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Scientists Design “Ageing Clocks” to Predict Age-Related Decline

Ageing is a complex biological process, and accurately measuring how the body declines over time has long challenged scientists. People of the same chronological age can experience very different health trajectories, making it difficult to determine biological age and identify the true drivers of ageing. To address this, researchers from China’s Aging Biomarker Consortium (ABC) developed a computational framework called the Digital Aging Twin to predict biological age and track how different organs age over time.

The study, published in the journal Cell on May 8, involved researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Capital Medical University, and several other institutions. The team recruited 2,019 healthy participants aged 18 to 91 from multiple Chinese cities to establish a standardized multicentre cohort known as mCAS (multicentric Chinese Aging Standardized). Researchers gathered more than 240 physiological and molecular measurements from each participant, including clinical tests, brain and retinal imaging, cognitive and motor assessments, DNA methylation, proteins, metabolites, and gut microbiome data.

Using more than one billion high-quality data points, the researchers created a three-tier system of “ageing clocks.” The first tier, called the core capacity clock, integrates 240 physiological indicators to measure overall functional decline. The second tier, the multimodal clock, combines multiple layers of molecular data using deep-learning methods to estimate biological age with high accuracy, achieving a mean absolute error of only 3.87 years. The third tier consists of organ-specific clocks for organs such as the brain, liver, lungs, muscles, blood vessels, and skin.

One of the study’s most notable findings was that organs age at different rates. Researchers discovered that the liver reaches a major ageing turning point around age 40, while the brain’s ageing accelerates closer to age 50. The analysis also revealed two major waves of ageing-related change: one between ages 40 and 50 and another between ages 60 and 70. These findings suggest that ageing is not a uniform process but occurs in distinct phases across different organ systems.

To investigate the biological drivers of ageing, the researchers examined plasma proteins, human liver tissue, cultured human cells, and animal models. They identified liver-derived coagulation factors — particularly F13B, F9, and F10 — as direct contributors to vascular and systemic ageing. Experiments showed that exposing human vascular cells to these factors triggered signs of cellular senescence and inflammation, while injecting F13B into mice accelerated ageing across multiple tissues, including the liver, heart, kidneys, and blood vessels.

The researchers also developed simplified “proxy clocks” based on just 100 to 108 plasma proteins, raising the possibility that future blood tests could provide comprehensive ageing assessments. The study further identified lifestyle factors associated with slower biological ageing, including greater fruit intake, regular sleep schedules, and moderate walking, while smoking, poor sleep, and frequent eating were linked to accelerated ageing. Although the framework currently relies on cross-sectional data, researchers say the Digital Aging Twin represents a major shift in ageing science — from simply describing ageing to predicting it and identifying actionable biological drivers that could guide future interventions.

More information: Jiaming Li et al, Multimodal clocks of human aging, Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2026.04.025

Journal information: Cell Provided by Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters

New Research Questions Long-Held Beliefs About the Harms of “Yo-Yo Dieting”

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Weight loss followed by weight regain, commonly referred to as “yo-yo dieting” or weight cycling, has long been viewed as harmful to health, with some experts suggesting it may even be worse than remaining overweight. However, a new analysis published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology challenges this widely accepted belief, concluding that there is little convincing evidence that weight cycling itself causes long-term harm in people living with obesity.

In an invited Personal View article, Professors Faidon Magkos from the University of Copenhagen and Norbert Stefan from the German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), University Hospital Tübingen, and Helmholtz Munich reviewed decades of evidence from human and animal studies examining the effects of repeated weight loss and regain. After evaluating observational studies, randomized clinical trials, and experimental research, the authors concluded that many concerns surrounding weight cycling appear overstated and are not strongly supported by causal scientific evidence.

For years, weight cycling has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes, including increased fat accumulation, accelerated muscle loss, slower metabolism, and greater risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These concerns have shaped public messaging and clinical discussions about obesity, sometimes leading individuals to believe that repeated attempts to lose weight may ultimately “do more harm than good.” According to the authors, however, much of the evidence supporting these claims has important limitations.

