Younger Every Year

By Dov Michaeli MD, Ph.DA study published in the online edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS) caught my eye. Here is the essence of it:The combined supercomputing power of the UK and US ‘national grids’ has enabled University College London (UCL) scientists to simulate the efficacy of an HIV drug in blocking a key protein used by the lethal virus. The method – an early example of the Virtual Physiological Human Project in action – could one day be used to tailor personal drug treatments, for example for HIV patients developing resistance to their drugs. The study ran a large number of simulations to predict how strongly the drug saquinavir would bind to three resistant mutants of HIV-1 protease, a protein produced by the virus to propagate itself. These protease mutations are associated with the disease’s resistance to saquinavir, an HIV-inhibitor drug. The study, by Professor Peter Coveney and colleagues at the UCL Department of Chemistry, involved a sequence of simulation steps, performed across several supercomputers on the UK ’s National Grid Service and the US TeraGrid, which took two weeks and used computational power roughly equivalent to that needed to perform a long-range weather forecast. What is the Virtual Physiological Human? In late 2000 the Human genome Project announced the completion of the human genome sequence. The exhilaration was infectious: how could you not become euphoric at finally deciphering the “book of life”, as it was then dubbed? The promise of conquering all diseases in short order filled the scientific air with unbounded optimism. But then reality set in. We quickly realized that no molecule, or cell, or tissue, functions in isolation. We cannot pretend to understand physiology and pathology in detail by studying only the cells, or the molecules inside them. On the contrary, we need to integrate what we know about the whole body – the organs, the tissues, the cells, the genes and the proteins – into an understanding of the system as a whole. Sounds familiar? This is the hardheaded scientific version of what ‘new age’ gurus called “holistic medicine”. It is clear, then, that if we truly want to unravel the complex mechanisms behind important diseases such as osteoporosis, stroke, heart failure, etc., we should reach a point where all the processes that occur at multiple dimensional and temporal scales are seen, not as separate events, but as parts of a very complex whole-system process. This poses a huge challenge, since it forces us to integrate our knowledge: • across dimensional scales , from molecules to the whole body • across temporal scales , from the nanoseconds of the neural impulse to the lifetime of a human being • across subsystems , which implies that we should start to see the body as a whole, instead of as the sum of the cardiovascular system, the musculoskeletal system, etc. • across disciplines : biology, physiology, bioengineering, biophysics, etc. This approach is referred to as integrative research . And so was born the Virtual Physiological Human, or VPH Project. It aims to collect virtually everything that is observed and measured at any scale, at any institution, in relation to any pathology, into data repositories. Researchers from different institutions, from different academic disciplines, and with totally different research questions, will be able to investigate and re-use this data for their purposes. This also includes the possibility to access (with complete respect of ethical and legal conditions and maintaining patient anonymity) the clinical data (clinical folder, lab exams, medical images) of virtually all patients, around the world. What’s in it for me? A lot. You don’t have to be an HIV carrier to appreciate the enormous importance of the study reported in JACS. Virtually every disease is the manifestation of extremely complex interactions between genes, proteins, cells, tissues, organs, individuals, and environment. It would be impossible for one individual, or laboratory, or one discipline, to fathom the phenomena of diabetes, or cancer, or neurodegenerative diseses (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson), or normal aging. Scientists in the fields of integrative biology and integrative medicine are predicting enormous strides in the next 10-20 years. And one of the keys to this exciting prospect is the integration of all of human biology knowledge and yes, globalization of the enormous computing power of the whole world. Now, who said globalization is bad for us? (Source: The Doctor Weighs In)

