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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 53 million U.S. adults have arthritis, and that number is expected to increase as people live longer. This incurable condition affects the joints and the tissues around them. As such, managing symptoms is key to reducing pain and improving the quality of life for patients. One of the latest efforts in the crusade against this condition comes from Stanford University, where scientists found a way to regrow aging cartilage, raising hopes for arthritis treatments.

The team, led by Helen Blau, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, and Nidhi Bhutani, PhD, associate professor of orthopaedic surgery, tested an injection that blocks the activity of a gerozyme, a protein involved in aging, known as 15-PGDH. This targets the cause of osteoarthritis, the most common kind of arthritis, in which the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down as we grow old.

The animal-tested treatment blocked the function of 15-PGDH with a small molecule, resulting in an increase in old mice’s muscle mass and endurance, reversing the naturally occurring cartilage loss in the knee joints of animals. It was also tested on samples of human tissue from knee replacement surgeries, where it also responded by making new, functional cartilage. The scientists also found that the injection also prevented the development of arthritis after knee injuries, such as ACL tears.

“Millions of people suffer from joint pain and swelling as they age,” Bhutani told Stanford Medicine. “It is a huge unmet medical need. Until now, there has been no drug that directly treats the cause of cartilage loss. But this gerozyme inhibitor causes a dramatic regeneration of cartilage beyond that reported in response to any other drug or intervention.”

“This is a new way of regenerating adult tissue, and it has significant clinical promise for treating arthritis due to aging or injury,” Blau added. “We were looking for stem cells, but they are clearly not involved. It’s very exciting.”

Now, it is reported than an oral version of the treatment is in clinical trials. With some luck, it will become a reliable resource in treating age-related muscle weakness that affects so many people.

Sources: Inhibiting a master regulator of aging regenerates joint cartilage in mice

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READ: Scientists at Stanford Find a Way To Regrow Aging Knee Cartilage and Prevent Arthritis

 

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The age-old question of how to live longer is one that Sir David Attenborough seems to have an answer for. On May 8, Attenborough turned 100 years old—a rare and inspiring milestone. Throughout his life, he has given audiences an unparalleled view into the natural world, and now he has also offered insight into what may have contributed to his remarkable longevity.

There are countless old wives’ tales about how to live longer, many dating back thousands of years. Humanity has long looked to nature for clues to longevity. In the modern age, however, science has helped us better understand why some people become centenarians while others do not, though the mystery of aging is still not fully understood.

According to Harvard Medical School, “25% of the variation in human life span is determined by genetics,” while the remaining 75% is influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors. The term “biohacking” refers to practices people adopt in hopes of extending their lives. These can include familiar habits like regular exercise and a balanced diet, as well as more extreme measures such as cold plunges, stem cell therapies, and extensive supplement regimens.

Attenborough, however, has credited much of his mental well-being to his lifelong connection with nature. In a statement to Butterfly Conservation, he said, “Spending time with nature offers us all precious breathing space away from the stresses and strains of modern life. It enables us to experience joy and wonder, to slow down, and to appreciate the wildlife that lives side by side with us.”

Science supports the idea that mental well-being plays an important role in healthy aging. Researchers have found that higher levels of happiness are associated with longer life expectancy. For someone like Attenborough, whose dedication to his work has spanned decades and far exceeded the typical bounds of a career, that sense of purpose may be especially significant.

In 2021, Attenborough narrated a 10-minute virtual reality meditation for BBC Sounds that let viewers into his mindfulness practice. Additionally, during an episode of Call of the Wild in a conversation with podcast host Cel Spellman, Attenborough described a simple exercise that anyone can try.

The practice is straightforward: sit somewhere in nature, remain still and quiet, and wait for 10 minutes without impatience. According to Attenborough, something fascinating almost always reveals itself when people observe the natural world without distraction. He specifically described doing this in a woodland setting, where patience is often rewarded with small but extraordinary moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

As Attenborough rings in his second century of life, his greatest lesson may be that longevity can be found in bringing a sense of curiosity, awe, and purpose into each moment. His focus on appreciating the beauty of the natural world could be the secret to living a longer and more fulfilling life.

