Latest news with #NatureMaterials
Economic Times
a day ago
- Health
- Economic Times
You can keep your heart young without medication, even as you age. New study reveals
iStock New research from Singapore reveals how maintaining a 'youthful' cellular environment may help the heart resist aging. Scientists used a unique biomaterial model to mimic heart tissue and found that young molecular signals can keep even stiffened heart structures functioning better. (Image: iStock) Aging is something we all go through—but what if your heart didn't have to slow down with the rest of your body? A new study published in Nature Materials suggests it might be possible to keep our hearts feeling young for longer. And surprisingly, the key may lie not in the heart itself, but in the environment around it. The research, led by scientists at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore, focuses on something called the extracellular matrix (ECM). Think of it like scaffolding around your heart cells. It helps with structure, support, and healing. As we age, this ECM stiffens, which can make the heart pump less efficiently. To figure out how the ECM affects the heart, researchers created a special lab model called DECIPHER. It uses rat heart tissue and a gel that mimics the ECM. This allowed the scientists to test how a young heart's environment reacts to aging, and vice what they found: if you give heart cells the same 'young' signals they'd get in a healthy heart—even if the ECM is old and stiff—they work better. But even young heart cells don't do well when surrounded by old, damaged ECM. This means the environment around your heart cells—more than the cells themselves—may play a bigger role in heart aging. Assistant Professor Jennifer Young, who led the study, said the team focused on the ECM because 'most aging research looks only at how cells change.' Their research flips that idea. Dr. Nishant Kalra, a heart specialist who wasn't part of the study, told Medical News Today that these findings show how young tissue signals can prevent the heart from becoming stiff and weak, even when it's aging. Though treatments based on this are years away, it opens a new door to how we might care for aging hearts in the we wait for future breakthroughs, there are things you can do right now to protect your heart: Move your body : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. Eat well : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. Sleep enough : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. Quit smoking and alcohol : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. Manage stress : Relax through hobbies, nature, or meditation. Your birthday may come around every year, but your heart doesn't have to feel older with each one. This new research shows that with the right environment—and smart lifestyle choices—your heart can keep beating strong, even as the candles on your cake grow in number.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
You can keep your heart young without medication, even as you age. New study reveals
Aging is something we all go through—but what if your heart didn't have to slow down with the rest of your body? A new study published in Nature Materials suggests it might be possible to keep our hearts feeling young for longer. And surprisingly, the key may lie not in the heart itself, but in the environment around it. The research, led by scientists at the Mechanobiology Institute in Singapore, focuses on something called the extracellular matrix (ECM). Think of it like scaffolding around your heart cells. It helps with structure, support, and healing. As we age, this ECM stiffens, which can make the heart pump less efficiently. A Special Material That Helps Understand Aging To figure out how the ECM affects the heart, researchers created a special lab model called DECIPHER. It uses rat heart tissue and a gel that mimics the ECM. This allowed the scientists to test how a young heart's environment reacts to aging, and vice versa. Here's what they found: if you give heart cells the same 'young' signals they'd get in a healthy heart—even if the ECM is old and stiff—they work better. But even young heart cells don't do well when surrounded by old, damaged ECM. This means the environment around your heart cells—more than the cells themselves—may play a bigger role in heart aging . Assistant Professor Jennifer Young, who led the study, said the team focused on the ECM because 'most aging research looks only at how cells change.' Their research flips that idea. You Might Also Like: Fitness trackers may boost your heart health, but these 3 hidden dangers are hard to ignore Experts Say This Is Just the Beginning Dr. Nishant Kalra, a heart specialist who wasn't part of the study, told Medical News Today that these findings show how young tissue signals can prevent the heart from becoming stiff and weak, even when it's aging. Though treatments based on this are years away, it opens a new door to how we might care for aging hearts in the future. What You Can Do Today to Keep Your Heart Young While we wait for future breakthroughs, there are things you can do right now to protect your heart: Move your body : Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise (like brisk walking) each week. Eat well : Focus on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Diets like Mediterranean or DASH are especially heart-friendly. Sleep enough : Try to get 7–9 hours of good sleep each night. Quit smoking and alcohol : It's one of the best things you can do for your heart. Manage stress : Relax through hobbies, nature, or meditation. Your birthday may come around every year, but your heart doesn't have to feel older with each one. This new research shows that with the right environment—and smart lifestyle choices—your heart can keep beating strong, even as the candles on your cake grow in number. You Might Also Like: Prevent heart attacks without pills? Scientists say these 3 everyday foods may outperform medication
Medical News Today
4 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Scientists find novel way to slow and even reverse aging of the heart
