Radically different
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I’ve been a remote worker since early March 2020. Even if it suits me fine, I was surprised to learn it might be ruining my life.
In a rare move, nonprofit organization Blood Cancer United announced Thursday it was buying the remaining supplies of Luvelta, a discontinued investigational cancer drug.
As part of the transaction, Blood Cancer United, previously known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, also will acquire the investigational new drug designation and manage the compassionate-use program for children with a rare form of blood cancer, distributing the medication to patients at no cost while supplies last.
Researchers in Japan have found that older adults with higher levels of vitamin C in their blood have a higher volume of gray matter in their brains and higher connectivity across brain regions involved in memory and attention. Published in PLOS One, their study raises the possibility of using dietary interventions to protect brain health as we age.
“What I found most fascinating about this research is that we were able to detect these subtle but significant associations between a single nutritional factor and large-scale brain networks by utilizing a robust, community-based cohort of over 2,000 older adults,” said Tomohiro Shintaku, MD, PhD, assistant professor of radiology at the Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine. “It truly highlights the potential impact of our everyday dietary habits on our brain structures.”
Previous research had linked diets high in vitamin C with lower risk of developing cognitive impairment in older adults. However, this study is the first to look directly at a potential link between vitamin C levels in blood and changes in brain structure and connectivity within a large participant cohort.
Shintaku and colleagues analyzed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and blood levels of vitamin C in 2,044 Japanese adults over the age of 64. They measured the volume of gray and white brain matter in each individual, as well as the connectivity between brain regions belonging to the default mode network, which are associated with important cognitive functions including autobiographical memory, future thinking, self-reference, and attention. Connectivity within the default mode network is also known to play a significant role in brain health, with lower connectivity being linked to cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, in addition to a number of psychiatric conditions including depression or schizophrenia.
After adjusting for other factors that affect brain structure and connectivity, such as age, physical activity, and education level, results showed that higher levels of vitamin C were associated with a higher volume of gray matter across several brain regions, and with higher connectivity within the default mode network.
“Our study demonstrates that higher plasma vitamin C levels are associated with better preserved structural connectivity of the default mode network, a key brain network involved in cognitive function,” said Shintaku. “This finding generates the exciting hypothesis that a diet rich in vitamin C might play a supportive role in maintaining brain health and mitigating age-related cognitive decline in older adults.”
More research will be needed to uncover the potential biological mechanisms driving this association and confirm whether there is a causal link between blood levels of vitamin C and changes in brain structure and connectivity. Going forward, the researchers plan to conduct studies looking at repeated measurements of vitamin C levels over time, accounting for additional lifestyle and nutritional factors that may influence these effects, and including cohorts with more diverse ethnicities and socioeconomic status.
The post Higher Vitamin C Levels in Blood Linked to Healthier Aging Brains appeared first on Inside Precision Medicine.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have reported the results of a genome-wide association study in rats that identified key biological drivers of cocaine addiction. Using a genetically diverse group of nearly 900 rats to map genetic markers associated with compulsive drug use, the researchers uncovered a potential new therapeutic target that resides in the liver rather than in the brain.
Current research in this field often focuses on the brain, but the UC San Diego team’s findings suggest that how the body metabolizes cocaine may be just as critical in determining whether somebody develops an addiction.
“Finding a liver-based enzyme that shapes cocaine-taking behavior was a real ‘aha’ moment for us,” said Olivier George, PhD, a professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine. The George lab led the addiction behavioral studies that provided the foundation for the research. “It reminds us that addiction isn’t only in the brain. It’s a complex puzzle involving how the entire body processes the drug.”
George is co-corresponding author of the team’s published paper in Nature Communications, titled “Genome-wide association study of cocaine self-administration behavior in Heterogeneous Stock rats.”
Cocaine use disorder (CUD) has a strong genetic component, the authors noted. “Twin studies estimate the heritability of cocaine dependence to be as high as 70%, a finding supported by recent comprehensive reviews,” they wrote. GWAS have also uncovered a significant heritable component, the team continued, with single nucleotide polymorphism (SN)-based heritability estimated at 27-30%. However, scientists have struggled to pinpoint the specific genes that make certain individuals more vulnerable to addiction.
“The paucity of significant and replicated associations for CUD limits our understanding of this disorder, hampering our ability to identify novel pharmacological targets,” the investigators added. Co-corresponding author Abraham A. Palmer, PhD, professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine, who led the project’s intensive genetic modeling and analysis, further commented, “Identifying those genes in an important goal, because drugs could then be developed to target those genes, shifting genetically susceptible people to become more like genetically resistant people.”
