Supercentenarian Study Reveals Biological Secrets of Healthy Extreme Aging
Scientists conducted the most comprehensive biological analysis of a supercentenarian, studying Maria Branyas Morera who died at 117 years old. Despite showing clear cellular signs of extreme aging—including exceptionally short telomeres and immune system deterioration—she remained protected from typical age-related diseases. Researchers found she possessed gene variants that protected her heart and brain from disease, low inflammation levels reducing cancer and diabetes risk, and efficient cholesterol metabolism. Her biological age measured 10-15 years younger than her chronological age, with a remarkably youthful gut microbiome. While genetics played a crucial role, lifestyle factors including healthy diet, no smoking or drinking, and strong social connections also contributed. This research could help develop treatments to promote healthy aging for everyone. (The Guardian)
First Gene Therapy Shows Promising Results in Slowing Huntington Disease Progression
UniQure announced that its gene therapy AMT-130 reduced Huntington disease symptom progression by 75% over three years in a small clinical trial. The treatment uses a harmless virus to deliver microRNA directly into brain regions affected by the inherited neurological disorder, blocking production of toxic huntingtin protein that causes the fatal disease. Twelve patients receiving the high dose showed significantly less decline on standard rating scales compared to nearly 1,600 untreated patients. The one-time procedure involves drilling small holes in the skull to insert catheters into specific brain regions during a 12-hour surgery. While results are encouraging following a 2021 treatment failure, scientists note the study is small and unpublished. The expensive therapy could cost over $2 million, with FDA approval sought for early 2026. (Science)
Central Ohio Measles Vaccination Rates Remain Dangerously Low After 2022 Outbreak
A study of 149,092 children in central Ohio found that measles vaccination coverage remained well below the 93% herd immunity threshold even 20 months after a 2022 outbreak that infected 90 children. The research showed no improvement in timely first-dose MMR vaccination rates over the study period, staying around 53.6%. Significant disparities persisted among children of Somali descent, who had vaccination rates 22 percentage points lower than non-Somali children by the study’s end. While second-dose vaccination rates slightly improved from 57.9% to 60.2%, overall coverage remained inadequate for community protection. The findings highlight continued vulnerability to future measles outbreaks in the region and underscore the need for targeted outreach efforts. (CIDRAP)
US Measles Cases Surge Past 1500 in 2025 With New Weekly Infections
The CDC reported 23 additional measles cases in the past week, bringing the 2025 total to 1,514 confirmed cases across the United States. Eighty-six percent of these cases were part of 40 documented outbreaks, with 92% of patients either unvaccinated or having unknown vaccination status. Only 4% were fully vaccinated, while another 4% had received just one dose. Twelve percent of cases required hospitalization, with 29% of hospitalized patients being 19 years or younger. Three measles deaths have been confirmed this year. Georgia reported three new linked cases, bringing their 2025 total to 10, while Utah administered preventive treatment to 11 exposed infants under one year old who cannot yet be vaccinated. (CIDRAP)
Exercise Rewires Heart Control Nerves Differently on Each Side of Body
University of Bristol researchers discovered that moderate aerobic exercise fundamentally changes the nerves controlling the heart, with distinct effects on the left and right sides. The 10-week study on trained rats revealed four times more cardiovascular neurons on the right side compared to untrained animals, while left-side neurons nearly doubled in size as right-side neurons slightly shrank. This asymmetric nerve remodeling could explain why certain heart treatments work better on one side than the other. The findings may lead to more targeted therapies for irregular heartbeats, chest pain, angina, and broken-heart syndrome by helping doctors precisely target stellate ganglia nerve blocks. Researchers plan to study whether similar patterns exist in larger animals and humans to develop personalized treatments for heart rhythm disorders. (Eureka Alert)
Argentine Scientists Discover New Megaraptoran Dinosaur Species With Crocodile Bone Evidence
Researchers in Argentina have identified a new dinosaur species called Joaquinraptor casali, a 23-foot-long megaraptoran discovered in Patagonia’s Lago Colhué Huapi rock formation. The fossil, one of the most complete megaraptoran skeletons found, includes skull, arm, leg, and tail bones from a creature that lived 66-70 million years ago. Significantly, the dinosaur died with an ancient crocodile relative’s leg bone pressed against its jaws, providing rare dietary evidence. Megaraptorans were mysterious predators known for elongated skulls and powerful claws that roamed South America, Australia, and Asia. The at-least-19-year-old specimen helps fill major gaps in understanding these creatures’ hunting behavior and evolutionary timeline. Lead researcher Lucio Ibiricu named the species after his young son Joaquin, believing all children would appreciate being associated with dinosaurs. (AP)