“Many people struggling with weight are discouraged from trying to lose weight because they fear ‘yo-yo dieting’ will damage their metabolism or lead to muscle loss,” says Prof. Magkos. “Our review suggests these fears are largely unsupported. In most cases, the potential benefits of attempting weight loss clearly outweigh the theoretical risks associated with weight cycling.”

The researchers note that many observational studies fail to adequately account for factors such as aging, pre-existing illness, smoking, and the cumulative effects of obesity itself. Once these variables are properly considered, the apparent harmful associations linked to weight cycling often weaken substantially or disappear altogether. “Higher levels of body fat remain the primary driver of metabolic disease risk,” explains Prof. Stefan. “Weight fluctuation alone does not appear to independently worsen long-term health outcomes in a meaningful way.”

Importantly, studies using objective measurements of body composition show little evidence that repeated weight loss and regain lead to disproportionate reductions in lean muscle mass or persistent suppression of metabolic rate. In many cases, individuals who regain lost weight return to a body composition similar to where they started, rather than ending up in a metabolically worse state. The authors also found no robust evidence that weight cycling itself causes the gradual increase in body weight commonly observed over time in people with obesity.

The analysis does acknowledge that weight regain can reverse many of the health improvements achieved during weight loss, including better blood sugar control, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels. However, the authors stress that losing these benefits is not the same as causing additional harm. “Regaining weight generally brings people back toward their baseline level of risk, not beyond it,” says Magkos. “There is an important distinction between reversing benefits and actively damaging health.”

The findings are particularly relevant as highly effective anti-obesity medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual incretin therapies become increasingly common. These treatments can produce substantial weight loss, but significant regain often occurs when medication is stopped, creating a pattern similar to weight cycling. The authors argue that this should not automatically be interpreted as harmful. Even temporary periods of reduced weight may provide meaningful improvements in metabolic health, physical functioning, and quality of life. Overall, Magkos and Stefan conclude that people living with overweight or obesity should not be discouraged from pursuing weight loss, even when long-term maintenance remains challenging. “The idea that ‘yo-yo dieting ruins your metabolism’ is not supported by robust evidence,” they state. “Trying — and even failing — to lose weight is not harmful. But giving up altogether may be.”

More information: Faidon Magkos et al, Is weight cycling clinically harmful? The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. DOI: 10.1016/S2213-8587(26)00037-9

Journal information: The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology Provided by Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD

Study Reveals How Gut Changes with Age May Drive Disease Risk

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Researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine have uncovered new evidence suggesting that microscopic particles produced in the gut may contribute to inflammation and chronic diseases associated with aging. The findings provide new insight into the complex connections between sleep, metabolism and immune health.

Published in April 2026 in the Aging Cell, the study focused on gut luminal exosomes — tiny particles that enable cells to communicate by transporting proteins and genetic material throughout the body. Researchers discovered that exosomes from older animals carried molecular signals linked to insulin resistance, inflammation and disruption of the gut barrier. When these exosomes were transferred to younger animals, they triggered similar biological effects. In contrast, transferring exosomes from younger animals to older animals appeared to lessen several metabolic features associated with aging. The findings highlight the potential role of the gut ecosystem in the development of age-related diseases.

The study suggests that these exosome particles may directly influence disease development. As the gut barrier weakens with age, inflammatory substances may leak into the bloodstream, potentially contributing to chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.

“This study helps clarify how the physiological stressors associated with biological aging may accelerate processes linked to aging and disease,” said Abdelnaby Khalyfa, professor of biomedical sciences at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and lead author of the study. “Understanding these mechanisms is essential to identifying new targets for intervention and improving long-term outcomes for patients.”

The research also reinforces the idea that aging affects multiple body systems simultaneously, including metabolism, immune function and cellular signalling. In addition, the team identified specific molecules within the exosomes that may help researchers better understand, detect and eventually treat age-related diseases. The findings may also have implications for chronic conditions characterized by ongoing physiological stress, where disease pathways may overlap with mechanisms involved in biological aging.

