Neat News - Neat things do happen

In experiments with mice it has been found that a common supplement, called arginine, can stop amyloid beta proteins from clumping together in the brain. Thereby it gives the brain some protection against Alzheimer's disease. The approach is to prevent the build up of dangerous molecules rather than removing them as some new antibodies do with potentially more serious side effects.

related: #Alzheimer #amyloid_beta #arginine

A 11,000 carat ruby (2.2 kilograms) has been found in the Mogok area of Myanmar. It is about half the size of a ruby found in the same area in 1996, however, is considered more valuable because of its colour, clarity, and overall quality.

related: #ruby #Myanmar

New research found that beavers can turn rivers into persistent carbon sinks. This way they may play a much more important role in fighting global warming than previously thought.

related: #global_warming #CO2 #beaver

A new study finds that coffee drinkers live longer and have less trouble with chronic and age-related disorders (such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia) than others. Coffee contains more than 1000 chemical substances, and it is not yet clear which ones contribute to the effect, however, caffeine seems not to be the biggest contributor, but nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1).

related: #coffee #ageing #health #NR4A1

A new study found that regular psychological interventions such as exercises on mindfulness, gratitude, and optimism, result in measurable improvements of cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and inflammation.

related: #training #psychology #cardiovascular #health

A study with older women found that those who consumed tea rather than coffee have a lower risk of developing osteoporosis. It is suggested that this is due to a negative effect that caffeine has on calcium absorption.

related: #tea #coffee #osteoporosis

A big problem in storing transplant organs is that they easily crack when they are frozen. A new study shows that this risk can be reduced by carefully tuning the temperature when the organ enters a so-called glass-like state. This may lead in the long run to a bank of organs that can then be used when needed.

related: #freeze #organ_transplant

A new study involving more than 100,000 people finds that changing the types of physical activities may significantly extend life expectancy and seems to be more valuable than doing more of the same.

related: #life_expectancy #exercise

New research finds that so-called eccentric exercises - slow, controlled lowering movements - can build up muscle more efficiently and require less effort than traditional strength training.

related: #muscle #training #eccentric