Genes decide a lot about us before we hit retirement age. One gene called APOE pops up often in health research. This gene comes in different versions. The version labeled ε4 shows up in many stories about heart disease and brain problems like Alzheimer's. Still, in younger and middle-aged people wh
The brain has a special wall called the blood‑brain barrier that keeps harmful things out. In diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, this wall gets damaged and lets troublemakers in, which makes the brain hurt more. New tiny machines called nanoparticles are learning how to fix that wall and bri
In the complex world of the brain, there are tiny cells called microglia that act like guardians. Among these, CD11c+ microglia are special. They have unique traits that make them different from other microglia. These traits help them play important roles in brain health and disease. During brain d
Inside cells, there are tiny droplets that act like little factories. These droplets, called coacervates, are important for many cell functions. They form when certain molecules group together, creating a separate liquid phase within the cell. This process is normal and helps cells work properly. H
Brain diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are tough to treat. Scientists have tried many things, but nothing has worked really well. Now, they are looking at new ways to get medicine to the brain. One idea is to use the nose! Yes, the nose! This method is not invasive and can help the medicine
The brain has its own cleaning crew that works hard while we sleep. This crew, called the glymphatic system, clears out harmful waste from the brain. Scientists have found that how you sleep can make this cleaning process more effective. Sleeping on your right side seems to be the best position for
It is a fact that as people age, their ability to handle money can decline. This is not just about forgetting to pay bills. It can be a sign of bigger health issues. Many health problems, like diseases that affect the brain or mental health conditions, can make it hard for older adults to make smart
The 2024 Prion Conference took place in Nanchang, China, from October 23 to 27. It was a big deal. Nearly 300 experts from 17 countries gathered to talk about the latest findings in prion research and related diseases. This was the first time the conference was held in a developing country. It a
A particular seed from a traditional Chinese herb is grabbing attention. This seed is called zizyphi spinosi semen. It is being studied for its potential to fight brain diseases and slow down aging in the brain. The brain can struggle with harmful proteins as it ages. These proteins can build up
A rare and fatal brain disorder, sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD), often goes unnoticed until it's too late. This disease is known for its rapid progression and devastating effects on the brain. However, there's more to sCJD than meets the eye. Beyond the well-known symptoms, there's a s