More information: Abdelnaby Khalyfa et al, Gut Luminal Exosomes in Young and Old Mice: Multi-Omic Characteristics and Regulation of Gut Permeability, Aging Cell. DOI: 10.1111/acel.70455

Journal information: Aging Cell Provided by Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicin

Participating in Nature-Based Groups Enhances Wellbeing in Older Adults Experiencing Social Isolation

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Nature-based group activities can help reduce loneliness, improve sleep and cognitive function, and strengthen feelings of connection to nature among older adults living in care homes. Activities centred on outdoor experiences and engagement with the natural environment promoted wellbeing and health through peer interaction and meaningful shared experiences.

“Participating in weekly group activities for just nine weeks was enough to reduce loneliness and improve sleep, memory, and participants’ sense of connection to nature,” says Kaisu Pitkälä, Director of the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care at the University of Helsinki. “Our findings also underscore the importance of providing older adults in care homes with more opportunities to spend time outdoors and engage with nature.”

The researchers were encouraged by the positive outcomes, particularly because many participants were frail, living with multiple chronic conditions, and faced logistical challenges related to outdoor activities. Excursions often required accessible taxis, and all participants travelled in wheelchairs. According to Pitkälä, extending the duration of the intervention could have produced even greater benefits.

As part of the project, researchers trained 52 group facilitators working in Helsinki care homes, helping to expand and sustain nature-based practices in residential care settings.

“Frail older adults possess significant personal strengths and resources, and supporting these can improve their wellbeing and overall health,” Pitkälä explains. “More than half of care home residents experience loneliness, which poses risks to health and memory comparable to smoking or obesity. Loneliness is often invisible, which is why it is important to ask older adults directly about their experiences.”

The intervention was based on the Circle of Friends programme developed by the Finnish Association for the Welfare of Older People, which has involved more than 13,000 participants across over 100 municipalities. Notably, 65% of the groups continued independently after the formal programme ended.

Pitkälä describes the study as an important contribution to research on non-pharmacological approaches for frail older adults, particularly those with memory impairment living in 24-hour care settings. The study included 319 older adults living in care homes who experienced loneliness, with an average age of 83 years. Slightly more than half of the participants had memory disorders. Participants were randomly assigned either to take part in the nature-based group activities or to a comparison group.

More information: Kaisu Pitkälä et al, Effects of Nature-based Group Intervention on Cognition and Nature Connectedness Among Lonely Older Adults Living in Assisted Living Facilities—Secondary Analyses of an RCT, Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2026.106203

Journal information: Journal of the American Medical Directors Association Provided by University of Helsinki

Researchers Explore Garlic Compound’s Role in Maintaining Muscle Health

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Researchers are exploring whether a natural compound found in aged garlic extract could help support muscle health as people grow older. A new study suggests that S-1-propenyl-L-cysteine, or S1PC, may help improve muscle strength and reduce frailty during aging. The findings offer hope for a simple nutrition-based approach that could help older adults stay active and maintain physical function later in life.

The study was conducted by researchers from the Institute for Research on Productive Aging and Wakunaga Pharmaceutical, a company known for developing products made from aged garlic extract. Their research will be published in the journal Cell Metabolism on May 7, 2026. The researchers wanted to understand better how natural compounds from food might help reduce some of the physical decline commonly linked to aging.

As people age, many experience a gradual loss of muscle strength, lower energy levels, and increased frailty, even when they do not have a serious medical condition. These changes can make everyday activities more difficult and reduce the quality of life. Researchers say that while some treatments for age-related conditions can be expensive, there is growing interest in finding safer and more affordable ways to support healthy aging. Natural health products and nutrition-based approaches are becoming increasingly important, but many still lack strong scientific evidence. This study aimed to help fill that gap.

The research team focused on S1PC, a compound naturally found in aged garlic extract. They discovered that the compound appears to help different parts of the body communicate with each other in ways that support muscle function. Instead of acting directly on muscles, the compound seems to influence signals between fat tissue and the brain. These signals may help the body better regulate muscle strength, energy use, and body temperature during aging. The researchers describe this as an important new pathway connecting fat tissue, the brain, and muscles.

