How to dev this further #InSilico @WorldUnivAndSch in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForClinincalTrials, #RealisticVirtualEarthForExtremeLongevity #RealisticVirtualEarthForDNA #RVEforGenetics & even a #RealisticVirtualEarthForAgingReversal & with our #AvatarAgentElectronicHealthRecords? https://t.co/uWbjEUU07v
— Scott - sgkmacleod@worlduniversityandschool.org (@scottmacleod) February 24, 2026
How to dev this further #InSilico @WorldUnivAndSch in a #
How to dev this further #InSilico @WorldUnivAndSch in a #RealisticVirtualEarthForClinincalTrials, #RealisticVirtualEarthForExtremeLongevity #RealisticVirtualEarthForDNA #RVEforGenetics & even a #RealisticVirtualEarthForAgingReversal & with our #AvatarAgentElectronicHealthRecords? https://t.co/FWFYi9uCLD
— WorldUnivandSch (@WorldUnivAndSch) February 24, 2026
https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/
https://x.com/WUaSPress/
https://x.com/HarbinBook/
https://x.com/sgkmacleod/
https://x.com/TheOpenBand/
https://x.com/scottmacleod/
https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/
With federal award of up to $22M, researchers to study treatment to slow the human aging processhttps://t.co/sclWuFitl2
— Laurie Green (@LaurieGreen36) February 24, 2026
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — What if people could stay healthier, stronger and mentally sharper as they grow older — not by treating diseases one by one, but by slowing a biological process that drives aging itself? A study led by researchers at Brown University and the University of Rochester will test whether a drug developed to treat HIV can quiet a chronic immune response triggered by the body’s own DNA, to help preserve health and function later in life.
The project is supported by a contract up to $22 million from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The agency’s highly competitive awards are designed to accelerate bold ideas that, if successful, could reshape how medical providers approach major health challenges. The team is one of several selected by the agency’s PROactive Solutions for Prolonging Resilience (PROSPR) program.
Biology professors Vera Gorbunova, co-director of the Rochester Aging Research Center, and John Sedivy, director of the Center on the Biology of Aging at Brown, will lead the project. The study brings together other researchers from the University of Rochester and Brown as well as the University of Connecticut, University of Texas Medical Branch, University of Texas Health, University of Nebraska and Transposon Therapeutics, a biotech startup founded on intellectual property licensed from Brown.
“What’s new and really exciting about this project is that the goal is not to treat diseases, but to treat aging itself — the normal, healthy process of human aging,” Sedivy said. “While aging has been successfully slowed down in model organisms and even in primates, this project will launch a large, credible clinical trial with healthy older people to see if a drug can slow the human aging process.”
Gorbunova, a longtime collaborator of Sedivy’s, said the study is one of the first to directly address aging.
“Aging underlies many chronic diseases, but it’s rarely targeted directly,” Gorbunova said. “This project builds on the University of Rochester’s longstanding leadership in aging research and gives us a unique opportunity to partner with other leading institutions to address one of the root causes of age-related decline.”
What’s new and really exciting about this project is that the goal is not to treat diseases, but to treat aging itself — the normal, healthy process of human aging.
While the mechanisms driving age-related decline have been studied extensively in model organisms such as mice, the extent to which those findings can be extrapolated to humans and translated into effective therapies is unknown. One of the drivers, discovered and researched by the Sedivy-Gorbunova team for more than a decade, is what they call the “dark genome.” As people grow older, their cells can begin to mistake parts of their own genetic material for viral threats, triggering chronic inflammation that contributes to physical and cognitive decline. The new project will test whether this internal “false alarm” can be safely reduced, helping older adults stay healthier for longer.
“We have known for years that non-infection related inflammation increases with age and is linked to poor aging outcomes,” said Andrew Brack, ARPA-H program manager and creator of the PROSPR program. “Because LINE-1 retrotransposons have recently been reported to increase inflammation as we age, we are excited about the possibility that anti-retroviral therapies, which have the added benefit of a long history of safety in non-diseased populations, will extend healthspan.”
From discovery to intervention
The study will focus on retrotransposons, virus-like sequences sometimes referred to as “selfish DNA” that make up a large portion of the human genome. Unlike actual viruses, retrotransposons cannot exit cells and infect other cells, but they seek to propagate themselves within the host’s DNA. Transposons normally stay dormant, but research over the past 15 years by Sedivy and Gorbunova has shown that retrotransposons become increasingly active with age, leading to inflammation that contributes to tissue decline.