Original post by The Doctor Weighs In

Some British researchers think they’ve created a hat that could prove to be a cognitive way-back machine, helping those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia regain lost mental capacity. But experts are skeptical.
The hat is pictured at right. It’s been developed by researchers at the University of Sunderland in the U.K. (the source of a press release that’s been generating some coverage) and Virulite, a British company that sells a device that uses light to treat cold sores. (The company says the cold-sore device has been approved by the U.K.’s National Health Service.)
A story in the Daily Mail says the hat, which emits infrared light, follows from a study at the University of Sunderland which found infrared light can reverse memory loss in lab animals. “Currently all you can do with dementia is to slow down the rate of decay — this new process will not only stop that rate of decay but partially reverse it,” one of the researchers told the paper.
Or maybe not.
“I have not heard of anything along these lines before. Who knows what it is? But it sounds more hocus-pocus than anything,” Ronald Peterson, director of the Alzheimer’s research center at Mayo Clinic, told ABC News.
“I cannot conceive of any underlying biological mechanism by which that could work,” Zaven Khachaturian, editor-in-chief of Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, told ABC. “This sounds like a very gimmicky kind of thing to me. I would not waste time on it.”
Update: A reader points out that the possibility that infrared radiation may improve brain function has been reported in the medical literature — though research has focused largely on stroke, rather than Alzheimer’s. A study published last year in the journal Stroke, for example, suggested that infrared laser therapy may improve outcomes for stroke patients. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog)

Original post by WSJ.com: Health Blog

Dr. Mitchell is co-author of Fat is Not Your Fate, Eat to Stay Young and I’d Kill for a Cookie.
Listen to her weekly Internet Show on AM580 WDBO http://580wdbo.com/healthcenter/
Visit her websites: http://www.susanmitchell.org and http://www.fatisnotyourfate.com
All you need to do is turn on the TV or radio or surf the Internet to know that the world […] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Original post by ThirdAge Blog

If you got a lot of exposure to car exhaust before lead was banned from gasoline then it might make your brain age faster. The new work suggests long-ago lead… (Source: FuturePundit)

Original post by FuturePundit

People in their 40s are most unhappy? Using data on 2 million people, from 80 nations, researchers from the University of Warwick and Dartmouth College in the US have found… (Source: FuturePundit)

Original post by FuturePundit

In the queer mess of human destiny, the determining factor is luck.-William E. WoodwardI have always believed in destiny.  Luck and timing is simply part of the equation.  If one believes in destiny does that mean that all is pre-determined so the best we can do is to simply sit back and let life flow?  […] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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Telomere caps on chromosomes shrink more quickly in people who do not get much exercise. Individuals who are physically active during their leisure time appear to be biologically younger than… (Source: FuturePundit)

Original post by FuturePundit

Author Elder Rage www.ElderRage.com Host Coping With Caregiving Radio Show www.wsRadio.com/CopingWithCaregivingJacqueline’s Lecture on CD; 12 Experts; 14/hrs. of Help–ASK ME!WELCOME BACK ALL MY CAREGIVERS—Tell us your story!
You must check out this fantastic new interactive website where you can see how your views on numerous healthcare issues line up with the political candidates on both sides […] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

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This is an event you may be interested in, if you are based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The MIT Club of Northern California, American Society on Aging, The Business Forum on Aging and SmartSilvers presents:
The Emerging Brain Fitness Market:  Building Better Brains (Contact information and Registration Here)
Date: 02/12/2008 Tuesday
Time: 6:00pm
Venue: Wilson Sonsini
Location: 950 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto
Cost: $20 online, $25 walk-in
Contact information and Registration Here.
Here is the buzz … Scientific, technological and demographic trends have converged to create an exciting new market in brain fitness, where software and online applications can assess and train cognitive abilities. That equates to a sharper mind and better memory retention contributing to healthier aging.  There is currently a $400m worldwide market with high growth ahead predicted.
Join us in lively and informative discussions as Alvaro Fernandez; CEO of SharpBrains.com summarizes the science, key market segments, players and trends, based on the first Brain Fitness Software Market Report, presented in this event.  He will discuss the implications with several neuro-technology, gaming experts and investors."   Moderated by Zack Lynch, the speaker and panel will discuss: 
· What results are scientists discovering from the use of Brain Fitness tools?
· Who will use brain tools and why?
· What is the market potential for new companies entering the brain fitness market?
· What kind of brain fitness applications are being developed? 
 
