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Successful 40-Hz auditory stimulation in aged monkeys suggests potential for noninvasive Alzheimer’s therapy

A research team from the Kunming Institute of Zoology (KIZ) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has demonstrated for the first time in non-human primates that auditory stimulation at 40 Hz significantly elevates β-amyloid levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of aged rhesus monkeys, with this effect persisting for over five weeks.

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 5, provides the first non-human primate experimental evidence supporting the use of 40-Hz stimulation as a noninvasive physical therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), revealing significant differences between primate and rodent models.

Revolutionizing Research: Organoid Analytical Toolkits Unveiled

In recent years, the field of biomedical research has been dramatically transformed through the advent of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, notably organoids. These miniature organ-like structures hold immense promise for mimicking the complex architectural and functional properties of native organs, surpassing the limitations inherent to traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture systems. With the capability to replicate essential cellular interactions and microenvironments, organoids provide a more physiologically relevant platform for understanding human biology and disease mechanisms. As researchers explore the potential of organoids to revolutionize drug discovery, disease modeling, and personalized medicine, there is a pressing need for sophisticated analytical techniques to assess their multifaceted characteristics accurately.

The identification and application of compatible analytical platforms are pivotal to the successful characterization of organoids. Traditional methods often fail to capture the intricate electrophysiological, biophysical, and optical properties inherent in these 3D structures. As such, researchers are increasingly turning to advanced technologies that allow for a more comprehensive understanding of organoid function, behavior, and development. By integrating omics approaches and computational modeling with experimental data, scientists can forge a pathway to elucidate the biological principles governing organoid physiology. This multidisciplinary approach promises to enhance the reliability and applicability of organoids in clinical and industrial settings.

Electrophysiological assessment is one crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. The ability to monitor cellular electrophysiology within organoids reveals invaluable insights into neural function, cardiac rhythms, and tissue connectivity. Techniques such as extracellular recordings and patch-clamp electrophysiology are becoming standard in organoid research, enabling scientists to analyze the functional behaviors of electrically active cells. By understanding how electrical signals propagate through organoid structures, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of various pathophysiological conditions, including neurological disorders and arrhythmias.

A minimally invasive dried blood spot biomarker test for the detection of Alzheimer’s disease pathology

This multicenter study demonstrates use of dried and capillary blood as a minimally invasive, scalable approach for Alzheimer’s biomarker testing in research, with potential as a widely scalable population-based research approach, especially in resource-limited settings.

Sulfate and carbon in fine air pollution tied to higher depression risk

Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter like PM2.5 components in polluted air can not only cause respiratory diseases, but also increase the risk of depression in older people, especially in those living with preexisting heart, metabolic and neurological conditions.

Depression has caused more loss of healthy life worldwide than any other mental health condition. This disorder has snatched away people’s will to perform the basics of daily activities. An analysis of global health data in 2021 showed that all the years people lived with disability or reduced quality of life because of depression added up to about 56.3 million years.

A recent population-based cohort study collected data from nearly 23.7 million U.S. Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older between 2000 and 2018 to examine specific components of PM2.5 exposure, both individually and in combination, and its associations with the risk of developing depression. Among those tracked, more than 5.5 million developed depression during the follow-up period. These findings are published in JAMA Network Open.

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