Buck Institute for Research on Aging-Tour and Lecture

THD Activity is hosting a Building Tour and Lecture of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato tomorrow.  I wanted to sign in, but I realized there will be a lot of walking, Moreover, I have already scheduled my regular Bridge Game.  If you follow my blogs you probably know that one of my favorite topics is Aging ( Gracefully and Longevity Research etc...) Thus this posting. 

    

The Buck Institute for Research on Aging is an independent biomedical research institute that researches aging and age-related disease. The mission of the Buck Institute is to extend the healthy years of life. The Buck Institute is one of nine centers for aging research of the Glenn Foundation for Medical Research.

The institute, a nonprofit organization located in Novato, California, began its research program in 1999, making it the world's first institute founded primarily to study intervention into the aging process. It is named for Marin Countyphilanthropists Leonard and Beryl Hamilton Buck, whose estate funded the endowment that helped establish the institute, and the Buck Trust currently contributes approximately $6 million annually to support the institute's work. The campus of the Buck Institute was designed by architect I. M. Pei.

In May 2007, the institute established a cooperative agreement with the University of California's Davis and Merced campuses to coordinate stem-cell research.

The Building As seen from Highway 101. 

Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the latest from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging (as of mid-2025), including recent findings, new tools, and research directions. 

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🔬 Key Recent Research & Findings

1. Neurons burn sugar differently — link to Alzheimer’s & GLP-1 drugs
   A study published in Nature Metabolism found that neurons accumulate too much glycogen (a stored form of glucose) in Alzheimer’s models. The buildup seems to be linked to tau pathology and worsened oxidative stress. Restoring an enzyme (glycogen phosphorylase) to break down that glycogen helps reduce the damage in fruit flies and human-derived neurons. BUCK
   The study suggests this may help explain why GLP-1 drugs (often used for metabolic issues) are showing promise in dementia. BUCK

2. New blood-based epigenetic “clock” focused on intrinsic capacity
   Researchers developed a biological-age clock that doesn’t just estimate how old someone is, but how well they’re aging in terms of function: mobility, cognition, mental health, vision, hearing, nutrition/vitality. This is called the “IC Clock.” BUCK

3. Therapeutic plasma exchange + IVIG reduces biological age
   A clinical trial led by the Buck Institute in Aging Cell showed that replacing a person’s plasma (therapeutic plasma exchange, TPE), and combining it with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), reduced biological age (measured via multi-omics biomarkers) by on average 2.6 years versus about 1.3 years with TPE alone. BUCK+1
   The effect was stronger in people with poorer health markers, like elevated glucose. NAD+1

4. Other topics: reproductive timing, early puberty / childbirth effects
   Another newer Buck Institute study indicates that the timing of puberty and childbirth may accelerate aging and disease risk. BUCK

5. Use of CAR cells (immune therapy technology) to detect Alzheimer’s pathologies
   Buck scientists demonstrated proof-of-concept that chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) immune cells can detect both tau tangles and amyloid plaques, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s. This suggests possible new diagnostic or therapeutic strategies. BUCK

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⚙️ Tools & Methods

• Multi-omics biomarkers (epigenome, proteome, metabolome, glycome, immune system) are being used more and more for accurate tracking of aging and biological age. The plasma exchange + IVIG study is an example. BUCK

• Intrinsic Capacity Clock (IC Clock) — new measurement tool that aims to quantify functional aging, not just chronological or molecular/structural aging. BUCK

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🌱 Broader Implications & Trends

• There’s a growing shift from purely molecular biomarkers/disease-based measures to functional/quality of lifemetrics (mobility, cognition, etc.) in aging research. Tools like the IC Clock embody this.

• Clinical interventions targeting systemic biology (like plasma/immune interventions) are showing measurable effects in humans, which is big: moving beyond animal models.

• The connection between metabolism, energy storage/use (glycogen in the brain, etc.), and neurodegeneration is being clarified. Interventions may emerge from this.

• Also notable is an interest in reproductive history and its long-term effects on aging and disease risk.

For Details visit: 

https://proto.life/2022/07/the-buck-institute-where-the-promise-of-aging-research-isnt-longevity/

Lastly, my photo of the Day

Memories of Our Kauai Vacation, 2015

Clint Lorance- Hero or Villain?

