Small Protein, Big Impact: Microprotein Discovery Offers Hope for Obesity and Aging

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Researchers have uncovered a tiny but powerful protein that helps keep our cells’ energy factories humming – a discovery that could spark new approaches to tackling obesity and age-related decline. Scientists at the Salk Institute in La Jolla found that a  “microprotein”  in mouse fat cells plays a critical role in maintaining healthy  mitochondria , the structures that generate energy in our cells. By preserving mitochondrial function, this diminutive protein helps cells burn fuel efficiently, which in turn could influence body weight and the aging process. The findings shine light on how molecular biology connects to everyday health, opening the door to  science-backed strategies for better metabolism and longevity. Mature brown fat cells from a mouse, with the newly discovered microprotein shown in red inside mitochondria (green) and nuclei in blue. This tiny protein helps preserve mitochondrial health under stress. (Credit: Salk Institute) Mighty Mitochondria in ...

Man who remembers everything

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The third person found to have an ultra-rare memory gift - recalling in detail most days of his life - is 50-year-old Rick Baron of suburban Cleveland, scientists confirmed Monday after Baron contacted USA TODAY. Baron came forward after a USA TODAY story Thursday on Jill Price of Los Angeles. She is the first person to be verified by memory experts at the University of California-Irvine to have such a superior autobiographical memory. The second, La Crosse, Wis., radio newscaster Brad Williams, already had made his identity known. Baron wasn't in the USA TODAY story because researchers didn't have permission to release his name.

As is true for the others, he can tell the day of the week for given dates, and the day and date of noted events during his life. "It's got to be something I've seen or heard or read about once in my life. Then it stays in my head eternally," he says.
Baron says he can recall every day in detail from age 11 on and many days from ages 7 to 11. He has won countless prizes in Trivial Pursuit-style contests, says his sister, Laurie Kestecher of Boca Raton, Fla. After an online search, she suggested last July that Baron contact the memory experts at Irvine. via USA Today.

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