UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

World War II sugar rationing in the UK led to lifelong health benefits for children, showing up to 35% lower risk of type 2 diabetes and 20% lower risk of high blood pressure. This natural experiment highlights the long-term effects of early-life sugar exposure on health.

Scientists explore regenerative therapies to reverse heart damage, including microRNA, drug-induced cell growth, and stem cell grafts, with promising early animal results. Human trials are anticipated, aiming to combat heart disease, the leading cause of death in the US.

High-dose DHA supplements increased brain DHA in both APOE4 carriers and non-carriers before dementia onset, with greater cognitive benefits for APOE4 carriers, according to the PreventE4 trial. The study highlighted the importance of DHA for APOE4 brains and the need for further research on personalized DHA supplementation.

Zheng-Yi Chen and team developed an AAV-based gene therapy targeting microRNA 96 mutations in mice, improving hearing and hair cell survival. The therapy showed efficacy in young adult mice but not in older ones, suggesting challenges in treating severe hearing loss late in life. The same approach could potentially treat human hearing loss, with ongoing efforts to advance the therapy to clinical trials.

Lynden A. Archer reappointed as Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering at Cornell, effective July 1, 2025. Under his leadership, Cornell Engineering has advanced in research, innovation, and education, focusing on areas like material science, climate, and energy systems. Archer's strategic plan, Cornell Engineering 2030, aims to position the college as a leader in engineering education and research. Notable achievements include the establishment of the Selander Center for Engineering Leadership and significant infrastructure improvements.

Lixte Biotechnology Holdings, Inc. schedules its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for December 19, 2024, to vote on the election of five director nominees, ratification of Weinberg & Company, P.A. as the independent registered public accounting firm, and approval of executive officer compensation. The meeting will be virtual, accessible via a live webcast.

USC and QIMR researchers uncover genetic variants influencing brain structure and volume, with implications for Parkinson’s and ADHD, in a study published in Nature Genetics as part of the ENIGMA consortium. The study analyzed 74,898 participants, revealing 254 genetic variants linked to brain volume differences, offering potential therapeutic targets.

Pham Tiep, a Rutgers University professor, achieved two mathematical breakthroughs in representation theory, solving the 1955 Height Zero Conjecture and advancing Deligne-Lusztig theory, with potential applications in chemistry, physics, computer science, and economics.

Avails Medical, Inc. appoints Mari Hoidal as Vice President of Marketing, leveraging her 20 years of healthcare and diagnostics marketing experience to accelerate growth and impact in the diagnostics landscape.