Superagers keep youthful memories but their DNA does not explain why
Many people expect memory to fade as a normal part of aging. Yet some older adults, called SuperAgers, reach their 80s and 90s with memory abilities that match or even…
Protein traffic jams may explain aging, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s
Scientists at Stanford University have uncovered a major clue to why the brain deteriorates with age. Their research points to breakdowns in the cell’s protein production system, a process that…
This prehistoric fish may explain how animals first walked on Earth
Researchers at Flinders University have uncovered new details about one of the ancient fish species closely related to the first animals that eventually made the transition from water to land…
This hidden state of water could explain why life exists
Researchers at Stockholm University have used advanced x-ray lasers to uncover a long-suspected feature of water: a critical point that appears when water is deeply supercooled. This occurs at about…
Scientists finally explain statin muscle pain
Statins have dramatically improved cardiovascular health by lowering cholesterol and cutting the risk of heart attacks and strokes for millions of people. Despite these benefits, many patients experience unwanted side…
This one gene may explain most Alzheimer’s cases
A new analysis led by researchers at University College London suggests that Alzheimer’s disease may depend far more on one gene than previously recognized. The study estimates that more than…
A new theory of gravity could explain cosmic acceleration without dark energy
Why the universe is expanding faster and faster remains one of the biggest open questions in physics. Current theories cannot fully explain this accelerating growth. Today’s standard picture of the…
Massive hidden structures deep inside Earth may explain how life began
For many years, researchers have puzzled over two enormous and unusual features hidden deep inside Earth. Their size, shape and behavior are so extreme that traditional ideas about how the…
A new equation may explain the Universe without dark matter
For many years, scientists have believed that dark matter and dark energy make up most of the cosmos. But new research challenges that view, suggesting these mysterious components might not…
A startling omega-3 deficiency may explain women’s Alzheimer’s risk
Omega fatty acids could protect against Alzheimer’s disease in women, new research has found. Analysis of lipids – fat molecules that perform many essential functions in the body – in…