Speaker:    
- Alvaro Fernandez, SharpBrains.com
Moderator:    
- Zack Lynch, Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO)
       
Panelists:   
- Andy Donner, Physic Ventures
- Kunal Sarkar, CEO Lumos Labs
- Alexander Doman, CEO Advanced Brain Technologies
- Dan Michel, CEO Dakim
Opening Remarks and Speaker/Panelists Introductions:
- Susan Ayers Walker, SmartSilvers and AARP.org (Contributing Technology Journalist)
Time:       
6:00PM Registration, Hors d’oeuvres and Networking
7:00PM Presentation and Panel Discussion 
Contact information and Registration Here.
Bios: 
Alvaro Fernandez, Co-founder, CEO SharpBrains.com. Alvaro is a leading voice and thought-leader in the growing science-based brain fitness market, Alvaro has been quoted by Los Angeles Times, Forbes, MSNBC, MarketWatch, among others, and is a guest blogger at the Huffington Post. Alvaro has presented trends in the emerging brain fitness market at multiple conferences and universities including the Neurotech Leaders Summit, Serious Games Summit, Stanford Business School, Neurotechnology Industry conference, the Institute for the Future, American Society on Aging (2007), and more. He started his career at McKinsey & Company and led the launch and turnaround of several publishing and education companies in the US and Europe, including Bertelsmann On Line, Docent, Inc, and Edusoft, a unit of Houghton Mifflin. Alvaro has an MBA and MA in Education from Stanford University, and enjoys teaching The Science of Brain Health and Brain Fitness at SFSU and UC-Berkeley Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.  Alvaro launched SharpBrains with neuroscientist Dr. Elkhonon Goldberg.
Zack Lynch, Founder and Executive Director of the Neurotechnology Industry Organization (NIO). NIO is the trade association representing companies involved in neuroscience, brain research centers and patient advocacy groups across the world. Zack founded NIO to give the over 500 neurotech companies developing drugs, devices and diagnostics for neurological diseases and psychiatric illnesses a collective voice. He is also the founder of NeuroInsights, a market research firm and investment advisory firm covering neurotech. He is the publisher of the investment newsletter, Neurotech Insights, editor of Brain Waves, an industry weblog providing commentary on the intersection of neuroscience and society, and co-author of NeuroInsights 350 page annual report on global neurotechnology industry. Mr. Lynch is quoted widely in the press with respect to developments across commercial neuroscience. Mr. Lynch serves on the advisory boards of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Center for Neuroeconomic Studies at Claremont Graduate University, Center for Cognitive Liberty & Ethics, the Institute for Global Futures and Socialtext, a software company. Previously, he was an executive and founder of several enterprise software companies in profit optimization and collaborative forecasting. Zack received an MA in Economic Geography and double BS in Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Science, all from UCLA.
Panelist Bios
Andy Donner, Physic Ventures — Andy is is experienced in financial services, healthcare, and information technology industries. Andy was previously a Senior Associate with Great Spirit Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund, where he focused on consumer healthcare investments. Mr. Donner led Great Spirit Ventures’ investment in Attune Foods, Corazonas Foods, LightFull Foods, and The Natural Dentist, where he currently serves on the board. Prior to joining Great Spirit Ventures, Mr. Donner spent six years founding, and managing rapid-growth companies in the high-tech industry, including at Madison.com, where he served as Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer; Entopia, where he established and directed the product marketing department; and LeapFrog Enterprises, where he developed new business opportunities in the healthcare industry. Mr. Donner graduated cum laude from Duke University’s pre-med program and earned his MBA at the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley, where he was awarded full-tuition as a Haas Merit Scholar.
Kunal Sarkar, CEO Lumos Labs — Kunal is a founding member of Lumos Labs and leads the operations and marketing team. Previously he was a Vice President at McCown De Leeuw and Co. (MDC), a $1.2 billion private equity fund making growth equity investments. At MDC Kunal was integrally involved in the strategy, operations and the financial recapitalization of a number of portfolio companies including serving on the board of On Stage Entertainment and USBuild, and the IPO of StoneMor (STON). Prior to MDC, he worked in the Strategic Planning and Development group at the Walt Disney Company, where he worked closely with senior management to evaluate acquisitions, joint ventures and new business opportunities. Kunal graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University with a B.A. in Economics with a minor in Finance.
G. Alexander Doman, President and CEO of Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT) – Alex is founder of ABT, a neuro-technology company that develops and distributes interactive software and music programs for the improvement of memory, attention, listening, academic skills, sensory processing, brain health, peak performance and more . Alex is the third generation of a pioneering family of neuro-developmental specialists working with pediatric and adult populations since the 1940’s. Prior to founding ABT he served as Executive Director of the National Academy for Child Development. For the last 15 years his career has been focused on research, product development, and education primarily in the areas of psychoacoustic music technologies and brain fitness software.
Dan Michel, Founder & CEO, Dakim – Dan spent more than 30 years helping some of America’s most successful companies market and advertise their brands. Over the last twenty years, he was Chief Operating Officer of BBDO Worldwide/Los Angeles (1980-1988), President of Marketing of Columbia Pictures (1988-1989), and President and Co-Creative Director of his own award-winning, creative advertising agency, Michel/Russo, Inc., which he founded in 1989, and sold in 1999. Dan’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1993. Based upon learning about the disease, and having gained firsthand experience participating in activities with his father, he recognized the therapeutic and emotional value of cognitively stimulating activities, and the pressing need for more effective means of providing this line of therapy for sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia. Dan earned a B.A. from Claremont Men’s College (now Claremont McKenna College) and an M.S. from Northwestern University. 
 