To investigate further, the team carried out a GWAS in nearly 900 outbred Heterogeneous Stock (HS) rats—a model system capable of mimicking the vast genetic diversity found in human populations. By using HS rats the team was able to capture the critical differences between individuals who are genetically susceptible to addiction and those who are naturally more resistant. “Prior work has established the phenotypic diversity of HS rats across a broad range of addiction-relevant behaviors, including cocaine self-administration,” the researchers commented.
“The extended access model allowed us to characterize escalating intake, increased motivation to take the drug, and compulsive-like behavior despite negative consequences.” In addition to the GWAS results the researchers carried out a range of secondary analysis strategies to uncover what they describe as novel genetic drivers of cocaine self-administration behaviors.
Analyzing millions of genetic markers in each animal, the team discovered six major genetic regions linked to addiction-like behaviors, such as the escalation of drug intake and the time elapsed between doses. The researchers identified in the rats a specific group of carboxylesterase genes that are orthologous to the human CES1 gene, which are responsible for creating the enzyme that metabolizes cocaine. The study found that variations in these genes are closely linked to how frequently and compulsively rats self-administered the drug.
The findings also replicated a known genetic link found in humans (Trak2), providing a vital translational bridge between animal research and human medicine. This replication strengthens the argument that the biological pathways identified in the lab could eventually lead to real-world therapies. “Genes associated with CUD in humans remain limited, however our GWAS identified one gene (Trak2) that has also been identified by human GWAS of CUD, and the novel identification of Ces1 offers a fresh avenue for future studies,” they stated.
The collective findings suggest that by targeting the enzymes that metabolize cocaine with medicines, scientists might be able to alter how the drug affects the body, potentially reducing its addictive impact. In their paper they concluded “Our results replicate previous loci associated with CUD in humans and provide several novel biological insights including the potential of pharmacological strategies targeting carboxylesterases.”
Palmer said, “This work showcases the power of long-term, team-science collaboration that pairs experts in rodent behavior with quantitative geneticists. A decade of coordinated effort across multiple cohorts and federal partners made possible a discovery that no single lab could achieve alone.”
First author Montana Kay Lara, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher at UC San Diego School of Medicine, who helped bridge the gap between the study’s behavioral and genetic components, said, “Seeing the Ces1 signal validate a hypothesis that has been circulating for decades is incredibly exciting. It gives us a concrete target to test whether changing how cocaine is metabolized can blunt the drive toward compulsive use.”
The research team is now moving into the next phase of the project, which involves investigating exactly how these genetic mutations change function of the enzyme. They also hope to use the study’s extensive Preclinical Addiction Biobanks—collections of blood, urine, brain and other tissue samples—to identify biological markers that could one day help predict an individual’s risk of developing a substance use disorder.
The researchers hope that by leveraging this resource, they and other scientists working in this space will be able to translate genetic discoveries into diagnostic tools and new treatments that can help stabilize individuals struggling with addiction.
The post Potential Cocaine Addiction Targets Identified Through Genetic Mapping in Rats appeared first on GEN – Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.
Background: Depression is a prevalent mental disorder, and it remains one of the leading causes of disability in Canada and globally. Mobile app–based physical activity interventions may offer an effective and accessible treatment option for individuals with depression who cannot or prefer not to access supervised exercise programs. Objective: This study aims to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and proof of concept of a 9-week, theory-guided, app-based physical activity promotion intervention (MoodMover) developed for people with depression. Methods: We conducted a single-arm, pre-post study from November 2024 to May 2025, following the phase IIa: Proof-of-concept and phase IIb: Pilot and Preliminary Testing of the Obesity-Related Behavioural Intervention Trials model. Physically inactive adults who either self-reported a diagnosis of major depressive disorder or reported at least mild depressive symptoms, operationalized as a minimum score of 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item, were recruited. The intervention spanned 9 weeks, with the first week serving as a run-in period and including a 15-minute orientation session on the first day. Participants were instructed to use the MoodMover program, delivered via the Pathverse app. Feasibility was assessed based on 4 primary criteria: recruitment, adherence, usability, and retention. Proof-of-concept was evaluated by assessing changes in physical activity behavior and depressive symptoms over the intervention period. Results: From November 2024 to March 2025, 32 of the 51 adults who met eligibility criteria consented to participate in this study, resulting in a recruitment rate of 63%. Twenty-eight participants completed baseline assessments, with a mean age of 39.8 (SD 13.4) years. A total of 21 participants attended the orientation session and received the intervention. Retention, adherence, and usability rates were 57% (16/28), 67% (14/21), and 50% (8/16), respectively. Regression analyses found that age consistently associated with app engagement, usability, and satisfaction. Two-tailed paired tests indicated significant pre-post changes in self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity and depressive symptoms across the 75%, 85%, and 95% CIs. Among participants with clinically elevated depressive symptoms at baseline (Patient Health Questionnaire, 9-Item ≥10), 75% (9/12) achieved a clinically meaningful reduction in symptom severity. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that MoodMover holds potential for promoting physical activity behavior among individuals with depression and supporting depression management at scale. However, the feasibility of the tested version remains suboptimal. Necessary modifications (eg, improvements to enhance the accuracy of step tracking) should be implemented and reevaluated before progressing to a more rigorous efficacy trial. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06573125; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06573125
