Science

Researchers from Jackson Laboratory (JAX), MIT's Broad Institute, Harvard University, and Yale University have used artificial intelligence to develop thousands of new DNA switches that can precisely control the expression of a gene in various cell types.

Research has shed new light on how and why neural stem cells become less active as the brain ages. In the study, newly developed screens were used to identify genes that, when switched off, increase the activation of neural stem cells in old but not in young mice. The results could provide clues as to how to overcome the passivity of old neural stem cells or stimulate neurogenesis in younger brains that need to be repaired.

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a machine-learning-based method for diagnosing Parkinson's disease using sensors worn on the body. This innovation is intended to streamline the diagnostic process, make it less labor-intensive and more accurate.

Scientists have found a promising trail in their quest for a longer and healthier life. By blocking an annoying protein called interleukin-11, researchers succeeded in extending the lifespan of mice by up to 25%. But it's not just about living longer—these mice also stayed in better shape, with stronger muscles and less fat buildup. Even their cells showed signs of youth: they had longer telomeres and healthier mitochondria.

A study published in Nature Aging sheds new light on the mechanisms of epigenetic aging. Based on single-cell DNA methylation data (scDNAm) from mice, the researchers classified aging processes into stochastic and co-regulated components. This classification enables a more differentiated understanding of how DNA methylation changes over the life span of an organism and may open up new avenues for targeted anti-aging measures.