In a significant scientific breakthrough, researchers have successfully reversed memory and learning deficits in a mouse model of Down syndrome (DS) by targeting the body’s response to cellular stress. The findings, published in Science on November 14, 2019, offer new hope for improving cognitive function in individuals with DS — the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability.

What Is The Research About?

Traditionally, DS research has focused on how an extra copy of chromosome 21 affects gene expression. However, this study took a different route. The scientists zeroed in on "proteostasis," the process by which cells maintain a healthy balance of protein production and regulation. They discovered that in DS mice, the integrated stress response (ISR) — a natural protective mechanism that reduces protein production during cellular stress — was unusually active in hippocampal cells. This reduction in protein synthesis, while generally protective, was impairing the brain’s ability to form long-term memories.

“The cell is always checking in on its own health,” said Dr. Peter Walter, professor of biochemistry at UCSF and co-senior author of the study. “When something’s off, like an extra chromosome, it can trigger a stress response that shuts down protein production — and that’s detrimental for cognitive function.”

Using three different methods, including a drug called ISRIB, the researchers suppressed this stress response and observed dramatic improvements in learning and memory among DS mice. The animals performed significantly better in two behavioural tests and showed enhanced synaptic activity in the brain, suggesting real physiological change.

To strengthen their findings, the team examined brain tissue from people with DS. They found that the ISR was similarly activated in those with the extra chromosome — reinforcing the link between the stress response and DS symptoms.

Interestingly, they identified a specific enzyme, PKR, as the main culprit behind this stress activation. By blocking PKR, either genetically or pharmacologically, the team was able to prevent the decline in protein production and restore cognitive function in mice.

Although these results are preliminary and require further investigation in human models, the study marks a promising first step toward developing treatments for DS. “We started with a situation that looked hopeless,” Walter said. “Nobody thought anything could be done. But we may have struck gold.”

The study was supported by the NIH and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. While some of the researchers have industry ties related to the drug ISRIB, they report no additional conflicts of interest.

This research signals a paradigm shift — from solely genetic approaches to exploring how cellular stress management could hold the key to treating cognitive disorders like Down syndrome.

People taking one of Britain’s most widely prescribed painkillers have been reminded by the NHS to watch for serious side effects that should be reported to a doctor right away.** Gabapentin, available only by prescription, is mainly used to treat nerve-related pain caused by conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, shingles, and restless legs syndrome.

What Is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a common condition across the UK. It’s estimated that around 10% of adults experience it, and about 2% deal with uncomfortable symptoms nearly every night. This means roughly 2.2 million people in the UK are likely to live with RLS at some point.

Medicines used to treat RLS include alpha-2-delta ligands, such as pregabalin and gabapentin. The specific drug and dosage vary depending on how severe the symptoms are and whether other health conditions are present. In some cases, long-term treatment may be needed.

What to Know About Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is among the most frequently prescribed medications in Britain. It is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms, and can be taken by most adults and by children aged six and older. While the majority of users do not experience side effects, a small number of people report certain reactions.

According to the NHS, “Like all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. These common side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than one in 100 people. They’re usually mild and go away by themselves.”

Gabapentin: Common Side Effects

• Feeling sleepy, tired, or dizzy
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Mood changes
• Swelling in the arms or legs
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty getting an erection
• Weight gain
• Memory problems
• Headaches
• Getting more infections than usual

Some people may experience more serious side effects, such as thoughts of self-harm, swollen glands that do not go away, or persistent stomach pain, which can signal inflammation of the pancreas. The NHS emphasizes that these reactions are rare.

Using gabapentin for an extended period may, in rare instances, lead to dependence, so regular medical supervision is advised while taking this medication.

Who Can and Cannot Take Gabapentin?

The prescribed dose of gabapentin depends on the condition being treated. For adults and older children (aged 12 and above), the usual dosage ranges from 900 mg to 3,600 mg per day, divided into three doses.

For younger children under 12, a doctor will determine the right amount based on the child’s body weight.

Doctors may recommend an alternative to gabapentin in some situations, such as:

• If the person has had an allergic reaction to gabapentin or similar medicines
• If they have a history of drug misuse or addiction
• If they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• If they are following a low-sodium or low-potassium diet, or have kidney problems, since the liquid form of gabapentin contains sodium and potassium

Speaking to a doctor before starting or adjusting gabapentin is essential to ensure the treatment is safe and effective for each individual.

The Food and Drug Administration on Friday moved to limit the use of fluoride supplements that are meant to strengthen children’s teeth. This decision marks another step by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team to reassess chemicals long considered standard in dental care.

The FDA announced that these supplements should no longer be given to children under 3 years old or to older children who are not at a high risk of developing cavities. Until now, they had been prescribed for children as young as six months. The move follows a directive from the government’s Make American Healthy Again Commission to review the safety and benefits of these products.

What Are Kids’ Fluoride Supplements?