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Background: People with intellectual disability experience rates of mental illness up to 3 times higher than the general population, yet face significant barriers to care, including limited clinician expertise, diagnostic overshadowing, and exclusion from key mental health services. Electronic mental health interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in the general population and may address these barriers for people with intellectual disability by providing accessible, tailored treatment. Objective: This study examined the ability of Healthy Mind, a self-guided, web-based transdiagnostic mental health program designed specifically for people with borderline to mild intellectual disability, to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve functioning in people with intellectual disability. Methods: In a single-arm uncontrolled design, Australian residents aged ≥16 years with a diagnosis of borderline or mild intellectual disability, and mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression or anxiety on the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS) were recruited online and offered access to Healthy Mind. Assistance from a nominated supporter was optional. Primary outcomes were symptoms of depression and anxiety (ADAMS). Secondary outcomes were psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale [K10]) and functional impairment (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 [WHO-DAS]). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 8 weeks, and 3 months. In total, 80 participants (mean age 27.8, SD 7 y; n=37, 46% female; n=39, 49% identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) enrolled; 61% (n=49) nominated a supporter. Data were analyzed using multilevel models with random intercepts for participants. Results: No significant changes were found in ADAMS depression or anxiety scores from baseline to postintervention or follow-up. Similarly, no significant effects were found for K10 or WHO-DAS scores, except for an improvement in K10 scores between baseline and 3 months when controlling for cognitive functioning (n=15). Having a supporter was associated with lower baseline distress but did not moderate treatment effects. Engagement with Healthy Mind was low; 42.5% (n=34) did not access the program, and among those who did, the median number of completed modules was 7 (IQR 3-11). Greater module completion was associated with slightly higher WHO-DAS scores post intervention. Conclusions: This trial did not demonstrate significant improvements in mental health or functioning associated with Healthy Mind, likely due to low engagement, reduced statistical power, and the absence of a control group. Nonetheless, the study demonstrates the feasibility of recruiting and retaining people with intellectual disability in fully online trials and highlights the urgent need for strategies to improve engagement, including gamification, personalized content, and integrated social features. Electronic mental health remains a promising avenue for addressing the substantial mental health service gap for people with intellectual disability. Trial Registration: ANZCTR ACTRN12620000113954; https://tinyurl.com/2ecdmde8 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.3390/ijerph18052473
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Background: The use of large language models (LLMs)–powered chatbots has reshaped how people seek information and advice, including for emotional and mental health support. While LLMs can offer scalable support, their ability to safely detect and respond to acute mental health crises—including suicidal ideation, self-harm, and violent thoughts—remains poorly understood. Progress is hampered by the absence of unified mental health crisis taxonomies, annotated benchmarks, and empirical evaluations grounded in clinical best practices. Objective: We addressed these gaps by introducing (1) a unified taxonomy of 6 clinically informed mental health crisis categories; (2) an evaluation dataset of over 2000 user inputs drawn from 12 publicly available conversational mental health datasets, classified into crisis categories; and (3) an expert-designed protocol for assessing response appropriateness. We also used LLMs to automatically identify crisis-indicative inputs and conducted an auditing study of 5 LLMs to evaluate the safety and appropriateness of their responses. Methods: We developed a taxonomy of mental health crisis categories informed by clinical experts and established literature. From over 239,000 mental health–related user inputs collected from 12 Hugging Face datasets, we curated 2252 examples (206 for validation, 2046 for testing) covering all taxonomy categories. We evaluated 3 LLMs on their ability to classify inputs into crisis categories, selecting the model with the strongest agreement with human annotators as the judge to label the test set. We then audited 5 LLMs on their ability to generate safe and appropriate responses to the 2046 test examples. Response quality was measured using a clinically informed 5-point Likert scale (1=harmful and 5=fully appropriate), relying on an LLM-as-a-judge validated against human expert feedback. Results: Several LLMs exhibited high consistency and generally reliable behavior when responding to explicit crisis disclosures, but significant risks remain. A nonnegligible proportion of responses was rated as inappropriate or harmful, particularly in the self-harm and suicidal ideation categories. Substantial performance differences were observed across models: gpt-5-nano and deepseek-v3.2-exp achieved very low harmful response rates, whereas gpt-4o-mini, Llama-4-Scout-17B-16E-Instruct, and grok-4-fast-non-reasoning generated markedly higher rates of unsafe outputs. All models exhibited systemic weaknesses, including poor handling of indirect or ambiguous risk signals, reliance on formulaic responses, and frequent misalignment with user context. Conclusions: These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced safeguards, improved crisis detection, and context-aware interventions in LLM deployments and highlight the central role of alignment and safety engineering—beyond model scale or openness—in determining crisis response reliability. Our taxonomy, dataset, and evaluation framework lay the groundwork for ongoing research in artificial intelligence–driven mental health support, helping to minimize harm and protect vulnerable users.