“When we are young, our cells are good at keeping retrotransposons suppressed,” Gorbunova said. “As we age, that control weakens, and the immune system begins to respond as if the body is under viral attack.”
This persistent, age-related immune response has been linked to a range of age-related diseases, such as neurodegeneration, cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases. Research by Sedivy and Gorbunova was the first to show that LINE-1 retrotransposons can directly activate interferon signaling — the same antiviral defense system cells use to detect viral infections — creating a false alarm in the form of age-related inflammation.
Building on those discoveries, the ARPA-H–funded project will test whether a drug originally developed to treat HIV can suppress retrotransposon activity and reduce biological aging. The drug, Censavudine, also known as TPN-101, inhibits reverse transcriptase — an enzyme that retrotransposons rely on to replicate.
In earlier studies with mice, similar HIV drugs reduced interferon signaling and chronic inflammation associated with aging. The new project will extend that work by testing long-term Censavudine treatment in mice, followed by a randomized clinical trial in humans. There will be sites for laboratory research with animals at Brown and the University of Rochester.
The clinical phase of the study, which will take place at the University of Rochester, UConn Health in Connecticut and the University of Texas Medical Branch, will aim to enroll at least 200 healthy adults ages 60 to 65, who will receive either Censavudine or a placebo for 48 weeks. The researchers will assess changes in intrinsic capacity, a World Health Organization framework that includes mobility, cognition, vitality, sensory function and psychological health, along with molecular markers of biological aging, physical performance and overall health.
Most of the ARPA-H funding will support the clinical trials, with approximately $2 million allocated to Brown. Sedivy and Gorbunova will oversee the entire project over its five years.
“The ultimate success would provide a way to restore order in the cells and forestall at least some of the molecular ravages of age,” Sedivy said.
The study could help pave the way for therapies designed to preserve overall health and function as people grow older, the researchers said.
“Our hope is that by dialing down retrotransposons, we can help people remain healthier, stronger and mentally sharper as they age,” Gorbunova said. “That would be a profound shift in how we think about aging and intervention.”
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by #MarlynnWeiMDJD, & #JamesEGrovesMD, 2017.
Intro to chair sequence
https://youtu.be/XCi3VQb4Xk0
Modified Sun Salutation
https://youtu.be/YdRfAODNhR8
#HarvardHealthPubs #YogaWUaS: https://wiki.
The #HarvardMedSch #GuideToYoga: 8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, & Flexibility
— Scott - sgkmacleod@worlduniversityandschool.org (@scottmacleod) February 24, 2026
by #MarlynnWeiMDJD, & #JamesEGrovesMD, 2017.
Intro to chair sequence https://t.co/Jm0mhXhaJE
Modified Sun Salutation https://t.co/iy5zkG3WU0#HarvardHealthPubs #YogaWUaS: https://t.co/iVYHvchkzq ~
https://x.com/scottmacleod/
https://x.com/WorldUnivAndSch/
https://x.com/sgkmacleod/
https://x.com/HarbinBook/
https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/
https://x.com/WUaSPress/
https://x.com/TheOpenBand/
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga: 8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, & Flexibility
by Marlynn Wei MD JD, & James E Groves MD, 2017.
Introduction to yoga: The chair sequence
https://youtu.be/XCi3VQb4Xk0
Modified Sun Salutation
https://youtu.be/YdRfAODNhR8
Harvard Health Publications
https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/
https://x.com/HarbinBook/
https://x.com/scottmacleod/
Groves, James E. And Marlynn Wei, 2017.
The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga
8 Weeks to Strength, Awareness, and Flexibility
Yoga ideas
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AI Chatbots, identity and attachment (from Yale & Harvard trained psychiatrist, and Yogini Marlynn Wei MD JD #MarlynnWeiMDJD)
| Mental Health, Chatbots, and the Future of Care | Databite No. 165 | ||
| Date & Time | Feb 26, 2026 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada) | |
| Webinar ID | 880 2161 8608 | |
| Description | While many people have found benefit and respite in using chatbots for companionship, mental health, and emotional support, the widespread adoption of these tools has also resulted in harm and raised deep concerns about sense of self, ethics, and safety. How are chatbots shaping people’s understanding of themselves? What concerns do therapists have about their use? How might these tools be designed and implemented to prioritize users’ wellbeing? What kinds of guardrails, regulations, and safety protocols might be effective? In connection with Data & Society’s ongoing project on mental health and chatbots, we will explore these themes and more in a conversation on February 26, moderated by Data & Society researchers Livia Garofalo and Briana Vecchione. Together with Luca Belli, Miranda Bogen, and Marlynn Wei, they will explore the profound shifts in how people seek help and support, and how critical actors – mental health professionals, policymakers, and tech designers – are navigating these shifts. | |
We will take a deep dive into how AI chatbots can shape identity and attachment, what clinicians are seeing in practice, and what effective guardrails and policies might look like.
