Career Conversations: Q & A With Biomedical Engineer Elizabeth Wayne
Courtesy of Dr. Elizabeth Wayne. “It’s so fun to try to make meaning from a confusing experimental result and talk to other scientists who are excited by the same questions you are,” says Elizabeth Wayne, Ph.D., an assistant professor of biomedical engineering and chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. We talked to Dr. Wayne about her career trajectory, research on immune cells, and belief that scientists can change the world. Q: How did you first become interested in science? A: I was introduced to atoms during 6th grade science class. The idea that we’re ...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - July 19, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Chrissa Chverchko Tags: Being a Scientist Cellular Imaging Profiles Source Type: blogs

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Unraveling Its Impact On Heart And Lungs
Conclusion Navigating the complexities of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) might seem daunting. However, with the right knowledge and proactive approach, it’s possible to manage the condition and maintain a good quality of life. PAH, a unique type of high blood pressure affecting the arteries in the lungs, can put extra strain on the heart. Over time, this can lead to heart failure. The condition’s root cause may vary, from genetic factors to other health issues like heart defects, liver disease, or autoimmune diseases. Remember, sometimes the cause remains unknown, resulting in idiopathic pulmonary ...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 19, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

How Alcohol Affects Blood Pressure: A Detailed Insight
Conclusion In this guide, we’ve explored the complex relationship between alcohol and blood pressure. We’ve seen that alcohol, whether consumed moderately, heavily, or in a binge pattern, can impact blood pressure. We also delved into the biological mechanisms at play, the role of various drinking patterns, and the sobering revelations of recent research. While the pleasure of a drink might be fleeting, its effects on our body, particularly on our blood pressure, can be long-lasting. The key takeaway? Moderation. Even a small reduction in alcohol intake can have significant health benefits, partic...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 18, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

My Most Intense Psychedelic Journey So Far
I blocked off Friday evening for another magic mushroom journey. For the two experiences last month, I used about 1.5g of dried mushrooms each time. This time I opted to take 4.2g, eating the dried mushrooms plain, starting at 5pm. I trust my intuition regarding how much to take, figuring this much could invite a fairly intense experience. It was actually super intense, way beyond what I experienced with ayahuasca and my two prior mushroom trips. It really started kicking in after about 40 minutes. I put on an eye mask and laid back on the couch while listening to music. It flowed nicely at first with lots of red-orange...
Source: Steve Pavlina's Personal Development Blog - July 17, 2023 Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Steve Pavlina Tags: Creating Reality Lifestyle Source Type: blogs

Fight Aging! Newsletter, July 17th 2023
In conclusion, the longevity-associated genotype of FLT1 may confer increased lifespan by protecting against mortality risk posed by hypertension. We suggest that FLT1 expression in individuals with longevity genotype boosts vascular endothelial resilience mechanisms to counteract hypertension-related stress in vital organs and tissues. Resistance Exercise Slows the Onset of Pathology in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease https://www.fightaging.org/archives/2023/07/resistance-exercise-slows-the-onset-of-pathology-in-a-mouse-model-of-alzheimers-disease/ With the caveat that mouse models of Alzheimer'...
Source: Fight Aging! - July 16, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Newsletters Source Type: blogs

Mitochondrial Aging in the Context of Kidney Function
Mitochondria are responsible for producing the chemical energy store molecules, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used to power cellular processes. Unfortunately, mitochondria become dysfunctional with age, in complex ways and for complex reasons that are not yet fully understood. Mitochondria evolved from symbiotic bacteria, and still act much like bacteria inside the cell. They carry a remnant circular genome, the mitochondrial DNA, they replicate as needed to keep their numbers up, they can fuse together and pass around component parts, they are recycled when worn or damaged by the quality control mechanisms of mitophagy. W...
Source: Fight Aging! - July 14, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs

Primary Hypertension: The Unseen Risk For Healthy People
Conclusion In conclusion, even the healthiest individuals can develop primary hypertension, a condition that affects a significant portion of the U.S. adult population. With its roots often hidden in our genetic makeup and influenced by various lifestyle factors, hypertension can quietly disrupt our wellbeing, earning its nickname as the “silent killer.” Real-life experiences, such as Martin Cassels’, highlight that maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle doesn’t render one immune to this condition. However, it underscores the importance of regular health check-ups and the value of a second o...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 13, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: News Source Type: blogs