Fluoride is a mineral known to protect teeth from decay. It can be applied directly to the teeth, added to public water supplies, or taken in supplement form (known as systemic fluoride). It helps strengthen tooth enamel and shields it from the damage caused by plaque. Fluoride also supports the process of remineralization, which repairs the early stages of decay. These supplements are most often given to children.

Now, according to CNN, the FDA has sent notices to four companies warning them of potential enforcement actions for marketing unapproved fluoride-containing ingestible drugs labeled for use in children under age 3, or in older children at low or moderate risk for tooth decay. The agency has also issued letters to healthcare providers, advising them to avoid prescribing these supplements for those groups.

Why Is the Trump Administration Against Fluoride Supplements?

Fluoride has drawn increased attention from the Trump administration following recent research that reopened discussions about the possible health risks of high fluoride exposure. Despite this, most experts continue to highlight the proven safety and dental benefits of fluoride.

The United States began adding fluoride to public water systems in 1945 to make oral care more accessible and affordable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention later named water fluoridation one of the top ten public health achievements of the 20th century, alongside vaccines, family planning, and workplace safety improvements.

According to federal data from 2022, most Americans live in areas where fluoride is added to the water. In regions where it is not, doctors often prescribe fluoride tablets or drops to help protect babies and children from cavities. However, this reliance on supplements could grow, as states like Utah and Florida have banned the addition of fluoride to public drinking water, and similar measures are being considered in several others.

In April, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to reevaluate the science around fluoride and issue new guidelines. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also said he would direct the CDC to stop recommending water fluoridation in local communities.

A new scientific review released Friday concluded that fluoride supplements “should not be used in children under age 3 or by older children who are not at high risk of tooth decay.” The FDA added that “the same property that allows fluoride to kill bacteria on teeth may also affect the gut microbiome, which could have wider health impacts.”

Why Do Dentists Recommend Fluoride Supplements?

Dentists prescribe fluoride tablets, drops, and lozenges to children who live in places without fluoridated water or who are more likely to get cavities. This includes children with poor dental hygiene, those who skip regular dental visits, or those with family members who have dental disease. These supplements are meant to provide the same level of fluoride protection that fluoridated water offers.

According to Dr. F. Perry Wilson, a physician and chronic disease epidemiologist at the Yale School of Medicine, fluoride drops and tablets deliver extra protection against cavities beyond what children get from toothpaste or mouthwash. Since these supplements enter the bloodstream and then the saliva, they help strengthen teeth from within, much like fluoridated water does, as reported by The New York Times.

Recalled Pasta Meals Listeria: A nationwide listeria outbreak connected to recalled ready-to-eat pasta meals has claimed six lives and left several others hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data shared by public health agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), shows that 27 people across 18 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of listeria.

Out of 26 people with detailed medical information, 25 required hospitalization, and six deaths occurred in Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, and Utah. As reported by PEOPLE, one pregnancy-related infection also led to the loss of a baby.

The CDC noted that the real number of cases is likely higher since confirming a link to an outbreak can take several weeks, and some individuals may recover without medical attention.

As the listeria outbreak unfolds, it raises the question: how do you know if you are at risk?

Recalled Pasta Meals Listeria: Who All Are At Risks For Listeria Outbreak?

According to the CDC, listeria poses the greatest danger to pregnant women, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In these groups, the bacteria can spread beyond the intestines and cause a serious condition called invasive listeriosis.

• For pregnant women, infection can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth, or severe illness in newborns.
• For older adults and people with compromised immunity, listeria often leads to hospitalization and, in some cases, death.

Other individuals may develop headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, along with fever, muscle aches, and tiredness.

Listeria Prepared Pasta Recall: How To Know If You Are Affected By Listeria

People usually get infected after consuming food contaminated with the bacteria. The incubation period, the time between infection and symptom onset, can range from 3 to 70 days, with an average of about 3 weeks. When a pregnant woman eats contaminated food, the infection can pass through the placenta to the baby.

As the CDC explains, healthy individuals may not show symptoms or might only develop mild, short-lived flu-like signs, sometimes with minor digestive discomfort. These mild infections typically remain limited to the gut lining.

In people at higher risk, the bacteria can spread into the bloodstream, leading to more severe complications. Older adults and those with weakened immune systems can develop meningitis or sepsis, which present as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or seizures.

Pregnant women may have few or no symptoms, but infection can still harm the baby, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, or meningitis in newborns. For more detailed information, pregnant women are advised to refer to official CDC guidance on listeria during pregnancy.

Recalled Pasta Meals Listeria: How Does Listeria Get Into Food?

Listeria monocytogenes is a naturally occurring bacterium found in soil and water. Vegetables may become contaminated through soil or manure-based fertilizers. Animals can also carry listeria without appearing sick, which means meat and dairy from these animals can be infected. In some cases, contamination occurs after food processing, such as in soft cheeses or deli products.

Listeria Prepared Pasta Recall: How Is Listeriosis Diagnosed?

Doctors typically confirm listeriosis by testing a patient’s blood or cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord). During pregnancy, a blood test is the most accurate way to determine whether a woman’s symptoms are caused by a listeria infection.