January 06, 2025

WHY THE DOLE ACT MATTERS

By Sri BensonVeterans BenefitsNews

The surviving spouse of a veteran who died of service-connected cancer shares why the new law will have a positive impact for veterans and their caregivers in the future. Bing Videos

“How long do we have?”

“Without treatment? Three months.”

That was Army Cpl. Katie Benson’s — introduction to the veteran health-care system. Katie had just been diagnosed with Stage IV biphasic mesothelioma. As her husband and caregiver, I became her unwavering support through the immense challenges that lay ahead.

Most toxins encountered by Global War on Terror veterans come from our own equipment including burn pits; open-air areas where solid waste, trash, chemicals, medical supplies, spent munitions, and plastics are burned.

But there are numerous other toxins that prey on servicemembers.

Those who were stationed at Karshi Khanabad (K2) were exposed to depleted uranium. Veterans involved with Operation Tomodachi were exposed to radiation after the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant meltdown. In Katie’s case, she was deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where her barracks was located near an open-air asbestos pit.

The average age for mesothelioma diagnoses is 72 years old. In 2018, at just age 35, Katie was told by the VA that her cancer came from normal U.S. exposures. Her initial service connection claim was denied. To reverse this, Katie and her doctors mounted a relentless effort, using statistics and pinpointing the exact asbestos pit in Kuwait to prove her case.

Mesothelioma has a known cause: asbestos. Most cancers, however, do not. Asking veterans to prove the source of their exposure is not only cruel but impossible. The PACT Act, signed into law in August 2022, changed this. It granted many respiratory cancers and conditions presumptive service connection, lifting the burden of proof from veterans. The act also created a process for the VA to add conditions to the presumptive list, like leukemia for K2 veterans.

This victory was hard-fought. American Legion staff and volunteers, along with other veterans organizations, pressured Congress, demanding action.

While others fought for her service connection, Katie fought for her life.

The five-year survival rate for Stage IV biphasic mesothelioma is nonexistent, but Katie defied her three-month prognosis. We traveled across the country, from Sloan Kettering in New York City to MD Anderson in Houston, chasing the latest treatments and clinical trials. Whenever possible she stayed in our hometown of Portland, Ore., taking her infusions from one of the best views of our city on the 11th floor of the Franz Oncology Clinic.

Katie survived so much, but when her final treatment started to fail in March 2022, the stress of caring for her while maintaining my own career overwhelmed me. At 37, I suffered a series of heart attacks caused by takotsubo cardiomyopathy; broken heart syndrome. Forced to quit my job, I became Katie’s full-time caregiver.

Katie entered hospice, and except for weekly visits from a nurse, we were on our own. I carried her from room to room, read to her when her vision failed, and helped her spend her final days with what joy we had left. Nights were spent administering morphine every three hours to keep her comfortable.

Our Multnomah County veterans service officer (VSO) encouraged us to apply for the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which was meant to help caregivers like me. However, soon after applying, we were denied. According to the eligibility algorithm, Katie — while on her deathbed — was not sick enough. I wouldn’t find out until later the reason for the denial was because she still had the ability to feed, clothe and bathe herself. Our county VSO again came to our aid, procuring a waiver based on Katie’s status as a hospice patient, but the initial denial letter was devastating and left us lost.

Sri and Katie Benson pose shortly after her cancer diagnosis at their first visit to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, in December 2018.

Katie died in my arms July 9 at 1:45 p.m. In her final hours I sat by her side until she passed recounting our adventures together and reading the prologue from Lord of the Rings, her favorite book.

In her final moments, I told her “I love you” after each breath she took, because I didn’t know which would be the last. I made sure the last sounds she heard were of love, her last sight was my eyes, and the last touches were from my hands.

Katie defied the odds, living for three years with Stage IV mesothelioma — a diagnosis that initially came with that grim three-month prognosis. We made those years the best of her life, as her doctors marveled at her sheer determination and grit, embodying the unwavering spirit of an American veteran. Her final words, as her heart raced uncontrollably, were “Don’t panic.”

I didn’t panic. The day after her funeral, I flew to Washington, D.C., to join veterans from around the country and demand better care for toxic-exposed veterans through the passage of the PACT Act. Katie’s struggle to prove her invisible wounds were service-connected was unnecessary and heartbreaking.

In addition to the advocacy by veterans, many lawmakers were working hard behind the scenes, knowing the sacred debt our country owes to veterans. One such politician was President Joe Biden, whose own son, Beau, died of toxic exposure cancer. We shared a moment that goes beyond words when I told him both Beau and Katie would be proud of him

The PACT Act was a major step forward but not perfect. Its impact reminds us that caring for veterans is a continuous effort. Our system of veterans health care is a garden that requires tilling, planting, and at times, pruning.

Through the last two years few bills intended to help veterans and their families have passed. Falling to the wayside, not even being given the dignity of a vote. Many of these bills were named for the fallen servicemembers and caregivers they were championing; Gerald’s Law, The Richard Star Act, and the Elizabeth Dole Act to name a few. With each forgotten bill, the voices of veterans have gotten louder, amplified by The American Legion and its allies.

This changed in May 2024, when several stalled bills were combined into the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Because so many bills were wrapped up in this omnibus, it became a must pass piece of legislation without much room for negotiation.

After much effort by The American Legion and allies, it passed in the final days of the 118th Senate. We held press conferences, sent letters signed by the national commander and executive director, and — along with our allies — visited all 211 House Democrats in 24 hours to push for this bill.

A guiding principle of the Elizabeth Dole Act is to allow veterans to be taken care of at home. Whether that is their home state, county or house. Katie loved our home, Portland, with all her heart, it’s where she was born, where we fell in love and were married, where she chose to die, and what she gave her life for. 

On Jan. 2, Biden signed the legislation into law. Let me tell you what this 90-provision, 256-page document will do beyond declaring it will “improve veteran health care.”

This bill, in section 302, will bring the same quality of County Veteran Services I enjoyed in Multnomah County to rural counties and Native Territories across the country, so veterans who choose to live among the trees and plains can enjoy the same level of care as those who live in dense communities.

Section 143 ensures when a veteran experiences a service-connected health crisis in a rural state, as we did, the transportation to care is covered and finances are not part of the veteran’s decision to pursue care.

Section 303 protects the loved ones of servicemembers who have passed away by repealing the outdated law investigating Gold Star spouses for alleged remarriage. This rule is not well known, but intensely feared by the Gold Star community, and its repeal is a blessing to many.

Section 301 provides burial services to veterans who die at home while in receipt of hospice care provided by VA. Most veterans prefer to die at home, but the process is difficult for their loved ones, this removes the additional financial burden of burial.

Section 124 mandates that the VA provide detailed explanations and information about alternative services to caregivers denied by the Caregiver Program. This ensures that caregivers, who are already dedicating everything to support an ill veteran, are not left feeling abandoned and lost with just a denial letter, as Katie once was.

Section 120 will increase the reimbursement cap for disabled veterans being cared for at home, allowing them to afford life saving ventilators and other durable equipment, while guaranteeing cost-savings to the American taxpayer.

Finally, Section 122 offers essential mental health services to caregivers, providing vital support to combat burnout and emotional exhaustion.

These are only seven examples of the 90-section bill that will help caregivers like me who have given their health and very soul to care for veterans who came home sick or injured. Together with the PACT Act, it shows that even in today’s divisive climate, we can honor our veterans and their families through perseverance.

Katie’s legacy lives on in this progress. We must continue the work, because every veteran and caregiver deserves dignity, respect and care.

Honoring Katie and Sri Benson

Sri Benson, the widow of U.S. Army CPL Katherine Irene Benson who passed away from mesothelioma at the age of 36 after exposure to industrial waste disposal while serving in Kuwait sits for a portrait at The White House prior to the signing of the PACT Act of 2022 which would improve healthcare access and funding for veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service.

Veterans and their families have stood up and sacrificed for our nation, and we must stand up for them.  Search Results for Mesothelioma | Cancer Quick Facts

That’s why his Jeff’s office sprung into action to support Portland constituent Sri Benson on his mission to honor his late wife, Corporal Katherine “KT” Benson. “We were high school sweethearts, and we married young,” Sri said. “She was my love.” 

After serving as an U.S. Army medic in Kuwait, KT returned home and graduated from Oregon State University, earning two degrees in microbiology and chemistry. Sri says it’s this education and background that helped KT later discover how she developed mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. 

“She was exposed to improper asbestos disposal…an industrial dump right next to her barracks,” said Sri. “The VA did not want to acknowledge that her illness was from her exposure to asbestos during her deployment, but because of her knowledge and experience with chemistry she was able to prove it, which was a huge deal because it’s something that’s very difficult to do and very rare.” 

Jeff fought to remove these hurdles to health care for Oregon veterans by helping to pass the First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act this summer, which ensures veterans who are suffering from toxic exposures as a result of their service get the health care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. 

When the landmark bill cleared Congress shortly after KT passed away on July 9, 2022 Sri said he knew he had to be there in KT’s honor when President Biden signed it into law, because “if she could have been there, should have.” 

Sri reached out to each of his elected representatives in Congress for help, and he says Jeff’s office “really took the reins” to ensure he was invited to the signing ceremony at the White House, where he was able to speak with President Biden just days after KT’s funeral. This proved to be a powerful moment for both of them because the President lost his own son Beau to brain cancer in 2015, which Biden believes may have been caused by his exposure to burn pits while serving in Iraq.  

“I told him, Joe Biden, that KT and Beau would be proud of him, and we both cried,” Sri remembers. 

Sri said he also hugged comedian and activist Jon Stewart for his work on the issue and met many members of Congress, but it was forming bonds with other attendees like himself that meant the most. 

“The trip to D.C. was paradigm shifting for me,” said Sri. “Now I have a group of people I can talk to, kind of a group therapy, where we can talk about widowhood and the nature of service because they have similar stories.” 

All of these experiences are now inspiring Sri to begin a new chapter in his life, with the memory of KT at the very heart of it. “She had an incredible capacity for empathy. She more than anything hated to see other people suffer. Through her life the main throughline would be helping other people,” Sri said. 

“Even though I’m a licensed professional engineer, I think I want to do more to directly help people. So, because of the D.C. experience, the way I am planning to do that is to get into politics and legislation…I think KT would want me to carry on her legacy.” 

If you are an Oregon veteran looking to learn more about the PACT Act, visit the VA’s website for more information, or please contact Jeff’s office to help us serve you. 

Sri Benson, the surviving spouse of Cpl. Katherine Benson, is a Veterans Health Policy Analyst for The American Legion’s Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation Division.

Remembering Those Who Gave Their All – Memorial Day Medley – Daily Hope – Behind the Music Edition

Country music legend Toby Keith has passed away at the age of 62 after battling stomach cancer, according to announcements made on his official website and social media accounts early Tuesday morning. Keith, known for his iconic hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” died surrounded by his family on Monday night February 5, 2024.. 

RiP ~ Miss You Big Dawg ~ RiP!!!

Toby Keith was nicknamed “Big Dawg” because of his big, strong appearance2. The nickname became popularized through his album and song title, “Big Dog Daddy”134.

The announcement from his official channels stated that Keith fought his battle with cancer with grace and courage. Diagnosed in fall 2021, The country star had revealed in June 2022, and had been undergoing various treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Despite his illness, Keith continued to record and perform, appearing live for three nights in Las Vegas in December, showcasing his enduring talent and remarkable resilience. .

Born in Clinton, Oklahoma, and raised in Moore, Keith rose to prominence in the early 1990s as a country artist. Throughout his career, he became an icon of the genre, selling between 25 million and 30 million records in the United States and amassing over 10 billion digital streaming plays for his songs. His most recent album, “100% Songwriter,” was released in November.

Keith’s impact on country music is undeniable, with hits like “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” “Beer for My Horses” (a duet with Willie Nelson), “I Love This Bar,” and “Red Solo Cup” solidifying his status as a country music legend. His contributions to the genre will continue to resonate with fans for generations. Toby Keith Songs Playlist – Videos

Toby Keith’s career was marked by 42 Top 10 hits, 32 chart-toppers, and 21 studio albums. Known for his philanthropy and business ventures, his impact on the music industry and his role in shaping the careers of other artists, such as Taylor Swift, are part of his enduring legacy.

How Toby Keith help Taylor Swift get started? – Search

Toby Keith helped Taylor Swift by founding Big Machine Records, her first record label, in 2005^{1 2 3}. He left the label six months later to focus on his own label, Show Dog Nashville². Swift performed her songs for him and described him as having a powerful presence ⁴.

Toby Keith – Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American) (Official Music Video)

Toby Keith Fans Are Emotional After Seeing the Last Instagram He Posted Before His Death

Trace Adkins Honors Toby Keith With Powerful Rendition Of American Soldier

Toby Keith/American Soldier/Courtesy of The Red, White & Blue

Toby Keith’s Final Interview Proves He Was Fearless To the End

Toby Keith’s Final TV Performance: Watch

Lainey Wilson was shot down by American Idol and The Voice – Search

How Lainey Wilson Took Over Country Music ….

There’s a long list of major country stars to not make it far on America’s various popular singing competition series. For example, Luke Combs’ The Voice audition got him nowhere with the coaches, and Maren Morris got shot down by not just The Voice but also American Idol and America’s Got Talent. 

