Alzheimer's treatment, Iberian Lynx, and space doctors.

Adam Rogers
June 21, 2024

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Researchers have found a rare genetic trait, called Christchurch, that could delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

A study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine found that 27 people from a Colombian family with the Christchurch variant developed Alzheimer's much later than expected. This finding builds on 2019 research, where a woman with the same trait delayed Alzheimer's by about 30 years.
The research centered on an extended Colombian family with over 1,000 members who carry a genetic mutation, called the Paisa mutation, which almost guarantees early-onset Alzheimer's. The disease usually starts in family members in their mid-40s. Researchers have been collecting data from this family since 1995, conducting medical exams, genetic tests, and cognitive assessments to understand the effects of the mutation.
The study revealed that people with both the Paisa mutation and one copy of the Christchurch variant showed Alzheimer's symptoms five years later than those with only the Paisa mutation. Researchers are working to develop new treatments based on this discovery, with plans to start testing potential antibody drugs in human trials by 2026.

The Iberian Lynx is back from the brink of extinction.

The Iberian lynx was nearly extinct two decades ago, with only 62 mature cats left in Spain and Portugal. Their decline was linked to the disappearance of their main prey, the European rabbit, and habitat loss. Today, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has removed the Iberian lynx from the endangered species list, thanks to successful conservation efforts. Now, the lynx is considered barely vulnerable.
Conservation projects included breeding, reintroduction, and habitat restoration in southern Spain and Portugal. The latest census (2023) shows more than 2,000 adults and juveniles in nature reserves. Boosting the rabbit population played a crucial role in the recovery.
Despite the success, the Iberian lynx still faces challenges. The rabbit population is disease-prone. And climate change poses additional threats, with potential habitat changes and increased wildfires. While the future looks brighter for the Iberian lynx, continued efforts are necessary to ensure their survival.

Russia plans to build a dozen luxurious tourist resorts in occupied southern Ukraine by 2040, according to Russian media.

Russia plans to transform war-torn areas into a “resort Mecca” with the tagline “a sea of family comfort.” Popular Russian news outlet Komsomolskaya Pravda reported it obtained the blueprint from Russian authorities on Sunday. Despite the ongoing conflict and devastation, the goal is to attract up to 16 million tourists annually.
The master plan targets areas heavily affected by the war, such as Mariupol, and aims to develop new hotels, nature areas, and a yacht marina. Crimea, occupied since 2014 and frequently attacked by Ukrainian forces, is also included in the plans. However, independent analysts are skeptical about their feasibility. Similar projects in other regions, like the Caucasus, fell through.
Ukrainian officials haven’t responded to the report, and the Kremlin hasn’t commented officially. But, Russian authorities in occupied territories have discussed new tourism infrastructure plans, and there have been announcements on platforms like Telegram.
So believe Russia intends to hold onto the occupied territories to possibly convince Russians of the war's worth.

The Los Angeles Lakers have hired former NBA player and current analyst JJ Redick as their new coach on a four-year contract, sources told ESPN. Despite having no coaching experience, Lakers vice president Rob Pelinka was impressed by Redick's ability to connect with players and his basketball knowledge. (More)

At least 34 people have died and many more are in the hospital after drinking illegally brewed liquor in Tamil Nadu, India. The state's chief minister, M K Stalin, said the liquor was tainted with methanol. Over 100 people are being treated, and the death toll might rise. (More)

Actor Donald Sutherland, known for films like "The Dirty Dozen," "MASH," and "The Hunger Games," died Thursday in Miami at 88 after a long illness. Over his 50-year career, he won Emmy and Golden Globe awards and received an honorary Oscar in 2017. (More)

American scientists discovered a new species of horned dinosaur, Lokiceratops rangiformis — the largest centrosaurine found in North America. The dinosaur weighed 11,000 pounds, was 22 feet long, and lived in what is now Montana about 78 million years ago. (More)

The Manhattan District Attorney's Office dropped charges against nearly all of the 46 people arrested who protested against the Gaza war at Columbia University last month. Cases against 31 individuals were dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Another 14 were given the option to have charges dropped if they avoid further arrests for six months, but they declined, opting to return to court in July. (More)

Can dogs get poison ivy?

Training the next generation of space doctors.

…and the highest and lowest density of doctors around the world.

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