of aging and metabolic pathways.

Severe stress triggers biological age to increase, but it can be reversed. Surgery, pregnancy, and COVID-19 are studied in humans and mice. Researchers found that biological age increased in situations of severe physiological stress but was restored when the stressful situation resolved. This study challenges the concept that biological age can only increase over a person’s lifetime and suggests that it may be possible to identify interventions that could slow or even partially reverse biological age.

Discover how human evolution has led to unique diseases like knee osteoarthritis, affecting millions worldwide. Professor Terence D. Capellini shares genetic research on the link between bipedalism and knee osteoarthritis, and how identifying high-risk patients at an early age can inform future therapies. Explore the Developmental and Evolutionary Genetics Lab's work and hypotheses published in his 2020 paper "Evolutionary Selection and Constraint on Human Knee Chondrocyte Regulation Impacts Osteoarthritis Risk." Join the Harvard Museums of Science & Culture's ongoing series to learn more.

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is a master of disguise. It can change its outer coat of proteins frequently, making it hard for the immune system to recognise and destroy it. HIV targets Helper T cells, which act as the air traffic controllers of the immune system, coordinating the efforts of other immune cells. If Helper T cells disappear, the whole immune system would have trouble fighting not just HIV but many other illnesses as well. Boosting the immune system against HIV requires getting the Helper T cells back in control. Learning about the immune system and how it works can help you understand how HIV affects the body and how to boost your immune system against it. By exploring this topic through reading, reflection, writing and self-directed projects, you can gain a deeper understanding of the immune system and how to protect yourself from harmful intruders like viruses and bacteria.

Are you curious about the tiny viruses that inhabit your body? MIT Technology Review's biotech newsletter, The Checkup, explores the world of bacteriophages, or "phages" for short. These microscopic viruses have the potential to treat bacterial infections, but they've been largely abandoned in favor of antibiotics. With antimicrobial resistance on the rise, interest in phage therapy is making a comeback. Learn about the diversity and specificity of phages, and how they could be engineered to target specific bacteria. Discover the potential of phage therapy and the challenges that need to be overcome in this fascinating article.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cell and for good reason. These tiny organelles are responsible for producing the energy that our cells need to function. In this write-up, we'll explore the magic of mitochondria and why they are so important to our health and well-being. Did you know that mitochondria are sometimes referred to as the "second genome"? This is because they have their own DNA and can replicate independently of the cell's nucleus. This discovery, made by Dr. Douglas C. Wallace in the late 1970s, revolutionized our understanding of cellular biology. Another interesting fact about mitochondria is that they are thought to have originated from a symbiotic relationship between early cells and primitive bacteria. Over time, the two organisms evolved together to form the cells that make up our bodies today. This theory, known as the endosymbiotic theory, was first proposed by Dr. Lynn Margulis in the 1960s. So, what exactly do mitochondria do? Well, they are responsible for producing energy in the form of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) through a process called cellular respiration. This energy is then used by our cells to carry out all of their functions, from moving and growing, to repairing and reproducing. It's important to note that our cells can't survive without energy, and without mitochondria, we wouldn't be able to produce enough energy to support our bodies. This is why mitochondria are so critical to our health and well-being. By learning more about the magic of mitochondria, you'll gain a deeper understanding of cellular biology and the role that these tiny organelles play in our lives. So, get reading, reflecting, and exploring!

Revolutionize cancer treatment with a new approach - turning cancer cells into cancer-killing vaccines! Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard-affiliate are developing a cell therapy that eliminates tumours and trains the immune system to prevent future cancer outbreaks.

Did you know that every time you visit the doctor or take a medication, you are contributing to the vast amounts of health data that are collected and analyzed? Thanks to advances in technology and the rise of big data, these massive amounts of information are now being used to revolutionize the field of medicine, and the results are nothing short of incredible. Data-driven medicine is the practice of using vast amounts of health-related data to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. By analyzing large amounts of patient information, healthcare providers can identify patterns and trends that would be impossible to detect otherwise. This information can be used to develop personalized treatment plans, predict disease outbreaks, and even prevent illnesses before they occur. One area where data-driven medicine has already made a significant impact is in cancer treatment. Thanks to the analysis of genetic data, doctors can now tailor treatments to individual patients based on their specific genetic profile, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects. In fact, the use of data-driven medicine in cancer treatment has already led to a 30% reduction in mortality rates. But data-driven medicine isn't just about treating disease. It's also about preventing it. By analyzing patient data, healthcare providers can identify risk factors for certain diseases and take steps to prevent them from developing. For example, doctors can use patient data to identify individuals who are at high risk for heart disease and develop personalized prevention plans that include exercise, diet changes, and medication. Leading academics in the field of data-driven medicine include Dr. Atul Butte, a professor of pediatrics and biomedical informatics at Stanford University, and Dr. Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine and the executive vice-president of Scripps Research. Both researchers have made significant contributions to the field, including the development of innovative data-driven tools and techniques that are transforming the way we approach healthcare. Remember, the key to success in exploring academic topics is to be curious, ask questions, and be willing to learn. With data-driven medicine, the possibilities are endless, and the potential to make a real difference in people's lives is huge.