Sir David Attenborough recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

 

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Hitting a milestone birthday has left many people wondering what the secret is behind his longevity.

 

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The beloved naturalist credits much of his mental well-being to his lifelong connection with nature.

 

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As Attenborough rings in his second century of life, his greatest lesson may be that longevity can be found in bringing a sense of curiosity, awe, and purpose into each moment.

 

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Running is one of the most common workouts that most people are able to do. There’s no need for fancy equipment; all you need are some comfortable clothes and shoes. With some practice, you may even become an endurance runner, traversing long distances with relative ease. This may sound daunting but there’s some scientific proof that we’re all built for it which may encourage you to do it. A study has found that humans being at one of the best mammals when it comes to endurance running.

Bruce Winterhalder, professor emeritus at the UC Davis Department of Anthropology and Graduate Group in Ecology, and paleoanthropologist Eugène Morin, of Trent University, teamed up to study how we fare when it comes to endurance running, based on the endurance pursuit hypothesis, first proposed by biologist David Carrier in 1984. This premise implies that endurance running traits in humans evolved to allow us to run down large game animals through persistence hunting.

To support this, Winterhalder and Morin mixed mathematical modeling with a thorough ethnohistoric investigation of first-hand accounts of endurance pursuits. The latter was only possible thanks to a recent digitization of accounts by the likes of explorers, missionaries and officials between 1527 through the early 20th century. “We have software that allows us to search for information that dwarfs what we could do if we were trying to read through all the possible sources ourselves,” Winterhalder told UC Davis.

Aided by this technology, the pair found 391 accounts of hunts from 272 locations around the world that matched endurance pursuit tactics. Despite taking place in different sociological and geographical contexts, they share similar characteristics. First, a hunter finds a prey, followed by a pursuit in which the animal outdistances the hunters. However, the prey then gets tired and stops to recover, which allows the hunters to catch up with them. The cycle then repeats until the animal is exhausted and captured.

Then, the pair turned to the mathematical models to analyze increasing velocity during game pursuits, comparing return rates to other methods, like stalking. “We found that in contexts like high heat or a substrate that impedes the animal, such as crusted snow, the net return rate of food acquisition from endurance pursuits can match or exceed that of other methods of prey acquisition. The chance of pursuit failure appears to diminish, and exhausted prey are safer to approach. For early humans without ballistic weaponry, these are significant advantages,” Winterhalder said.

The researchers also noted the prevalence of team efforts in these hunting episodes, like those done by relay or having one member climb a hill to tell the others where the prey went. Ultimately, they hope this unique connection between sports and science inspires others to look deeper into what’s behind the world of running. “To run long distances, to have an evolved gait that’s uniquely imbued with stamina is unusual in the animal world,” Winterhalder said. “If that inspires you to go for a run, great.”

Sources: Ethnography and ethnohistory support the efficiency of hunting through endurance running in humans; Humans are Born to Run: Hunting by Endurance Pursuit is Widespread Among Humans, New Work Shows

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READ: Study Finds Humans Are Among the Top Mammals for Endurance Running

 

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Legendary broadcaster, natural historian, and writer Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on May 8, 2026. His eight-decade-long career has kept him traveling the world, exploring nature, and inspiring generations to care for the planet. But his passion for conservation isn’t the only thing that’s kept him healthy and motivated. According to the centenarian himself, one of the secrets to longevity is also following a mostly plant-based diet.

“I have certainly changed my diet,” Attenborough said in 2017. “Not in a great sort of dramatic way. But I don’t think I’ve eaten red meat for months.” He later added in 2020, “I do eat cheese, I have to say, and I eat fish. But by and large, I’ve become much more vegetarian over the past few years than I thought I would ever be.”

In a 2023 episode of Planet Earth III titled Human, Attenborough spoke out about the environmental impact of animal agriculture and encouraged people to adopt a more plant-based way of eating. “If we shift away from eating meat and dairy and move towards a plant-based diet, then the sun’s energy goes directly into growing our food,” he explained. “And because that’s so much more efficient, we could still produce enough to feed us, but do so using a quarter of the land.”

