Drug For Regrowing Teeth Could Be Available Within The Next Decade

 Teeth don't grow back once we become adults: any wear and tear is permanent – as those of us with fillings will know – which is why it's important to keep them as clean and healthy as we can.

However, this is something scientists are now looking to change.

It's been announced that clinical trials for a potential tooth regrowth treatment are set to begin in July 2024, building on decades of research in the field. If those trials are successful, therapeutic drugs could be available by 2030.

A team from the Medical Research Institute at Kitano Hospital in Japan is in charge of the trial, which is targeting people with anodontia, a rare genetic condition that prevents baby teeth and adult teeth from growing in the normal way.

The treatment would initially target young children with the condition, but further down the line, the researchers think it could also be used more broadly – with people who have more common dental problems, such as gum disease, for example.

"The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist's dream," Katsu Takahashi, head of the dentistry and oral surgery department at Kitano Hospital, told The Mainichi. "I've been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I'd be able to make it happen."

Here's how it works: having found a link between a specific gene called USAG-1 and limits on tooth growth in mice, the researchers then moved on to tests that tried to block the expression of USAG-1.

An antibody was discovered that could safely block some of the activity of USAG-1 in mice and ferrets without leading to any serious side effects, leading to induced tooth growth.

The next step is to see if the same chemical reactions can be controlled in humans.

We're talking about potential rather than reality at the moment, but it might be possible to use the new drug to prompt the growth of a third generation of teeth in the mouth, after baby teeth and full-sized adult teeth.

As the researchers point out in a recent scientific review, the benefit of the approach is that teeth growth is being triggered in a natural way, through a process known as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling.

Our bodies are naturally doing the work, without any complicated engineering of stem cells required.

The team also suggests that advancements in scanning technology (such as mass spectrometry, for example) will make it easier to spot biomarkers indicating the people who will benefit most from the treatment.

"Anti-USAG-1 antibody treatment in mice is effective for tooth regeneration and can be a breakthrough in treating tooth anomalies in humans," write the researchers.

A paper on the research was published in Nature in July 2021.

https://www.sciencealert.com/a-drug-for-regrowing-teeth-could-be-available-within-the-next-decade

‘World’s oldest practicing docto,r’ 101: My No. 1 rule for keeping your brain sharp

 I’ve been a practicing doctor and neurologist for more than seven decades. And at 101 years old, people often ask me how I keep my brain sharp.

Good genes and a bit of luck can give you a head start, but there is one principle I live by that anyone can implement: Keep your mind engaged through work, social and entertainment activities.

As we age, we go through natural changes that affect our mental processing abilities. Some areas of the brain may shrink, communication between neurons may become less effective, and blood flow may decrease.

But like any other muscle in the body, our mind needs consistent exercise to thrive. I use three daily rituals to boost my brain health.

1. I go to work.

Research shows a correlation between retiring and increased cognitive decline — which is why I still haven’t retired.

I was named the world’s oldest practicing doctor by the Guinness World Records. Sara, my wife of 66 years, also still practices psychoanalysis and psychiatry at age 89.

My job requires me to review a number of medical subjects and think through problems. Staying up to date with the latest advancements in neurology keeps my brain busy.

Volunteering, pursuing a hobby and learning new skills can provide great mental stimulation. In my early 60s, for example, I attended law school at night, after conducting my full-time medical practice. I passed the Ohio Bar Exam at 67. 

2. I stay social.

Research has indicated that strong relationships may help maintain our memory and cognitive function.

Unfortunately, at my age, many of my closest friends, family members and colleagues have passed away.  But I am fortunate that my job has allowed me to build relationships with younger colleagues. 

Sara and I also make it a priority to have dinner with people in our community.

At least twice a week, we eat with my daughter and her husband and my son and his wife. We enjoy trying new restaurants with friends and colleagues, too.

3. I read for entertainment.

When I’m not reading about the latest advancements and treatments in neurology, I like to read biographies and detective stories.

Immersing yourself in a good book, fiction or non-fiction, requires your brain to process a bulk of new information. I believe this is key to keeping your mind sharp.

