Stefanos Loukakos, formerly a director at Meta’s business-focused Messenger division and, briefly, the tech giant’s blockchain org, noticed several years ago that online retailers were struggling to connect with potential shoppers. The problem, in his opinion, was that their marketing campaigns weren’t tailored enough. Merchants were sending generic social media, text, and email blasts that failed to […]

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The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated brain maturation in adolescents, particularly girls, with their brains aging by an average of 4.2 years. The study links this acceleration to the stress of reduced social interaction during lockdowns, affecting brain regions responsible for emotional regulation.

A new study compared two advanced imaging methods, dMRI-based tractography and PS-OCT, to map nerve fiber orientations in the human brainstem. The findings suggest that combining these techniques could enhance our understanding of brain microstructure, which may lead to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases.

A new study explores how the brain responds to various forms of love, from parental to romantic, using advanced imaging techniques. Researchers found that love for one’s children generates the most intense brain activity, especially in the reward system.

Researchers have developed an epigenetic clock, "Retro-Age," that predicts biological age by analyzing DNA markers from ancient viral remnants in the human genome. This study highlights how the reactivation of these retroelements, such as HERVs and LINEs, impacts aging, inflammation, and genomic stability. The findings suggest that monitoring these markers could guide anti-aging therapies and improve health outcomes, particularly in conditions like HIV. The research also opens avenues for exploring treatments that may reverse the biological effects of aging.

New research in mice reveals that aging slows the brain's ability to clear out harmful waste, contributing to neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Scientists have found that restoring function in the brain's waste-clearing system, known as the glymphatic system, can reverse these age-related effects. Using a clinically approved drug, researchers increased the efficiency of waste removal, offering a potential treatment strategy for age-related brain diseases.

Advanced MRI scans, particularly diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), have shown promise in predicting which concussion patients are at risk for long-term symptoms. While standard CT scans often fail to detect brain abnormalities in concussion cases, DTI can identify subtle changes in the brain’s white matter that are linked to persistent symptoms. This method could significantly improve the accuracy of prognoses, helping to identify patients who may need further follow-up and treatment. Researchers also found that specific blood biomarkers could help determine which patients would benefit most from a DTI scan.

Children of parents with alcohol use disorders inherit early aging symptoms, including high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early-onset dementia. This effect is worse if both parents have alcohol issues, especially in male offspring, due to mitochondrial dysfunction inherited from parents. Researchers suggest that improving mitochondrial health through exercise and vitamin intake could help delay these effects.

A recent study reveals that the quality, not the quantity, of synapses in the brain is crucial for preserving memory in older adults. Researchers found that larger dendritic spine head diameters in the temporal cortex correlate with better episodic memory performance, challenging the long-held belief that memory decline is primarily due to synapse loss.

Researchers successfully transferred regenerative genes from simple organisms into fruit flies, resulting in improved stem cell function and suppression of age-related intestinal issues. This breakthrough suggests that studying highly regenerative species may uncover new mechanisms for extending the healthy lifespan of more complex organisms.

Researchers have developed a method to transform skin cells into brain neurons, capturing the aging effects crucial for studying late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This technique accurately mimics Alzheimer's hallmarks, like amyloid beta buildup, in lab-derived neurons, allowing for detailed analysis.

A new report highlights that addressing 14 modifiable risk factors from childhood could prevent or delay nearly half of dementia cases. The study identifies high LDL cholesterol and untreated vision loss as new significant risks. Implementing early interventions can improve cognitive health and reduce the burden of dementia globally. Researchers emphasize the importance of targeted policies and lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks.

New research highlights the critical role of healthy blood vessels in maintaining brain health and addressing age-related cognitive decline. The study reveals that vascular degradation in the brain can lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

A novel study finds that specialized MRI scans can detect early brain changes that indicate a higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) before significant cognitive decline occurs. Researchers discovered that cortical microstructural changes in the brain closely resemble patterns seen in AD pathology.

A new study links diets rich in vitamins and minerals, with low added sugar, to younger biological age. Researchers found that healthier diets correlated with a younger epigenetic clock, even accounting for each gram of added sugar. The study is one of the first to show this link in a diverse group of midlife women. Findings highlight the importance of reducing sugar intake for better health and longevity.

A new study reveals that an eight-week vegan diet can reduce biological age estimations based on DNA methylation levels. The study, involving 21 pairs of adult identical twins, found that participants on a vegan diet showed decreases in biological age and the ages of their heart, hormone, liver, inflammatory, and metabolic systems.

Losing a close family member can accelerate biological aging, according to a new study. Researchers found that people who experienced the loss of a parent, partner, sibling, or child showed signs of older biological age. This effect was measured using DNA markers known as epigenetic clocks. The study underscores the long-term health impacts of grief and loss across the lifespan.

Exercising our brains with daily habits like naps and memory workouts, instead of relying on smartphones, can reduce the risk of age-related dementia. A new study highlights the superiority of human intelligence over AI. The study emphasizes nurturing our brain's potential for healthy aging. It also offers practical tips for boosting brain power and maintaining real intelligence.

Researchers investigated the neural basis of blushing using MRI scans and cheek temperature measurements. The study found that blushing activates the cerebellum and early visual areas, but not regions linked to understanding mental states. This suggests blushing may be an automatic emotional response rather than a cognitive one. The findings could help address social anxiety related to blushing.