HHS Again Suspends Disbelief: The Medicaid Program Will Ignore the Greatest Health Threat to Medicaid Beneficiaries
BY DAVID INTROCASO In May the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) simultaneously published two proposed Medicaid rules (here and here) intended to improve moreover access and quality.  Both discussed at length the agency’s commitment to “addressing health equity.”  The first sentence in both identified health equity as a Medicaid program priority.  The proposed “ensuring access” rule stated CMS “takes a comprehensive approach to . . . better addressing health equity issues in the Medicaid program.”  CMS went on to state “we are working to advance health equity by designing, implementing,...
Source: The Health Care Blog - July 12, 2023 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Ryan Bose-Roy Tags: Health Policy Biden Administration Centers for Medicare and Social Services Climate Change David Introcaso Source Type: blogs

Recombinant Klotho Treatment Improves Cognitive Function in Old Rhesus Macaques
Klotho is one of the few genuinely longevity-associated genes, in that greater than normal expression increases life span in mice, while lower than normal expression shortens life span in mice. In humans, greater levels of circulating soluble klotho correlate with greater longevity. Klotho is thought to operate in the kidneys, in some way that is protective against the mechanisms of age-related decline, but there is a great deal of evidence for greater circulating klotho to improve cognitive function. At the same time, it seems unclear as to whether klotho is actually doing anything in the brain; it may be that the benefit...
Source: Fight Aging! - July 12, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Medicine, Biotech, Research Source Type: blogs

Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) For High Blood Pressure: Types, Side Effects, Drug Interactions
Conclusion Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a leading cause of death globally, necessitating the adoption of preventive measures, early detection, and effective management strategies. Hypertension, a significant risk factor for CVD, requires active management to mitigate associated risks. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs) have emerged as a favored choice among healthcare professionals due to their effectiveness and unique benefits. ARBs offer several advantages compared to other blood pressure medications. They effectively control blood pressure, protect vital organs such as the heart and kidneys, ...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 11, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

ACE Inhibitors For High Blood Pressure: Types, Side Effects, Drug Interactions
Conclusion In conclusion, the rising utilization of blood pressure medications reflects a growing awareness of the importance of managing hypertension for overall health. ACE inhibitors, among other drug classes, are widely used due to their effectiveness in lowering blood pressure and providing additional benefits for heart and kidney health. It’s essential to consult your doctor before starting or adjusting ACE inhibitor treatment to ensure personalized care and monitor for potential side effects or drug interactions. Taking ACE inhibitors as prescribed, following consistent dosing schedules, and attend...
Source: The EMT Spot - July 9, 2023 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Michael Rotman, MD, FRCPC, PhD Tags: Blood Pressure Source Type: blogs

Fight Aging! Newsletter, July 10th 2023
In conclusion, the examination of the GBA can aid in understanding the etiology and development of NDs, which may benefit the improvement of clinical treatments for these disorders and ND interventions. This review indicates existing knowledge about the involvement of microbiota present in the gut in NDs and potential treatment options. The Aging of the Enteric Nervous System https://www.fightaging.org/archives/2023/07/the-aging-of-the-enteric-nervous-system/ The enteric nervous system is the nervous system of the intestines, and likely an important part of the relationship between the gut microbiome ...
Source: Fight Aging! - July 9, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Newsletters Source Type: blogs

Lipid Droplet Accumulation in Aging and Age-Related Disease
Researchers here consider dysregulation of lipid metabolism at the cellular level as an aspect of aging that causes downstream issues. Like many manifestations of aging observed in cells in aged tissues, why this happens is a matter for debate, setting aside situations such as the environment of a fatty liver or atherosclerotic plaque in which there is a localized excess of lipids to explain the overload inside cells. In a number of neurodegenerative conditions, the presence of cells loaded with lipid droplets is a prominent feature. It remains to be seen as to whether new classes of therapy under development, capable of c...
Source: Fight Aging! - July 7, 2023 Category: Research Authors: Reason Tags: Daily News Source Type: blogs

Major evidence review supports an “exercise prescription” for most adults to boost mental health and well-being
Conclusion and relevance: Physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress across a wide range of adult populations, including the general population, people with diagnosed mental health disorders and people with chronic disease. Physical activity should be a mainstay approach in the management of depression, anxiety and psychological distress. The Study in Context: Can you grow your hippocampus? Yes. Here’s how, and why it matters Three ways to protect your mental health during –and after– COVID-19 Solving the Brain Fitness Puzzle Is the Key to Self-Empowered Aging ...
Source: SharpBrains - July 6, 2023 Category: Neuroscience Authors: Greater Good Science Center Tags: Brain/ Mental Health Education & Lifelong Learning Peak Performance anxiety depression exercise exercise prescription gym improve mental health lift weights medication mental-health-treatment physical-health therapy yoga class Source Type: blogs