In his book, A Life on Our Planet: My Witness Statement and a Vision for the Future, Attenborough also reflected on humanity’s impact on the natural world and argued that moving toward a more plant-based future, while challenging, could have major benefits for the planet.

But Attenborough isn’t the only one to champion a mostly plant-based diet—many scientists and medical experts support it too. Research has linked reducing red meat intake with lower cancer risk, healthier cholesterol levels, and a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

“Eating more than 18 ounces of red meat weekly can increase your cancer risk,” the American Institute of Cancer Research warns. “If you eat red meat, limit the consumption to no more than three portions a week or about 12-18 ounces (cooked). Eat little, if any, processed meat.”

If you want to live to 100 like Attenborough, you could swap out red meat for things like fish, chicken, nuts, beans, and lentils. Even simple, nutrient-rich options like tofu, tempeh, lentils, and mushrooms are great alternatives, as they give you plenty of protein and fiber, without the high levels of saturated fat.

Attenborough also credits his longevity to staying physically active and spending time in nature—two more habits that are also widely supported by scientific research.

On his birthday, Attenborough received thousands of well-wishes from around the world via a BBC tribute on Instagram. One person wrote, “Please let this man live forever,” while another commented, “Aren’t we lucky we’ve had him for 100 years so far!?”

Sir David Attenborough turned 100 on May 8, 2026, after an 80-year career spent exploring and championing the natural world.

 

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He credits a mostly plant-based diet as one of the secrets to his long and healthy life.

 

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Source: Limit Consumption of Red and Processed Meat

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Birdwatching is often seen as a leisurely outdoor hobby, one easy to overlook in these fast-paced times. But there’s good reason to pick up your binoculars. Recent studies indicate birdwatching could potentially have major advantages for brain health. Researchers have discovered physiological differences in the brains of seasoned birdwatchers that are linked to improved perception, attention, and memory. According to these results, birdwatching may help maintain mental sharpness and possibly slow some elements of cognitive aging.

A recent Canadian neuroscience study compared experienced birdwatchers’ brains to those of beginner birdwatchers. Expert birders were found to have denser brain tissue in regions associated with attention and visual processing. Scientists believe these differences occur because birdwatching helps improve neuroplasticity. Identifying birds requires close observation, pattern recognition, and memory.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections as people learn and gain experience. This makes birdwatching a great activity, since birders are constantly forming neural pathways when identifying a bird by its call or its fleeting appearance. Honing this skill continues to enhance neuroplasticity, which is why advanced birders exhibit stronger processing and memorization abilities.

Another key finding from the study is that these cognitive advantages appear to persist with age. Brain scans revealed that experienced birders showed less pronounced age-related decline in the same brain regions compared with beginners. This suggests that developing expertise in complex hobbies like birdwatching may help build what scientists call “cognitive reserve.” This is the brain’s ability to maintain function and compensate for age-related changes or damage.

Additionally, it’s fun. While you’re birding, you’re discovering new species, learning to identify a bird solely from its call, and spending time connecting with nature. Get started by putting out a bird or hummingbird feeder, exploring regional parks and lakes for birds of prey, or befriending a crow.

And of course, there is technology that has made birdwatching more accessible to beginners. Merlin Bird ID is an app created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that can identify birds through photos, sounds, or simple questions, making it easier for people to learn about species in their area.

If you’re looking to start this new hobby, be motivated by all the benefits for mental stimulation and relaxation. It encourages people to slow down, observe nature, and appreciate the freedom of the birds around them.

Birdwatching as a hobby may be one of the best for your attention and processing skills, as shown by MRI scans in a new study.

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Birdwatching improves neuroplasticity by honing your identification and memorization skills.

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Experienced birders also showed less cognitive decline than other non-birders or less experienced birders in the same age range.

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Birdwatching has many advantages and is fun to do. You can spend time outdoors, learn to easily identify different species, and improve your long-term health.

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Source: ‘Birdbrain’ benefits: How being an expert birdwatcher may boost cognition

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Longevity is often attributed to diet, genetics, or stress levels. But according to vascular surgeon Dr. Rema Malik, one of the biggest predictors of healthy aging may be far simpler. The key, it seems, is to keeping your blood moving.

