Oslo, July 3, 2025 – A groundbreaking study from the University of Oslo, published in Aging-US, shows that the molecule NAD+ plays a key role in the aging process and could serve as a potential treatment for Werner syndrome, a rare disease with accelerated aging. The research also opens up perspectives for understanding normal aging. "Werner syndrome causes affected individuals to age faster. By their 20s and 30s, they develop gray hair, wrinkles, and age-related diseases," explains Dr. Sofie Lautrup, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oslo. The study shows for the first time that patients with Werner syndrome have lower NAD+ levels in their mitochondria, which impairs cell function. "A lack of NAD+ disrupts energy production and DNA repair in cells," says Lautrup. Experiments revealed that supplying NAD+ can restore cell function. "We found that NAD+ stimulates stem cell growth and reverses premature aging in skin and stem cells… 

Chongqing, July 3, 2025 – A new study from Chongqing Medical University, published in Genes & Diseases, reveals that XPR1 promotes ovarian cancer growth by regulating autophagy and immune evasion. The research highlights XPR1 as a potential therapeutic target for this aggressive cancer, known for its poor prognosis and resistance to immunotherapies. Scientists found that XPR1 is highly overexpressed in ovarian cancer tissue compared to normal tissue. "This increased expression correlates with advanced cancer stages and shorter survival," explains lead author Hui Wang. Through CRISPR-Cas9 screening, XPR1 was identified as a regulator of autophagy. Experiments showed that silencing XPR1 inhibits cancer growth and metastasis, while overexpression promotes these processes. XPR1 interacts with the lysosome-associated protein LAMP1, regulating autophagic flux via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby supporting cancer cell survival. "XPR1 suppression increases… 

Lagos, July 4, 2025 – National surveillance laboratories are set to be crucial in Africa’s final push against polio, emphasizes Chikwe Ihekweazu, outgoing acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a contribution to SciDev.Net. "More than ever, Africa’s voice in global health must be bold, informed, and forward-looking," states Ihekweazu. Despite significant progress, polio remains a threat: in 2025, 32 cases were reported in Nigeria, a key frontline, across ten states, primarily in the north. Viruses from Nigeria have also crossed borders, reaching neighboring countries and parts of the EU. "As long as polio exists anywhere, it remains a threat everywhere," he warns. Conflict, strained health systems, and mistrust fueled by misinformation hinder access to vaccinations. Nevertheless, Ihekweazu sees hope in the "everyday heroes": vaccination teams working under the most difficult conditions, community mobilizers building trust, and government officials leading with determination. New plans by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative… 

A shock for Marburg: The biopharmaceutical company CSL Behring has announced it will close its Research and Development (R&D) department at the Marburg site. Around 500 employees are now worried about their jobs. The decision not only raises questions about the future of the affected employees but also about the strategic direction of a company that had only opened a state-of-the-art R&D center in the university town in 2022 with great media attention. The closure is considered a "heavy blow" to the region, while details about the process, timeline, and solutions for employees remain unclear. A setback after millions in investment The news came as a surprise to many. Just three years ago, in September 2022, CSL Behring inaugurated a new research and development center in Marburg with an investment volume of 150 million euros. The 40,000-square-meter center offered space for up to 500 R&D employees and was described as the "world's largest R&D center of...