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Jan 24, 2019
Neuroscientists May Finally Know Whether the Adult Brain Can Grow New Cells
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: neuroscience
In the new paper, Jason Snyder, Ph.D., a University of British Columbia behavioral neuroscientist, argues that if you take a close look at all the studies on animals from mice to humans, the facts are quite clear: Animals probably don’t develop significant amounts of new brain cells as we enter adulthood. There’s still hope for some neurogenesis, but not a huge amount.
“In some respects, it’s just one of the things that humanity has always hoped for — staying young,” he tells Inverse. “So I think it’s been disconcerting that there might not be as many of these young cells that are malleable, that are adaptive, that are capable of learning earlier in life. Of course we want those things to be there, but I think that introduces some bias.”
To be clear, Snyder doesn’t argue that the field is biased. Instead, his argument is based on the analysis of past studies that have looked into this topic in humans, primates, and mice. There he admits that there’s been some confusion — some studies seem to show that the brain can continue to develop new cells later in life, while others show that it can’t. Specifically, he says that it’s been hard to let go of the idea of neurogenesis because of the results of animal studies (many on mice) “demonstrating persistent neurogenesis throughout life.”
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Jan 24, 2019
Drug companies are teaching old drugs new tricks, and it could upend how we find new treatments for superbugs and a devastating lung disease
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, education
- In an age where innovative technologies like gene and cell therapy are transforming how we think about medical treatments, some CEOs are wondering what’s being left on the table.
- Business Insider spoke to three companies developing new uses for old drugs, and they told us now might be a good time to rethink what we consider innovation.
- Simply changing how drugs are dosed or delivered could open up the doors to more uses for existing medications in tough-to-treat conditions like female sexual arousal dysfunction or antibiotic-resistant infections.
The key to tackling hard-to-treat diseases could have less to do with flashy new technologies than with finding new uses for old drugs.
A range of smaller drugmakers are exploring the back catalogs of big pharma companies to discover old drugs that could be used in new ways, they told Business Insider. They’re seeking treatments for conditions including a rare lung disease, antibiotic-resistant infections, and female sexual arousal disorder. Along the way, they’re seeking to redefine what we think of as medical innovation.
Jan 24, 2019
Silicon Valley Start-Up Hopes to Deliver Precision Cancer Medicine to Dogs
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
Promoters hope efforts will also offer insights into treatments used for humans.
- By Rebecca Robbins, STAT on January 24, 2019
Jan 24, 2019
Machine learning cuts false alarms in I.C.U
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, robotics/AI
Medical devices send a warning almost 700 times per ICU patient per day. Machine learning could help distinguish real problems from false alarms.
Jan 24, 2019
NASA: Astronaut immune system cells affected by long-term trips
Posted by Genevieve Klien in categories: biotech/medical, space travel
NK-cell function appears to be impaired during spaceflights over long durations according to a new study published this week. This means that immune systems could be broken down somewhat during the long trips NASA hopes to take with astronauts in the distant future. The research here was done by a team of researchers at the University of Arizona, the University of Houston, Louisiana State University, and NASA-Johnson Space Center.
Jan 24, 2019
Anti-Vaccine Hotspot Near Portland Declares Emergency as Measles Cases Rise
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
Jan 24, 2019
Machine Learning and Medicine: Is AI the Future of Psychiatry?
Posted by Paul Battista in categories: bioengineering, biotech/medical, life extension, robotics/AI
Artificial intelligence, or AI is something we hear a lot about today. In this interview with Life.
Extension’s Michael A. Smith, MD, Kristen Willeumier, PhD, provides some insight into AI technology and its relationship with psychiatry which, along with neurology, studies and treats diseases of the brain. Dr. Smith predicts that AI will soon be an important part of how we understand and treat disease. According to Dr. Willeumier, some of that technology is now “ready for prime time.” Download this Live Foreverish podcast episode for FREE on iTunes!
Artificial intelligence is, simply, the intelligence of machines as opposed to human or animal intelligence. According to the New World Encyclopedia™, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science and engineering that deals with intelligent behavior, learning, and adaptation in machines. John McCarthy coined the term to mean ‘the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.’”.
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Jan 24, 2019
Japan’s approval of stem-cell treatment for spinal-cord injury concerns scientists
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: futurism
Jan 24, 2019
Endangered tree offers new weapon against cancer
Posted by Genevieve Klien in category: biotech/medical
There are only three trees of the species Abies beshanzuensis left, but one of its molecules may pave the way for new cancer treatments.