A new study examines how a lesser-known part of cell biology may impact the aging the scientists investigate the extracellular matrix, which helps support the structure of cells, among other authors hope that their study might lead to innovative ways to slow and even reverse the aging of the we grow older, the body's organs and systems tend to slow and become less efficient, and the heart is no to the authors of a new study, the extracellular matrix (ECM) may play a pivotal role in the decline in cardiac function that we see with age. They hope that their research, which utilizes an innovative new material, may one day help us slow this process. Here, we will explain their study and what the future may hold. We will also provide tips for reducing heart aging that you can start is the extracellular matrix?The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of molecules and minerals that sits between cells. Often referred to as the cell's 'scaffolding,' it plays many vital on where in the body it is, it generally provides structural support, stops different tissues from sticking together, enhances cell-to-cell communication, and assists in wound does it matter for heart health? ECM and the aging heartAccording to the authors of the recent paper, which appears in Nature Materials, 'it is widely acknowledged that the mechanics, organization, and composition of the ECM vary with age.'They explain that these ECM changes may play a part in the stiffening of the cardiac muscle that occurs as we grow older. Age-related changes trigger so-called cardiac fibroblasts, which can lead to fibrosis: A buildup of connective tissue, as seen in fibrosis is an important function and helps repair heart tissue after damage, when it is uncontrolled, it leads to a stiffer, less flexible ECM. In the case of the heart, this can make it less efficient at pumping on the ECM is relatively novel. 'Most aging research focuses on how cells change over time,' explains Jennifer Young, senior author of the study and assistant professor at the Mechanobiology Institute of the National University of Singapore. 'Our study looks instead at the ECM and how changes in this environment affect heart aging.'DECIPHER: A hybrid biomaterial To help uncover the role of the ECM in heart health, the team designed a new, hi-tech model called DECellularized In Situ Polyacrylamide Hydrogel-ECM hybrid (DECIPHER).This model was created using heart tissue from a rat and a lab-created gel that shares physical properties with the authors explain, it was unclear whether changes in cell signaling or changes in tissue stiffness were most responsible for age-related declines in heart function.'The DECIPHER platform solves this problem,' explains Avery Rui Sun, first author of the study, in a press release. He explains how it allows 'researchers to independently control the stiffness and the biochemical signals presented to the cells — something no previous system using native tissue has been able to do.'In other words, they could adjust the model and see what happens when cell signalling occurs as it does in a young heart, but with an older, stiffer ECM. Conversely, they could mimic the biochemical signals of an aged heart with a young, flexible ECM. They found that 'young' cell signaling outweighed the negative effects of the stiffer ECM. In reverse, young cells placed on 'aged' ECM showed signs of implies that 'the biochemical environment around aged heart cells matters more than stiffness,' explains does it all mean?Medical News Today reached out to Nishant Kalra, MD, an interventional cardiologist, chief medical officer at VitalSolution — an Ingenovis Health company — who was not involved in the study.'Surface molecules (ligands) found in young heart tissue can prevent the activation of fibrosis-promoting cells, even when the tissue is as stiff as aged heart tissue, which points to new ways to target the extracellular environment to slow heart aging,' he told studies next'This work provides a platform for identifying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets to prevent or reverse age-related cardiac dysfunction. While promising, human translation requires further validation, as the study used rat cells.'— Nishant Kalra, MDAlthough intriguing, it will be countless studies and many years before these results will lead to new treatments. However, there are many science-backed lifestyle changes that will support your heart as you to protect your heart as you ageWe asked Kalra for some tips on maintaining heart health. 'For lifestyle-based prevention of heart aging, the most evidence-based strategies are:'Regular aerobic exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per weekAdherence to a healthy dietary pattern: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, such as by adopting the Mediterranean or DASH smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact heart management: Obesity is a major risk factor for heart disease. Stress reduction: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time in nature.'These behaviors,' he continued, 'are consistently associated with reduced biological and cardiovascular aging, as shown in large epidemiological studies and supported by the American Heart Association.'MNT also reached out to Daniel Atkinson, MD, a family physician from the United Kingdom, working for a private healthcare company called Treated. He also advised reducing alcohol intake.'Keep it below 14 units (roughly 4–5 drinks) per week, avoid drinking more than 3 drinks in any one session, and give your body (and heart and liver) a break from alcohol for at least one continuous 48-hour period each week.'— Daniel Atkinson, MD'Excess alcohol consumption carries a few health risks,' Atkinson said, 'and among these is the effect it can have on raising blood pressure, which elevates your risk of heart disease.'He explained how drinking alcohol in excess can weaken the heart muscles, making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood around the body.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Chinese researchers develop silicon-free transistor technology faster outpacing Intel, TSMC, and Samsung
