As we age, the amount and distribution of fat in our bodies changes. Most fat is subcutaneous – meaning it is stored just under the skin. Subcutaneous fat generally does not have detrimental health impacts. In fact, we need some amount of fat to be healthy. Visceral fat, however, is stored in the gut and has been linked to negative health impacts including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Research has shown that testosterone levels play a key role in changing the distribution of fat from subcutaneous to visceral as we age. 

Earp led a novel study that looked at the impact of using a topical testosterone gel as part of treatment for older women who have suffered a hip fracture in conjunction with exercise.

He published the results of this study in Obesity Pillars.

A team from the University of Barcelona has designed and validated in animal models an innovative compound with a pioneering mechanism of action for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Unlike current drugs, which mainly remove beta-amyloid plaques that accumulate in the brain, this new experimental drug reprogrammes the neuronal epigenome by correcting alterations in gene expression that contribute to the progression of the disease. The results of this study, published in Molecular Therapy, open the door to an epigenetic-based therapeutic strategy to fight Alzheimer’s disease.

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä shows that regular leisure-time physical activity started at a young age prevents a decrease in work ability at the end of career. The result is societally significant, as productivity losses due to reduced work ability costs billions of euros annually.

Regulations for rotational atherectomy (RA) were relaxed for Japanese hospitals in 2020, allowing smaller hospitals to perform RA during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for calcified coronary artery disease. Researchers analyzed nationwide registry data and found adverse event rates among patients receiving PCI did not increase in smaller hospitals newly accredited for RA use after 2020 revision, although more patients received RAs. These findings support the safety of the policy change, improving access to advanced treatments.

Fibrotic scarring is a major challenge in recovery post spinal cord injury (SCI). Researchers reveal that transforming growth factor- β1 (TGF- β1) signaling promotes scar tissue formation by encouraging fibroblast development from MSCs and pericytes. Using a mouse model, Dr. Dayu Pan and his team of researchers reveal that limiting macrophage-derived TGF-β1 reduced scar formation and improved recovery, suggesting that targeting abnormal TGF- β1 activation may aid in recovery after SCI.

This review examines the gut–brain axis (GBA) as a critical bidirectional network linking gut microbiota to brain function and pathology. It details key pathways—neural, immune, endocrine, and metabolic—through which gut-derived signals influence conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. The article highlights novel microbiota-targeted therapies, including probiotics, fecal transplantation, and dietary strategies, underscoring their potential for pioneering personalized approaches in neuropsychiatry. These hold promises for innovative treatments. Personalized medicine is the way forward.

A poll of people over 50 looks at how many are caregivers for other adults, and at how supported those caregivers and how are they are of supports such as adult day care and respite care.