‘Brain aging can be reversed’ with new nasal spray, researchers say

🙌 Happy Friday! 

In a video published earlier this week, King Charles honored Queen Elizabeth II on what would’ve been her 100th birthday 🎂 (April 21). A long-time supporter of the Royal Osteoporosis Society, she embodied healthy aging — from daily walks to dark chocolate 🍫 to never fully retiring. She lived to 96 years old with no cancer, dementia, or major health issues. 

This week: Reversing brain aging, bread and the body’s metabolic engine, the 3-protein upgrade, and the sickest prostate cancer screening rap you’ve ever heard.

How a new nasal spray may revitalize and restore memory.

What if your nose is the key to a younger brain? 👃

A study from Texas A&M University shows that just two doses of a novel nasal spray can reverse the low-grade inflammation that causes brain aging. If more positive data come in, it could be revolutionary for cognitive care.

Not only did it clear brain fog 🌫 and improve memory in animal models, but researchers believe it may help people stay free from cognitive decline altogether.

The RNA target: The nasal spray uses biological 'delivery vehicles' 🚚 called extracellular vesicles (EVs) to carry millions of microRNAs directly to brain tissue, turning off inflammation-causing genetic pathways in the brain's immune cells. 

After just two doses:

✨ Why it matters: Results appear to last for months, and—alongside its potential for dementia—it shows consistent results for both males and females, and the potential to help stroke patients regain brain function.

More research is needed, but it’s already being filed for a US patent — another step on the path to staying sharper, for longer.

It’s not so simple as calories in and calories out.

When mice 🐭 feast on baked wheat flour, rice flour, and bread, they gain significantly more weight and experience a significantly slower metabolism than on their normal diet, based on new research from Osaka Metropolitan University.

But is it the bread itself, the addictive pleasure that causes overeating, or something else?

The science: Turns out it's the (refined!) carbs, according to ScienceAlert. 🥐

👩‍🦱 The estrogen effect: Female mice didn't gain as much weight (possibly because of estrogen's obesity-protective effects?), though they still experienced elevated blood glucose and fat.

The Livelong Women’s Health Summit is coming to Boston this October. Tickets will be on sale soon — continue to follow our newsletter to get the lowest price.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are compounds that can usher medicines—such as mRNA cancer therapies—into cells 💊. Though they work great in a lab, the results may not translate as well to real life. That would, unfortunately, mean less effective therapeutics.

But rather than change the therapies, researchers came across a better solution: to make the delivery vehicle better at delivering the medicine.

Researchers at Biohub recently did this by injecting 3 simple amino acids (methionine, arginine, and serine) with the LNPs. They found:

Why this matters: These amino acids have already been proven safe. 👍 And, as gene and mRNA therapies grow increasingly central to cancer treatment and beyond, this upgrade could make them dramatically more effective.

🦠 Read next: Editing gut bacteria genes for better gut health.

→ Ask LIV: Get personalized longevity insights with our updated AI feature.

#HippocraticOath

Who says cancer screening has to be boring? 

Oscar-nominated actor Riz Ahmed recently played 'Dr. Rishi' 👨‍⚕ on SNL UK, coming through on the 90s-themed OG FM radio to discuss prostate cancer screening. But the only way to get people’s attention was by rapping about it:

"…I'm thinking, less drinking. Check your BMI, if the number's high, then we'll make a plan, get your number right. If you're over 50, have a family history, and the flow is weak, go see your GP… All my Gs in the back, who are Black, your risk is higher, that's a fact…"

The more you know: Music significantly boosts motivation. If you need to do something for your health, consider making a song to it or listening to music to get you revved. 🎼

Join the Livelong Women’s Inner Circle ^TM if you want science-backed women’s health support, expert access, and a community that makes taking care of yourself feel easier, smarter, and less lonely.

How often do you stop eating because you feel full — rather than because your plate is empty?

Here’s how readers weighed in:

“I like to eat slowly so my brain can catch up,” says one reader, a helpful reminder that there’s a mental component to eating.