To better understand the effects of S1PC, the team studied aged mice over a longer period of time. The mice that received the compound showed stronger muscle performance, lower frailty scores, and healthier body temperature regulation compared with untreated mice. The researchers also conducted a small human study and found that people who took S1PC showed increases in certain blood markers linked to healthy cellular function. The effects appeared to be more noticeable in people who had enough body fat, suggesting that fat tissue may play an important role in how the compound works in the body.

Dr. Kiyoshi Yoshioka, one of the study’s lead authors, said his experiences working with older adults inspired the research. He explained that many seniors lose strength and independence even without having a major illness, leaving limited options for prevention. Another senior researcher, Dr. Shin-ichiro Imai, said the findings reveal a new way organs may work together during aging and could open the door to future anti-aging strategies. Although more human research is still needed, the researchers believe S1PC may eventually become part of a simple daily nutritional approach to help older adults maintain strength, mobility, and overall well-being.

More information: Jun-ichiro Suzuki et al, Garlic-derived metabolite activates LKB1, promotes adipose eNAMPT secretion, and improves age-related muscle function via hypothalamic signaling, Cell Metabolism. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2026.04.006

Journal information: Cell Metabolism Provided by Institute for Research on Productive Aging

Redesigning Hospitals for an Ageing Population

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Public hospitals play a vital role in caring for aging populations, yet many operate under financial strain and limited resources. As populations grow older, these pressures can intensify existing imbalances in healthcare access and resource distribution. In Japan, where the pace of population aging varies considerably across regions, these demographic shifts have contributed to unequal access to healthcare services for older adults.

Previous research has suggested that restructuring public hospitals may help address mismatches in healthcare resources, particularly because public institutions are generally better positioned than private hospitals to adapt to regional healthcare needs. However, much of the existing work has relied on qualitative analysis, leaving limited quantitative evidence about how such reforms affect local healthcare systems. Motivated by this gap, researchers at Kyoto University investigated how public hospital restructuring influenced hospital admissions among older adults in Japan.

“Many countries have reformed public hospitals to reduce resource imbalances, but there is limited information on the impact this has on communities and the regional healthcare system,” says first author Kenji Kishimoto.

The researchers focused on a secondary medical service area in Japan experiencing both population aging and population decline. Prior to restructuring, more than half of elderly residents requiring hospitalisation were admitted to facilities outside the region because local hospitals lacked sufficient acute care capacity. The reforms centralised acute care services, reduced the total number of hospital beds while increasing chronic care beds, and expanded the number of physicians working in the area.

Using administrative claims data and statistical modelling, the team analysed monthly hospital admissions among residents aged 65 and older from 36 months before to 48 months after the restructuring. The dataset covered nearly 59,000 hospital admissions. Researchers also incorporated hospital admissions in neighbouring regions to better account for broader healthcare trends and regional shifts in service use.

The findings showed that monthly admissions within the region increased substantially following the restructuring, eventually reaching levels comparable to admissions occurring outside the area. The results suggest that reorganising public hospitals strengthened local capacity for elderly admissions while improving the efficiency of bed management, even though the total number of hospital beds declined overall.

The study underscores the importance of evaluating community-level hospital admissions when assessing the effects of public hospital restructuring. The researchers note that future studies could further explore how these reforms influence patient-centred outcomes, including quality of care, while also examining factors such as healthcare accessibility and socioeconomic conditions.

More information: Kenji Kishimoto et al, Impact of public hospital restructuring on the admission of elderly residents in Japan: a regional population-based study, BMC Health Services Research. DOI: 10.1186/s12913-026-14388-3

Journal information: BMC Health Services Research Provided by Kyoto University

More Than an Energy Drink: National Study Shows Kratom Use Is Increasing

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A national study examining kratom use in the United States has found that the substance is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among young adults, while also being strongly associated with addiction and mental health problems. The research, conducted by investigators at the University of Michigan and Texas State University, is believed to be the first nationwide analysis to explore both patterns of kratom use and its links to substance use disorders and psychological distress. The findings were published in the Journal of Addiction Medicine.

