Skip to content

Breakthrough in anti-aging research: New stem cells rejuvenate primates

  • News

A study, published on June 13, 2025, in Cell, shows a groundbreaking advance in the fight against aging. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Capital Medical University developed senescence-resistant mesenchymal progenitor cells (SRCs) that reverse aging processes in non-human primates without causing tumors or other side effects. With age, the number of stem cells in the body decreases, making tissue repair difficult and promoting age-related diseases. Whether this decline is a cause or consequence of aging remains controversial. Previous stem cell therapies often failed due to biological hurdles such as lack of integration or tumor development. The new SRCs, genetically programmed for longevity through synthetic biology, are resistant to aging and stress. In a 44-week experiment, older macaques, comparable to humans in their 60s and 70s, received SRC injections every two weeks. The treatment was safe: no immune reactions, fever, or tumors occurred. The systemic rejuvenation was astonishing:…

more »Breakthrough in anti-aging research: New stem cells rejuvenate primates

New combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis reduces bone damage

  • News

A study, published in the journal Engineering, shows the potential of a novel combination therapy of Triptolide (TP) and Medicarpin (Med) for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers from the China-Japan Friendship Clinical Medical College and other institutions investigated how this therapy reduces bone destruction by modulating the m6A methylation pathway. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and bone erosion caused by overactive osteoclasts (OCs). Conventional treatments often cannot reverse joint damage and have significant side effects. The study combines TP, a potent anti-inflammatory agent with limited tolerability, with Med, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and bone-protective properties, to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. In a rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), the combination therapy alleviated arthritis symptoms, delayed disease onset, and reduced bone erosion more effectively than the respective monotherapies, even at half the dose. Micro-CT scans and histological analyses showed improved bone structure in ankle and knee joints,…

more »New combination therapy for rheumatoid arthritis reduces bone damage

Africa could strengthen food security and economy with the soybean industry

A 2025 study in Engineering by Vincent Ninkuu, Tianfu Han, and Felix D. Dakora shows how Africa can expand its soybean industry to improve food security on the continent and in China. Through partnerships in science, technology, and innovation (STI) with China, Africa could become a major player in the global soybean market. In 2023, China imported 99.41 million tons of soybeans, mainly from Brazil, the USA, and Argentina, while Africa was barely involved. However, with 445 million hectares of unused arable land, the continent offers enormous potential. Soybean cultivation could not only strengthen food security in Africa but also create jobs and boost the economy through exports to China. Challenges such as the lack of suitable rhizobia for nitrogen fixation have been overcome by new soybean varieties, such as the Tropical Glycine Cross (TGx) from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). These varieties nodulate effectively with indigenous rhizobia,… 

more »Africa could strengthen food security and economy with soybean industry

Fructose consumption increases susceptibility to inflammation through immune cells

A new study from the University of Vienna shows that even short-term high fructose consumption increases the inflammatory readiness of the immune system. The research group led by Ina Bergheim from the Department of Nutritional Sciences found that fruit sugar increases the concentration of receptors for bacterial toxins in monocytes, important immune cells. The results, published in the journal Redox Biology, suggest a link between fructose and increased susceptibility to inflammation. In two randomized studies with healthy adults, the consumption of fructose-sweetened beverages was compared with glucose drinks. Additionally, experiments were conducted with isolated monocytes and cell cultures. The results show that, unlike glucose, fructose increases the concentration of the Toll-like receptor 2 in monocytes, which controls the immune response. This leads to increased sensitivity to bacterial toxins such as lipoteichoic acid and enhanced release of pro-inflammatory messenger substances such as interleukin-6, interleukin-1?, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. The study suggests that high fructose consumption increases inflammatory readiness…

more »Fructose consumption increases susceptibility to inflammation through immune cells

World Vitiligo Day: Progress and challenges in care

For World Vitiligo Day on June 25, 2025, the white paper supported by Incyte from the Vitiligo International Patient Organizations Committee (VIPOC) highlights the care situation for people with vitiligo in Germany. The analysis shows progress, but also significant deficits in awareness and treatment. Approximately 650,000 people in Germany live with vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune disease in which pigment cells are destroyed, leading to white skin patches. Particularly affected areas such as the face and hands make the condition visible and often lead to psychological distress. Around 65 percent of those affected report depression, and about the same number find the patches distressing. Many hide their skin changes for fear of stigmatization, which severely impacts their quality of life. Care remains inadequate: one in eight affected individuals does not use any treatment despite diagnosis, often due to a lack of information. While diagnosis is usually quick, ongoing care is inconsistent, and psychological support is often lacking,… 