While co-hosting radio mainstay Country Countdown USA in May, Lainey Wilson opened up about being rejected by multiple shows despite her persistence. “I finally made it on American Idol. I tried out seven times [and] I took the long way around but finally made it on American Idol [and] I never made it through… never made it past the first round,” Wilson shared.

“I also tried out for The Voice,” she added. “I’m grateful my story ended the way that it did.” Each case of being shunned furthers the legend of Wilson’s decade-plus climb to stardom. It was a chase fueled by a lifelong love of country music and a refusal to let a flood of industry types saying “no” break her resolve.

“I’ve known that this is my calling, and there’s nothing else I want to do that I can do,” she told People. “I’ve always just been like, ‘No plan B. This is it.’ I feel like that time I’ve had to prepare, I don’t know… If it happened when I wanted it to, I don’t know that I would have been ready.”Recently, persistence has paid off for Wilson through multiple hit albums as well as a shelf-full of industry awards and a regular role on Yellowstone, a popular TV series with a country and Americana-heavy soundtrack. 

“I feel like country music has finally decided to love me back as much as I’ve been loving it for my whole life,” Wilson told People. “It feels good to be recognized.”

The Lainey Wilson Life Story – Search

Lainey Wilson is an American country singer-songwriter1. Born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, she grew up in a small town where her love for music was nurtured by her family2.

Lainey Wilson is a Grammy-winning country music singer and songwriter, celebrated for her unique blend of traditional country sound and personal storytelling. 1 Born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, she grew up in a small town where her love for music was nurtured by her family. 2 Her father, a fifth-generation farmer, played guitar, while her mother, a schoolteacher, influenced her fashion sense, particularly her signature bell-bottoms. Wilson’s musical journey began at a young age, writing her first song at nine and performing at various venues, including impersonating Hannah Montana at events.

Despite facing initial struggles in Nashville, where she was often told her style was “too country,” Wilson’s perseverance paid off. Her big break came when her music was featured in the hit series Yellowstone, which significantly boosted her visibility in the country music scene. Songs like “Things a Man Oughta Know” and “Watermelon Moonshine” catapulted her to fame, leading to multiple accolades, including Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards. Today, Wilson is not only known for her powerful vocals but also for her engaging performances and relatable lyrics, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music.

Lainey’s Early Life

Lainey Wilson was born on May 19, 1992, in Baskin, Louisiana, a small town with a population of fewer than 300 people. Raised in a family deeply rooted in music and education, her father, Brian Wilson, was a fifth-generation farmer who played guitar, often inspiring Lainey and her older sister, Janna, to create dances to his songs. Her mother, Michelle Wilson, a schoolteacher, also played a pivotal role in shaping Lainey’s fashion sense, gifting her a pair of bell bottoms that would later become a signature part of her onstage persona. Growing up in such a nurturing environment, Lainey developed a passion for music early on, influenced by country legends like Dolly Parton and pop icons like Britney Spears.

From a young age, Lainey was determined to pursue a career in music. She began writing her first songs at the age of nine and started playing guitar at eleven. Her early performances included impersonating Hannah Montana at various events, which gave her a taste of life as a performer. After graduating high school, she moved to Nashville at just 19, fueled by her dream of becoming a country music star. However, her journey was fraught with challenges, as she faced skepticism from industry executives who considered her style “too country.” Despite these setbacks, Lainey’s perseverance and dedication to her craft laid the foundation for her eventual rise to stardom.

Struggles in Nashville

Lainey Wilson’s journey to becoming a recognized country music star was fraught with challenges. After moving to Nashville at the age of 19, she faced significant hurdles in establishing her career. Living in a Flagstaff camper trailer, she often dealt with harsh winters, sleeping in multiple layers to stay warm. Despite her determination, the music industry was unkind; executives dismissed her as “too country for country,” believing her authentic twang and heartfelt songwriting didn’t align with the pop-infused sound dominating the genre. This rejection led to many closed doors, leaving her to question her path in the competitive landscape of country music.

Undeterred by the setbacks, Wilson continued to persevere. She spent countless hours walking Nashville’s Music Row, personally handing out demos and CDs in hopes of catching someone’s attention. Her persistence paid off when she released her self-titled debut album in 2014, followed by her second album, Tougher, in 2016. While these efforts garnered some recognition, it wasn’t until her music was featured on the hit television series Yellowstone in 2019 that she began to gain traction. This pivotal moment not only showcased her talent to a broader audience but also solidified her place in the country music scene, setting the stage for her eventual breakthrough.

Breakthrough with Yellowstone

Lainey Wilson’s journey to stardom took a significant turn when her music was featured in the popular television drama Yellowstone. The show, stars Kevin Costner, introduced her songs to a broader audience, beginning with “Working Overtime” in Season 2. This exposure was pivotal, as it not only showcased her unique sound but also aligned her with the show’s themes of rural life and resilience. The series co-creator, Taylor Sheridan, recognized Wilson’s talent and subsequently included her in the show’s narrative, creating a character named Abby who mirrored her real-life persona as a musician.

The opportunity to appear on Yellowstone marked a turning point in Wilson’s career. Her on-screen presence helped solidify her identity in the country music scene, allowing fans to connect her music with a face. Wilson’s character, Abby, who has a romantic storyline with a series regular, further endeared her to viewers. This dual role as both a performer and an actress allowed Wilson to showcase her musical talents while also gaining visibility in a competitive industry. The success of her songs on the show, combined with her performance, laid the groundwork for her subsequent rise to fame, leading to multiple award nominations and wins.

Recent Achievements

Lainey Wilson has made significant strides in her career, winning New Artist of the Year at CMA Awards 2022 and recently winning her third CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards. This accolade not only highlights her vocal prowess but also underscores her growing influence in the country music scene. During her acceptance speech, Wilson expressed gratitude towards her family, boyfriend Devlin “Duck” Hodges, and the supportive country music community. Her heartfelt acknowledgment reflects her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated artist, showcasing the power of perseverance and community support in achieving dreams.

In addition to her CMA Award win, Wilson also took home the Music Video of the Year award for her hit song “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” from her acclaimed album *Bell Bottom Country*. Her performance during the awards ceremony, where she showcased her new single “4x4xU” from her latest album *Whirlwind*, further solidified her status as rising star in the industry. With her recent Grammy win for Best Country Album and multiple ACM Awards, 2025 Entertainer of the Year, also Wilson’s trajectory in country music continues to ascend, making her a prominent figure to watch in the years to come.

Lainey’s Boyfriend

Lainey Wilson is currently in a relationship with Devlin “Duck” Hodges, a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The couple began dating in 2021 after meeting in Nashville through mutual friends. Despite keeping their relationship under wraps initially, Wilson confirmed their romance during an appearance on The Bobby Bones Show in June 2023. She expressed that she wanted to ensure Hodges was genuinely interested in her for the right reasons before making their relationship public. This level of discretion highlights Wilson’s thoughtful approach to her personal life, especially amidst her rising fame.

Hodges, who retired from football in 2022, now works in real estate and shares a deep understanding of pursuing dreams with Wilson, as he has navigated his own career challenges in the sports world. In interviews, Wilson has praised Hodges for his unwavering support, stating that he encourages her to chase her dreams without getting in the way of her ambitions. Their relationship appears to be built on mutual respect and understanding, making them a strong couple as they both pursue their respective careers in the public eye.

Weight Loss Journey

Lainey Wilson has made significant strides in her health and fitness journey, particularly since 2020, when she committed to a “Year of Health.” This decision marked a turning point in her lifestyle, as she aimed to prioritize her well-being both physically and mentally. Wilson implemented a strict regimen, cutting out dairy, sugar, and processed foods from her diet. Alongside these dietary changes, she hired a personal trainer to help guide her through workouts, focusing on running and hiking to enhance her fitness levels. These efforts have reportedly led to a remarkable weight loss of up to 70 pounds, showcasing her dedication to a healthier lifestyle.

The singer’s transformation has not only impacted her physical appearance but has also resonated with her fans, particularly on social media. In December 2022, a TikTok video of Wilson performing in leopard pants went viral, drawing attention to her impressive figure and newfound confidence. Embracing the spotlight, she humorously acknowledged the buzz surrounding the video, emphasizing her excitement about sharing her music and journey with her audience. Wilson’s candidness about her weight loss journey serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with determination and the right mindset, significant changes are achievable.

Lainey Wilson on imposter syndrome and new single, “Somewhere Over Laredo”

Brooks & Dunn – Play Something Country (with Lainey Wilson) (Official Audio)

Lainey Wilson – Watermelon Moonshine (CMA Fest 2023 Live Performance)

Lainey Wilson Wins Third CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year

Lainey Wilson – Whirlwind (Live From the 60th Annual ACM Awards)

Lainey Wilson Wins Album of the Year | The 58th ACM Awards

Lainey Wilson – Heart Like A Truck (sped up)

Lainey Wilson Songs – Search

17 Country Music Duets That Made History

The official performance video for Lainey Wilson’s “Somewhere Over Laredo” out now.

Members of Zac Brown Band Songs – Search Chris Fryar, John Hopkins, Coy Bowles, Zac Brown, Clay Cook and Jimmy De Martini pose for a photo shoot at The Melrose in Nashville in Feb. 16, 2009. ©Samuel M. Simpkins / The Tennessean

After ALS diagnosis, Zac Brown Band member pens honest ballad for his daughters  

Story by Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY

In the three and a half years since John Driskell Hopkins was diagnosed with ALS, his voice has slowed a beat and he struggles with balance, often using a walking stick to navigate airports and snaking backstage hallways.

But, he says with an optimistic lilt, “compared to a lot of people, I’m doing great.”

He wiggles his fingers on a video call from a dressing room in Cincinnati, where the Zac Brown Band will play that night, to show “they still work.”

Hopkins, 54, has long circled among guitar, bass, banjo and ukulele in the group, which has adapted to any changes he’s needed to make to keep his vocal or guitar parts. “I’m hoping to be out there as long as I can. Sometimes I feel like (performing) gives me more inspiration to keep going,” he says.

Though Hopkins’ form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – is progressing slowly as it attacks his upper motor neurons that primarily affect the brain, he is accepting of a diagnosis with a lifespan that doesn’t often extend past five years. “Something could happen tomorrow and I could be paralyzed,” he says.

“But typically, if you get to five years after diagnosis, they may say this is presenting more like PLS (primary lateral sclerosis). But it’s a non-starter in the conversation because nothing has changed. It just means a lower progression rate, which I can be grateful for.” 

John Driskell Hopkins pens song for his daughters

The day of Hopkins’ diagnosis in December 2021 was devastating. He and Jennifer, his wife of 17 years, had plans to take their daughters Sarah Grace and twins Lily Faith and Margaret Hope, now 16 and 13, to Callaway Gardens in their Atlanta hometown to see the annual holiday lights display.

After agonizing over the decision, the couple decided to “make the best of it” with their girls. But that night, Hopkins couldn’t sleep, haunted by the cruel reality of his diagnosis.

“I kept wondering what I could possibly say to my kids about this. You want to try to come up with this fatherly advice,” he says. “They’re kids. They haven’t been to college or gotten married. All of these things you expect a parent to help with and be there for, it was looking like I might not be there for it.”

The one thought Hopkins couldn’t shake was, “I love you forever,” which he’s turned into a song with the same title after working on it for months after his diagnosis with Zac Brown Band comrade Clay Cook.

“It’s tricky to think of things that haven’t happened yet and try to get ahead of them because you’re told your experience is going to be cut short,” he says.

John Driskell Hopkins (right) worked with fellow Zac Brown Band member and friend Clay Cook to write “I Love You Forever,” which Driskell, who suffers from ALS, dedicates to his family.© Tyler Lord for John Driskell Hopkins

The poignant piano ballad, which Hopkins released in May for ALS Awareness Month, is a valentine to his loved ones as he speak-sings lyrics such as “I don’t know how long this body will hold me/but my hope for you is you will grow old/we will be together in the ever after.”

The closing verse is especially heart-rending, as Hopkins uses his storyteller approach to quietly offer, “You girls and your mother/you have one another to hold and lean on/always know that.”

Life is slower, but ‘business as usual’

Hopkins is trying to stay busy both with music – the Zac Brown Band has a few dates through June and he continues to work on his own music, including another Christmas album – and helping others with ALS.

Three years ago, he and Jennifer started the Hop on a Cure foundation to support research to prevent and seek a cure for ALS, while also raising awareness about the disease.

Hopkins moves his hands to show the regularities of his life these days – “music, family, foundation. Music, family foundation” – and says he is as involved as possible with the daily undertakings of the organization.

“In the three years we’ve been a foundation, we’ve granted over $4 million in research projects. That’s no small feat but nowhere close enough to what we need,” he says. “We have to fund as many research projects as possible because we don’t know which one is going to hit. We’re learning a lot, but there is still no cure or treatment that will stop it.”

John Driskell Hopkins – Search Videos has been able to stay on the road with the Zac Brown Band even with his ALS symptoms affecting some of his motor skills.  © Emily Butler for John Driskell Hopkins

Despite the grim truths of his condition, Hopkins is approaching life as “slower, but business as usual.”

He took his daughters and “a busload of girls” to Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish concerts last year in Atlanta and met up with his bandmates to catch Tool and Pearl Jam.

Normalcy is a challenge, but it’s become almost a self mandate.

