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This week: An Alzheimer's cure may be hiding in these "zombie" cells; how Japan became a nation of old people; "everywhere" chemicals have been linked to uterine fibroids; finding the right drug for the respiratory illness you have.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION USING IMAGES BY ROBERT CLARK, (BRAIN) AND LIDAN WU, NANOSTRING COSMX

Could these 'zombie cells' hold the key to an Alzheimer's cure?

Old age is the number one risk factor for Alzheimer's, and scientists believe the root cause lies in the cellular and molecular changes we undergo as the years go by. One often-overlooked culprit may be what's known as senescent cells—cells that stop working in an aging brain, yet refuse to die.

NEW RESEARCH OFFERS HOPE

COULD VIRUSES CAUSE ALZHEIMER'S? COVID-19 brain studies offer new clues. +

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCIENCE SOURCE

Why the new Alzheimer's drug is eliciting both optimism and caution

Lecanemab targets what some see as the underlying cause of Alzheimer’s, but reports of deaths associated with the treatment have raised concerns.

THE CONTROVERSY

PHOTOGRAPH BY NORIKO HAYASHI

Japan is facing a stark reality: It has become a nation of old people

As Japan's birth rate continues its decades-long decline, its people are managing to live longer. Nearly every aspect of life in the country is changing to adapt to its new reality—from its public spaces to its social polices. And that path foreshadows what's to come in countries around the world—including the U.S.

HOW IT'S ADAPTING

PHOTOGRAPH BY ALESSANDRO GANDOLFI, PARALLELOZERO

How Okinawa unlocked the secret to long life

Residents of Okinawa are some of the world’s healthiest and happiest. Strong social networks and good food may be why.

FOOD AS MEDICINE

More on longevity:

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Can aging be cured? Scientists are giving it a try.

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No time to exercise? Just 5 minutes a day can have a big impact on your health.

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These traditional diets can lead to long lives.

'EVERYWHERE CHEMICALS' LINKED TO UTERINE FIBROIDS

PHOTOGRAPH BY HANNAH WHITAKER, NAT GEO IMAGE COLLECTION

Phthalates are chemicals found in hundreds of everyday products—from household items to shower curtains, cosmetics, and car interiors. Scientists are just learning that these chemicals foster growth in uterine fibroids—one of the most common tumors found in women.

HOW PHTHALATES ENTER OUR BODY

More on women's health:

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Is it possible to cure hot flashes? We may be getting closer.

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Many women struggle to breastfeed. Scientists are finally starting to ask why.

HOW COLD AND FLU DRUGS WORK

PHOTOGRAPH BY PETR SVANCARA, CTK/AP IMAGES

Is Tamiflu the miracle cure people expect it to be? What does acetaminophen do? When should you go to the hospital for a fever? Here are some myths and misconceptions about which medications are needed, when, and for which people.

FINDING THE RIGHT TREATMENT

Fighting off cold and flu:

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Do "immune-boosting" supplements like zinc and vitamin C really help?

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7 natural remedies, from echinacea to marshmallow, that may ease cold and flu symptoms.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19

NG STAFF

Hospitalizations are rising as Omicron XBB.1.5 spreads across the U.S.

That upward trend is particularly stark among individuals 70 years of age and older who are more vulnerable to a severe COVID-19 infection.

TRACKING COVID-19 IN THE U.S.

Omicron variant XBB.1.5 is the most contagious yet.

COVID-19 is more widespread in animals than we thought.

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