Looking forward to hearing the perspectives of fellow panelists: Luca Belli (AI Safety Lead, Spring Health) and Miranda Bogen (Director, AI Governance Lab at Center for Democracy & Technology) in a discussion moderated by Livia Garofalo and Briana Vecchione, Ph.D..
If you are thinking about these issues as a clinician, researcher, designer, or policymaker, join us: Thursday, February 26 at 12 PM EST.
Thank you Data & Society Research Institute for the invitation.
Registration link: https://lnkd.in/e5VgWkMa
(Video and transcript will be posted on their website after the event.)
Hearing all these headlines about how people use ChatGPT as their therapist? 🧠 🛋️ 💻 Think it's the best thing ever? The worst thing imaginable?
Come and ask questions online at our Data & Society Research Institute' databite on February 26th at 12 EST for a nuanced conversation about how people are using generative AI for emotional support and mental health, grounded in ongoing qualitative research.
Moderated by me and Briana Vecchione, Ph.D., we will be talking with Miranda Bogen, Marlynn Wei, MD, JD, and Luca Belli to hear different perspectives on the issue, beyond doom and hype.
Register below!
https://lnkd.in/e8rMF_nU
* * *
https://www.youtube.com/live/
(9 hours' long)
The Boston Globe
https://www.bostonglobe.com › 2026/02/24 › metro
‘Brain drain’ in effect as Harvard, Dartmouth, Cornell academics depart for Australia ...
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T...! Shankar Mahadevan and John McLaughlin ... - https://open.spotify.com/
T:
Hi Scott, pretty superb. Great stuff. Not too impressed with what I heard last night…
How are things on your end? are you in Canyon or environs? D... T and I got together last weekend and wished you well!
Scott:
Hi T..! Will listen & explore further ... Am in my Yoga van up on Skyline drive in a forested spot not far from the Chabot Space and Science center ... & 5 miles from 670 Ridgecrest Rd Canyon... Glad the US federal government as a legal system and re science (and re universities too) as the convicted felon on 34 counts' angry us president continues to 'kick the tires' of the us government (since 1776!) ... even possibly generating new law in response to his criminality, lack of compassion, and unwellness ... Am finding Gemini AI a helpful conversant - do you use or communicate with Gemini much, T..? Asked
10 best critiques of the 2/24/26 us state of the union address by the angry uncompassionate convicted felon on 34 counts current us president -
- Focus on Personal Grievances: Critics would argue the speech prioritized personal vindication over national unity.
- Attacks on Judicial System: The address likely continued to label previous legal proceedings as "rigged" or unfair.
- Combative Tone: Observers would point to an "angry" and unconciliatory delivery rather than a unifying one.
- Lack of Empathy: Opponents would likely criticize the speech for ignoring the concerns of struggling, non-aligned Americans.
- False Claims: The speech would likely be fact-checked for inaccurate statements regarding economic or legal matters.
- Constitutional Concerns: Critics would argue that policies mentioned violate Congressional powers.
- Disregard for Legal Status: Observers might highlight the irony of a convicted felon focusing on "law and order".
- Polarizing Rhetoric: The language would likely be accused of deepening political divides.
- Ignoring Democratic Norms: Opponents would argue the address undermines trust in institutions.