“I do need to get more rest,” Hopkins admits. “But I don’t want to miss out on anything.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: After ALS diagnosis, Zac Brown Band member pens honest ballad for his daughters

Has anyone ever reverse ALS – Search Videos

Yes, there have been rare cases where individuals diagnosed with ALS have experienced significant recovery, sometimes referred to as “ALS reversals”. While ALS is generally considered a progressive and irreversible disease, some patients have regained lost motor functions, defying typical expectations2. Researchers are studying these cases to understand potential factors that might contribute to such reversals, including genetic variations and experimental treatments.

Would you like to explore more about these cases or the latest research on ALS treatments? 1www.als.org  2healingals.org  3neurosciencenews.com

What factors contributed to these rare ALS reversals?

Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the IGFBP7 gene as a potential factor in rare cases of ALS reversal2. This mutation appears to reduce the production of the IGFBP7 protein, which is linked to the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) pathway—a pathway long studied for its potential neuroprotective effects2. Some individuals with this mutation have experienced partial or full recovery from ALS symptoms, defying the typical progression of the disease.

Scientists are now exploring whether targeting IGFBP7 could lead to new therapeutic approaches for ALS. While these reversals remain extremely rare, understanding their biological mechanisms could open doors to future treatments3.

Would you like to dive deeper into the research or explore potential therapies being studied? 1www.als.org   2www.neurology.org  3alsnewstoday.com

What is the significance of the IGFBP7 gene mutation?

The IGFBP7 gene plays a crucial role in regulating insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which influence cell growth, division, and survival. Mutations in this gene can disrupt these processes, leading to various health conditions.

For example, a specific splice-site mutation (830-1G>A) in IGFBP7 has been linked to retinal arterial macroaneurysm with supravalvular pulmonic stenosis (RAMSVPS), a disorder affecting blood vessels in the eyes and heart.

Beyond its role in vascular health, IGFBP7 is also involved in cell adhesion and extracellular matrix interactions, which may contribute to cancer progression. Additionally, recent research suggests that IGFBP7 is a key component of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), meaning it can induce cellular aging and influence immune system function.

Would you like to explore how this gene might be relevant to ALS research or other diseases? 1medlineplus.gov   2en.wikipedia.org 3biosignaling.biomedcentral.com

What recent studies have explored IGFBP7’s role in diseases?

Recent studies have highlighted the multifaceted role of IGFBP7 in various diseases:

• A 2024 review explored IGFBP7’s involvement in tumor progression, acute kidney injury, and reproductive processes. It examined how IGFBP7 regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration, making it a key player in disease mechanisms.
• A study on ALS reversal found that a mutation in IGFBP7 is linked to rare cases where ALS patients experience partial or full recovery. Researchers suggest that inhibiting IGFBP7 could have therapeutic potential for ALS.
• Another study investigated IGFBP7’s role in renal and cardiovascular outcomes among patients with type 2 diabetes. Higher IGFBP7 levels were associated with increased risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular events.

Would you like to explore how IGFBP7 could be targeted for future treatments?  1www.frontiersin.org   2alsnewstoday.com  3diabetesjournals.org

What potential therapies target IGFBP7 based on these studies?

Several promising therapies are being explored to target IGFBP7 based on recent studies:

• Vaccine Therapy for Heart Failure: Researchers have developed a vaccine targeting IGFBP7 to mitigate its harmful effects on endothelial cells in heart failure. In mouse models, this vaccine improved cardiac function by reducing IGFBP7-induced oxidative stress and enhancing insulin signaling.
• Psoriasis Treatment: A study identified a subset of endothelial cells with high IGFBP7 expression that contributed to immune cell infiltration in psoriasis. Targeting IGFBP7 showed potential in restoring vascular integrity and reducing skin inflammation.
• Angiogenesis and Vascular Remodeling: IGFBP7 plays a complex role in blood vessel formation. Some therapies aim to modulate its activity to enhance tissue regeneration and repair.

These findings suggest that IGFBP7 could be a viable therapeutic target for multiple conditions.

Would you like to explore how these therapies might be adapted for ALS treatment? 1www.ahajournals.org  2www.jci.org  3www.frontiersin.org

What is the efficacy of these therapies in clinical trials?

Clinical trials have explored the efficacy of IGFBP7-targeted therapies in various diseases:

• Cancer Treatment: A study on metastatic melanoma found that restoring IGFBP7 function induced apoptosis in cancer cells and significantly suppressed tumor growth in mouse models.
• Leukemia Research: In acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), IGFBP7 was shown to prolong IGF1 receptor activation, promoting cancer progression. However, IGFBP7 knockdown or antibody neutralization reduced leukemia progression in vivo, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
• Immunotherapy for Bladder Cancer: Research indicates that high IGFBP7 expression correlates with aggressive bladder cancer and reduced immunotherapy response. Scientists are investigating IGFBP7 as a novel target for combination immunotherapy.

These findings suggest that IGFBP7 plays a complex role in disease progression and treatment response. Would you like to explore specific therapies in more detail? 1aacrjournals.org 2ashpublications.org 3www.frontiersin.org

ALS Reversals: What Are They and How Can We Make Them Happen More Often? | The ALS Association

Race to a cure for ALS

Finding Joy in the Routine: How Our Tuesday Movie Nights Became a Lifeline
thekaregiver

Before ALS became part of our story, Tuesday nights were already spoken for—reserved for popcorn, fresh cookies out of the oven that Tony’s mom made, and our usual spots on the couch. Our weekly movie night wasn’t anything extravagant, just a little midweek ritual we looked forward to. We started it simply because we enjoyed it. Now, we hold onto it with even more appreciation.

ALS has a way of reshaping everyday life. Schedules shift. Priorities change. The pace slows down, but the emotional and physical weight increases. In the midst of all of that, our Tuesday movie night has remained a steady, comforting constant.

It gives us something to look forward to—something that isn’t an appointment or another round of logistics. It’s a mental break.

It may seem like a small thing, but having a consistent plan in the week matters so much. Especially for caregivers and people living with ALS, these kinds of traditions offer emotional relief, a sense of normalcy, and even joy.

For anyone navigating something hard: find your “movie night.” Whether it’s a show you love, a weekly game, or an ice cream date—consistency brings comfort. It doesn’t have to be big. It just has to be yours.

Our Tuesdays are still circled on the calendar. And now more than ever, we’re grateful for them.

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A post shared by Karen Vick | Life with ALS | Inspiring Story | Caregiver (@thekaregiver)

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Neurologist, Dr. Richard Bedlack, MD PhD runs the ALS Clinic at Duke Medical School. He is a pioneer in the ALS Community, leading the research into the causes of ALS reversals. As of July 29, 2020, he has confirmed 48 reversals. In this presentation, he discussed that research as well as new studies he’s conducting into Gut Health, Clenbuterol and Methycobalamin. 

• #ALSAwareness
• #ALSCommunity
• #LivingWithALS
• #CaregiverSupport
• #CaregiverLife
• #ALSFamily

Direct transformation of fossil carbon into chemicals: A review – ScienceDirect

How Does the Burning of Fossil Fuels Cause an Increase in Greenhouse Gases?Awareness/Tutorials, Conservation, Environment Issues Explained, Environmental Impact Assessment, Sustainable & Clean Energy, Sustainable & Healthy Living Practices / By Ruth Edet

Ever wondered why every environmental conversation seems to circle back to fossil fuels? 

Why are coal, oil, and gas—our trusty energy sources—often painted as the villains of the climate story?

Let’s take a look at the science and unpack how the burning of fossil fuels causes an increase in greenhouse gases, and why this matters more than ever today.

Most households in America use a central furnace to provide heat.

A furnace works by blowing heated air through ducts that then deliver the warm air to rooms throughout the house via air registers. Furnaces are powered by one of four fuel types: gas, electric, propane, or solar energy. As you try to choose the best fuel type for your furnace, it’s crucial that you choose the right one to achieve maximum performance.

Although the two main and most commonly known furnace fuel types are gas and electric, newer furnaces can also be fueled with propane or solar energy. Before you make the big purchase of a furnace, it’s important to determine what fuel type is best for your specific needs.

Picking the wrong one can lead to a replacement much sooner than you expected. Read on to discover more about the different fuel types for furnaces, and how you can ensure that you choose the best one.

What Are the Four Types of Furnaces?

Now that you know the risks of choosing the wrong furnace fuel type and the benefits of choosing the right one, which one should you choose? Here’s what you should know about each type:

Gas Furnaces

Gas is one of the most popular fuel types for furnaces, given that it’s generally much less expensive to operate over the long run than other types. Plus, gas furnaces generally heat houses faster than other furnace types, achieving a higher temperature during extreme cold.

One drawback of a gas furnace is that it only lasts 10 to 20 years. Plus, the installation process can be lengthy. And because gas furnaces emit a low level of carbon monoxide, the homeowner must always ensure that the furnace is well-maintained.

Regular maintenance by an HVAC professional is essential. Even so, experts recommend that if you already have a gas furnace that’s broken down, you should replace it with another gas furnace. And if you don’t have natural gas but have access to it, it’s a much easier option than getting a large propane tank installed. Curious how a gas furnace works? Inside, the fuel is mixed with air and burned.

Electric Furnaces

Many people choose electric furnaces for a variety of reasons. They’re generally less expensive to buy than gas furnaces. (However, the cost to operate an electric furnace can surpass the cost of a gas unit.) People also love that electric furnaces are mostly quiet and very durable, usually lasting 20 to 30 years.

Electric furnaces are also quick and easy to install. This carries into the life of the unit as well, considering that maintenance is so straightforward that homeowners are usually able to resolve issues with their electric furnace without calling a professional.

Propane Furnaces

People choose propane furnaces for many reasons. A propane furnace generates hotter air than an electric furnace, runs very cleanly and efficiently, and can provide all the advantages of gas heat when you don’t have access to a natural gas pipeline. In general, tanks can range in size from 200 gallons to 1,000 gallons.

Solar Energy Furnaces

In recent years, more and more people have become interested in heating their homes with solar power. Solar energy furnaces use concentrated solar power panels to produce high temperatures. A big perk of using a solar energy furnace is that energy-efficient, budget-conscious homeowners can save a lot of energy and money.

What Are Fossil Fuels and Why Do We Burn Them?

First, let’s get our basics right. Fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, buried under layers of earth for millions of years.

They’re energy-dense, making them perfect for powering our homes, vehicles, industries, and more.

When burned, these fuels release energy. That energy is what powers everything from your morning coffee maker to the industrial machines that build skyscrapers.

Sounds great, right?

But there’s a catch—burning fossil fuels also releases greenhouse gases, and these are the main drivers of climate change.

What Are Greenhouse Gases?

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are like the Earth’s thermal blanket. They trap heat in the atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.

Sounds like a good thing, right? And it is—to a point.

However, when we pump excessive amounts of GHGs into the atmosphere, it’s like throwing a heavy, extra-thick blanket on a warm night. The planet overheats, leading to global warming and its nasty side effects.

The main greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels include:

• Carbon Dioxide: The most infamous GHG, making up the lion’s share of emissions.
• Methane: A powerhouse of heat-trapping potential, often released during natural gas extraction.
• Nitrous Oxide: Released in smaller amounts but far more potent than carbon dioxide.

How Burning Fossil Fuels Leads to More Greenhouse Gases

When we burn fossil fuels, the chemical reaction releases carbon dioxide, water vapor, and energy.

Here’s how this works in simple terms:

1. The Carbon Cycle Gets Disrupted: Fossil fuels contain carbon that’s been locked away underground for millions of years. When we burn them, that carbon combines with oxygen in the air to form carbon dioxide.
2. Excess Carbon Dioxide Overloads the Atmosphere: The Earth’s natural processes—like forests absorbing CO2—can only handle so much. Burning billions of tons of fossil fuels overwhelms this system, leading to a buildup of CO2.
3. Methane from Extraction: Natural gas, hailed as a “cleaner” fossil fuel, leaks methane during extraction and transport. Methane is 25 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2.
4. Industrial Nitrous Oxide: Activities like using fertilizers or certain industrial processes release nitrous oxide, which has a warming potential 300 times that of CO2.

Energy From Volcanoes Becomes Latest Green Energy

In short, burning fossil fuels throws a wrench into the Earth’s delicate atmospheric balance.

The Ripple Effect of Increased Greenhouse Gases

Now you might be thinking, “So what if there’s more CO2 in the air? What’s the worst that can happen?” The answer is: plenty.

1. Global Warming:

More greenhouse gases mean more heat trapped in the atmosphere. This leads to higher global temperatures, which is why summers are hotter than ever, and winters are less predictable.

2. Melting Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels:

The polar ice caps act like giant air conditioners for the planet. When the Earth heats up, these ice caps melt, contributing to rising sea levels and threatening coastal cities and ecosystems.

3. Extreme Weather:

From hurricanes to droughts, increased GHGs disrupt weather patterns.

Ever noticed how storms seem more intense lately? Greenhouse gases are partly to blame.

4. Ocean Acidification:

Excess CO2 doesn’t just hang out in the air; a lot of it gets absorbed by the oceans, making the water more acidic.

This threatens marine life, especially species like coral and shellfish that depend on calcium carbonate to build their shells.

Why It’s Time to Rethink Fossil Fuels

The burning of fossil fuels isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human issue. It affects our health, our economies, and the future of life on Earth.

But here’s the silver lining: we’re not powerless. There are sustainable alternatives like renewable energy, improved energy efficiency, and carbon capture technologies.

Each of us can contribute by reducing energy waste, supporting policies that promote sustainability, and staying informed.