Dr. Howard Tucker is a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio and was named the ”Oldest Practicing Doctor″ by Guinness World Records. He received his law degree and passed the Ohio Bar Exam in his late 60s, and served as chief of neurology of the Atlantic fleet during the Korean War. A feature documentary about Dr. Tucker is in the works. Follow him on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

https://www.cnbc.com/2023/08/09/i-am-101-years-old-and-the-worlds-oldest-practicing-doctor-my-no-1-tip-for-keeping-your-brain-sharp.html

'DOJ moves to dismiss Hunter Biden case to bring new charges'

 Prosecutors investigating Hunter Biden on tax-related charges say a trial is imminent after plea deal negotiations fell apart last month.

David Weiss, the U.S. attorney leading the investigation moved to dismiss the case against Biden in new court filings so prosecutors can bring charges in Washington, D.C., or California.

The president’s son was set to agree to plead guilty to two tax offenses and enter a pretrial diversion program on a gun charge, allowing him to avoid a formal charge under specific conditions.

But the deal crumbled after a hearing last month when a Delaware district judge put off accepting the complex deal negotiated by Biden and the DOJ.

“After the hearing, the parties continued negotiating but reached an impasse,” Weiss wrote in Friday court filings. “A trial is therefore in order.”

After the hearing last month, both parties were directed to submit in writing their responses to Judge Maryellen Noreika’s concerns. On Friday, the Justice Department asked Noreika to set aside those briefing deadlines. 

“The Court’s briefing order is premised on the idea that the parties intend to continue towards a guilty plea in Criminal Action No. 23-mj-00274 and diversion in Criminal Action No. 23-cr-00061,” prosecutors wrote. 

“But that is no longer the case,” they said. “Following additional negotiations after the hearing held on July 26, 2023, the parties are at an impasse and are not in agreement on either a plea agreement or a diversion agreement. Therefore, the Government believes the Court’s briefing order should be vacated.”

Weiss was on Friday appointed as a special counsel to continue investigating Biden. Special counsels have more powers than U.S. attorneys.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement Friday that Weiss advised him that the investigation had “reached a stage” where he believed he should continue his work as a special counsel and asked to be appointed.

“Upon considering his request, as well as the extraordinary circumstances relating to this matter, I have concluded that it is in the public interest to appoint him as special counsel,” Garland said.

Noreika ordered Biden’s attorneys to respond to the government’s motion by noon Monday.

https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/4149068-doj-drop-hunter-biden-case-delaware-trial-elsewhere/

GOP, Trump spokesperson raise doubts over Hunter Biden special counsel

 Former President Trump’s team responded with skepticism Friday to the appointment of a special counsel to oversee the investigation into President Biden’s son Hunter.

The Trump campaign issued a statement from an unnamed spokesperson arguing the Biden family has been “protected by the Justice Department for decades.”

“If this special counsel is truly independent — even though he failed to bring proper charges after a four year investigation and he appears to be trying to move the case to a more Democrat-friendly venue — he will quickly conclude that Joe Biden, his troubled son Hunter, and their enablers, including the media, which colluded with the 51 intelligence officials who knowingly misled the public about Hunter’s laptop, should face the required consequences,” the statement read.

Trump sought to make Hunter Biden’s business dealings an issue during the 2020 presidential campaign, and House Republicans have revived questions about whether President Biden was involved in his son’s business dealings, something he and the White House have denied.

Attorney General Merrick Garland on Friday appointed David Weiss, the Delaware federal prosecutor who has led the investigation into Hunter Biden, as a special counsel overseeing the investigation.

Garland said he made the decision in the politically explosive case after Weiss asked for the appointment.

Republicans have sharply criticized how a tax probe into Hunter Biden was handled, citing claims from two IRS whistleblowers that Weiss was blocked from seeking special counsel status — a claim Weiss and the Justice Department have consistently denied.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has indicated it could be grounds for a possible impeachment of Garland, noting differences between the whistleblowers’ testimony and Weiss and Garland’s recap of the prosecutor’s authority.

House Republicans also cast doubt on Weiss’s appointment Friday.

“This action by Biden’s DOJ cannot be used to obstruct congressional investigations or whitewash the Biden family corruption,” McCarthy said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. “If Weiss negotiated the sweetheart deal that couldn’t get approved, how can he be trusted as a Special Counsel? House Republicans will continue to pursue the facts for the American people.”

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4149217-trump-spokesperson-raises-doubts-over-hunter-biden-special-counsel/