A quick digital memory test and a lab assay for brain disease are teaming up to flag neurodegeneration earlier. #longevity# #geroscience# #memory# #braindisease# #neurodegeneration#

🚨 A Japanese scientist earned a Nobel Prize after discovering one of the body’s most powerful self-healing mechanisms: during periods of fasting, the human body begins to consume its own damaged cells, triggering a deep cellular reset known as autophagy. This natural process acts like an internal cleanup system, breaking down old proteins, malfunctioning components, and toxic buildup that contribute to aging and disease. The discovery revealed that fasting doesn’t just change metabolism — it activates a fundamental survival program hard-wired into our biology. Researchers found that autophagy boosts cellular renewal, supports immune function, protects against neurodegeneration, and improves overall resilience. When the body isn’t busy digesting food, it shifts focus to maintenance and repair, recycling damaged parts into fresh, healthy components. This helps reduce inflammation, sharpen brain function, and improve the body’s ability to handle stress. Some studies even show that activating autophagy may lower the risk of chronic conditions linked to aging. The Nobel-winning research transformed how scientists view fasting, turning it from a simple diet trend into a legitimate biological reset. Doctors now say intermittent fasting — when done safely — can help support long-term cellular health, boost energy, and improve metabolic balance. While it’s not a cure-all, the discovery showed that the body has extraordinary built-in abilities to heal itself when given the right conditions. For millions around the world, the research opened a new window into how deeply our lifestyle affects our cells — and how something as simple as timing our meals can unlock one of the body’s most powerful repair systems.

ADARX PHARMACEUTICALS TARGETS $1.74B VALUATION IN U.S. IPO RNA drug developer ADARx Pharmaceuticals plans to sell 21.875M shares at $15-$17 each, raising up to $371.9M and valuing the company at as much as $1.74B. AbbVie will separately purchase about 5.01M shares in a concurrent private placement, giving it roughly a 4.9% stake after the IPO. ADARx is developing next-generation siRNA drugs, with five wholly owned programs spanning hereditary angioedema, complement diseases, stroke prevention, obesity and neurodegenerative diseases. Its most advanced drug, onvuzosiran, is currently in Phase 3 for hereditary angioedema, with topline data expected by the end of 2027. The FDA granted the program Fast Track status in August. At the $16 midpoint, ADARx expects roughly $397M in combined net proceeds from the IPO and AbbVie placement, with the largest allocations planned for: • $180M for agazisiran and its complement-disease programs • $80M for stroke candidate ADX-626 • $65M for Phase 3 onvuzosiran • $25M for obesity program ADX-077 • $20M for neurodegeneration program ADX-199 The company says the proceeds, together with existing cash and investments, should fund operations into 2030. ADARx plans to list on Nasdaq under $ADRX. Source: SEC filing, Reuters

A single misfolded prion protein in the brain can cause a rapid neurodegenerative disease known as sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD). There is no known and cure and is 100% fatal. A prion isn’t a living thing like say bacteria or germs. Because a protein is not alive. There's been some really interesting research into a vaccine antibody treatment but unfortunately they need more funding to reach phase II clinical

Inhalation of Rose Scent Increases Gray Matter Volume in the Posterior Cingulate Cortex: Implications for Brain Plasticity and Neurodegenerative Disease Prevention Like Alzheimer’s — Recent research has illuminated the potential of olfactory stimulation to influence brain structure, specifically through the continuous inhalation of a rose scent, which has been shown to increase gray matter volume in specific brain regions. This study, conducted by researchers from Kyoto University and the University of Tsukuba in Japan, provides novel insights into how sensory experiences, particularly olfaction, may contribute to brain plasticity and potentially mitigate neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. The study involved 50 female participants, with 28 assigned to the experimental group and 22 to the control group. The experimental group wore clothing infused with rose-scented oil for one month, while the control group used plain water. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were performed to assess changes in gray matter volume. The results revealed a significant increase in overall gray matter volume in the rose scent group compared to the control group. Notably, the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a region associated with memory, odor memory retrieval, and semantic memory processes, exhibited a pronounced increase in gray matter volume. In contrast, regions such as the amygdala, which is directly involved in processing olfactory stimuli, and the orbitofrontal cortex, responsible for evaluating pleasant odors, showed minimal changes. These findings align with prior research indicating that the PCC is indirectly linked to olfactory processing and is more active in individuals with olfactory deficits, possibly as a compensatory mechanism. The researchers propose that the continuous presence of the rose scent may reduce the amygdala’s role in actively signaling odor detection, allowing the PCC to take on a more prominent role in processing and storing odor-related memories. This sustained engagement of the PCC could drive the observed increase in gray matter volume, reflecting enhanced neural activity and plasticity in this region. An alternative hypothesis posited by the researchers suggests that the rose scent might be perceived as unpleasant by some participants, leading to increased emotional regulation demands on the PCC. This heightened activity could contribute to the structural changes observed. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the study underscores the potential of olfactory stimulation to modulate brain structure, particularly in regions critical for memory and cognitive association. The implications of these findings are significant, particularly for the development of non-invasive interventions like aromatherapy to enhance mental health and brain plasticity. The simplicity of incorporating a scent into daily routines, akin to wearing perfume, makes this approach accessible and cost-effective. Moreover, the PCC’s known susceptibility to atrophy in Alzheimer’s disease suggests that sustained olfactory stimulation could serve as a preventive strategy to maintain its functionality, potentially reducing dementia risk. The researchers advocate for further studies with larger, more diverse cohorts and varied scents to validate and expand these findings. This study marks a pioneering step in demonstrating that continuous olfactory stimulation can induce measurable structural changes in the brain. By highlighting the role of the PCC in processing odor-related memories, it opens avenues for future research into aromatherapy as a tool for cognitive enhancement and neurodegenerative disease prevention. Kokubun, K., et al. (2025). Continuous inhalation of rose essential oil increases gray matter volume in the posterior cingulate cortex from the Brain Research Bulletin.

