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NAD+ Molecule Shows Promise in Preventing Premature Labor, Study Finds

NAD+ Molecule Shows Promise in Preventing Premature Labor, Study Finds

A recent study published in Science suggests that the molecule NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) may play a crucial role in preventing premature labor. Researchers observed that NAD+ levels in the placenta drop significantly as pregnancy nears its end, both in mice and humans. By manipulating NAD+ levels in mice, they found that depleting it led to shorter pregnancies, while supplementing it extended pregnancy duration. This discovery points to NAD+ as essential for maintaining pregnancy, with its depletion potentially triggering labor. The study builds on previous research linking NAD+ depletion to pregnancy complications like inflammatory preeclampsia.

University of Oklahoma Researchers Study High-Altitude Adaptations in Andean Mice

University of Oklahoma Researchers Study High-Altitude Adaptations in Andean Mice

Researchers from the University of Oklahoma, led by Professor Naim M. Bautista, have conducted a study on the physiological adaptations of the Andean leaf-eared mice, which inhabit elevations exceeding 6000 meters above sea level. These mice have evolved to survive in extreme conditions characterized by low oxygen levels and freezing temperatures. The study, published in Science, involved collecting mice from various altitudes in the Andes Mountains to examine their ability to generate heat and process dietary toxins. The research revealed that high-altitude mice possess unique adaptations, such as increased thermogenic capacity and genes that allow them to metabolize plant-derived toxins. Despite these adaptations, the mice exhibit minimal genetic differentiation across different altitudes, suggesting strong natural selection pressures favoring high-altitude traits.

Scientists Warn of Extinction Risk for Flowering Plants, Urging Conservation Efforts

Scientists Warn of Extinction Risk for Flowering Plants, Urging Conservation Efforts

A recent study published in Science highlights the alarming risk of extinction facing flowering plants due to human pressures. The research, conducted by an international team of biologists, uses the EDGE (Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered) approach to assess the extinction stakes for angiosperms, or flowering plants. This method combines a species' evolutionary distinctiveness with its risk of extinction to prioritize conservation efforts. The study reveals that 21.2% of the evolutionary history of flowering plants is at risk, with 9,945 species identified as both evolutionarily unique and globally endangered. Notable species at risk include the vanilla orchid and the corpse flower. The research underscores the importance of these plants as essential components of Earth's ecosystems, providing air and food, and highlights the potential loss of unique species that could lead to breakthroughs in medicine.

Astronomers Discover Atmosphere on Earth-like Exoplanet LHS 1140b, Indicating Potential Habitability

Astronomers Discover Atmosphere on Earth-like Exoplanet LHS 1140b, Indicating Potential Habitability

Astronomers have identified an atmosphere on the exoplanet LHS 1140b, a rocky planet located a few dozen light-years from our solar system. This discovery, published in the journal Science, marks the first clear evidence of a potentially habitable planet with an atmosphere. LHS 1140b orbits within the habitable zone of its star, a region where conditions may allow for liquid water on the planet's surface. The planet, discovered in 2017, is larger and cooler than Earth. The atmosphere is rich in helium, a finding that suggests the planet could retain its atmosphere despite the challenges posed by its proximity to a red dwarf star. This discovery is significant as it reinforces the possibility of other Earth-like planets existing with the necessary conditions to support life.

Discovery of Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140b with Atmosphere Sparks Life Potential

Discovery of Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140b with Atmosphere Sparks Life Potential

Researchers have discovered that the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140b, located 15 parsecs from Earth, has a helium-rich atmosphere. This finding supports the theory that small, rocky planets can have atmospheres, which are crucial for sustaining life. LHS 1140b is situated in the 'habitable zone' of its star, where conditions may allow for liquid water. The study, published in Science, marks a significant step in understanding whether rocky exoplanets can support life.

New Study Links Age-Related Belly Fat to Cellular Changes

New Study Links Age-Related Belly Fat to Cellular Changes

A study published in the journal Science has identified cellular changes that contribute to increased belly fat with age. Researchers found that adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) in fat tissue become more active as people age, leading to the creation of new fat cells. This discovery challenges the previous belief that weight gain was due to the enlargement of existing fat cells. The study involved injecting stem cells from older mice into younger mice, resulting in increased fat cell production. The findings suggest that aging triggers APCs to produce new fat cells, particularly around the abdomen.

