In this issue: Can Carbon 60 (C60) increase longevity? Meet Dr. Bryan Haugen. He's joining Dr. Aimee Bernard to answer your Ask A Scientist questions!

Every month, I scour the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and UCHealth newsrooms for the topics subscribers to this newsletter have told me they want to read about the most.

In this issue...

Brain Health Tips: It's not all negative when it comes to getting older!
Vision Restoration: Promising drug candidate for vision loss in neurological conditions.
Norovirus Alert: Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill it. Learn how to prevent it.
Dementia Awareness: A common form is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s. Early identification is key.
Alcohol: Third leading preventable cause of cancer. Know the risks.
Stroke Prevention: Up to 80% of strokes are preventable. New guidelines and tools.

And don't miss our heart-healthy cranberry nut clusters recipe, complete with our first-ever, in-house produced video recipe. We hope our video brightens your day in this month of love. ❤️

Yours in health and discovery,

Julia Patrick
Newsletter Connoisseur

CU Anschutz Advancement Team

ASK A SCIENTIST:

Is there research to support that including Carbon 60 (C60) in the diet can increase longevity?

Introducing Dr. Haugen: CU Anschutz Medical Campus professor, researcher and physician.

In his first video reply for our Ask A Scientist feature, Bryan Haugen, MD answers this reader question regarding claims that C60 can help boost longevity.

Ask a Scientist moving image sneak peek with play button

▶ VIEW ANSWER

If you'd like a better understanding of something you've read or heard about related to medicine and health in general, please email your question(s) to advancement@cuanschutz.edu (or just reply to this email). Yours could be the question that Dr. Bernard or Dr. Haugen answers via video reply next month!

Nine strategies to help preserve brain health. It's not all negative when it comes to getting older. "We often focus on the concerning aspects of brain health, but it’s important to point out that we do see some positive changes, including an increase in our vocabulary and general knowledge,” says Brianne Bettcher, PhD.

Outbreaks of norovirus, an extremely contagious stomach bug, are high right now. Hand sanitizer doesn’t kill the virus. Why is norovirus so contagious? What cleaning agents should I use to prevent norovirus?

Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States after tobacco and obesity, increasing risk for at least seven types of cancer. While scientific evidence for this connection has been growing over the past four decades, less than half of Americans recognize it as a risk factor for cancer. Further reading: "Alcohol is a Leading Cause of Cancer, But Will the Public Heed a New Warning?"

Some CAR-T cells engineered to fight cancer and other conditions carry the memory of past encounters with bacteria, viruses and other antigens within them. These findings could lead to more precise engineering of CAR-T cells, allowing them to attack cancer more effectively while potentially alleviating some of the side-effects of the therapy, which can include a strong inflammatory response. Further reading: "CAR T-Cell Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Autoimmune Diseases"

The third most common form of dementia is often mistaken for Alzheimer’s despite different treatment needs. Researchers say identifying the form of dementia early can guide future planning for both the person with dementia and their care partners, and ease disease by providing proper symptomatic treatment.

Researchers have found a promising drug candidate that could help restore vision in individuals with multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions that damage neurons. The researchers plan to test the drug in other areas of the brain and refine the treatment, hoping to make it even more effective and eventually accessible to patients.

A new framework for defining and diagnosing obesity moves beyond body mass index (BMI), encouraging the use of multiple measurements. Experts hope the changes will transform obesity care by using more reliable measures of health and illness.

Up to 80% of strokes are considered preventable. The revised AHA-ASA guidelines emphasize the importance of preventing a first stroke, which impacts more than 600,000 people in the United States each year. They offer a new risk-assessment screening tool for clinicians to use.

The "dopamine detox" trend is popular on social media. It suggests taking a break from things that give you quick pleasure, like social media, video games and junk food, to reset your brain and improve your mood and productivity. Experts explain that while the idea has some basis in psychology, the way it's being promoted online is misleading.

While the world around you may be uncertain and out of your control, you want to believe that at the very least, you have control over your own health. This is where the wellness industry steps in. Pseudoscience exploits your insecurities and emotions, taking advantage of your desire to live the healthiest life possible.

Philanthropic Spotlight

The Heart of the Matter

Helping patients not just recover, but thrive.

Ten years ago, the Claiborne and Jo Ann Bickham Cardiac Rehabilitation Education Center was born from the Bickhams' generosity and desire to help expand vital services and support to people recovering from cardiac incidents.

Today, the center offers essential services, including medical treatments, educational programs and wellness activities. Patients benefit from cooking demos, mindfulness classes and social gatherings, all designed to promote healthier lifestyles and build a supportive community.

Jo Ann fondly remembers the personal touches that made the center special, such as the healthy recipes she shared with the rehab group. “I made a recipe with dark chocolate, fresh cranberries and walnuts,” she recalls. “Because dark chocolate is good for you!” To this day, the cranberry cluster recipe is a fan favorite for patients in the rehab community.

Read the full article in Stories of Change to discover the center's history, impact and future plans to introduce yoga, stretching and strengthening exercise classes.

Bonus Feature:
Scroll to the end of this email to watch a video of our team making Jo Ann's famous cranberry nut clusters recipe!

STORIES OF CHANGE

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Behind The Scenes: Where Dreams Live Ad Campaign
Meet the doctors featured in our new TV ad. Bonus: Images of Clyde the unicorn and his support pony, Phantom.

BACKSTGE PASS

FREE ART EXHIBIT
Recovering Secrets: The Art of Jeffrey Kent
Through his work, Kent peels back layers of paint uncovering hidden truths, both personal and societal. See gallery location and opening hours.

DISCOVER

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
The Mystery of Life Energy Presented by Dr. Rick Leskowitz
Western medicine doesn't recognize invisible healing energy. Dr. Leskowitz explores evidence of life energy and how it affects health.

WATCH LECTURE

Let food be thy medicine: A creamy white soup with gnocchi is served in a white bowl and garnished with fresh herbs and shredded carrots.

Recipe: Jo Ann Bickham's Heart Healthy Cranberry Nut Clusters

Watch Liz Muscatello and Nicole Rodriguez whip up this tasty treat in our staff kitchen (AKA copy room).

Ingredients:

1½ - 2 cups fresh cranberries, washed and thoroughly dried, or dried cranberries
2 x 12 oz packages of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. The darker the chocolate chips, the more heart healthy your treats will be!
1 cup coarsely broken pieces of walnuts

Steps:

Melt chocolate.
Add berries and nuts. Mix well.
Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper.
Let cool in the refrigerator (or on countertop if in a cool room) and serve when hardened.
Store in a cool place.

▶ WATCH VIDEO RECIPE

...because laughter is the best medicine.

Guess who I bumped into on the way to the optometrist!
Everyone.

This 'mom' joke was submitted by Casey Kaetterhenry, Philanthropic Assistant, CU Anschutz Office of Advancement.

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