This posting is inspired after my viewing of the TV Documentary(2019), Leavenworth on the Starz  Channel the other day. I have a vague recollection of this event as well as the details on Clint Lorance. So I searched and queried one of my virtual writing Assistants. Here's what I learned. It is a very complex true story, with messy intersection of combat, law, politics, gays in the military and the human cost and the trauma effects of war.     

Here is a write-up on Clint Lorance: his life; the TV / docu-series Leavenworth; how his case affected his former platoon comrades, and what they’re doing now. 

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The Early Life & Military Career of Clint Lorance

Clint Allen Lorance was born December 13, 1984, in Hobart, Oklahoma. His father, Tracy, was a welder; his mother, Anna, a homemaker. He later moved with his family to Greenville, Texas. Hachette Book Group+3United American Patriots+3Wikipedia+3

After high school and some community college, Lorance enlisted in the U.S. Army on his 18th birthday, December 13, 2002. United American Patriots+2Military.com+2 He served in Korea, then in Iraq (including guard duty over detainees), eventually finishing a BA at the University of North Texas, going through ROTC, and being commissioned as a second lieutenant. Wikipedia+2United American Patriots+2

In 2012, while in the 82nd Airborne Division, Lorance took command of 1st Platoon, C Troop, 4th Brigade Combat Team. He became the platoon leader after the previous lieutenant was wounded. Military.com+4Wikipedia+4The Washington Post+4

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The Incident & Court-Martial

On July 2, 2012, just a few days into his command, Lorance ordered his soldiers to open fire on three Afghan men on a motorcycle in Kandahar Province. Two of the men were killed, one wounded. According to prosecution and portions of testimony, the men were unarmed civilians; according to Lorance and his supporters, there was intelligence or reason to believe a threat was imminent (e.g. insurgent activity, possible bomb-makers). California Sunday Magazine+5Wikipedia+5University of Chicago Law School+5

Nine members of his platoon testified against him at the court-martial. They alleged that he gave the order despite there being no hostile act or immediate threat. Plenty of the case hinged on what the rules of engagement allowed, whether Lorance had enough information, visibility, etc. The Washington Post+3Wikipedia+3University of Chicago Law School+3

In August 2013, Lorance was found guilty of two counts of unpremeditated murder, obstruction of justice, solicitation of false statements, etc. He was sentenced to 20 years (later reduced to 19) by the reviewing commander. He was confined in the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth for six years. United American Patriots+3Wikipedia+3Military.com+3

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Leavenworth (TV / Docuseries)

The Starz (and associated) documentary Leavenworth (2019) tells Lorance’s story: his early life, military service, the incident, trial, and aftermath. It includes interviews with Lorance, members of his platoon, legal analysts, journalists, and others. It explores conflicting perspectives: Lorance’s claim he acted to protect his men; critics’ claim he overstepped, panicked, misread the situation. Apple TV+2IMDb+2

It also focuses heavily on how the platoon was affected — not only by that single incident, but by what came after: legal battles, public opinions, media attention, and the personal costs of trauma. The Washington Post+1

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Pardon, Education & Current Life

After serving six years in prison, Lorance was pardoned by President Donald Trump on November 15, 2019. Wikipedia+2Military.com+2

Since his release:

• He wrote Stolen Honor: Falsely Accused, Imprisoned, and My Long Road to Freedom (2020). Hachette Book Group+1

• He also published Conservative Millennial Playbook in 2021. Wikipedia+1

• He enrolled in Appalachian School of Law; he graduated in May 2023. Wikipedia+1

• In mid-2023, he applied to take the Oklahoma Bar Exam. There is controversy: some former members of his platoon and others oppose his admission, arguing his actions and conduct show he may lack the moral fitness expected of a lawyer. Army Times+2ABA Journal+2

• There remain legal and reputational battles: efforts to regain veteran benefits, challenges over whether the pardon clears all legal consequences, etc. Military.com+1

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The Life of His Former Platoon Members & Aftermath

The impact on 1st Platoon has been significant. Some key themes & examples:

• Many veterans from that platoon report deep trauma: PTSD, struggles with mental health, substance abuse. The Washington Post+1

• There have been several deaths among the platoon’s former members since returning home. Five of the roughly three dozen soldiers from 1st Platoon have died by 2019. The Washington Post+1

• One of the more public examples is James O. Twist, a member of the platoon, who died by suicide shortly before Lorance’s pardon. The Washington Post+1

• Others have expressed feeling betrayed or disillusioned: believing that despite their testimony, despite what they saw, the outcome (including the pardon) minimized their experiences, or re-traumatized them. The Washington Post

Some other platoon members have spoken out publicly, writing opinion pieces, being interviewed, or expressing that Lorance’s attempts to join the Bar or practice law are troubling given how they remember what happened. Army Times

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Ethical, Legal, and Moral Questions Raised

Lorance’s story raises many difficult questions:

• When is it justifiable for a commanding officer to use deadly force under uncertain threat? How should rules of engagement be interpreted, especially in chaotic combat settings?

• What obligations do military justice systems have to fully disclose evidence, especially regarding intelligence, biometrics, or battlefield context?

• What are the long-term consequences for soldiers who are under command decisions they believe to be wrong (morale, mental health)? How should political or media interventions affect military justice?

• What does a presidential pardon accomplish? Does it erase all stigma? Legal impediments (like character fitness for professions)? How do former comrades perceive it?

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Reflections

Clint Lorance’s life and the Leavenworth series present a complex, messy intersection of combat, law, politics, gays in the military and human cost. On one side, there are those who view him as someone who made a split-second decision under duress, possibly mis-informed, punished severely, and later wrongfully kept from full fairness. On the other side are those who believe he bore responsibility for tragedy, that his orders were legally/doctrinally wrong, that accountability is necessary for both victims abroad and for soldiers under his command.

The emotional toll on his platoon—many of whom feel their voices weren’t fully heard or respected—is profound. Indeed, as The Washington Post described in “The Cursed Platoon,”💚 the platoon feels that the pardon re-arranged the narrative in ways that undermined what they lived through. The Washington Post

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Possible Incomplete / Contested Points & Why They Matter

• Whether Lorance’s pardon legally restores all his rights (veterans benefits, GI Bill, ability to practice law, etc.) is still subject to debate. Military.com+2Army Times+2

• Whether he has officially been admitted to a state Bar (Oklahoma, Missouri, etc.) is murky. Some reports say he applied; others report public objections. Facebook+1

• How much of the purported evidence of “bomb-makers” among the Afghans killed was available to the defense at trial is controversial—and whether some of it was withheld, or if it would have been admissible. Here's the video on the Cursed Platoon

  💚 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yo0Te327cvw

  Meanwhile, here’s a list of winners from the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards (2025). ABC7 Los Angeles+4WNWO+4ABC News+4

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  Major Categories & Acting / Writing / Directing

  Category	Winner
  Outstanding Drama Series	The Pitt WNWO+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2
  Outstanding Comedy Series	The Studio WNWO+2The National Desk+2
  Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series or Movie	Adolescence WNWO+2ABC7 Los Angeles+2
  Lead Actress, Drama Series	Britt Lower, Severance WNWO+1
  Lead Actor, Drama Series	Noah Wyle, The Pitt WNWO+1
  Lead Actress, Comedy Series	Jean Smart, Hacks WNWO+1
  Lead Actor, Comedy Series	Seth Rogen, The Studio WNWO+1
  Lead Actress, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie	Cristin Milioti, The Penguin WNWO+1
  Lead Actor, Limited or Anthology Series or Movie	Stephen Graham, Adolescence WNWO+1
  Supporting Actress, Drama Series	Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt WNWO+1
  Supporting Actor, Drama Series	Tramell Tillman, Severance WNWO+1
  Supporting Actress, Comedy Series	Hannah Einbinder WNWO+1
  Supporting Actor, Comedy Series	Jeff Hiller WNWO+1
  Supporting Actress, Limited/Anthology	Erin Doherty, Adolescence WNWO
  Supporting Actor, Limited/Anthology	Owen Cooper, Adolescence WNWO
  Directing, Drama Series	Adam Randall, Slow Horses WNWO+1
  Directing, Comedy Series	Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg, The Studio WNWO
  Directing, Limited/Anthology Series or Movie	Philip Barantini, Adolescence WNWO
  Writing, Drama Series	Dan Gilroy, Andor WNWO+1
  Writing, Comedy Series	Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory & Frida Perez, The Studio WNWO+1
  Writing, Limited/Anthology Series Or Movie	Jack Thorne & Stephen Graham, Adolescence WNWO
  Scripted Variety Series	Last Week Tonight with John Oliver WNWO+1
  Live Variety Special	SNL50: The Anniversary Special WNWO+1
  Reality Competition Program	The Traitors WNWO+1
  Talk Series	The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Who is Charlie Kirk? Political Polarization After His Death