Kratom is a plant native to Southeast Asia that is sold in the United States in a variety of forms, including powders, capsules, teas and concentrated liquid shots. Supporters often describe it as a natural remedy that may help manage pain, anxiety or opioid withdrawal symptoms. At the same time, critics warn that it can be addictive and is too easily accessible, including to minors. Researchers said the rapidly shifting legal and regulatory landscape surrounding kratom in the U.S. made it especially important to conduct a large-scale national study using recent data. Sean Esteban McCabe, Carol J. Boyd Collegiate Professor in the University of Michigan School of Nursing and the study’s principal investigator, said policymakers and health professionals urgently need clearer information about who is using kratom and the potential risks associated with it.

The study estimated that more than five million people in the United States have used kratom at least once in their lifetime. That figure includes more than 100,000 children between the ages of 12 and 17. Researchers also found that kratom use has reached its highest recorded level in the country, despite the fact that roughly half of U.S. states either ban the substance outright or regulate its sale and distribution. Adults aged 21 to 34 reported the highest rates of use, with approximately 3.4% saying they had tried kratom at least once and about 1% reporting use within the previous year. According to the study, the proportion of Americans aged 12 and older who reported ever using kratom rose from 1.6% in 2021 to 1.9% in 2024.

The research also identified strong associations between kratom use and other health concerns. Most individuals who currently use or have previously used kratom met the criteria for a substance use disorder, and many also reported cannabis use, major depression or serious psychological distress. The findings, researchers said, highlight the need for improved addiction treatment and mental health services, while also reinforcing calls for stronger measures to restrict youth access to kratom products. McCabe argued that if policymakers are serious about protecting children, more consistent regulations governing kratom and related products are needed across all states.

Federal agencies in the United States have repeatedly expressed concern about the safety of kratom. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for any medical use and has warned consumers about risks that may include addiction and serious side effects. Meanwhile, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has listed kratom as a drug or chemical of concern. Researchers also pointed to the growing popularity of products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, often called 7-OH, a synthetic derivative associated with the kratom plant. These products, sold in gas stations, smoke shops and online retailers, are sometimes marketed as “legal morphine” and can reportedly be five to 50 times more potent than traditional kratom.

Despite the concerning findings, the researchers stressed that the study does not prove that kratom directly causes addiction or mental health disorders. Because the data were collected at a single point in time, the study cannot determine whether kratom use preceded psychological symptoms or whether people experiencing mental health difficulties were more likely to use kratom. McCabe also noted that kratom use may be underreported in medical and clinical settings because it does not appear on standard drug screening tests and instead requires specialised testing. Combined with the patchwork of regulations across the United States, this lack of consistent monitoring continues to complicate public health responses and policy decisions surrounding the increasingly popular substance.

More information: Sean Esteban McCabe et al, Kratom Use and Associations With Mental Health in the United States, Journal of Addiction Medicine. DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000001701

Journal information: Journal of Addiction Medicine Provided by University of Michigan

Spending Time Outdoors Linked to Higher Life Satisfaction

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A major international study has found that spending time in nature is linked to greater life satisfaction, with positive feelings about one’s body playing a key role in explaining this connection.

Published in the journal Environment International, the study analysed responses from more than 50,000 people aged between 18 and 99 across 58 countries, making it the largest multinational investigation of its kind.

Researchers have long known that contact with nature can benefit mental wellbeing, although the psychological processes behind these effects have remained unclear. The new research suggests that nature exposure helps people develop a more positive body image, and that this stronger sense of “body appreciation” contributes to improved life satisfaction. Importantly, the findings were consistent across different ages and gender identities.

The study was led by Viren Swami, Professor of Social Psychology at Anglia Ruskin University. According to the researchers, one explanation lies in the relationship between nature and self-compassion. Natural settings appear to encourage a state psychologists refer to as “cognitive quiet”, where attention is gently engaged without mental strain. The calming sights and sounds of nature may help people become kinder towards themselves, which in turn is linked to more positive feelings about their bodies and higher life satisfaction.

A second pathway identified in the study relates to the restorative effects of nature. Urban environments often demand constant concentration because of traffic, crowds and noise, which can contribute to mental fatigue. In contrast, natural spaces encourage reflection and mindful thinking, allowing the brain to recover from stress and overstimulation. The researchers found that this sense of restoration was also associated with greater body appreciation and, ultimately, improved life satisfaction.