FAQs About Fossil Fuels and Greenhouse Gases

1. Are all fossil fuels equally harmful?

No, they vary in impact. Coal emits the most CO2 per unit of energy, followed by oil and then natural gas.

However, even “clean” natural gas leaks methane, which is worse than CO2.

2. Can we reverse the damage caused by greenhouse gases?

To some extent, yes. Actions like reforestation, switching to renewables, and adopting sustainable lifestyles can reduce emissions. But prevention is always better than cure.

3. Why don’t we just stop using fossil fuels immediately?

It’s complicated. The global economy depends heavily on fossil fuels, and transitioning to renewables requires time, investment, and political will.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how the burning of fossil fuels causes an increase in greenhouse gases is super necessary for anyone looking to grasp the environmental challenges we face today.

While the problem is massive, solutions are within reach. It starts with awareness, followed by action—because the planet we save is the one we live on.

What Happens During the Combustion of Fossil Fuels?

Is fossil fuels regenerative caused by a chemical; reaction – Search Videos

 Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas, are created when organic matter decays and becomes compressed beneath layer upon layer of sand, earth, rock and ocean. Interestingly, the name “fossil fuel” is actually derived from the word “fossil”: the mineralised remains of ancient creatures which once populated the earth. Burning fossil fuels yields carbon dioxide, water and energy; the process of burning fossil fuels is known as “combustion”.

The combustion reaction

During chemical reactions, energy is either absorbed into the environment (endothermic reaction) or released into the environment (exothermic reaction), and chemical bonds are broken and formed. Bond making is an exothermic process, while bond breaking is an endothermic process. Combustion reactions require oxygen. Fossil fuels are composed primarily of hydrocarbons, which are converted into carbon dioxide and water during a combustion reaction.

Of the three fossil fuels known to us, natural gas is the cleanest burning.

Coal and oil are more chemically complicated and release a cocktail of potentially harmful substances into the atmosphere when combusted. In order to detect SO2 in combustion gases, fluorescence – induced by ultraviolet light – is used. We explore further in this article: Interference-free Sulphur Analysis in Fuels.

The energy content of coal

Coal is composed primarily of carbon, water, some hydrogen and oxygen (although certain types of coal also contain small quantities of nitrogen, sulphur and a handful of other substances). The majority of the carbon found in coal is bound, meaning there is one C-C bond to every C atom. Energy release occurs when a C-C bond is broken. Roughly 43g of carbon dioxide is produced to every 23g of C burnt. If insufficient amounts of oxygen are available during combustion, carbon monoxide – a colourless, odourless and extremely dangerous gas – is produced.

Energy use, efficiency and the future

Fossil fuels represent an increasingly scarce commodity. Recently, the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that the unrestricted use of fossil fuels must be phased out in order to avoid catastrophic climate change. You can read more about this event in: How Much Longer Can We Depend on Fossil Fuels?

In addition to this, the burning of fossil fuels has been linked to global warming – a rise in the average temperature of the earth’s climate system. While historical, political and geographical contexts have led to the adoption of individual fuels and technologies across the globe, it is thought that 95% of the world’s energy requirement is currently met by fossil fuels.

As prices and temperatures rise, investment in greener energy sources is increasing. However, even renewable energy sources have environmental costs. Wind power, for example, requires a great deal of land, creates a great deal of noise, and can impact upon birdlife in the surrounding areas, while hydroelectricity has been linked to the destruction of farmland, dislocation of people and loss of habitat.

In the future, new technologies may provide us with answers to the questions we face currently. In the meantime, we must begin to think hard about how the energy we use every day is produced and whether we value it highly enough.  8.1: Climate Change and the Combustion of Fossil Fuels – Chemistry LibreTexts

Can someone visit the biosphere in Oracle Arizona – Search

Yes, visitors can visit the Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona. The facility welcomes all visitors and strives to make its tours, exhibits, and programs accessible to everyone. While much of the Biosphere 2 campus is wheelchair accessible, certain areas of the property are not accessible due to steep terrain and the presence of stairs.

Visitors ages 8 and up who are interested in science and the environment can participate in the tours and programs 1 2.  It is located at 32540 South Biosphere Road in Oracle, AZ, northwest of Tucson. The facility is open every day of the year from 9:00am to 4:00pm, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day 2 3

Biosphere 2 – University Of Arizona

Home | Biosphere 2

Biosphere 2 is an American Earth system science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe.

It has five synthetic ecosystems and a living area enclosed in a glass and metal structure. It was built to study the interactions between life systems and to test the feasibility of closed ecological systems for space colonization.

The Biosphere 2 Experience is a self-paced app guided tour that will lead you through the rich history and current research initiatives of this remarkable facility. The Biosphere 2 app should be downloaded prior to arrival in order to get the most out of your visit. The Biosphere 2 Experience will take place both indoors and outdoors.

Biosphere 2 – Apps on Google Play

The Biosphere 2 App provides an accessible and family-friendly guide for you to explore the groundbreaking science and unique history of this one-of-a kind facility. Visit Biosphere 2, owned and operated by the University of Arizona, to dive deep into all you need to know about the 30 years of history, architecture and awe-inspiring science.

Visitors should be prepared for the following physical requirements:

• This is a 75-minute walking tour, where you explore Biosphere 2 using your own smartphone and headphones.
• This is an indoor AND outdoor tour
• Approximately 100 stairs, both up and down
• 1-mile route to walk
• Varying weather conditions (Biosphere 2 Biomes are maintained as tropical environments, temperature and humidity inside the facility can reach the high 90’s)

Biosphere 2 is located in Oracle, Arizona – just outside of Tucson.  Although currently owned and operated by the University of Arizona, the complex and its creators have quite the backstory. We were excited to get to visit it in person!

The History of Biosphere 2

In the 1960s, John Allen was the leader of an idealistic and eccentric performance group located in San Francisco called the Theatre of All Possibilities.  His group then founded the Synergia Ranch collective in the New Mexico desert, where they constructed an environmental-centric community that included a Buckmisterfuller geodesic dome.   In the 1970s, they built the Heraclitus, a ship that they used to travel the world to explore its art, science, ecology.

Those adventures lead Allen and his team to envision a way to settle other planets. 

Keep in mind that this was right around the time that movies like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “Silent Running” were out.   But before colonizing other planets, they needed to figure out how to create a closed system on earth that would support human life.  Given that earth itself was “Biosphere 1,” their project would be named “Biosphere 2.”

How did Allen and his followers pay for all of this? 

Most of the money came from Ed Bass, an oil billionaire from Texas who ultimately became chairman of Space Biosphere Ventures. For a location, John Allen eventually found some acreage in Oracle.  The Biosphere 2 property was first homesteaded in the 1920s by a dentist who ran a cattle farm and hunting lodge.  

In the 1950s, Lady Margaret of Suffolk built a large adobe home and servant quarters. The Motorola Corporation acquired the property and built a hotel, restaurant, and auditorium, and the facility was used as an executive training center. 

The University of Arizona obtained the property in the 1970s, but sold it to Space Biosphere Ventures in 1984, who built Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 broke ground in 1987, and construction was complete in just four years.  That included construction of: (1) a test module, (2) greenhouses where plants and animals were quarantined prior to placing them in Biosphere 2, (3) analytical lab, and (4) mission control.   

To me, the “lungs” were perhaps Biosphere’s 2 most interesting engineering feats.  As the air in Biosphere 2 heated, the pressure created by the expanding gas had to go somewhere or it would literally explode.  The solution was to create the “lungs” —40,000 pounds of flexible rubber attached to an aluminum steel disc that would move with the pressure. 

The biosphere itself included a tropical rainforest, ocean with a tropical coral reef, savannah, mangrove marsh, arid coastal fog desert, agricultural area, and living quarters.  Ten two-story apartments were designed for each resident, featuring a downstairs living area and upstairs bedroom that could be decorated to each person’s taste.  A library sat atop a long spiral staircase at the top of the biosphere that provided 360-degree views of surroundings.

Biosphere 2 – Lungs (Oracle, AZ — just outside of Tucson, Arizona)

For Biosphere 2’s first mission, a crew of eight “Biospherians” stayed in the system from 1991 to 1993.  Another mission with seven Biospherians in 1994 lasted about six months.  Media coverage was intense, and the launch of the first mission made the nightly news and many of the morning talk shows. 

Each Biospherian took turns preparing meals, which were low calorie and high in nutrients. Sweet potatoes, beets, and legumes were popular.  Goats, chickens, and pigs also lived in Biosphere 2.  Coffee was a luxury as the beans were difficult to grow and roast.  For alcohol, they tried to make banana wine.  One of the Biospherians was a doctor, and his job was to focus on how their diet affected them. If you are wondering, the crew had a 22-25% body fat loss during the mission. 

During both missions, low amounts of food and oxygen plagued the participants.  The air typically contains 21% oxygen, but because of all of the photosynthesis occurring in the closed dome, the oxygen levels dropped to a dangerous 14%, and oxygen had to be pumped into the system.  The project was later criticized for not disclosing this in a timely manner, especially given the media attention.

Food was scarce because, among other things, the hummingbird and honey bee pollinators died.  Meanwhile worms and mites ate the crops and cockroaches flourished. The mission was subject to criticism for other reasons as well.  When a Biospherian cut her finger on a threshing machine, the mission’s doctor ultimately decided she needed to go to a hospital for surgery.  

Upon her return to the “closed” system, she also brought a duffel bag filled with computer parts and color film. Biosphere 2 employees also reportedly supplied the Biospherian employees with seeds, vitamins, mouse traps and other supplies twice a month.  None of this was disclosed to reporters, and the project lost credibility after the press found out.

During the second mission, the owners decided to transition the project from being a human habitation experiment to an environmental experiment.  Interestingly, Steve Bannon (yes, THAT right-wing, Breitbart-founding Steve Bannon) became CEO for a couple of years.  Academics were brought in, and in 1996, Columbia University took over the project.  

They changed it from a closed system to a “flow-through” system, and operated research projects there for seven years.  One project showed how increasing carbon dioxide levels in the ocean would adversely affect the coral reefs. 

After several years of inactivity (which resulted in the coral reefs completely dying), the University of Arizona took over management in 2007 and then acquired ownership in 2011 from Mr. Bass, along with $20 million to support its research. 

Today, the University operates the Landscape Evolution Observatory (LEO) out of the facility.  Scientists are trying to understand how water changes as it goes from rain and encounters various environments.   An energy center includes chillers, boilers, generators that run on both natural gas and diesel to keep Biosphere at proper temperatures.

An agri voltaics project illustrates how both the solar energy and resulting heat from solar panels can be harvested to produce a system that is around 80% efficient. In addition to conducting active research, the University also maintains a Conference Center with 28 casitas and nearly 100 rooms on the property. 

Visiting Biosphere 2

To visit Biosphere 2, we booked one of the time slots online for $25/person fee through Biosphere website and downloaded the self-guided tour on a mobile app created by the University of Arizona.  The mobile app is a series of videos that visitors are supposed to play at designated spots along the Biosphere 2 property.   We downloaded the mobile app ahead of time. 

 Biosphere 2 – Apps on Google Play

The Biosphere 2 App provides an accessible and family-friendly guide for you to explore the groundbreaking science and unique history of this one-of-a kind facility. Visit Biosphere 2, owned and operated by the University of Arizona, to dive deep into all you need to know about the 30 years of history, architecture and awe-inspiring science.

 If you are planning a trip to Biosphere 2, my advice is to watch all of the videos prior to visiting.  We had a hard time hearing our own video when several other people were playing the same thing in the background.  

Eight people attempted to live in a biosphere for two years and it went terribly wrong

While somewhat informative, the  University’s  mobile app video tour is lacking in many ways.   Instead, our advice is to watch the Spaceship Earth documentary, preferably before your visit. Unlike the documentary, the mobile app focuses largely on the facility itself and not on the people who created Biosphere 2 and the controversy surrounding that. 

Science on Screen Presents Spaceship Earth

 Maybe that is because the University is trying to promote its own ongoing research.  Or maybe that is because the Biosphere 2 missions were controversial in nature.  However, I think that most people who visit Biosphere 2 will be disappointed that there is not more information on the Biospherians themselves. 

The World Is A Book – Family Travel | Tips | Itineraries

Tales from the Morgue: Locked in at Biosphere II

 Biospherians 2, Oracle, Arizona

Getting Back to Earth | TIME

Admittedly, that is largely why I wanted to visit. 

The tour includes a hallway with photos from the original mission.   And, near the kitchen at Stop 106, the Biospherians are shown at work in a two-minute looped video.  There are a few notebooks on display as well.   But beyond that, most visitors will really have to use their imagination to understand what life was like inside Biosphere 2 during the mission.   During our visit, we were unable to venture inside the living quarters or up to the library for the 360-degree views.

As for the two-minute video, I note that the video was looped on a very small ~32” TV screen.   Was the University nostalgic for 1990s-screen sizes?   Or was this just another way that the University wanted to deemphasize history?  By the way, the video is the same as the one in the University’s mobile app (Stop 105 – Upper Human Habitat & Kitchen).

At one point not too long ago, University’s tour included human tour guides and docents, but then did away with them in 2020.   Bringing them back would likely make any visit much better.   As an alternative, the University could have the 19 videos in the mobile app play on appropriately-sized TVs located at each of the tour stops.   I’m just sayin’…

Another possible improvement to the visiting experience would be to have screenings of the Spaceship Earth documentary (or excerpts thereof) in one of the Conference Center rooms as part of the tour – maybe even for an extra fee that could be shared with the producers of the documentary.