- Focus on Past Over Future: The speech would likely be critiqued for focusing more on relitigating 2024-2025 than proposing future-oriented policy
Looking forward to heading to Harbin much (when it's bigger after rebuilding) & for 7th book in a year or 2 ... Thinking the deed for 670 Ridgecrest Rd Canyon will emerge soon ... Having been in communication with the county yesterday about uploading my tax return to a US federal BenefitsCal.org web site re ongoing great KP health care coverage ... Hi to David T when you next connect ... World Univ & Sch is waiting on state of CA exempt IT platform developments & Candid Guidestar affiliated with IRS WUaS 501 c 3 IT platform developments as next big steps ... Enjoying Yoga meditation, Fond regards, Scott (great longevity genetics' development & clinical trial - How to dev this further #InSilico @WorldUnivAndSch in a #
https://x.com/scottmacleod/
https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/
Retweeting
Brown longevity genetics' clinical trial
Aging reversal Tweeter & journalist
With federal award of up to $22M, researchers to study treatment to slow the human aging processhttps://t.co/sclWuFitl2
— Laurie Green (@LaurieGreen36) February 24, 2026
https://x.com/LaurieGreen36/
)Under the blooming silver wattle tree & next to the Yoga van (a 2025 INCREDIBLE Toyota Sienna Woodland minivan) on Skyline drive in the Oakland California hills near the Chabot Space & Science Center & Canyon 94516 (Scott GK MacLeod W 2/25/26)
Again and slightly edited for further clarity -
T..! Got out of6 Yoga van by a blooming silver wattle tree :) ... Am further reminded in the contorted us president's face of the 'raging bull in some macleod family crest' (searched - https://www.clanmacleod.org/
'10 best critiques of the 2/24/26 us state of the union address by the angry uncompassionate convicted felon on 34 counts current us president' -
https://share.google/aimode/
Looking forward to heading to Harbin much (when it's bigger after rebuilding) & for 7th ethnographic book, this one digital-physical in Google Street view / similar, and to be published from Street View text in the sidebar in a year or 2 ... Thinking the deed for 670 Ridgecrest Rd Canyon will emerge soon ... Having been in communication with the (Contra Costa) county yesterday about uploading my tax return to a US federal state of CA BenefitsCal.org web site re ongoing great KP health care coverage ... Hi to David T when you next connect ... World Univ & Sch is I think waiting on state of CA exempt IT platform developments & Candid Guidestar affiliated with IRS WUaS 501 c 3 IT platform developments as next big steps ... Enjoying Yoga, asana & meditation first thing on rising, Fond regards, Scott (great longevity genetics' development & clinical trial - How to dev this further #InSilico @WorldUnivAndSch in a #
https://x.com/scottmacleod/
https://x.com/Q_YogaMacFlower/
Retweeting
Brown longevity genetics' clinical trial
Aging reversal Tweeter & journalist
https://x.com/LaurieGreen36/
) ... http://scott-macleod.blogspot.)
* * *
Reedie ...
Reedie ... https://t.co/k6A4TMWtZH
— WUaSPress (@WUaSPress) February 25, 2026
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- Hinduism: There is no evidence in his official biographies or personal blogs that he identifies as Hindu. A common search confusion may arise from a similarly named author, Kavita Pallod Sekhsaria, who wrote an article titled "I'm Hindu".
- Primary Affiliations: He identifies as a nontheistic (NtF) Quaker (member of the San Francisco Meeting) and is involved with Unitarian Universalism.
- Yogic Practice: He is a certified Iyengar Yoga teacher (since 1991) and has published works on "Hippy-anjali Yoga Notations".
- Anthropologist/Sociologist:
MacLeod is a sociocultural anthropologist and sociologist rather than a physical scientist. He holds an MA in Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara and a Diploma of Research from the University of Edinburgh. - Research Focus: His work examines the "information technology network society," "virtual places," and the ethnography of Harbin Hot Springs.
- MIT OCW-Centric: He is the founder and president of World University and School, a wiki-based platform designed to offer free, CC-licensed degrees (Bachelor, PhD, Law, MD) primarily using MIT OpenCourseWare and Yale Open Courses.
- Realistic Virtual Earth: A core goal of WUaS is developing a realistic virtual earth for STEM education (e.g., #RealisticVirtualEarthForSTEM)
, aiming to create a collaborative, 3D environment for learning and research.
- Yoga Certification: He completed a two-year teacher training and therapy course at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco (1991–1992).
- Academic Study: He holds a B.A. in the Social Science of Religion from Reed College, where his studies included comparative religion and German.
- Philosophical Integration: In his work on the Anthropology of Information Technology, he discusses the application of Yoga's Sāṃkhya dualism (the split between consciousness and matter) to modern metaphysical questions.
- World University and School: As the founder of World University and School, he has curated wiki-based learning environments that include subjects like Hinduism, Sanskrit, and Yoga as part of a global, multilingual educational mission.
https://x.com/HarbinBook/
*
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asparagus_gharoensis
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30275681-2
https://grokipedia.com/page/asparagus_gharoensis
...
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