Professor Swami said the findings highlight an important way in which time spent outdoors may enhance wellbeing. He noted that stronger self-compassion and feelings of restoration were both closely linked to more positive body image and greater life satisfaction. He also said it was striking how consistent the findings were across countries, age groups and gender identities, suggesting that the relationship between nature, body appreciation and wellbeing may reflect deeply rooted aspects of human psychology. The researchers added that the study reinforces the value of natural environments as accessible public health resources and highlights the importance of using scientific evidence to guide urban planning, education and health policy decisions.

More information: Viren Swami et al, Positive body image is a pathway between nature contact and life satisfaction across 58 nations, Environment International. DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2026.110277

Journal information: Environment International Provided by Anglia Ruskin University

Exercise Could Play a Key Role in Helping People Stop Smoking

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Exercise could provide smokers with a simple and accessible extra tool to help them quit, according to a new systematic review led by researchers from the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity at the University of Adelaide. The review found that structured exercise programs modestly improved smoking cessation success rates, while even a single exercise session could rapidly reduce nicotine cravings. The findings suggest physical activity may offer both immediate and longer-term benefits for people trying to stop smoking.

Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide, yet many people struggle to quit successfully. Although counselling, nicotine replacement therapies, and medications can improve quit rates, long-term abstinence remains difficult, and relapse is common. Researchers argue that exercise may help address an important gap because it is low-cost, widely available, and associated with a range of physical and mental health benefits. The study was published online on April 7, 2026, in the Journal of Sport and Health Science.

The review is among the most comprehensive analyses of exercise and smoking cessation conducted to date. Researchers searched 11 scientific databases through March 2025 and included 59 randomized controlled trials involving 9,083 participants. Of these, 43 studies examined longer-term exercise training programs, while 16 focused on the immediate effects of a single exercise session. The review also included a wider variety of exercise approaches than previous analyses, including aerobic exercise, resistance training, yoga, high-intensity interval training, and lifestyle-based physical activity interventions.

The findings showed that exercise training improved smoking abstinence outcomes. Across 23 trials involving 6,643 participants, individuals in exercise programs were 15% more likely to achieve continuous abstinence compared with those in control groups. Across another 18 trials involving 4,455 participants, exercise increased seven-day point prevalence abstinence by 21%. In addition, analysis of eight studies found that participants in exercise programs smoked an average of 2.12 fewer cigarettes per day than controls.

The most immediate benefits were observed for nicotine cravings. Studies examining single exercise sessions found moderate-to-large reductions in cravings immediately after exercise, with benefits still evident 10, 20, and 30 minutes later. Higher-intensity exercise appeared especially effective, producing the greatest reductions in craving levels. Researchers noted that these rapid effects may be particularly useful during moments of intense urge, when the risk of relapse is highest.

The review also suggested that exercise type and intensity may influence outcomes. Aerobic exercise showed the clearest benefits for long-term smoking abstinence, while higher-intensity exercise produced the strongest short-term craving reductions. At the same time, the researchers highlighted several limitations. Exercise training did not significantly reduce long-term cravings, and the overall certainty of evidence for abstinence outcomes was rated as low because of issues such as study heterogeneity, imprecision, risk of bias, and possible publication bias. However, the evidence supporting reductions in cigarette consumption and short-term cravings was rated as moderate certainty.

Another important gap identified by the review was the complete absence of vaping-specific studies. None of the included trials examined vaping cessation outcomes, despite the growing prevalence of vaping and dual use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. The researchers say future studies should urgently investigate how exercise may support vaping cessation, as well as determine the most effective exercise types, intensities, and delivery methods. Overall, the findings suggest exercise could become a valuable addition to smoking cessation services because it can be self-directed, community-based, digitally supported, or integrated into existing health programs. While the effects on long-term abstinence were modest, the consistent reductions in cigarette use and nicotine cravings indicate that exercise may help more smokers manage cravings, reduce tobacco-related harm, and improve their chances of quitting successfully.