After years of studying the circulatory systems of her patients, Malik noticed a striking pattern among those who lived into their 90s with strong cardiovascular health. Their secret wasn’t extreme workouts or strict diets—it was a lifestyle that prevented their blood from “sitting still.” Instead, these individuals kept their circulation active throughout the day with frequent movement and small habits that support healthy blood flow.

As a vascular surgeon, Malik spends her career examining arteries and veins through ultrasound scans, giving her a unique window into how the body ages. She says a key marker of healthy aging is endothelial flexibility—the ability of blood vessels to expand and contract smoothly. When blood vessels maintain this flexibility, blood can circulate freely, delivering oxygen and preventing plaque buildup that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Among her oldest patients, circulation tends to be supported by simple routines repeated daily—things like regular walking and stretching are beneficial to maintaining good heart health. One habit she frequently recommends is what she calls a “post-meal flush.” This gentle activity helps the body regulate blood sugar while also stimulating circulation, acting like a pump that moves blood through even the smallest capillaries.

Malik also suggests that blood vessels benefit from being “trained,” much like muscles. Some of her long-living patients naturally incorporate habits that challenge and strengthen their circulatory systems.

For instance, she recommends ending showers with about 30 seconds of cold water, which causes blood vessels to constrict and then expand again once the body warms up. This process, she explains, essentially gives the vascular system a quick workout.

Another practice is elevating the legs above the heart for around 15 minutes. This position helps blood flow back toward the kidneys more easily, reducing pressure in the veins of the legs and helping the body clear metabolic waste.

While longevity research often focuses on complex factors like genetics or specialized diets, Malik’s observations highlight the powerful role of blood circulation.

A vascular surgeon says many people who live past 90 share a simple habit: keeping their blood circulating through regular movement throughout the day.

 

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At select train stations across Japan, commuters encounter a cool blue glow near the platform’s edge. The light feels soft but unmistakable. Officials installed these blue LED lamps, often at platform ends, to create a calmer atmosphere and with the hope of preventing suicide.

The idea comes from color psychology. Researchers have linked blue tones to reduced agitation and increased feelings of calm. Transit authorities adopted the lights in hopes that a cooler ambience could help curb impulsive behavior in high-stress spaces. Compared to structural renovations, crews can install the LEDs quickly and at lower cost. The efficiency makes them an appealing option for rail operators seeking visible action.

In an observational study conducted by researchers from University of North Texas (USA), The University of Tokyo (Japan), and Syracuse University (USA), it’s noted that there are certain design choices that have proven effective in decreasing suicide on train platforms. One such modification is the installation of physical barriers. In their particular study, however, they looked at the suicide rates on train platforms before and after the installation of blue LED lights. In their research, they say, “Our regression analysis shows that the introduction of blue lights resulted in a 84% decrease in the number of suicides.” As for the installation of blue LED lamps instead of physical barriers, they conclude : “As blue lights are easier and less expensive to install than platform screen doors, they can be a cost-effective method for suicide prevention.”

Since this study, other researchers have taken a look at other factors and variables. One paper discusses whether effective suicide prevention methods at one station cause greater suicide at stations without these improvements installed. The results found that “it did not result in a systematic increase in the number of suicides at the neighboring stations.” Researchers also now suggest that the effects of blue LED lamps vary by location and time of day. The lights appear most effective at night only within the areas they illuminate.

The blue LED lights do not replace larger safety measures; however, they highlight a growing belief that design shapes behavior. By adjusting light and atmosphere, transit systems are attempting to make everyday spaces feel steadier and more controlled.

Some Japanese train stations have blue LED “suicide prevention lights” installed to create a calming atmosphere.

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Researchers found that “the introduction of blue lights resulted in a 84% decrease in the number of suicides.”

