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Longevity Gene May Protect against a Notorious Alzheimer’s Risk Gene

Consumer genetic tests can sometimes result in a terrible surprise appearing in the same report that divulges whether one has a cilantro aversion or wet or dry earwax. Test takers may receive the devastating news that they have a version of a gene—apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE e4)—that greatly increases their chances of getting Alzheimer’s […]

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Flexible Armor Inspired by Mollusks Better Defends Joints

Scientific American April 2020 A scaly sea creature called a chiton sparks an idea for new protective gear Protective gear has come a long way since the days of medieval armor. But engineers still have trouble shielding joints like elbows and knees, which requires material tough enough to prevent injury but flexible enough to allow […]

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Why Women May Be More Susceptible to Mood Disorders

Depression and other mood disorders often lack a discernible cause. Like many complex diseases, they emerge as genes and life circumstances interweave in mysterious ways. Less enigmatic, though, is the fact that these conditions affect women about twice as often as men. Understanding how and why requires a look at the underlying biology—the brain circuits and […]