Free Republic

A combination of intermittent fasting and a specialized biomedical bandage can restore bone healing in aged mice to levels seen in young animals, according to research. "Key to bone repair is a type of cell called osteoprogenitors, which create new bone tissue," explains Joshua Reeves. First, they analyzed the changes that occur in the bone of mice during aging, finding a clear decline in both bone structure and healing capacity with age. The team noticed a reduction in blood vesselspwithin periosteal bone-forming tissue, beginning in adulthood. They also observed changes in aging osteogenic (bone-forming) compartments, including increased actin levels and...

Early life exposure to 'forever chemicals' in the environment permanently disrupts the gut microbiome in mice, contributing to the development of metabolic disease in later life, according to new research. The results suggest that human exposure to these chemicals during early childhood may be contributing to the recent epidemic of metabolic disorders, including obesity and type 2 diabetes among adults. The researchers focused specifically on 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), a widespread persistent organic pollutant (POP) that is a byproduct of waste incineration, metal production, and fossil-fuel and wood combustion. TCDF accumulates in the food chain, and humans are primarily exposed through consumption...