 

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Sources: Does the installation of blue lights on train platforms prevent suicide? A before-and-after observational study from Japan; Reconsidering the effects of blue-light installation for prevention of railway suicides; How blue light affects your eyes, sleep, and health; Does the installation of blue Lights on train platforms shift suicide to another station?: Evidence from Japan; Why Japanese Train Stations Just Feel Better; Blue lighting accelerates post-stress relaxation: Results of a preliminary study; The Color Blue: Meaning and Color Psychology

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Cancer often feels unpredictable. It can arrive without warning and change a family forever. Many people see it as something beyond personal control. But growing research tells a different story. Many cancer cases link directly to lifestyle habits that people can change.

A recent study published in Nature Medicine shows that a large share of the global cancer burden connects to everyday behaviors. Smoking and alcohol use stand at the center of that risk. Together, they account for more preventable cancers than any other modifiable factors. The shift in understanding reframes cancer. It becomes not only a disease to treat, but one we can often prevent.

According to global health experts, more than one in three new cancer cases worldwide stem from risk factors that individuals and policymakers can influence. Lung, stomach, and cervical cancers make up a significant portion of these preventable cases. These are not rare conditions. They affect millions of families each year.

Tobacco smoking remains the leading lifestyle-related cause of cancer worldwide. Researchers link smoking to roughly 15% of all new cancer diagnoses. It drives the majority of lung cancer cases and contributes to several other forms of the disease. Its impact remains especially high among men in many regions.

Alcohol consumption ranks next among lifestyle risks. It accounts for about 3% of new cancer cases globally. While that number may seem smaller, alcohol use remains widespread. Even moderate drinking increases the risk of certain cancers over time.

When combined, smoking and drinking explain more preventable cancers than any other behaviors studied. These habits may feel personal, but they shape public health on a massive scale.

Smoking and alcohol do not act alone though. The analysis also points to other important influences that intersect with broader lifestyle patterns. People with high body mass index, low physical activity, or exposure to air pollution had higher cancer risk. Some cancers link closely to infectious agents such as human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes the majority of cervical cancers and is preventable through vaccination.

Where people live and the policies in place also shape risk. In some regions, air pollution plays a larger role in lung cancer. In others, low HPV vaccination rates contribute to cervical cancer. These differences highlight how prevention depends not just on personal action but on access to health care, education, and environmental protections.

For people who have lost loved ones to cancer, these findings can feel heavy. Knowing that some cases might have been prevented is painful. Yet the research carries hope. It points to steps that can save lives.

Quitting smoking remains one of the most powerful actions a person can take. Reducing alcohol consumption also lowers risks. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active offer additional protection. Vaccination against HPV provides another critical tool.

Cancer will always involve complex biology. Some cases will never be preventable. But many of the most common cancers connect to habits we can change. The reality gives individuals agency. It also challenges communities and governments to invest in prevention. By addressing these key lifestyle factors, societies can reduce suffering and reshape the future of global health.

Global research reveals that most preventable cancers are linked to just two everyday habits: smoking and alcohol use.

Photo: Alex_L/Depositphotos

Source: Global and regional cancer burden attributable to modifiable risk factors to inform prevention

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If you love to sing, you’re in luck. Research shows that using your voice comes with a surprising range of health benefits. From improving lung function to helping you relax, there are plenty of good reasons to belt out your favorite tunes—even if you’re slightly off-key.

Singing stimulates the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the throat and vocal cords to organs throughout the body. As part of the parasympathetic nervous system, it helps regulate breathing, heart rate, and digestion. Research suggests that stronger vagal tone is linked to better physical and mental health, as well as a faster return to calm after stress.

Reducing stress through singing is even linked to strengthening the immune system by increasing beneficial antibodies. And singing has also been found to help reduce pain and improve people’s heart rate and blood pressure. One study even suggests that singing can give the heart and lungs a workout similar to a brisk walk on a treadmill.

One of the most striking benefits of singing is its potential to support brain recovery after injury. This was seen in the case of Gabrielle Giffords, who used familiar songs from childhood as part of speech therapy after surviving a gunshot wound to the head in 2011. Singing helped her gradually regain verbal fluency over time.

Similar techniques are now used with stroke survivors, as singing provides the repetition needed to rebuild connections between the brain’s hemispheres. It is also thought to support neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself and form new neural pathways. Research shows that singing can even help people with Parkinson’s improve speech clarity.