🍄 Another article on the psychedelic frontier: "Genevieve Jurvetson, and her husband, Steve, a venture capitalist, are supporting a Johns Hopkins study exploring whether psilocybin might be able to help stroke victims regain motor control. The couple also plans to support studies into whether psychedelics could treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. “There’s a recognition that we have a mental health crisis and that much of what we are currently doing is not working for a lot of people,” says Taylor West, executive director of the Healing Advocacy Fund, which helps expand state-regulated access to psychedelic healing. “That’s driving increasing interest in these treatments as a new tool.” West’s group is working in three states — Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon — that have approved controlled access to psychedelics. Oregon’s program, which won approval in 2020, has already helped more than 20,000 people go on psilocybin journeys. [essentially, a huge experiment in safety and efficacy] So far, most philanthropic support has come from individual donors and small and medium-size grant makers like the Cain Foundation. Among the biggest funders in psychedelic healing are the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation, which has given more than $69 million for research; the soap company executive David Bronner, who helped bankroll a ballot measure in Oregon; the lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss; and the Jurvetson Foundation. Together, these donors aren’t just etching a road map for the adoption of a once-controversial treatment; they’re demonstrating that philanthropic dollars, when spent strategically, can have an outsize impact on research, policy, and public awareness." — from — join us!