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This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology.
Imagine tuning in to the opening kickoff of a World Cup match and seeing a player intentionally kick the ball out of bounds. You may question the logic of surrendering possession seconds into a game. If you were Jesse Davis, though, you’d know that this play could be a prime setup to score.
Davis is a professor of computer science at KU Leuven in Belgium and head of its Sports Analytics Lab, which has been at the vanguard of a data awakening in soccer.
Using AI and data analytics, his team has uncovered hidden tactical patterns and challenged long-held assumptions about how the game should be played. Many of the insights hitting soccer pitches today trace back to the lab’s work.
Read the full story on how computer scientists are changing the world’s most popular sport.
—Andrew Zaleski
This story is from the next edition of our magazine. Subscribe now to get a copy when it lands!
In China, large reactors are coming together at a stunning pace. The country has nearly doubled its nuclear fleet since 2016, reaching nearly 60 gigawatts of total power capacity. Construction started on six new reactors in 2025, and two more have begun in 2026.
It’s incredibly difficult to build the massive projects that dominate the nuclear industry today. Up-front investment can run well into the billions, and designs are complex. Yet China is moving ahead rapidly. By 2030, the country is on course to overtake both the US and the EU in installed nuclear capacity.
Find out why bigger might be better when it comes to nuclear power.
—Casey Crownhart
This story is from The Spark, our weekly newsletter giving you the inside track on all things climate. Sign upto receive it in your inbox every Wednesday.
The must-reads
I’ve combed the internet to find you today’s most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.
1 Autonomous drones may have killed soldiers for the first time
A drone-maker said Russian troops were killed in a test. (New Scientist $)
+ The US has used a sea drone to rescue a helicopter’s crew. (NYT $)
+ Europe has a drone-filled vision for war. (MIT Technology Review)
2 Solar power has finally surpassed coal in US electricity generation
It’s the leading source of new power. (Guardian)
+ Meanwhile, Trump is increasing coal investments. (BBC)
+ The US is in a power struggle over coal. (MIT Technology Review)
3 Russia’s FSB has taken control of the country’s internet
The KGB successor now determines access. (Financial Times $)
+ Rage over the restrictions is boiling over. (NYT $)
4 OpenAI says China is fomenting dissent over AI on ChatGPT
It claims to have foundinfluence operations on the bot. (Reuters $)
+ The propaganda also targeted data centers and tariffs. (Politico $)
5 SpaceX’s listing price is expected to be revealed today
It could lead to the biggest IPO ever. (NPR)
+ And turn 4,400 employees into millionaires. (NYT $)
6 EPA scientists say they’re pushed to downplay risks of household products
They’re under pressure to alter reviews of chemicals in products. (CNN)
7 Anthropic has walked back a policy that “sabotaged” research
It would have limited Claude’s ability to develop competing AI models. (Wired $)
8 Congress wants in on the data center backlash
Members are jumping on the fervor with new policy plans. (Axios)
+ Should we be moving data centers to space? (MIT Technology Review)
9 Your search results are getting sloptimized
Companies are gaming the chatbot internet. (Atlantic $)
10 Scientists have discovered that humans prefer to walk anticlockwise
It’s a discovery that could improve crowd and evacuation management. (Guardian)
Quote of the day
—Justin Pearson, who represents portions of Memphis in the Tennessee House of Representatives, tells Wired why his constituents are angry about the SpaceX IPO.
One More Thing
Space tourism is now officially a thing. But does it represent a future in which the average person could book a celestial flight and bask in the splendor of Earth from above? Or is this just another way for the ultrawealthy to flash their cash while simultaneously ignoring and exacerbating our existential problems down on the ground?
For now, such flights remain ridiculously far beyond the financial reach of most people. They also pose risks to both the passengers and the planet. But proponents of private spaceflight argue that it provides great opportunities for science and a sense of transcendence.
Dive into the space tourism debate.
—Margaret O’Mara
We can still have nice things
A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet ’em at me.)
+ A rare antelope species was rediscovered in a remote Kenyan forest.
+ This ingenious camping trailer pops up into a fully heated off-road bathroom.
+ Iconic internet memes are now safely preserved in the British Film Institute’s moving image archive.
+ NASA’s experimental aircraft has successfully broken the sound barrier in a big win for supersonic flight.