"Menopause brain" is real, and now there is scientific proof. New findings by neuroscience researchers at the Larner College of Medicine reveal how menopause affects brain function. Their findings suggest that menopause represents an important neurological transition that may influence cognitive experiences in the present and long-term brain aging. This study is among the first to demonstrate these changes using resting-state brain activity. 

Virtually all people with Down syndrome develop brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease by age 40, and approximately 95% will go on to develop dementia due to Alzheimer’s, now the leading cause of death among adults with Down syndrome. John and Tami Marick understand firsthand the devastating effects Alzheimer’s disease has on loved ones, and the risk it poses to those with Down syndrome. The Maricks launched the JTMF Foundation in 2021 to fulfill a mission to improve the lives of people in need, including empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Maricks fortuitously met Michael Rafii, MD, PhD, medical director of the USC Epstein Family Alzheimer’s Therapeutic Research Institute (ATRI) and principal investigator of the Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials Consortium – Down syndrome (ACTC-DS). As a result, the JTMF Foundation has expanded its footprint with a game-changing $3.3 million gift to USC to fund three main initiatives: funding five gold-standard Vanguard Clinical Trial Sites in the United States for four years; supporting the launch of a clinical trial site at Oregon Health & Science University (OSHU) to bring access to advances in Alzheimer’s treatments to individuals with Down syndrome in the area; and funding the first-of-its-kind Research Ambassador Program employing individuals with Down syndrome at clinical trial sites.

Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health (CVD) reported encouraging results from an early clinical trial that tested a new dual vaccine against Lassa fever and rabies. The study, published today in the journal Nature Medicine, found that the vaccine was safe and induced immune responses against both viruses. There are currently no vaccines against Lassa fever on the market.

Researchers commonly test drugs in simplified lab conditions, often at room temperature. Northwestern scientists discovered drugs behave differently at body temperature and with physiologically relevant calcium levels. Findings could improve drug screening and lead to therapies that work only in diseased cells.