Chinese researchers at Peking University have unveiled a potentially game-changing silicon-free transistor, claiming it could outperform the latest chips from Intel, TSMC, and Samsung. The innovation, based on a two-dimensional material known as bismuth oxyselenide, marks a major shift in chip architecture. The transistor employs a gate-all-around (GAAFET) design, with the gate fully enveloping the source—unlike traditional FinFET technology, which provides only partial gate coverage. This full-contact structure significantly reduces energy leakage and allows greater control over current flow, resulting in improved performance. According to the research team, the new transistor operates up to 40% faster than Intel's latest 3nm chips and consumes 10% less power. Tests were conducted under the same conditions used for commercial-grade processors. The findings, published in Nature Materials, suggest the transistor may represent the most efficient and powerful to date. Lead scientist Professor Peng Hailin described the innovation as 'changing lanes' rather than simply improving existing materials. The new design avoids the vertical stack typical of FinFETs and instead resembles an interwoven bridge-like structure, helping overcome miniaturisation challenges as chip sizes approach sub-3nm levels. Two novel bismuth-based compounds power the breakthrough: Bi₂O₂Se as the semiconductor and Bi₂SeO₅ as the gate dielectric. Both materials feature low interface energy, reducing electron scattering and enabling near-resistance-free electron flow. 'This allows electrons to flow with almost no resistance, like water through a smooth pipe,' Peng explained. Importantly, the researchers say their transistor can be fabricated using existing semiconductor infrastructure, potentially easing the path to large-scale production. They have already used the design to create small logic units. If commercialised, the development could significantly disrupt the global chip market and accelerate the shift away from silicon-based technology.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Quantum 'miracle material' can store information in a single dimension thanks to newly discovered magnetic switching
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Magnetic switch traps quantum information carriers in one dimension. | Credit: Brad Baxley, Part to Whole. For use reporting on this study, DOI: 10.1038/s41563-025-02120-1 Scientists have discovered how to use a quantum material to tap into the power of magnetism to store quantum information — thanks to its capacity to support magnetic switching (when the magnetic polarization switches direction). They say it can lead to more viable quantum computing and sensing, thanks to much longer-lasting quantum states. Chromium sulfide bromide is an unusual material that has been likened to filo pastry (thin, folded layers of pastry) thanks to its structure of just a few layers of atoms. Scientists consider it extremely promising for quantum devices because many of its properties can be used for any type of information storage. It can be used to store information using an electric charge, as photons (as light), through magnetism (through the electronic spin) and even via phonons — like vibrations from of the many ways in which chromium sulfide bromide could be used to store information is through excitons — quasi-particles that form when an electron and its hole become bound together. When a photon is moved from its grounded energy state, it effectively leaves behind a hole where it once was. Although they are separated, the photon and the hole remain paired together and become known as an exciton. Previous research has highlighted how these excitons can sometimes form in a straight line in the material. But these excitons also exhibit unusual magnetic properties. At temperatures less than 132 Kelvin (-222 degrees F or -141 degrees C), the material's layers are magnetized and the electrons are aligned,while the direction of the magnetic field switches for each layer in the material. When chromium sulfide bromide is warmed to more than 132 K, the material loses its magnetization as the electrons can move in random directions. In this unmagnetized state, the excitons are no longer trapped and extend over multiple layers of the material. However, when chromium sulfide bromide is only a single atom thick, the excitons are confined to a single dimension. When used in a quantum device, this restriction could allow quantum information in the excitons to be stored much longer than it would otherwise be, as the excitons are less likely to collide with each other and lose the information they carry through decoherence (the loss of quantum information due to interference). Quantum information in one dimension In the new study published Feb. 19 in the journal Nature Materials, scientists reported that they had produced excitons in chromium sulfide bromide by firing pulses of infrared light in 20 bursts lasting only 20 quadrillionths of a second (20 x 10-15). They then used a second infrared laser to nudge the excitons into a higher energy state, before finding they had created two different variations of exciton when they should otherwise have had identical states of energy. When the less energetic pulses were shot by lasers from different axes, the researchers discovered that the direction-dependent excitons could be confined to a single line or expanded into three dimensions. The change from unidimensional; to three-dimensional excitons accounted for how long the excitons could last without colliding with each other. "The magnetic order is a new tuning knob for shaping excitons and their interactions. This could be a game changer for future electronics and information technology," said co-author of the study Rupert Huber , professor of experimental and applied physics at the University of Regensburg, Germany. RELATED STORIES —Newly discovered quantum state could power more stable quantum computers — and a new 2D chip can tap into it —New 'gold-plated' superconductor could be the foundation for massively scaled-up quantum computers in the future —'Quantum memory breakthrough' may lead to a quantum internet One of the key areas the research team wants to pursue next is to investigate whether these excitons could be converted to magnetic excitations in the electronic spin of the material. Were they to achieve this, it could provide a useful method for converting quantum information between different subatomic particles (photons, excitons and electrons). Switching between magnetized and non-magnetized states could provide a fast method for converting photon and spin-based quantum information. The hope with chromium sulfide bromide is to harness all of its properties for use in future devices.