Chief Scientific Officer Search at the AOI The Ackman Oxman Institute (AOI) is a new translational neuroscience, rehabilitation, and brain health institute in New York City founded to accelerate the translation of promising science to treating and curing patients. We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) who shares our ambition and recognizes that transformative advances depend on creative, independent scientists pursuing fundamental questions relevant to brain injury, degeneration, recovery, and rehabilitation. The CSO will help shape AOI's scientific identity, organization, and culture. We welcome the candidate's ideas about how best to organize the science and create an environment in which outstanding investigators can do their best work. Mandate Lead AOI's discovery science enterprise. Working with the Chief Translational Officer (CTO) and institute leadership, the CSO will define the research agenda, recruit and develop exceptional scientists, and determine the mix of investigator-led laboratories, collaborative teams, shared resources, and external partnerships best suited to the mission. The portfolio will support two complementary kinds of work: Patient-Anchored Translational Programs Research developed in anticipation of, as well as in response to, clinical observations. For example, a mechanistic program on mitochondrial delivery and bioenergetic rescue could inform a parallel clinical study of mitochondrial transplantation. Programs pursuing a defined path to patients will have clear milestones and criteria for advancement, redirection, or stopping, appropriate to their stage of development. Mission-Relevant Discovery Science Protected support for fundamental research on brain injury, repair, plasticity, and aging, led by investigators with intellectual independence. Major continuation or stop decisions will use a five-to-seven-year horizon, with ongoing scientific exchange and peer review to maintain rigor. This work can generate new therapeutic ideas and give AOI the depth to recognize and pursue discoveries arising from patient studies. The CSO will shape the balance between these forms of research and how they interact, with resources and review practices suited to each. Scientists will have the freedom to pursue original ideas within AOI's mission and contribute to a collaborative scientific community. Scope and Responsibilities Scientific Portfolio Define the research agenda with the CTO across acquired brain injury (stroke, TBI), and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diagnoses as well brain health in aging. Build on AOI's initial priorities in bioenergetics/mitochondria, neuroinflammation, and neuroplastogens (devices or biologics that increase neuroplasticity), helping refine their scope, sequence, and organization. Identify promising mechanistic programs early so AOI is prepared to act on clinical discoveries, and welcome new ideas through a transparent scientific review process. Independent Discovery Recruit exceptional investigators and give them the resources and latitude to pursue fundamental questions relevant to AOI's mission. Develop peer review that evaluates scientific quality, originality, and contribution over an appropriate time horizon, recognizes the value of well-reasoned negative results, and protects intellectual independence. Scientific Infrastructure Determine which laboratory and measurement capabilities will best support the science, and which to build internally, share, or access through partnerships. Guide scientific use of shared resources, including GLP vivarium and GMP capabilities, in coordination with the CTO and Chief Regulatory Officer. Scientific Recruitment and Community Shape a recruitment and support model that attracts outstanding scientists with diverse approaches to discovery and collaboration. Explore joint or affiliated academic appointments and shared recruitment with New York City and regional universities and medical centers, where these strengthen recruitment, mentorship, and scientific exchange. Appointment arrangements will be developed with partner institutions and individual recruits. External Scientific Network Build a network of well-funded collaborations with academic laboratories in New York City and the region whose fundamental work is relevant to AOI's mission, so that AOI's discovery capacity extends well beyond its own walls. The Pershing Square MIND Prize community is a natural springboard for this network, though collaboration is not limited to prize recipients. Work with the founders on how the MIND Prize and AOI's basic research program should relate to each other over time. Scientific Quality Lead a collegial, rigorous scientific review process. For translational and later-stage preclinical programs, agree on clear milestones and advancement or stop criteria with program leaders and the CTO. For fundamental discovery, combine ongoing scientific dialogue with substantive peer review and five-to-seven-year continuation decisions. Uphold research integrity and reproducibility across all programs. External Standing Represent AOI's science to the field, to funders (NIH, ARPA-H, DoD, philanthropy), to scientific advisors, and to academic and industry partners. Relationship to the Chief Translational Officer The CSO and CTO are peers who connect discovery with development and clinical investigation. The CSO leads fundamental and exploratory preclinical research; the CTO leads regulated preclinical development, manufacturing, engineering, and trial readiness, and clinical studies. They jointly define the evidence needed to advance a program into development and review the portfolio together. Scientific collaboration continues as programs advance and clinical observations raise new research questions. First 6 Months •Develop a scientific strategy with the CEO, CTO, and board, including the proposed research organization, the balance of discovery and translation, initial priorities and resources, and a first set of anticipatory mechanistic programs. Agree on review practices that protect independent discovery and support timely development decisions. •Begin recruiting priority scientific leaders and independent investigators, with the mix and sequence of appointments shaped by the scientific strategy. Develop the support and affiliation arrangements needed to attract exceptional candidates. •Establish an agreed plan for laboratory capabilities and launch initial research using in-house resources or external partnerships as appropriate. Work with the CTO and clinical leadership to align research with patient studies and their readiness requirements. •Co-define the criteria for entering development with the CTO and begin well-funded collaborations with regional academic laboratories. Set the subsequent launch timetable around scientific priorities, recruitment, and facility readiness. Who We Are Looking For Essential •MD/PhD or PhD with a first-rank research record in neuroscience, immunology/neuroinflammation, bioenergetics, or a convergent field. •Experience building and leading a research organization (institute, department, biotech R&D unit, or focused research organization). •A track record of attracting outstanding scientists. •Enthusiasm for a patient-centered research model and for leading a team whose work spans the continuum from discovery to therapy development. Valued •Experience supporting independent investigators and collaborative research in academia, research institutes, or industry. •Scientific credibility in at least one of AOI's initial priority areas. •Comfort spanning biologics and device/neurotechnology science. •A demonstrated ability to protect creative discovery while guiding translational programs toward clear milestones. Practical AOI welcomes candidates from academia and industry who are excited to build the institute over the coming decade and beyond. The position is full-time in New York City. Candidates should be eager to focus their research leadership on the brain, recovery, and rehabilitation; any continuing research commitments should support that mission. Compensation will be competitive and will include the opportunity to participate in the value created through company formation at AOI. Leadership Team Engagement Works closely with the CTO as described above and with clinical leadership to connect research and patient studies. Engages the legal/regulatory team early on regulatory strategy, quality systems, and evidence requirements. Collaborates with the Chief AI Officer on data-rich study design and computational modeling, the COO on laboratory development and recruitment operations, and the CFO on scientific resource planning. Interested candidates should send their CV and a brief cover note to: CSO@aoi.org