Natural hormone unlocks a hidden fat burning switch

FGF19 triggers the brain to burn more energy and activate fat-burning cells, offering a potential new path for obesity treatments. The hormone enhances thermogenesis and reduces inflammation, but only when the sympathetic nervous system is active. Researchers uncovered how cold exposure increases receptor expression for FGF19 in the hypothalamus, hinting at an evolutionary role in temperature regulation. Ongoing work aims to discover how to boost natural production of this powerful metabolic hormone.

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Scientists find hidden layers in brain’s memory center

Scientists uncovered a surprising four-layer structure hidden inside the hippocampal CA1 region, one of the brain’s major centers for memory, navigation, and emotion. Using advanced RNA imaging techniques, the team mapped more than 330,000 genetic signals from tens of thousands of neurons, revealing crisp, shifting bands of cell types that run along the length of the hippocampus. This layered organization may help explain why different parts of CA1 support different behaviors and why certain neurons break down more easily in disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and epilepsy.

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Next gen cancer drug shows surprising anti aging power

A next-generation drug tested in yeast was found to extend lifespan and slow aging by influencing a major growth-control pathway. Researchers also uncovered an unexpected role for agmatinases, enzymes that help keep this pathway in balance. Diet and gut microbes may affect aging more than expected because they produce the metabolites involved.

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Alzheimer’s blood tests may be misleading for people with kidney problems

A large study found that people with impaired kidneys tend to have higher Alzheimer’s biomarkers, yet they don’t face a higher overall risk of dementia. For those who already have elevated biomarkers, kidney problems may speed up when symptoms appear. The findings show that kidney health can change how Alzheimer’s blood tests are read. Doctors may need to consider both organs to get a clearer picture.

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Daily coffee may slow biological aging in mental illness

Researchers studying people with major psychiatric disorders found that drinking up to four cups of coffee a day is associated with longer telomeres. This suggests a potential slowing of biological aging by about five years. However, drinking five or more cups showed no benefit and may even contribute to cellular damage. Coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help explain the effect.

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Simple nutrient mix delivers surprising autism breakthrough in mice

A low-dose mix of zinc, serine, and branched-chain amino acids boosted neural function and social behavior in autism mouse models. The combination restored more typical synaptic protein patterns and reduced excessive amygdala activity. Individual supplements had no effect, showing that the nutrients must work together. The findings point toward a promising multi-nutrient strategy for influencing brain circuits involved in autism.

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Gas stoves are filling millions of homes with hidden toxic air

Stanford researchers found that gas stoves expose Americans to surprisingly high levels of nitrogen dioxide—often matching or exceeding outdoor pollution. For millions, cooking alone pushes NO2 over long-term safety thresholds. Smaller homes, renters, and rural households face the highest concentrations. Cleaner cooking technologies could substantially reduce the risks.

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A long-overlooked weak point in your DNA has just been revealed

Scientists discovered that the first 100 base pairs of human genes are unusually prone to mutations, especially during the earliest stages of embryonic development. These mosaic mutations often go undetected yet can still be passed on and cause disease. Large-scale genome analyses show that genes tied to cancer and brain function are particularly affected, with natural selection filtering out harmful variants. The study highlights the need to adjust genetic models and rethink how researchers identify disease-relevant mutations.

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New study finds cancer-linked compounds in common foods

Scientists have found that common foods can contain hidden contaminants formed during cooking or through environmental exposure. A new testing method called QuEChERS helps identify these chemicals more quickly and with greater ease. The research showed strong accuracy and high sensitivity across multiple food samples. This streamlined approach could improve food safety checks while reducing chemical waste.

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Scientists reveal five big moments when your brain dramatically changes

A large study of brain scans shows that our neural wiring evolves through five major stages from birth to late old age. These phases are separated by sudden turning points that mark big shifts in how the brain is organized. The most surprising discovery is that adolescent-style development lasts into our early thirties. The work helps explain changing abilities and risks at different points in life.

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