National Geographic | Mind, Body, Wonder

This week: The groundbreaking science behind reversing age-related diseases; new birth control options for men; seeking relief from long COVID; animals that can sniff out cancer and other human diseases; the phenomenon of sundowning.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY VSEVOLOD ZVIRYK (LEFT) AND ANTONIA REEVE (RIGHT), SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Drugs to reverse arthritis, or make our hearts young again? Welcome to senolytics 101.

Scientists in California continuously infused the blood of young mice into old mice—and found that the old mice functioned as if they were young. What if something similar could be done in humans? It's not science fiction—it's called senolytics, and it's a major player in the quest for longevity.

HOW DOES IT WORK—AND HOW FAR OFF IS IT?

WHAT CAUSES OUR BODIES TO AGE? Here's a detailed look, on a cellular level +

PHOTOGRAPH BY BECKY HALE

If scientists can heal this dog's heart, yours might be next

Several drugs are being tested to extend the lives of our canine companions. And scientists think what works for Fido might one day also work for us.

More medical breakthroughs:

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The end of inflammation? This new approach could treat dozens of diseases.

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How old are you, really? The answer is written on your face.

MICROGRAPH BY D. PHILLIPS, SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Birth control options for men are advancing. Here's how they work.

From gels and pills to implants, the contraceptive choices accessible to most men may soon expand beyond condoms and vasectomies. "I see it as a huge shift in equity," experts say.

WILL MEN USE THEM?

PHOTOGRAPH BY JONATHAN BRADY, PA IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES

A treatment that 'cleans' your blood? Some long COVID patients are desperate enough to try it.

Her doctor gave up on treating her, labeling her case "too complex." But for "Miriam," going from expert to expert and waiting months for appointments while her condition deteriorated was unbearable. Then she heard about apheresis—a costly treatment that patients are flying across the world for, even though there's no evidence it works.

WHAT THE SCIENCE SAYS

The long COVID puzzle:

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Could the secret to long COVID lie in our blood vessels?

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How do you know if you have long COVID?

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How multiple COVID-19 infections can harm the body

WHAT DOES CANCER SMELL LIKE?

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHNER IMAGES, GETTY IMAGES

Dogs aren't the only creatures whose senses can register signs of human disease. Ants, rats, bees, and even tiny worms can be trained to detect markers of illness—from cancer to COVID-19 to tuberculosis.

WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU

CANCER VACCINES ARE SHOWING PROMISE: This is how they would work. +

'SUNDOWNING' AND DEMENTIA

PHOTOGRAPH BY ISADORA KOSOFSKY, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

As the sun sets, some dementia patients become confused, agitated, or even hallucinate—a phenomenon called "sundowning." Scientists are still researching why this happens, but there are some treatments available. Here are some tips for caregivers who are trying to help their patients cope.

HEALTH NEWS YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

PHOTOGRAPH BY TERRA FONDRIEST

Anyone, of any ethnicity, can get cystic fibrosis. But for decades it has been overlooked in people of color, leading to misdiagnoses and dismal health disparities.

WHY DOCTORS CONSIDER IT A 'WHITE DISEASE'

MATERNAL MORTALITY: Why giving birth in the U.S. is surprisingly deadly—especially if you’re Black +

How to take better care of your aging brain

What to know about freezing your eggs

Today's 5-year-olds will likely live to 100. What will their lives be like?

Turbulence causes anxiety—and (sometimes) injuries. What can you do if it happens to you?

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