More information: Ben Singh et al, Exercise-based interventions for smoking cessation: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Sport and Health Science. DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2026.101138

The Tiny Cellular Framework Behind Brain Development

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A tiny and largely overlooked structure inside human cells may hold important clues to how the brain develops, potentially opening new pathways for understanding developmental disorders and future treatments.

In a study published in the journal Cell Reports, researchers led by Xuecai Ge at the University of California, Riverside, investigated the primary cilium, a microscopic, antenna-like structure found on nearly every cell in the body. Although the structure is widespread, scientists have historically paid relatively little attention to it. “Even many biologists aren’t familiar with it,” said Ge, an associate professor of biomedical sciences in the university’s School of Medicine. “We still have a lot to learn about this organelle.”

For many years, researchers believed the primary cilium was little more than an evolutionary remnant with limited biological importance. More recent evidence, however, has suggested the opposite. Disruptions to the structure have been linked to ciliopathies, a group of disorders that can affect several organs, including the brain. “Patients may have kidney problems or obesity,” Ge explained, “but when you look at their brain structure, you often see abnormalities. That made us wonder if the cilium had a role to play in brain development.”

To investigate further, the research team examined neural progenitor cells, early-stage cells that eventually develop into neurons. Each of these cells contains a single primary cilium extending into the ventricles, the fluid-filled spaces within the developing brain. Using a large-scale biochemical analysis involving more than 1,000 mouse embryonic brains, the researchers identified the proteins present within these cilia, uncovering findings that challenged long-standing scientific assumptions.

“We discovered many proteins that no one expected to find in the cilium,” Ge said. “And in some cases, these proteins are directly linked to human developmental disorders.” One of those proteins, CKAP2L, is associated with Filippi syndrome, a condition linked to reduced brain size. When researchers removed the protein in mice, the animals developed smaller brains, suggesting the protein plays an important role in brain growth and development.

The study also revealed that primary cilia are not identical throughout the brain. Instead, their composition appears to vary depending on the brain region. “We identified over 40 proteins that vary between brain regions,” Ge said. “That suggests the cilium has specialized roles, not just a single uniform function.” The team also uncovered evidence suggesting that proteins may actually be produced inside the cilium itself, challenging the long-held assumption that proteins are manufactured elsewhere in the cell before being transported into the structure.

“The field has assumed that all proteins are made elsewhere in the cell and then transported into the cilium,” Ge said. “But we found the machinery that could make proteins on-site. It’s like finding a bread maker where you thought bread could only be delivered.” Although further research is needed to confirm whether this machinery is fully active, the discovery could reshape scientists’ understanding of cellular biology and help explain diseases affecting vision, organ function, and brain development. Looking ahead, Ge’s team plans to continue exploring how this tiny cellular structure shapes the developing brain. “We’ve only scratched the surface,” she said. “There’s a lot more to learn.”

More information: Xiaoliang Liu et al, Proximity labeling proteomics maps radial glial ciliary proteins across the developing telencephalon, Cell Reports. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2026.117355

Journal information: Cell Reports Provided by University of California – Riverside

‘Forever Chemicals’ Found in Nearly Entire US Study Population, Researchers Report

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Artificial “forever chemicals” have been detected in 98.8% of blood samples analysed in a major new US study involving more than 10,500 tests, adding to growing evidence that exposure to PFAS is now almost universal across the American population. Researchers found that most individuals were carrying not just one, but multiple forms of the chemicals in their bloodstream.

The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, revealed that 98.5% of participants had several different PFAS compounds present in their blood. The research represents one of the largest investigations ever conducted into PFAS concentrations in human blood samples.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of around 10,000 synthetic chemicals commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly and accumulate in both the environment and the human body. For decades, they have been widely used in consumer and industrial products, including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, electronics, food packaging, firefighting foams, and medical equipment. As a result, they are now commonly found in water, food, household dust, and everyday environments.

Although the full health effects of many PFAS remain unclear, previous research has linked certain compounds to serious health risks, including cancer, infertility, elevated cholesterol levels, thyroid disruption, liver damage, weakened immune function, and developmental problems. One of the chemicals most frequently identified in the new study, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, was detected in 97.9% of samples and has already prompted international efforts aimed at restricting its use because of concerns about its potential health impacts.

