In BulletsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment in the aged population has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. In a recent study, researchers demonstrated improved cognitive abilities in aging rat models, after the administration of Polygonatum sibiricum — a perennial herbaceous plant, for five months. The team observed an improved Nissl body condition in the cortex and hippocampus. Further, they noted that the plant also can increase the number of synapses and enhance synaptic shape. In therapeutic settings, the plant is used as a traditional Chinese medicine and is frequently utilized in treating pulmonary conditions, diabetes, and antiaging.
More information: Zhang (2022). Polygonatum sibiricum ameliorated cognitive impairment of naturally aging rats through BDNF–TrkB signaling pathway. Journal of Food Biochemistry. DOI:10.1111/jfbc.14510
Journal information: Journal of Food Biochemistry
In a race to the moon, the first private mission to touch down on the lunar surface is expected to be a Japanese company early in the following year. The first Moon rover for the United Arab Emirates, as well as payloads for the Japanese Space Agency, JAXA, will be carried by ispace's M1 lander and planned to be launched on a SpaceX rocket. Early in the next year, at least two landers financed by NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program will launch and take a shorter route.
More information: Elizabeth Gibney (2022). Private companies race to the Moon: Japan spacecraft set to take early lead. Nature. DOI:10.1038/d41586-022-03675-8
Journal information: Nature
In a dazzling display of light and sound, NASA launched the most powerful rocket ever made on a mission to the Moon on Wednesday. The launch of Artemis marked the beginning of the space agency's new flagship program. The Orion spacecraft, fastened to the rocket's top, will orbit Earth's nearest neighbor in a test trip to confirm that the first woman and the first person of color should set land on lunar soil by the middle of the 2020s. The development comes after about five decades — the last sent astronauts to the Moon was in 1969.
More information: Nasa Artemis 1 launch: rocket lifts off on moon mission – as it happened
Website information: The Guardian