Alzheimer’s breakthrough

Stem cell therapy may offer hope for Alzheimer’s patients, according to new research. Scientists at the University of California San Diego recently tested the effectiveness of stem cell transplants in a mouse model of the memory-­killing disease.

The researchers treated Alzheimer’s mice with so-called hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs)—the precursors to blood and immune cells. Remarkably, the treated mice exhibited no memory loss or cognitive impairment. In comparison, untreated mice showed significant memory loss and neurocognitive impairment. The treated mice also had significantly less amyloid plaque buildup, long thought to be a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease, and reduced neuroinflammation.

The study authors, who published their work Aug. 8 in Cell Reports, attributed the success of the stem cell therapy to its ability to target immune cells in the brain called microglia. Past research has shown that the microglia’s ability to clear away amyloid plaque is impaired in people with Alzheimer’s. The new study demonstrated that transplanted HSPCs differentiated into microglia-like cells, suggesting the microglia had indeed protected against Alzheimer’s symptoms.

Postpartum pill approval

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Aug. 4 approved the first oral treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). Zurzuvae, manufactured by Biogen and Sage Therapeutics, is a fast-acting pill taken once a day for 14 days. In two studies, women with PPD who received Zurzuvae showed significant improvement in their symptoms in comparison with women who took a placebo. The only other option for treating PPD is an IV injection. —H.F.

Hot findings

Since the 1977 discovery of hydrothermal vents, over 300 animal species have been identified ­living on their surface. Recently, researchers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s Falkor (too) vessel became the first to discover animal life beneath hydrothermal vents, they reported in early August.

Formed by interactions between seawater and magma from underwater volcanoes, hydrothermal vents generate hot, nutrient-rich fluids that support vent microorganisms in an environment otherwise devoid of life. Using an underwater robot to overturn the ocean floor at an undersea volcano off Central America, the Falkor (too) researchers revealed a below-ground ecosystem teeming with worms, snails, and microscopic larvae and bacteria living in 75-degree F water.

The scientists, who plan to publish their findings later this year, hope their work will dissuade deep-sea ­mining companies from disturbing hydrothermal vents. —H.F.