more »World Vitiligo Day: Progress and Challenges in Care

Menopause: Hormonal roller coaster with control options

Menopause, medically known as climacteric, represents a challenging phase of life for many women. Hot flashes, heart palpitations, mood swings, and sleep problems often impair quality of life. In Germany, about nine million women are affected, one-third of whom experience severe symptoms that last an average of ten years. Nevertheless, the topic is rarely discussed openly, even though targeted measures can alleviate symptoms and protect health. The decline in the hormones estrogen and progesterone leads to a hormonal imbalance that affects the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin. The consequences include not only hot flashes and sleep disturbances but also an increased risk of osteoporosis, changes in mucous membranes, and altered metabolism. Every woman experiences menopause individually, but the effects on the body and psyche can be significant. Experts such as gynecologist Dr. Katharina van der Grinten and pharmacist Ann-Katrin Pause emphasize the importance of early medical…

more »Menopause: Hormonal roller coaster with control options

Connection between oral health and frailty discovered

  • News

A recent study using data from over 4,500 adults in the USA shows a connection between oral health and frailty. Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) revealed that low oral microbiome diversity is associated with a higher likelihood of frailty and an increased risk of mortality. The oral microbiome encompasses all microorganisms in the oral cavity, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. A balanced microbiome supports oral health by controlling harmful bacteria and strengthening the immune system. Conversely, reduced microbiome diversity can promote inflammation such as gingivitis or periodontitis, as well as tooth decay. The study also found that tooth loss and frailty are correlated, underscoring the importance of oral health for healthy aging. The findings emphasize the need for lifelong oral care. In addition to regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth and the tongue are gaining importance. The tongue harbors most oral bacteria,… 

more »Connection between oral health and frailty discovered

Ceasefire between Israel and Iran – Background, geopolitical implications, and the role of Chinese military technology

  • News

In the early morning of June 24, 2025, a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, announced by US President Donald Trump, came into effect. This move ended – at least temporarily – a twelve-day conflict that brought the region to the brink of a full-scale war. The fighting, triggered by Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13, followed by US airstrikes on June 22, resulted in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and significant damage to military and civilian infrastructure. But while the guns are silent, the tension remains palpable. The ceasefire is fragile, and the geopolitical dynamics that fueled this conflict are far from resolved. This report analyzes the background of the ceasefire, explains why Iran might increasingly rely on Chinese military technology, particularly air defense systems, in the future, and examines how Tehran can continue its controversial nuclear program despite international attacks. Finally, it discusses the geopolitical context… 

more »Ceasefire between Israel and Iran – Background, geopolitical implications, and the role of Chinese military technology

Battle of the Pharma Giants: Roche vs. Novartis – A detailed comparison of pipelines and revenues

  • News

Basel, June 23, 2025 – Swiss pharma giants Roche and Novartis are locked in intense competition for dominance in the global pharmaceutical industry. The focus is on their research and development pipelines as well as the financial metrics that determine their market position. This report analyzes the pipelines of both companies, their key active ingredients, revenue developments, and strategic priorities, based on the latest available data. Financial Performance: Revenues and Market Shares In 2024, Roche achieved group sales of CHF 60.5 billion, an increase of 7% at constant exchange rates (CER). The Pharma division contributed CHF 46.4 billion (+8% CER), driven by new drugs such as Vabysmo (eye diseases, CHF 2.8 billion), Phesgo (breast cancer, CHF 1.5 billion), Ocrevus (multiple sclerosis, CHF 7.0 billion), and Hemlibra (hemophilia, CHF 4.4 billion). The Diagnostics division grew by 4% to CHF 14.1 billion, with an 8% increase in the core business (excluding COVID-19 products). The…

more »Battle of the Pharma Giants: Roche vs. Novartis – A Detailed Comparison of Pipelines and Revenues

CERN welcomes Slovenia as 25th member state

  • News

CERN welcomes Slovenia as the 25th member state, opening a new chapter in a partnership that dates back three decades. “Slovenia’s full membership in CERN is an exceptional recognition of our science and our researchers,” said Dr. Igor Papič, Slovenia’s Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. “Furthermore, it reaffirms and strengthens Slovenia’s reputation as a nation that builds its future on knowledge and science. Besides its beautiful nature, knowledge is the only true natural wealth of our country. For this reason, we have allocated record funds for science, research, and innovation. Moreover, we have enshrined the commitment to annually increase these funds in the Law on Scientific Research and Innovation Activities.” Slovenian physicists participated in the CERN program long before Slovenia's independence in 1991. They participated in an experiment at the Low Energy Antiproton Ring (LEAR) and the DELPHI experiment – part of CERN’s former large accelerator, the Large Electron–Positron Collider (LEP). In 1991, they…

more »CERN welcomes Slovenia as 25th member state