Biosphere 2 is an incredibly compelling story. With just a few improvements, the University of Arizona can make the experience for visitors just as compelling.

The mobile app is a good try, but it is less than satisfying.

Eight people attempted to live in a biosphere for two years and it went terribly wrong

Exploring The Origins Of Humanity: A Complete Timeline of Human Evolution | Watch

Inside the ’90s ‘cult’ that locked humans inside ‘Spaceship Earth’

𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐧 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬: – Search Videos

By Emma Suttie, D.Ac, AP

Findings from a recent case study show that personalized lifestyle and environmental changes successfully reversed autism symptoms in fraternal twin girls diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study appeared in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.

The study also reviewed existing literature on the impact of lifestyle and environmental modifications on ASD, supporting the findings with evidence from similar cases and studies.

The Study Details

The case study involved 4-year-old dizygotic twins who were diagnosed with “level 3 severity” autism spectrum disorder, which the study describes as “requiring very substantial support.” The twins were diagnosed at approximately twenty months of age.

Dizygotic twins, or fraternal twins, result from two separate eggs (ova) being fertilized by two separate sperm. These twins are genetically similar to typical siblings but can be as different from each other as siblings born at different times. They do not share the exact same genetic material and, therefore, can look different and have different characteristics.

The case study shows that a non-drug, personalized approach by a team of multidisciplinary clinicians successfully reduced the number and severity of ASD symptoms using a variety of methods.

Conception

The twins were conceived through in vitro fertilization using an egg donor and carried by a surrogate. Their father was 51 years old at the time of conception. They were born two months premature and spent several weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit. The twins received routine vaccinations at three and six months, but no further vaccination until fourteen months. The girls were given acetaminophen before and after vaccination.

Initial Symptoms

The girls’ parents observed some initial symptoms. One twin had sensitivity to changes, eczema, and digestive issues, and the other had problems making eye contact, babbling communication, difficulty breastfeeding, and decreased muscle tone (hypotonia).

Both twins received breast milk (from the surrogate and their biological mother) for twelve months and had no issues with eating or sleeping.

At twelve months, the girls stopped drinking breast milk, and the introduction of cow’s milk caused digestive as well as behavior and language problems in both girls.

In March of 2021, the girls received the series of vaccines that had been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After this round of vaccinations, their parents noticed a worsening of some symptoms, including “significant language loss” for one of the girls, who began communicating using only single words.

ASD Diagnosis

Due to the worsening symptoms, the twins were evaluated for autism spectrum disorder, and both subsequently met the criteria for DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) autism spectrum disorder diagnosis.

Lifestyle and Environmental Interventions

After their diagnosis, the twins’ parents began a comprehensive, personalized approach to address their daughters’ condition. Their approach was holistic and non-pharmacological and considered a variety of potential environmental and biological factors influencing ASD.

The interventions and support for both the twins and their parents began after the twins’ diagnosis at approximately twenty months of age and continued over the following two years. The following is a summary of their interventions and support:

• The parents worked with a coach to help understand the twins’ diagnosis and gain confidence.
• The parents learned about the “total allostatic load” concept, which links chronic stressors to disease, and used resources like webinars and forums through Epidemic Answers.
• The parents completed the Child Health Inventory for Resilience and Prevention survey—“a comprehensive assessment of total allostatic load (cumulative effects of chronic stress on mental and physical health) among children.”
• Made Dietary changes—They followed the Reduced Excitatory Inflammatory Diet, eliminating glutamate, gluten, casein, sugar, artificial colors, and processed foods, and focused on organic, fresh, home-cooked meals from local sources.
• Incorporated dietary supplements—The girls took supplements that included omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and homeopathic remedies.
• Differentiating the twins’ needs—Genetic variants revealed that each twin had different needs, for example, one twin needed more vitamin D, while the other needed support for neuroinflammation and detoxification.
• The twins received various therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis, speech therapy, and occupational therapy focused on neuro-sensory motor reflex integration.
• The family addressed toxins in their home, using an environmental consultant to evaluate air quality, moisture levels, and water damage.
• One twin had osteopathic care on the recommendation of a developmental optometrist resulting in notable improvements in communication and overall disposition.

Throughout the study, the children’s parents shared insights about their journey, “Conventional statistics have stacked the odds against the ability to recover a child from an ASD diagnosis. Our approach was therefore focused on following a nonconventional, holistic understanding of each daughter’s bio-individual needs, exploring root cause and designing customized support,” they said.

“We chose practitioners who were aligned in our belief in our daughters’ intrinsic ability to heal given the right support.”

Results

Due primarily to the implementation of lifestyle and environmental changes over two years, the twins achieved a reversal of their diagnoses of level 3 autism spectrum disorder. Significant improvements were seen in their social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns.

There were also dramatic improvements in scores using the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist—a 77-question assessment tool used to evaluate the effectiveness of ASD treatment, with lower scores indicating improvement in symptoms.

Both twins “improved dramatically,” with one going from a score of 76 to 36 in seven months, and the other from 43 to 4 over the same period.

The study notes that the improvements were so profound the pediatrician exclaimed that one of the girls had undergone “a kind of miracle.”

The combined interventions, along with the commitment of the children’s parents, led to a “dramatic improvement and reversal of ASD diagnoses” for the twins.

Beth Lambert is founder and executive director of Epidemic Answers, a website made up of parents, clinicians, researchers, authors, and wellness experts dedicated to helping kids heal from health issues. She is also one of the study authors.

Mrs. Lambert spoke with The Epoch Times and explained that there is hope for children with ASD and other conditions as well as resources for parents to support them through the process.

“We’re doing research to try to gather evidence that many of these conditions are reversible. But also we’re trying to create a platform where we can give solutions to parents—we’re trying to educate them, and we have an online community [Healing Together] where we’re teaching them how to do this work themselves,” she said.

Autism Prevalence

According to the study, the prevalence of autism is growing with increasing speed. In the early 1990’s the number of children diagnosed with autism in the United States was 1 in 2000. Throughout the 1990s, the diagnostic criteria for autism were broadened to include a wider range of symptoms and behaviors. This expansion is reflected in updated editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

For example, in the DSM-IV, published in 1994, the diagnostic criteria were expanded and broken into subtypes such as Asperger’s disorder, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

There was a further expansion of the criteria in the DSM-5 released in 2013, which merged the previous subtypes into one unified diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD.

These changes contributed to a significant increase in autism diagnoses in the subsequent years—however, some physicians believe that these factors alone are not enough to account for the dramatic rise in ASD diagnoses.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, in 2000, 1 in 150 children had a diagnosis of ASD, but their most recent data state that in 2020, 1 in 36 children had a diagnosis of ASD, which represents more than a 300 percent increase in the last two decades.

The study states that “Published projections estimate that even if the future prevalence of ASD remained unchanged over the next decade, there would be approximately 1 million new cases, thereby resulting in an additional $4 trillion of lifelong social costs in the United States. Furthermore, if the current rate of increase in prevalence continues, costs could reach nearly $15 trillion of lifelong costs by 2029.”

Mrs. Lambert says, “Modern living is making our children sick, but it’s also making all of us sick—and our children are the canaries in the coal mine.”

Final Thoughts

The study findings suggest that environmental and lifestyle factors play a significant role in the manifestation of ASD symptoms and that targeted interventions in these areas can lead to substantial and lasting improvements—including a reversal of symptoms.

The study authors note that the engagement of the parents or caregivers is vital to the process.

“The commitment and leadership of well-informed parents or guardians is an essential component of the effective personalization that appears necessary for the feasibility of such improvements.”

What the study clarifies is that treating ASD requires a personalized, multifaceted approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, as ASD diagnoses are as unique and complex as the individuals they affect.

The twins’ parents agree, according to a section in the study containing their perspective.

“Having fraternal twin daughters diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 20 months has given us a profound appreciation of the highly individual presentation of Autism.”

For families dealing with an ASD diagnosis, Mrs. Lambert says “You are not alone.”

“I want people to know that there is support for them. We have a conference [Documenting Hope] so that we can invite parents in so that they can become part of our community. We can do this together, which is working to heal our kids together.”

Reposted from: https://www.theepochtimes.com/health/autism-reversal-in-twin-girls-through-lifestyle-and-environmental-changes-new-study-5672976

Study shows reversal of Autism symptoms in twins through lifestyle changes instead of drugs | CENTRIST

36-year study reveals what really affects Antarctic ice thickness

Story by Mac Olivea

The sea ice in Antarctica’s McMurdo Sound has held secrets beneath its surface for decades. Now, scientists have unlocked some of those mysteries by studying how this fast ice—frozen sea water attached to the coast—has changed from 1986 to 2022. These findings don’t just matter to researchers and station crews; they also matter to the animals that call Antarctica home and the global climate system at large.

What Fast Ice Really Means

Fast ice isn’t the same as the floating, broken pack ice often shown in images of the polar regions. This type of sea ice clings to the shore and stays in place for weeks, months, or even longer. For wildlife like penguins and seals, it’s more than a frozen surface—it’s a vital platform for breeding, resting, and feeding. Underneath, fast ice shelters algae, krill, and fish from predators and cold temperatures.

It also provides a safe route for scientists studying the atmosphere above and the ocean below. “The ice needs to be stable and thick enough to do this safely,” explained one of the researchers.

Maren Richter on the fast ice next to a measurement site from which a sea ice core was taken. Coring equipment and part of the automated measuring site is on the right. The Trans-Antarctic Mountains are visible in the background. (CREDIT: Inga Smith)© The Brighter Side of News

Researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand wanted to understand what factors control how thick this fast ice gets. So they analyzed over 30 years of direct, in-person measurements taken from a flat, stable 14-by-20-kilometer section of McMurdo Sound. These data form one of the longest and most detailed records of Antarctic fast ice in the world.

What the Long-Term Data Reveals

When scientists studied the data, they didn’t find a simple upward or downward trend in ice thickness. Instead, they saw that it changed year by year. Some years the ice grew thicker; other years it stayed thin. What caused this?

The answer comes down to three key things: temperature, wind, and storms.

Thicker ice formed during colder winters, especially when the average air temperature dropped below normal. Strong winds from the south, which push warmer air away and bring in colder conditions, also helped build thicker ice. Fewer storm events gave the ice more time to grow undisturbed.

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But monthly averages couldn’t always explain the changes. Even when one factor pointed toward thicker or thinner ice, the outcome often depended on a mix of other conditions. “Most of the variability in fast-ice thickness cannot be explained by a single driver,” the study stated. That’s why scientists suggest a new approach—looking at specific events, like intense storms, and how they impact the ice over shorter periods.

One of the study’s main goals was to find out whether climate change has already affected fast ice in this part of Antarctica. The answer, surprisingly, is not yet—at least not in an obvious way.

“The ocean/ice/atmosphere system there seems to still be able to balance out effects of climate change,” said Dr. Maren Richter, the lead researcher who completed the work as part of her PhD. She pointed out that while air temperatures have slightly increased over the last 10 years, the full dataset from the mid-1980s to 2022 shows no clear long-term trend.

Maren Richter (kneeling) pieces together a sea ice core taken at an automated measuring station (seen on the right). Professor Lars Smedsrud, of the University of Bergen, is seen standing. (CREDIT: Inga Smith)© The Brighter Side of News

That doesn’t mean nothing is changing. Dr. Richter cautioned that 30 years is still a short time when trying to understand long-term climate patterns. There may have been changes earlier that went unmeasured. She also stressed that other regions of Antarctica do show trends in ice thickness, extent, and persistence.

nHer supervisor, Associate Professor Inga Smith, added that fast ice may cover less area than pack ice, but it plays a big role in Earth’s climate system. It also supports the breeding cycles of many Antarctic animals.  

Why Long-Term Monitoring Matters

By tracking how thick the ice is each year and what affects it, researchers now have a baseline. That means they can more easily tell when something unusual happens. If future years show major differences from this baseline, it might be a sign that climate change is starting to overpower natural variation.

Dr. Richter emphasized the value of such long-term datasets. “Only long time series of observations allow us to distinguish between natural variability and trends influenced by climate change,” she said.

She also hopes this information will help scientists plan research safely and give supply teams guidance on what type of ship can reach the research stations depending on the ice thickness.

The data could also help fine-tune computer models that simulate future changes. These models can use the baseline to test how fast ice might behave 50 or even 100 years from now, especially in a world with more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

“Now might be the last time we can observe some systems before effects of climate change dominate over natural variability,” she said.

(a) Map of McMurdo Sound with position in Antarctica (b), and relative to Ross Island (c). (CREDIT: U.S. Geological Survey) © The Brighter Side of News 

Looking to the Future

Although fast ice in McMurdo Sound hasn’t shown a clear trend yet, that doesn’t mean it’s safe from future changes. The next steps include examining how specific weather events, like powerful storms, affect the ice in real time. This approach could uncover patterns that monthly averages overlook.

The results of the study, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, show that the icy grip of Antarctica is more complex than it seems. With careful tracking and smart modeling, scientists can continue to uncover what lies beneath—and prepare for what’s to come.

Note: The article provided above by The Brighter Side of News.

  Related video: Scientists drill nearly 2 miles down to pull 1.2 million-year-old ice core from Antarctica (The Associated Press) – Search

An international team of scientists announced Thursday they’ve successfully drilled one of the oldest ice cores yet, penetrating nearly 2 miles (2.8 kilometers) to Antarctic bedrock to reach ice they say is at least 1.2 million years old.

