This and That

Chinese regulators have granted conditional approval to an Alzheimer’s drug that is derived from seaweed. It has been almost two decades since any Alzheimer’s drug was approved. The company said its drug, Oligomannate, improved cognitive function in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s compared to placebo in a Phase 3 trial, with benefits seen in patients as early as week four and persisting throughout the 36 weeks of the trial. 

Instead of being designed to sweep away protein buildup in the brain, as has been the case with dozens of other experimental Alzheimer’s treatments, Oligomannate was developed to modulate the connection between the brain and the bacterial communities in the gut known as the microbiome. The connection between the microbiome and overall health is the subject of a relatively new and evolving field of research, with some scientists seeking to understand how bacteria can influence the emergence of disease, including Alzheimer’s.

Twelve bottles of Bordeaux wine were rocketed to the International Space Station to see how the extreme conditions affect aging. 

A retired couple sold their home and now travel with a camper on a truck bed. As of writing, they were in South America, and prioritize their spending based on the experiences they want to have most, and buy very little in order to keep expenses low. The couple is doing something called “Overlanding,” self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal.

Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and often spanning international boundaries. While expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose.

Learn More:
​
https://www.statnews.com/2019/11/04/a-new-alzheimers-therapy-is-approved-in-china-delivering-a-surprise-for-the-field-but-also-questions/?utm_source=STAT+Newsletters&utm_campaign=3ce0e0becf-MR_COPY_02&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_8cab1d7961-3ce0e0becf-149636137 

https://www.decanter.com/wine-news/bordeaux-wine-space-experiment-427143/ 

https://www.businessinsider.com/retired-couple-travels-full-time-cheaply-on-budget 

​https://overlandjournal.com/what-is-overlanding/
​