Weizmann Institute's Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Early Alzheimer's Trial

Weizmann Institute's Immunotherapy Shows Promise in Early Alzheimer's Trial

An experimental immunotherapy developed by the Weizmann Institute of Science has shown early safety promise in a Phase 1b clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease. The therapy, IBC-Ab002, targets immune dysfunction as a driver of disease progression, rather than directly targeting amyloid plaques. The trial involved 40 patients with early-stage Alzheimer's and demonstrated that the therapy was safe and well-tolerated. The treatment also showed biological activity consistent with its design, reducing biomarkers linked to neuronal damage. The findings support further clinical testing and suggest a new approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Scientists Discover Cellular Mechanism Behind Midlife Weight Gain

Scientists Discover Cellular Mechanism Behind Midlife Weight Gain

Recent research published in the journal Science has identified a cellular switch that drives the creation of new fat cells in midlife, contributing to weight gain. The study found that adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) in fat tissue become highly active with age, leading to the production of new fat cells. This discovery challenges the previous belief that weight gain was primarily due to existing fat cells enlarging. The findings suggest potential for developing medications to combat weight gain by targeting these stem cells. In the meantime, lifestyle changes such as a plant-based diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are recommended to manage weight.

Atmosphere Detected on Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140 b, Advancing Search for Life

Atmosphere Detected on Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140 b, Advancing Search for Life

Astronomers have detected an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140 b, located 48 light-years from Earth in its star's habitable zone. This discovery marks the first time an atmosphere has been found on a rocky planet in such a zone, suggesting it could retain an atmosphere for billions of years. The planet, first discovered in 2017, shows signs of helium escaping from its atmosphere, indicating it has managed to hold onto its gaseous envelope despite orbiting an active red dwarf star. This finding, published in Science, opens new avenues in the search for potentially habitable planets.

Astronomers Detect Atmosphere on Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140 b, Opening New Avenues in Search for Life

Astronomers Detect Atmosphere on Rocky Exoplanet LHS 1140 b, Opening New Avenues in Search for Life

Astronomers have identified an atmosphere around the rocky exoplanet LHS 1140 b, located approximately 48 light-years from Earth in the habitable zone of its star. This discovery marks the first time an atmosphere has been detected on a rocky planet in such a zone, suggesting that potentially Earth-like worlds can maintain atmospheres for billions of years. The planet orbits a red dwarf star, which typically emits strong radiation that could strip away planetary atmospheres. However, LHS 1140 b has retained its atmosphere, evidenced by helium escaping from it. This finding, published in the journal Science, is based on nearly a decade of research following the planet's initial discovery in 2017. The research team, led by Collin Cherubim from Harvard University, used the WINERED spectrograph at the Magellan Observatory in Chile to confirm the presence of helium in the planet's atmosphere.

Leqembi Shows Promise in Stabilizing Early Alzheimer's Disease in Real-World Study

Leqembi Shows Promise in Stabilizing Early Alzheimer's Disease in Real-World Study

A real-world study presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference 2026 has shown promising results for the anti-amyloid therapy Leqembi (lecanemab) in treating early Alzheimer's disease. The study, involving 432 participants, found that over 75% of patients remained at the same stage of the disease after 17 months of treatment. Leqembi, approved by the FDA for early Alzheimer's, aims to reduce beta-amyloid plaques in the brain. The study highlights the potential of Leqembi to maintain clinical stability, allowing patients to preserve cognitive function and quality of life.

Brain Implant Enables Paralyzed Man to Regain Movement and Sensation

Brain Implant Enables Paralyzed Man to Regain Movement and Sensation

Keith Thomas, who became paralyzed from the chest down after a diving accident in 2020, has regained significant movement and sensation thanks to a groundbreaking brain implant. Developed by Professor Chad Bouton's team at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the implant system, known as a 'double neural bypass,' allows Thomas to perform tasks such as feeding himself and feeling his dog's fur. The system works by reading Thomas's brain signals and routing them directly to his arm and hand muscles, while sensors on his fingers send touch feedback to his brain. After 35 weeks of training, Thomas's right-arm strength increased by 86% and his left by 62%. Remarkably, some of these improvements have persisted even when the device is turned off, with gains still present after more than two years.