Analysis of the ancient ice is expected to show how Earth’s atmosphere and climate have evolved. That should provide insight into how Ice Age cycles have changed, and may help in understanding how atmospheric carbon changed climate, they said.

“Thanks to the ice core we will understand what has changed in terms of greenhouse gases, chemicals and dusts in the atmosphere,” said Carlo Barbante, an Italian glaciologist and coordinator of Beyond EPICA, the project to obtain the core. Barbante also directs the Polar Science Institute at Italy’s National Research Council.

The same team previously drilled a core about 800,000 years old. The latest drilling went 2.8 kilometers (about 1.7 miles) deep, with a team of 16 scientists and support personnel drilling each summer over four years in average temperatures of about minus-35 Celsius (minus-25.6 Fahrenheit).

An ice core drilled by a research team at Little Dome C field base during the cutting phase Tuesday. PNRA / IPEV Beyond Epica via AP

Italian researcher Federico Scoto was among the glaciologists and technicians who completed the drilling at the beginning of January at a location called Little Dome C, near Concordia Research Station.

“It was a great moment for us when we reached the bedrock,” Scoto said. Isotope analysis gave the ice’s age as at least 1.2 million years old, he said.

Both Barbante and Scoto said that thanks to the analysis of the ice core of the previous Epica campaign they have assessed that concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, even during the warmest periods of the last 800,000 years, have never exceeded the levels seen since the Industrial Revolution began.

“Today we are seeing carbon dioxide levels that are 50% above the highest levels we’ve had over the last 800,000 years,” Barbante said.

The Little Dome C field base and drilling station is in eastern Antarctica. PNRA / IPEV Beyond Epica via AP

The European Union funded Beyond EPICA (European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica) with support from nations across the continent. Italy is coordinating the project.

The announcement was exciting to Richard Alley, a climate scientist at Penn State who was not involved with the project and who was recently awarded the National Medal of Science for his career studying ice sheets.

Alley said advancements in studying ice cores are important because they help scientists better understand the climate conditions of the past and inform their understanding of humans’ contributions to climate change in the present.

He added that reaching the bedrock holds added promise because scientists may learn more about Earth’s history not directly related to the ice record itself. “This is truly, truly, amazingly fantastic,” Alley said. “They will learn wonderful things.”

Institute for Precision Medicine – A partnership of the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC

Precision Medicine has traditionally focused on genome sequencing to match patients to the most likely effective treatment. This approach, while increasingly effective, is nonetheless limited by our imperfect understanding of the genome and its mutations. To address this limitation, Dr. Olivier Elemento – Search Videos has initiated a wide-ranging, pan-cancer tumor avatar program leveraging tumor organoid ex vivo culture and state-of-the-art high-throughput drug screening. 

Dr. Elemento’s work seeks to inform therapy selection using empirical drug testing, including drug combinations. Dr. Elemento’s team is also actively exploring a variety of technological improvements for organoid technology from CRISPR screening, to immune co-cultures and new matrices. 

This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of Dr. Elemento’s research program, discuss opportunities and challenges in the use of organoids for precision medicine, and describe the long-term vision for this exciting field.

Olivier Elemento, Ph.D., is Director of the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine.  Additionally, Dr. Elemento serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Computational Biomedicine and guides students not only as Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, but also Computational Genomics in Computational Biomedicine.  

Dr. Elemento’s lab combines Big Data analytics with experimentation to develop new ways to help prevent, diagnose, understand, treat, and cure cancer. Dr. Elemento’sresearch involves routine use of ultrafast DNA sequencing, proteomics, high-performance computing, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence/machine learning.

Dr. Elemento’s areas of focus include:  systems biology of regulatory networks in normal and malignant cells, with a strong focus on blood cancers (lymphomas and leukemias); cancer genomics and Precision Medicine using novel computational algorithms to identify new cancer mutations to better understand why and where cancer mutations occur, with specific interest in whether 3D chromatin architecture predicts where mutations are more likely to occur; cancer epigenetics.

Using high-through put experimental approaches and pattern detection techniques to investigate what mutated cancer genes do and the genome-wide epigenetic patterns they mediate; the evolution of tumor genomes, using high-throughput sequencing to investigate how the tumor genome and epigenome change with drug treatments; machine learning to detect cancer as early as possible to guide treatment accordingly; and the development of innovative computational approaches for analysis of high-throughput data sets (for example,   metabolomics, proteomics, and high-throughput sequencing) obtained from cancer cells.  

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search

Treating bone cancer typically involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy2. The best approach depends on factors like the type, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

• Surgery: The goal is to remove the cancerous tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, bone reconstruction may be necessary.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays target and destroy cancer cells, often used when surgery isn’t possible or to eliminate remaining cancer cells after surgery.
• Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs help kill cancer cells, especially for certain types of bone cancer like osteosarcoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Some newer treatments focus on specific cancer cell characteristics to stop their growth.

If you or someone you know is dealing with bone cancer, it’s important to consult a medical professional for personalized treatment options.

You can find more details here:

1www.mayoclinic.org   2my.clevelandclinic.org   3www.cancer.org

Are there any promising clinical trials for bone cancer?

Yes! There are several promising clinical trials for bone cancer in 2025. Here are a few notable ones:

• Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial in Osteosarcoma: This study aims to predict the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to different chemotherapy agents using tissue cultures in the lab.
• Cabozantinib Addition to Chemotherapy for Osteosarcoma: A phase II/III trial testing the safety and effectiveness of adding cabozantinib to standard chemotherapy for newly diagnosed osteosarcoma patients.
• ZN-c3 in Combination With Gemcitabine for Osteosarcoma: A phase 1/2 study evaluating the combination of ZN-c3 and gemcitabine in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma.
• Radium-223 Dichloride for Bone Metastases: Several trials are exploring the use of radium-223 dichloride in combination with other treatments for bone metastases in prostate, renal, and breast cancer.

If you’re interested in participating or learning more, you can check out the full list of trials at UCLA and UC Davis.

Let me know if you’d like help finding more details!

1ucla.clinicaltrials.researcherprofiles.org  2clinicaltrials.ucdavis.edu

What are the objectives of the Organoid-based trial?

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial in Osteosarcoma aims to improve treatment selection for osteosarcoma patients by using patient-derived organoids (PDOs)—miniature, lab-grown versions of tumors. The key objectives of the trial include:

• Predicting Chemotherapy Sensitivity: Researchers are testing whether organoids can accurately predict how a patient’s tumor will respond to different chemotherapy agents.
• Personalized Treatment Guidance: By analyzing tissue samples obtained during routine biopsies or surgeries, the study hopes to identify the most effective treatments for individual patients.
• Understanding Drug Resistance: The trial investigates why some osteosarcomas are resistant to standard chemotherapy and explores alternative treatment strategies.
• Genetic Testing for Better Insights: Additional genetic testing of tumors will help researchers understand osteosarcoma at a molecular level, potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.

This approach could revolutionize osteosarcoma treatment by making therapies more precise and effective. If you’re interested, you can find more details here.

Let me know if you’d like help exploring related trials!

1www.uclahealth.org

Are there other trials using organoids for personalized medicine?

Yes! There are several ongoing clinical trials using organoids for personalized medicine in 2025. These trials aim to improve drug testing, predict treatment outcomes, and even explore autologous organoid transplantation. Here are a few notable ones:

• Organoid-based Drug Safety and Efficacy Testing: Researchers are using mini-organs to predict how drug candidates will perform before clinical trials begin, reducing reliance on animal testing.
• Organoid-based Tumor Outcome Prediction: This study focuses on using patient-derived organoids to assess individual responses to cancer treatments and guide personalized therapy decisions.
• Integration of Organoids with Organ-on-Chip Technology: Scientists are working on combining organoids with microfluidic systems to better mimic human physiology and improve drug development.

These advancements could revolutionize precision medicine by making treatments more tailored to individual patients. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out the full details here.

Let me know if you’d like help finding specific trials!

1www.nature.com  2academic.oup.com  3www.genengnews.com

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search Videos

How do organoids compare to traditional methods in personalized medicine?

Organoids offer several advantages over traditional methods in personalized medicine, particularly in disease modeling and drug testing. Here’s how they compare:

• More Accurate Disease Models: Organoids mimic the 3D structure and cellular diversity of real tissues, making them more representative of human biology than traditional 2D cell cultures.
• Better Drug Testing: Since organoids are derived from patient-specific cells, they can predict individual responses to treatments more effectively than animal models, which often fail to replicate human physiology.
• Personalized Treatment Selection: Organoids allow doctors to test multiple therapies on a patient’s own cells before administering treatment, reducing trial-and-error approaches.
• Potential for Transplantation: Some studies are exploring autologous organoid transplantation, where lab-grown tissues could be used to replace damaged organs, a possibility that traditional methods don’t offer.

While traditional methods like animal models and monolayer cell cultures have been useful, organoids are proving to be a game-changer in precision medicine. If you’d like to explore more details, you can check out this article.

Let me know if you want to dive deeper!

1academic.oup.com 2www.creative-biolabs.com

Organoid-based personalized medicine: from tumor outcome prediction to autologous transplantation | Stem Cells | Oxford Academic

What are some specific examples of organoids in personalized medicine?

Organoids are making waves in personalized medicine, offering exciting possibilities for disease modeling and treatment customization. Here are some notable examples:

• Cancer Treatment Testing: Patient-derived tumor organoids are used to test different chemotherapy drugs, helping doctors choose the most effective treatment for individual patients.
• Liver Disease Research: Scientists have developed liver organoids that mimic real liver function, allowing for personalized drug testing and potential regenerative therapies.
• Brain Organoids for Neurological Disorders: Miniature brain organoids are being used to study conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, providing insights into disease progression and treatment responses.
• Gut and Intestinal Disease Models: Researchers have created gut organoids to study inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and test new therapies tailored to individual patients.
• Autologous Organoid Transplantation: Some studies are exploring the possibility of growing organoids from a patient’s own cells for transplantation, reducing the risk of rejection.

These advancements are revolutionizing precision medicine, making treatments more tailored and effective. If you’re curious to dive deeper, you can check out more details here and here!

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial – Search Images

The Organoid-based Functional Precision Medicine Trial – Search Videos

Functional Precision Medicine – Search

How to get cancer out of the bone – Search

Former President Joe Biden Moonshot Program Never Happen© Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Joe Biden Had Unrivaled Medical Care.

How was Joe Biden’s cancer not caught earlier?

How Did His Cancer Go Undetected?

Story by Brianna Abbott, Annie Linskey

The news that the former president is battling an aggressive, stage-4 prostate cancer that has spread to the bone ignited a public debate about why a person with peerless access to medical care was diagnosed at such an advanced stage with a disease that is quite common in men his age.

Many prostate cancers in the U.S. are detected with a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. The test is cheap and can help find potential cancer before symptoms appear. There are some particularly aggressive prostate cancers that don’t secrete enough PSA to be flagged on the test. But those are rare, doctors said.

Whether Biden, 82, had been getting regular PSA screening before his diagnosis isn’t publicly known, and prostate cancer screening for men in their 80s isn’t considered standard care. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, a government-backed volunteer panel of experts that makes preventive health recommendations, advises against PSA screening for men ages 70 and above, based on concerns about false positives and overtreating low-risk forms of the disease. Other groups advise older men to make the decision about whether to continue screening in consultation with their doctors.

“It’s in many ways unsettling that someone who has what is undoubtedly fantastic medical care could suddenly be diagnosed with aggressive, metastatic prostate cancer,” said Dr. Todd Morgan, co-director of the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer at Michigan Medicine. “On the other hand, this is often how prostate cancer presents. We typically don’t do PSA screening beyond 75 or late 70s.”

Biden, however, wasn’t a typical patient.

As the oldest president in U.S. history to seek re-election, his health was under considerable scrutiny by voters. His eldest son died of brain cancer at age 46, prompting Biden, then vice president, to launch his “cancer moonshot” initiative to accelerate the fight against the disease. His poor performance in last year’s presidential debate forced him out of the 2024 race, and new attention on his acuity while in office is amplifying concerns that his aides concealed his decline.

Donald Trump—the second oldest president at age 78—does get screened. He released the results of his prostate cancer screening last month, showing a normal score. Barack Obama released his PSA score when he was president, as did George W. Bush.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday evening, Trump said he is “very sad” to hear about Biden’s diagnosis and raised questions about why it wasn’t discovered earlier. “Someone is going to have to speak to his doctor,” Trump said. “I feel badly about it, and I think people should try and find out what happened.”

Biden’s prostate cancer may have gone undiagnosed for years based on severity, doctors say The Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee is currently probing whether top White House officials concealed negative information about Biden’s decline. The probe began last Congress and included a request for an interview with Dr. Kevin O’Connor, Biden’s physician as president, and testimony from former Biden aides—but those asks would need to be renewed.

President Biden speaking at an event last year promoting an initiative aimed at reducing cancer deaths.© Gerald Herbert/Associated Press

Chris Meagher, a spokesman for Biden, didn’t respond to questions about whether Biden was screened for prostate cancer as president. O’Connor didn’t respond to requests for comment.

Biden’s cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive and could therefore be receptive to hormone-reducing drugs, and cancer doctors have said that even patients with metastatic disease can live for years, thanks to newer therapies. But the disease probably isn’t curable at this stage, and Biden will likely be grappling with it for the rest of his life.