One recent study showed that singing also helped people with long Covid. After six weeks of working with professional singers in the English National Opera, participants reported fewer breathing difficulties and better overall wellbeing.

“For some people, living with breathlessness can result in them changing the way they breathe, so that it becomes irregular and inefficient,” says Keir Philip, a clinical lecturer in respiratory medicine at Imperial College London. “Some singing-based approaches help this in terms of the muscles used, the rhythm, and the depth [of breathing], which can help improve symptoms.”

While the physical benefits of singing are fascinating on their own, the social side of singing has also been shown to play a powerful role in our health. Singing in groups, in particular, is linked to higher levels of psychological wellbeing than singing alone. Researchers studying community choirs for cancer, stroke survivors, people living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and their caregivers have found that group singing can reduce feelings of isolation, improve mood, and even foster stronger immune systems.

So, don’t worry if you don’t have perfect pitch. Turn up the music and sing. Your body might thank you for it.

Source: Why singing is surprisingly good for your health

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READ: Science Reveals the Surprising Health Benefits of Singing

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We may not know what happens after we die, but science has at least given us a clue as to what happens to our brains. In a landmark study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience in 2022, researchers revealed that the human brain may, in fact, remain active during—and even after—the transition from life to death. In other words, the popular saying that our lives “flash before our eyes” as we approach death may actually be true.

Remarkably, the study’s authors arrived at this conclusion purely by chance, during a routine test in 2016. The Vancouver-based team had originally intended to measure the brainwaves of an 87-year-old patient with epilepsy, but during his neurological recording, he suffered a fatal heart attack. In so doing, the man inadvertently provided the researchers with a recording of a dying human brain for the first time in history.

“This was actually totally by chance,” Dr. Ajmal Zemmar, a co-author of the study and a neurosurgeon at the University of Louisville, told the BBC. “We did not plan to do this experiment or record these signals.”

In total, the researchers managed to record about 900 seconds of brain activity leading up to and immediately after the patient’s death. In the 30 seconds before and after his heart stopped, the man’s brainwaves followed the same patterns as dreaming, recalling memories, or meditating.

“Just before and after the heart stopped working, we saw changes in a specific band of neural oscillations, [known as] gamma oscillations, but also in others such as delta, theta, alpha, and beta oscillations,” Zemmar remarked in a statement. Compared to these other oscillations, which are more commonly known as brain waves, gamma oscillations clock in at the highest frequency, measuring between 30 and 100 hertz. Notably, they’re widely observed in the brain when people access their memory center, located in the hippocampus region, while dreaming.

“Through generating brain oscillations involved in memory retrieval, the brain may be playing a last recall of important life events just before we die, similar to the ones reported in near-death experiences,” Zemmar added. “These findings challenge our understanding of when exactly life ends.”

Still, the study must be taken with a grain of salt. As Zemmar and his team have previously cautioned, the patient was both elderly and epileptic, a condition that has been shown to alter gamma wave activity. It’s also impossible to conclude whether the man was indeed seeing memories from his life, or if he was experiencing a dream-like state caused by his failing nervous system.

“I never felt comfortable reporting one case,” Zemmar continued. He and his team tried to locate additional cases, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. That said, a 2013 study involving healthy rats in the U.S. demonstrated that rodents experience similar levels of gamma oscillations around the time of death. More specifically, the researchers reported high levels of brainwaves at the point of death until 30 seconds after the rats’ hearts stopped beating—identical to the data compiled by Zemmar and his team.

“I think there’s something mystical and spiritual about this whole near-death experience,” Zemmar concluded. “And findings like this—it’s a moment that scientists live for.”

A scientific study published in 2022 offered compelling evidence that we do indeed see our “lives flash before our eyes” in the moments leading up to death.

Photo: The New York Public Library via Unsplash

Sources: Life may actually flash before your eyes on death – new study; First-ever recording of a dying human brain shows waves similar to memory flashbacks; First-ever scan of a dying human brain reveals life may actually ‘flash before your eyes'

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