Did you know that spending just a few weeks in space can lead to a 20% loss of muscle mass? That's because in microgravity, astronauts don't need to use their muscles as much to stay upright or move around. This lack of exercise leads to a breakdown in muscle tissue and a loss of strength. But it's not just astronauts who are affected by muscle degradation. People on bed rest, those with certain medical conditions, and even the elderly can experience a loss of muscle mass and function. So what's happening on a cellular level? When muscles aren't used, they begin to break down proteins for energy. This process, called protein degradation, can lead to the loss of muscle mass and function. But don't worry, researchers are working hard to find ways to combat muscle degradation in space and on Earth. One approach is to use exercise machines that simulate gravity, which have been shown to maintain muscle mass in astronauts. Other research has focused on using drugs to block the protein degradation process and promote muscle growth. Leading academics in the field of muscle degradation include Dr. Robert Fitts, a professor of biology at Marquette University, who has researched the effects of microgravity on muscle mass and function. Dr. Lori Ploutz-Snyder, a professor at the University of Michigan, has also studied muscle atrophy and is working on developing exercise programs to prevent it. Overall, muscle degradation is a serious concern for both astronauts and people on Earth. By learning more about the causes and potential solutions, we can work towards maintaining healthy muscles and preventing muscle loss.

DNA is a molecule that holds the secrets of life within its code, and it's waiting for you to explore it! This amazing molecule determines our traits, from our physical appearance to our personalities, and it can also tell us about our ancestry, our risk of diseases, and much more. Leading academics in the field of genetics, such as James Watson and Francis Crick, made major contributions to our understanding of DNA by discovering its structure and how it stores and transfers genetic information. Watson and Crick's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA was a major turning point in the field of genetics and opened up new avenues for scientific research. In the early 1990s, the Human Genome Project was launched to map all of the genes in human DNA. This project was a huge success and has had a profound impact on the field of genetics. It allowed scientists to identify specific genes that are associated with different diseases, such as cancer, and has paved the way for new treatments and cures. One of the most fascinating things about DNA is that every person's DNA is 99.9% identical to every other person's DNA. It's the remaining 0.1% that makes each of us unique! Our DNA also contains fascinating stories about our ancestors and their migrations. For example, DNA testing can tell us where our ancestors came from and how they migrated across the world. This is known as genetic genealogy, and it's an exciting field that combines genetics and history. Another fascinating aspect of DNA is its role in evolution. Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection states that species change over time through the process of natural selection. This process occurs because certain traits that provide an advantage in survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time. DNA mutations can lead to changes in traits, and over many generations, these changes can accumulate and result in new species. By exploring the world of DNA, you will not only deepen your understanding of genetics and biology, but also gain a new appreciation for the complexities and wonders of life. So go ahead, unlock the secrets of life with the power of DNA!

Want to know the secret to successful and sustainable weight loss? According to a recent study by Stanford Medicine researchers, it's all about the bacteria in your gut and the biomarkers in your body! The study found that certain gut microbiome ecologies and amounts of proteins can predict whether you will be successful at losing weight and keeping it off. So, are you ready to unlock the power of your gut and biomarkers for weight loss success?

UCLA scientists have identified how immune cells detect and respond to cancer cells, leading to better personalized immunotherapies for patients who do not respond to treatment. Checkpoint inhibitors improve T cells' ability to recognize and attack cancer cells, and the study showed that when immunotherapy is effective, it directs a diverse repertoire of T cells against a small group of selected mutations in a tumor. The researchers adapted advanced gene-editing technology to make unprecedented observations about immune responses in patients with metastatic melanoma receiving anti-PD-1 "checkpoint inhibitor" immunotherapy.

Metabolism is a complex and essential process that occurs in every cell of our body. It powers everything from our heartbeat to growing hair and converting food into energy. Despite what we hear, exercise has a limited impact on our metabolic rate, which is mostly genetic and related to body size and age. However, understanding our metabolism can help us manage our energy more effectively, leading to better health and well-being. Learning about the science of energy management can be intellectually stimulating and practically beneficial, allowing us to make informed choices about our diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. So, let's demystify metabolism and discover the secrets of energy management for a healthier and happier life.

Can blood rejuvenation really extend human lifespan by 10 healthy years? Silicon Valley entrepreneurs invest millions into life extension projects. But is it ethical? Read on to explore the scientific and ethical debates surrounding lifespan extension technologies.