Around 10% of prostate cancers are already metastatic by the time they are diagnosed, prostate cancer specialists said. Symptoms including difficulty urinating or blood in the urine often don’t appear until the disease is advanced. Biden’s prostate cancer is one of the most aggressive kinds, implying that it is relatively fast-spreading, though it could have gone undetected for years, specialists said.

“It’s possible that he could have had it growing in him for years, or it could be possible that this had a shorter time course,” said Dr. Phillip Koo, chief medical officer at the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “If someone were to get PSA screening annually after age 70, I’d imagine something like this would have been picked up earlier.”

Doctors have debated for decades how often to screen men for prostate cancer, and when to stop. The test can pick up cancers early while they are more treatable, but it can also flag false positives and pick up slow-growing cancers that would never have become life-threatening, particularly in older men, leading to overtreatment and corresponding harms.

“In the majority of cases, our guidelines really maximize their quality of life and reduce the harms associated with overdetection and aggressive screening,” said Dr. Behfar Ehdaie, a urologic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which says on its website that PSA testing after age 75 is “rarely helpful.”

Many men stop screening at age 75 because doctors think men with a low or normal PSA value at that age have a low risk of developing life-threatening prostate cancer, said Dr. Jonathan Shoag, a urologist who specializes in oncology at University Hospitals and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center.

But the number of later-stage, life-threatening diagnoses in the U.S. has increased in recent years, after medical groups started to advise less screening overall, Shoag and others said.

There is no public battery of medical tests required for all presidents and no standard release forms showing results. O’Connor said in February 2024 that Biden was “fit for duty” after a comprehensive assessment by a team of doctors.

“I would say it’s surprising he did not get this test, given the fact that the proclivity of presidential physicians is to test more rather than less,” said Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel, a physician and vice provost for global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, speaking Monday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

“Either they didn’t test for it, or they did test for it, they didn’t report it, and we didn’t get the information as a public,” said Emanuel, a former White House health adviser.

Trump has at times failed to be transparent about his health.

But he made a point of bragging about his prostate screening results when he was running for president. “My PSA has been very good,” Trump said in a September 2016 interview with Mehmet Oz, who is now his Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator. “It’s always the first number I ask for. I say, ‘Give me that number.’” Trump was 70 years old at the time and a candidate for president.

Write to Brianna Abbott at brianna.abbott@wsj.com and Annie Linskey at annie.linskey@wsj.com

As president, he should have had every test possible, especially cancer screenings, regardless of his age.  

Why did this not happen, or did it and they LIED about that too? Too many excuses for the old man. If the rest of the world could see it in what few times he was allowed in front of cameras, his family HAD to know. I find that his family showed no concerns for his decline to be the most despicable of all.

There are two possibilities, both of which are pretty bad.

One is they knew he had it but lied about this condition to the public the entire time. The other is that it was missed. Both are pretty bad if you think about it. I disagreed with Biden but prayed he could recover. It’s a horrible cancer. I fear cancer a lot personally.

There is only ONE possibility.

Doctors usually do not recommend PSA testing for senior men. But We are talking about the President of the United States. They do extremely detailed screenings. He gets care beyond a normal citizen. It still looks pretty bad.

As POTUS he had access to stellar medical care. 

BS that him hiding his ENTIRE medical condition for his ENTIRE presidency being unwarranted is crap.  Their cover up is known as gaslighting the American people.  The Biden family, his handlers and senior members of the Democratic Party are culpable 100%.  To believe anything else is an arrogant, self indulgent fantasy of failing to be held accountable … it’ called political Münchausen syndrome.

Political Munchausen syndrome is not a recognized term. However, Munchausen syndrome, also known as factitious disorder imposed on self, is a mental health disorder where individuals falsify or exaggerate having symptoms of an illness they don’t really have12345.  

Factitious disorder imposed on self
Other names	Munchausen syndrome[1]
Specialty	Psychology, psychiatry

 Factitious disorder imposed on self (FDIS), sometimes referred to as Munchausen syndrome, is a complex mental disorder where individuals play the role of a sick patient to receive some form of psychological validation, such as attention, sympathy, or physical care.^[2] Patients with FDIS intentionally falsify or induce signs and symptoms of illness, trauma, or abuse to assume this role.^[3] 

These actions are performed consciously, though the patient may be unaware of the motivations driving their behaviors. There are several risk factors and signs associated with this illness and treatment is usually in the form of psychotherapy but may depend on the specific situation,^[4]   which is further discussed in the sections below. Diagnosis is usually determined by meeting specific DSM-5 criteria after ruling out true illness as described below. 5

Factitious disorder imposed on self is related to factitious disorder imposed on another, which refers to the abuse of another person in order to seek attention or sympathy for the abuser. This is considered “Munchausen by proxy”, and the drive to create symptoms for the victim can result in unnecessary and costly diagnostic or corrective procedures.^[3] Other similar and often confused syndromes/diagnoses are discussed in the “Related Diagnoses” section.

Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis May Have Just EXPOSED Democrats

It likely didn’t go undiagnosed — more like UNDISCLOSED.  Biden has A-fib, advanced stage dementia, Parkinson’s and now they have DISCLOSED he has prostate CA with metastases to bone.  At his age and advanced stage of dementia (as well as Parkinson’s, A-fib) they are nuts to give him anything but palliative care and/or hospice.  Cruel to treat the CA at this time.  My brother was more than 10 years younger than Biden’s current age and in very good health when he was diagnosed with prostate CA.  

Look at meds commonly used for prostate cancer… look at the side effects, some are permanent.  Now look at Biden’s behavior over the 4 years.  Quite certain he was diagnosed and treated but was withheld.  In the 2022 video Biden admitted he had cancer clearly shows that Biden audibly said he HAS cancer. Bing Videos  Still not right under any circumstance how this was handled.   

He was treated with radiation which caused a LOT of problems with ureters, bladder.  His problems from the treatment were worse than the CA.  He became incontinent, has hot flashes and constant UTIs and blockages of ureters, damage to bladder. And my brother does not have dementia.  Give him his pity party and let him live out his days as comfortable as possible.

T N Cancer can be dormant for years. 

No test will pick it up until the cancer grows. I know, I am a cancer survivor.  Mine grew very quickly from the time it was discovered, until the surgeon removed the tumor four weeks later.   Cancer is not an exact disease.  Some people can live for years without surgery, chemo or radiation.  Others die within weeks of being diagnosed.

The PSA test is usually done every one to two years for men who want to be screened for prostate cancer, beginning at age 50. Most men should get a PSA blood test every 1 to 2 years, depending on their age, PSA levels, and risk factors. General guidelines recommend starting PSA screenings at age 55, but you may need one earlier based on different factors.  Until you’ve reached age 70, then it is no longer recommended. 

Go to the web and do the W 3x in front of this and see for yourselves. health harvard edu mens-health prostate-specific-antigen-blood-test-psa-test-a-to-z – Search

Dana Graham

A PSA is a yearly blood test that screens for prostate carcinoma. No symptoms are needed to order the test.  They LIED, plain and simple. Remember when his physician gave him a “clean bill of health” before the last election? I GUARANTEE the cancer was there and was either missed, or more likely, deliberately ignored. I’m board certified in Internal Medicine and have been in practice for over 30 years. IF his physician missed this, they should be fired for incompetence. I KNOW physicians employed at that level are NOT incompetent. The only logical conclusion is that they lied. They lied about his dementia, the border, everything else, 

John Melaragni

Corn Pop

First, it’s a blood test. Second, it’s not recommended for men over 70:  The USPSTF recommends against routine PSA screening for men 70 years and older due to the risks of false positives and overdiagnosis of indolent disease123.   Recommendation: Prostate Cancer: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce  “This is because the potential benefits of treatment are considered minimal, and the potential harms of treatment (like impotence or incontinence) may outweigh the benefits. “

Micki Jack

It didn’t go undetected.  I agree with HIPAA protections, but am not a fan of how the Biden family gas lit the American people.  If they knew that his condition could jeopardize- even remotely- his ability to carry on as POTUS, they are copiously responsible.  Just another box to check when it comes to the Democrats proving they have put the party over America.

Moving Forward

If a person reads the article some blood tests do not secrete enough PSA to register as troublesome. Biden started to have urinary problems, so the Doctors probably opted for the more invasive test. This means taking biopsy samples of the prostate usually through the anus. That invasive test is usually not done routinely unless there are more reasons to do it. People have a right to privacy in their medical decisions, however, not as POTUS who serves the American People.

Bob Uecker – Mr. Baseball | Carson Tonight Show

Bob Uecker’s Baseball Hall of Fame Speech: ‘Baseball was the only way I wanted to go’ ⚾️ Watch as iconic Milwaukee Brewers broadcaster the late Bob Uecker accepts the Ford C. Frick Award from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 2003.

Environmental features linked to dementia risk and cognitive decline

Story by PsyPost

Estrogen-plus-progestin imbalance and memory loss – Search

Imbalances of estrogen and progesterone may have profound effects on neurotransmitters in the brain, predisposing women to a variety of mood disorders and neurodegenerative processes. Menopause, whether natural or surgical, is often associated with complaints of memory issues1.

 Hormonal imbalances can affect brain chemistry and mental awareness, and estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone contribute to blood flow in the brain, protecting against memory loss and dementia2.

People living in greener, more walkable neighborhoods may face a lower risk of developing dementia, while those exposed to more air pollution might face a higher risk, according to a large review of existing studies. The findings, published in Ageing Research Reviews, highlight connections between environmental factors and brain health as people age.

Dementia is a growing global concern, affecting nearly 50 million people worldwide. It encompasses a range of disorders that impair memory, thinking, and daily functioning, including Alzheimer’s disease. With an aging population and no available cure, finding ways to prevent or delay dementia has become a pressing goal in public health. 

While many studies have examined genetic and lifestyle factors, researchers are now turning their attention to environmental influences. Previous studies have hinted that elements such as air quality, traffic noise, and neighborhood design may affect brain health, but results have been inconsistent and often based on subjective reports.

To address this gap, a team of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This means the researchers carefully examined and combined data from many previously published studies. A systematic review aims to gather all relevant evidence on a topic, while a meta-analysis uses statistical techniques to combine the results of those studies and provide a clearer picture of how strong the observed effects are. Only studies that used objective measures—such as satellite data, geographic information systems, and pollution monitoring—were included to ensure the most reliable results.

TIP WHICH HELPS MY MOTHER: Buspirone Anxiety and Dementia – Search

• Antianxiety medications can help reduce anxiety in people living with dementia. Dementia refers …
  The most common type of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease.
• Treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia typically involves treating the symptoms…
• Caregivers should consider taking an active role in helping administer medications.
• This can help keep a person with dementia on track regarding taking the correct medications.

  Related video: 2/3 of Alzheimer’s Patients are Women, Here’s What it Does to the Brain (Newsworthy Women) – Search

“My interest in this research topic is because of the urgent global challenge posed by dementia. As dementia affects millions of people and effective treatments remain limited, I was driven to explore modifiable risk factors that could help delay or even prevent cognitive decline,” said study author Linlin Da, a PhD student at the University of Georgia.

“I became particularly interested in investigating the role of the built environment, and how factors such as air pollution, urban design, and the availability of green spaces might influence cognitive health. By utilizing objective measures to assess these environmental exposures, I aimed to address inconsistencies in previous studies and contribute to a clearer understanding of how urban planning and environmental policies could support dementia prevention.”

The researchers searched five major scientific databases and initially identified over 1,800 studies. After a thorough screening process, they selected 54 high-quality studies for their systematic review, 21 of which were also suitable for meta-analysis. The included studies came from around the world, with sample sizes ranging from under 200 to over 63 million individuals, most of whom were aged 60 and older. 

These studies measured environmental exposures like fine particulate matter in the air (known as PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, proximity to green spaces, and access to local services. Outcomes included diagnosed dementia or measures of cognitive decline over time.

The researchers found that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution were more likely to develop dementia. Specifically, exposure to fine particulate matter—tiny particles that can be inhaled into the lungs and bloodstream—was associated with a 9% higher risk. Nitrogen dioxide exposure was linked to a 10% higher risk. Living near major roads, often a source of both air pollution and noise, was also tied to a 10% increase in dementia risk.

In contrast, people living in neighborhoods with more green and blue spaces—such as parks, forests, rivers, or lakes—had a 6% lower risk of developing dementia. These areas were also associated with slower cognitive decline. Neighborhoods with more connected street layouts and better walkability also supported cognitive health, possibly by encouraging physical activity and social engagement. Access to food stores, community centers, and healthcare services was similarly beneficial.

While these associations don’t prove direct cause and effect, they are consistent with what scientists already know about how the environment can affect the brain. Air pollution is known to cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can harm brain tissue and potentially contribute to dementia. On the other hand, green spaces may help protect the brain by reducing stress, encouraging exercise, and improving sleep—all of which are known to support cognitive health.

The study did have some limitations.

The researchers found considerable variation across the studies they analyzed. This so-called heterogeneity reflects differences in study designs, populations, and how environmental factors were measured. Some factors, like indoor air quality or socioeconomic status, were not always taken into account, and the methods used to estimate environmental exposure may not perfectly reflect individuals’ real-life experiences.

Still, the authors emphasize that their findings provide strong evidence that environmental features play a meaningful role in brain health. By focusing on studies that used objective measurements and following participants over time, the researchers were able to offer a more reliable picture than many past efforts.