About the MIT Club of Northern California (MITCNC): The MITCNC is the premier regional alumni/ae club of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The club offers numerous resources in entrepreneurship, career development, and professional networking in the Bay Area. In addition, the Club provides many opportunities for social interaction between MIT alumni/ae as well as alumni/ae from similar university clubs. T
About SmartSilvers: The goal of SmartSilvers is to "leverage technologies which foster active aging” TM. Our mission is to outreach and promote awareness, development and deployment of innovative, consumer friendly products and technology-leveraged services which cater to the unique needs of our expanding senior population. Products and services that provide independence, mobility and quality of lifestyle within safe, comfortable and familiar home environments.
About The Boomer Tech Series: This series of evening events that will focus on emerging technologies and applications targeted at the intersection of Technology and Aging; the enhancing of quality of life as we age. Sponsored by the MIT Club of Northern California and developed by the SmartSilvers Alliance, we are planning future events on topics such as sensors and ambient technology applied to Smart Home Management and other significant new technologies for health and life management.
Contact information and Registration Here.

AARP, American Society on Aging, Andy Donner, assess cognitive abilities, better memory, Boomer Tech Series, brain fitness software, cognitive abilities, Dakim, Dan Michel, Gaming, healthier aging, Kunal Sarkar, lumos labs, Lumosity, MIT Club of Northern California, neuro technology, Neurotechnology Industry Organization, palo alto, Physic Ventures, sharper mind, SmartSilvers, The Business Forum on Aging, train cognitive abilities, Wilson Sonsini, Zack Lynch (Source: SharpBrains)

Original post by SharpBrains

Author of The Secret Wisdom of a Woman’s BodyVisit me at www.patsamples.com
 Time and time again in my writing classes for people over 50, I see how much the class members are touched by each other’s stories. Some students think they don’t have much to write about or that "I can’t write." But once they put […] (Source: ThirdAge Blog)

Original post by ThirdAge Blog