Lead author Laura Labay said the findings provide an important real-world picture of how PFAS exposure typically occurs. According to Dr Labay, people are rarely exposed to a single PFAS compound in isolation, but instead carry complex mixtures of several chemicals with differing persistence and biological effects. She said the dataset could help improve future risk assessments, guide research into the combined effects of PFAS mixtures, and support clearer public health and clinical guidance.

The research analysed 10,566 serum and plasma samples collected and tested by NMS Labs, a major independent laboratory testing provider in the United States. Most samples were screened for 13 PFAS compounds, while a smaller subset was tested for 18. Researchers identified dozens of distinct chemical combinations, with the most common pattern involving five separate PFAS compounds, including older chemicals such as PFOS and PFOA alongside newer replacement compounds. This five-chemical combination appeared in more than one-quarter of all samples tested. The authors noted that the study may still underestimate total exposure levels because not every PFAS compound potentially present in the samples was examined.

More information: Laura Labay et al, PFAS co-positivities identified in more than 10,000 serum/plasma samples, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2025.2601605

Journal information: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Provided by Taylor & Francis Group

Healthy Hearts May Still Face the Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

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A new clinical trial suggests that improving cardiovascular health alone may not be enough to protect older adults from cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that while exercise and intensive management of cardiovascular risk factors significantly improved physical health measures, these interventions did not lead to measurable improvements in cognitive function over two years among older adults considered at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

The findings were published in the JAMA Neurology study, “Effects of Exercise and Intensive Vascular Risk Reduction on Cognitive Function in Older Adults – A Randomised Clinical Trial.” The research team, which included Jeffrey Keller of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, examined whether exercise, medication-based vascular risk reduction, or a combination of both could help preserve cognitive function in older adults vulnerable to Alzheimer’s disease. Their findings revealed a striking disconnect between improvements in cardiovascular health and changes in brain function.

“We improved the body, but not the brain,” said Dr. Keller, who leads the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention at Pennington Biomedical. He noted that although exercise and cardiovascular risk management remain essential for overall health, the results suggest that these strategies alone may not be sufficient to improve cognition in older adults already at increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease. The findings underscore the complexity of dementia prevention and point to the possible need for broader, multi-dimensional approaches that target several risk factors simultaneously.

The multicentre Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease (rrAD) study involved 480 participants between the ages of 60 and 85. All participants had hypertension, a family history of dementia, and subjective cognitive decline, placing them at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Over 24 months, researchers assigned participants to one of four groups: exercise only, medication intervention only, both exercise and medication, or usual care. The exercise intervention consisted of 160 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, while the medication strategy used intensive vascular risk reduction methods, including statins and blood pressure medications such as losartan and amlodipine.

Researchers assessed cognitive performance using the Preclinical Alzheimer Cognitive Composite (PACC), a standardised tool designed to measure subtle cognitive changes associated with early Alzheimer’s disease. At the conclusion of the study, there were no statistically significant differences in cognitive outcomes between the intervention groups and the control group. The exercise intervention produced only a 0.1 standard deviation difference in PACC scores compared with participants who did not exercise. In contrast, the medication intervention showed no measurable cognitive advantage over those who did not receive the medications.

Although cognitive outcomes remained unchanged, the interventions successfully improved cardiovascular health indicators. Participants receiving the medication intervention experienced an average reduction of 13 points in blood pressure, approximately five points greater than those not receiving the treatment. LDL cholesterol levels also declined substantially, dropping by 24 points in the medication group compared with seven points among participants without the intervention. Researchers emphasised that exercise and cardiovascular risk management continue to provide major benefits for healthy ageing, even if cognitive improvements were not observed during the study period. They suggested that future studies with longer follow-up periods or more comprehensive, multi-domain prevention strategies may provide a clearer understanding of how to delay or prevent cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

More information: Rong Zhang et al, Effects of Exercise and Intensive Vascular Risk Reduction on Cognitive Function in Older Adults – A Randomized Clinical Trial, JAMA Neurology. DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0359

Journal information: JAMA Neurology Provided by Pennington Biomedical Research Center