Song hopes the findings will help shape future research and public health efforts. “These numbers show that living in a dementia-friendly environment is important to delay or prevent cognitive decline and the onset of dementia,” said Suhang Song, an assistant professor at the University of Georgia.

Urban planning decisions—like adding parks, improving air quality, and making neighborhoods more walkable—may offer a promising path toward protecting cognitive health at the population level. Future research may focus on how to better measure these environmental exposures over time, and how they interact with genetics, lifestyle, and other personal risk factors.

The study, “Objectively measured environmental features and their association with cognition and dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” was authored by Linlin Da, Xia Song, Zimu Jia, Nicholas Gary Lamont Myers, Jin Sun, Jingkai Wei, Daniel Jung, Feiyang Li, and Suhang Song. 

What the research says about estrogen loss and memory loss – Search

Estrogen and memory loss are related in the following ways: 

Estrogen depletion during perimenopause can cause memory decline. Memory often improves after menopause. Estrogen-plus-progestin therapy doubles the risk of dementia. Estrogen alone increases the risk of dementia by 50% .Women on estrogen-only therapy have a 26% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.

Perspective: Estrogen and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Missing Choline(rgic) Link? – It can be hard to measure mild memory loss because research is largely dependent on women’s perceptions that they’ve experienced memory loss. Also, memory declines with age, so it can be hard to determine if it’s caused by menopause.

Still, studies on the effect of estrogen on memory support the idea that estrogen depletion during perimenopause causes memory loss, and that memory improves after menopause.

For example, a large 2004 study supports the finding that hormone changes during perimenopause often cause a decline in verbal memory. It found these effects are separate from the natural effects of aging. This study provides the basis for many current studies.

Another four-year studyTrusted Source found that women couldn’t learn as well during perimenopause. After menopause, women returned to the learning levels they demonstrated before perimenopause.

A reviewTrusted Source published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology also identified reduced memory and thinking skills in women during perimenopause and menopause. The women in the study reported problems especially with forgetfulness and concentration. 

Why does memory decline?

The exact effect of estrogen and progesterone loss on the brain is not well understood. It’s believed that estrogen may help the neurotransmitter systems that send signals in brain areas involved in memory and information processing. Many researchers also think that estrogen promotes the growth and survival of neurons, the cells that send electrical impulses. These impulses serve as messages that are crucial for making your brain and nervous system work properly.

What you can do

There are a few things you can do to help keep your memory functioning at its best through this time.

Get good rest

Sleep loss contributes to mood disturbances and depression.

Try these tips to maintain a healthy sleep cycle:

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule, including on the weekends.
• Reduce your caffeine intake.
• Keep your bedroom cool, and consider placing a fan nearby.
• Purchase a cooling pad or pillows with cooling elements.
• Make sure your room is as dark as possible.
• Learn relaxation techniques, such as mindful meditation or yoga.
• Exercise, but not right before bedtime.
• Wear bedclothes made of natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, linen, or silk.
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, and spicy foods.
• Consider asking your doctor to arrange a sleep assessment.

Eat right

Food that’s bad for your heart may also be bad for your brain. This means that you should limit saturated fats and trans fats found in foods such as fried foods, battered foods, and baked goods.

Try these other tips for eating a healthful diet, as well:

• Eat a diet that’s rich in fruit and vegetables, particularly leafy green vegetables.
• Look for whole-grain products in breads and side dishes.
• 15 Foods With More Omega-3s Than Walnuts
• Choose low-fat dairy options.
• Eat eggs to get the protein and vitamin D you need for bone health.
• Use non hydrogenated oils, such as olive oil, safflower oil, or canola oil.
• Choose products made with unhydrogenated oil if you’re purchasing processed food.
• Limit sweets, especially baked goods and carbonated beverages.
• Limit red meat.

Exercise your body

Exercise stimulates your brain in areas that are critical to memory and information processing. It also improves the functioning of the hippocampus, a part of your brain responsible for different types of memory.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that premenopausal and postmenopausal women get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, five days per week. A combination of aerobic and resistance exercise has the greatest impact.

Aerobic exercise can include:

• walking
• riding your bike
• aerobics classes
• tennis
• the stair machine
• dancing

Resistance exercises include:

• lifting weights
• exercising with a resistance band
• exercises that use your body for resistance, such situps, pushups, and squats

Exercise your brain

Keeping your brain active helps stave off the effects of aging. Try these tips to give your brain a workout.

• Do crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
• Play word games. Matching Spidey Game
• Play online brain games and also quizzes.
• Read books, newspapers, and magazines.
• Learn something new, like a musical instrument or a new language.
• Spend time talking and socializing with family or friends.  

When to seek help

It’s normal to be forgetful as you age and go through menopause. Normal occurrences may include losing your keys, forgetting why you entered a room, or having a name slip your mind.

If your menopause symptoms are severe, though, you may want to talk to your doctor about low-dose menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). MHT increases your risk of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and gallbladder disease. If you have a history of any of those diseases, you are not a good candidate for MHT. But your doctor may recommend limited use to help control your symptoms.

More serious cases

Be aware of symptoms that may be signs of more serious memory problems, such as:

• repeating questions or comments
• neglecting hygiene
• forgetting how to use common objects
• being unable to understand or follow directions
• forgetting common words
• getting lost in places you know well
• having trouble carrying out basic daily activities

Symptoms such as these warrant a visit to the doctor. The doctor may check for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. There are many other reasons for memory loss, as well, including:

• medications
• infection
• head injury
• alcoholism
• depression
• overactive thyroid

Your doctor can help you figure out the cause of your memory loss and the best treatment.

Outlook

Researchers agree that memory loss is common in perimenopause, and that it often improves after menopause. Talk to your doctor to create a plan to get you through perimenopause. Keep track of your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor as you progress through perimenopause. As you near menopause, you will hopefully begin to feel better, and your memory will begin functioning more fully.

Estrogen and memory loss are related in the following ways: 

Healthline+1

• Estrogen depletion during perimenopause can cause memory decline.
• Memory often improves after menopause.
• Estrogen-plus-progestin therapy doubles the risk of dementia.
• Estrogen alone increases the risk of dementia by 50%.
• Women on estrogen-only therapy have a 26% lower risk of dying from Alzheimer’s disease.

Perspective: Estrogen and the Risk of Cognitive Decline: A Missing Choline(rgic) Link? – PMC

US approves first blood test for Alzheimer’s

Credit: Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

The United States on Friday approved the first blood test for Alzheimer’s, a move that could help patients begin treatment earlier with newly approved drugs that slow the progression of the devastating neurological disease.

The test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, measures the ratio of two proteins in the blood. The ratio is correlated with amyloid plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s that, until now, has been detected only through brain scans or spinal fluid analysis.

“Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people—more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary.

“Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”

There are currently two FDA approved treatments for Alzheimer’s: lecanemab and donanemab, which target amyloid plaque and have been shown to moderately slow cognitive decline, though they do not cure the disease.

Advocates for the intravenous antibody therapies, including many neurologists, say they can offer patients a few additional months of independence—and are likely to be more effective if started earlier in the disease’s course.

In clinical studies, the blood test produced results largely in line with positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans and spinal fluid analysis.

“Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for US patients earlier in the disease,” said Michelle Tarver of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.

The test is authorized for use in clinical settings for patients showing signs of cognitive decline, and results must be interpreted alongside other clinical information.  Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia. It worsens over time, gradually robbing people of their memories and independence.

First blood test for Alzheimer’s diagnosis cleared by FDA

FDA greenlights first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s in US

7 million Americans with the common dementia could benefit from less invasive diagnostic, experts say Angelica Stabile

An Alzheimer’s patient embarks on a cross-country walk to showcase healthy aging
Thirteen years after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Judy Benjamin, 80, has just embarked on a 3,000-mile journey across the country. – Search

The first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In a press release, the agency announced its approval of the first in-vitro diagnostic device, Lumipulse.

The method is intended for early Alzheimer’s detection in adult patients over the age of 55 who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease. The first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In a Friday press release, the agency announced its approval of the first in-vitro diagnostic device, Lumipulse.

The method is intended for early Alzheimer’s detection in adult patients over the age of 55 who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE COULD BE PREVENTED ANTIVIRAL DRUG ALREADY ON MARKET

The new technology works by detecting amyloid plaques in the brain, a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s.

While PET scans can pick up these plaques, they can be “costly and time-consuming” while exposing patients to radiation, according to the FDA.

The new Lumipulse device reduces the need for a PET scan or other invasive testing, the agency said.

In a clinical study of 499 plasma samples from cognitively impaired adults, the Lumipulse test detected the presence of amyloid plaques in 91.7% of individuals.

The results indicate that the new blood test can “reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired,” the FDA concluded.

The FDA noted the risk of false positive test results from Lumipulse, which could lead to inappropriate diagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., MPH, wrote in a statement, “Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.”

“Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients,” he said.

Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., PhD, also commented in the press release that nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.

“And this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million,” she said. 

“Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”Dementia brain scan
The new technology works by detecting amyloid plaques in the brain, a telltale sign of Alzheimer’s, according to the FDA. (iStock)

The first blood test used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease was cleared by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing Friday, meaning the laboratory test can be marketed and sold in the U.S., a significant benchmark for detection of the brain disorder that affects 10% of people aged 65 and older.

Key Facts

The diagnostic device that tests blood to help diagnose Alzheimer’s was developed by Fujirebio, a Japanese biotechnology company.

Unlike the newly cleared blood test device, other FDA-authorized or cleared Alzheimer’s tests instead used cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients collected through spinal taps—invasive procedures involving the puncture of the lumbar.

Top FDA official Michelle Tarver said the clearance makes Alzheimer’s diagnosis “easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”

An FDA study found the blood test “can reliably predict” the presence of protein conditions associated with Alzheimer’s at the time of the test in cognitively impaired patients.

Big Number

6.7 million. That is the estimated number of Americans who have Alzheimer’s in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which notes that number is expected to double by 2060.

Surprising Fact

As of now, the lifetime risk for Alzheimer’s for people aged 45 is one in five for women and one in 10 for men.

Key Background

Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be a lengthy process consisting of memory testing, laboratory tests, brain-imaging examinations and more. The Alzheimer’s Association has said the increase in blood tests for the disease could make for earlier and more accurate detection and diagnosis, potentially taking precedent over standard methods that are “expensive, invasive and not always accessible.” 

Costs for people with dementia, which Alzheimer’s is a form of, are projected to reach $384 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion by 2050. Up and coming blood tests could also help recruitment for Alzheimer’s clinical trials and cut down wait times for disease assessment. Healthcare experts have contributed the forecasted dramatic increase in Alzheimer’s to an increase in the aging population and improved diagnosis.

Further Reading

Latest Alzheimer’s lab tests focus on memory loss, not brain plaques (NPR)

Alzheimer’s blood test catches 90% of early dementia cases, study finds (CNN)

FDA clears first blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease. What to know about Lumipulse.

Ken Alltucker

USA TODAY

We’re now closer to being able to diagnose the most common form of dementia with a simple test. The Food and Drug Administration on May 16 said it cleared the first blood test for Alzheimer’s disease.

The blood test is for patients 55 and older who have signs and symptoms of the mind-robbing disease.

The Lumipulse blood plasma test detects a disease hallmark, amyloid plaques, which form in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.

This approval marks a milestone for patients, their families and doctors, said Howard Fillit, co-founder and chief science officer at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation.

“The ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s earlier with a simple blood test, like we do for cholesterol, is a game changer, allowing more patients to receive treatment options that have the potential to significantly slow or even prevent the disease,” Fillit said.

The blood test is the first of what researchers say could be a new generation of blood tests to replace expensive brain scans and spinal taps now used to diagnose Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia. Early diagnosis could allow patients earlier access to FDA-approved drugs to treat Alzheimer’s, an incurable disease that afflicts an estimated 7.2 million older Americans.

In a statement, FDA Commissioner Martin Makary said 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s. “I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients,” Makary said.

The Lumipulse blood test is made by Japanese company, Fujirebio Diagnostics, which markets a similar Alzheimer’s test that measures cerebrospinal fluid collected by spinal tap. The company did not return messages from USA TODAY asking when the blood test would be available and how much it would cost.

The test calculates a ratio of two proteins, tau and amyloid, found in blood plasma. The ratio approximates a measure of whether a patient has amyloid plaques in their brains − a disease hallmark that is now detected by images from expensive PET scans.

FDA Oks first blood test that can diagnose alzheimer’s disease – Search

In clearing the new blood test, the FDA evaluated a clinical study that measured 499 samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The study measured how often the blood test detected amyloid plaque compared to existing PET scans or spinal fluid tests.

The blood test picked up nearly 92% of cases detected by scans or spinal fluid. Less than 20% of cases received an inconclusive result, the FDA said. In a news release, the FDA said the test can “reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease” in people who are cognitively impaired. 

The test is meant to be used at memory clinics or other specialized care settings. Risks include possible false positive or false negative results. Alzheimer’s researchers believe the disease takes root with brain changes before memory and thinking problems surface. 

The new generation of blood tests could lead to earlier diagnosis and give patients access to medication. The FDA has approved two Alzheimer’s drugs targeting amyloid plaques in adults with early signs of the disease.

Eli Lilly’s Kisunla and Eisai and Biogen’s drug Leqembi include warnings for MRI-visible injuries, which can include brain swelling and tiny bleeds at the surface of the brain.