The killing of Charlie Kirk a couple of days ago generated so much controversial discussions in social media, showing the political polarization of America. Here's my contribution to the most publicized killing in the first 9 months of Trump's Second-term of Presidency.   

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, left a significant imprint on American political and religious discourse before his tragic death in September 2025. His life was marked by outspoken faith, vigorous engagement with college audiences, and an unwavering dedication to his convictions.

Early Life and Founding of Turning Point USA

Kirk launched Turning Point USA at just 18, spurred by his zeal to bring conservative ideas to young Americans. His campus events became focal points for debate, drawing supporters and detractors alike. Through these appearances, Kirk modeled assertive yet respectful dialogue, often emphasizing principles over personal attacks.

Faith and Public Identity

More than a political provocateur, Kirk defined himself foremost as a Christian. He spoke openly about his Evangelical faith, advocating for unity among Christians and frequently engaging with Catholic communities. Faith was not a talking point for Kirk but a core motivator, influencing both his activism and his approach to divisive issues such as abortion.

Engaging Dissent and Emphasizing Dialogue

Even critics conceded Kirk’s exceptional willingness to host conversations with those holding opposing views. His forums fostered tough exchanges on controversial matters, but Kirk consistently advocated for debate as an antidote to violence and polarization. Admirers and adversaries alike noted his courage in defending free speech, even as he courted controversy with his rhetoric.

Legacy and Tragic Death

Charlie Kirk’s assassination at age 31 shocked supporters and critics across the political spectrum. Public tributes recalled his energy, clarity, and passion for his causes, as well as his devotion to family—leaving behind his wife Erika and two small children. For many, his passing underscored both the dangers of current political tensions and the continuing need for civil, substantive discourse.

Remembering Kirk

• Kirk’s example called young people to defend their beliefs with “logic, clarity, courage, and peace,” modeling debate without resorting to hate.

• His advocacy for pro-life positions and willingness to seek unity across Christian denominations left a lasting mark on religious and cultural conversations.

• His murder became a symbol for both the vulnerability of public figures in divisive times and the ongoing struggle to maintain respectful, meaningful dialogue.

Charlie Kirk’s voice—in life and death—remains a potent reminder of the challenges facing political and religious communities, and the necessity of bridging divides with both passion and respect.

Meanwhile here's my reflection on political polarization after his death

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is more than a national tragedy—it is a stark mirror reflecting the extremes of political polarization that now define American life. In a republic once grounded on tolerance for divergent views, the boundaries of debate have hardened, dialogue has given way to vilification, and violence too often supplants persuasion.

The Dangers of Demonization

Political polarization today runs far deeper than policy. It shapes identity, fuels suspicion, and—at its worst—leads individuals to see ideological opposites as existential threats. When adversaries become "enemies," words escalate to dehumanization, and violence becomes thinkable. Charlie Kirk was often controversial, but even those who disagreed with his rhetoric now mourn a world where murder supplants argument.

Leadership and Escalation

Leaders set the tone. In the hours after Kirk's death, President Trump adopted a combative posture, blaming the political left, dismissing calls for unity, and seeking "retribution" against perceived adversaries. Both left- and right-wing rhetoric intensified, with social media rife with blame and counter-blame well before motives were known. This cycle of grievance and retaliation erodes the possibility of productive disagreement. Every attack becomes a new justification for further escalation.

Costs for Democracy

History and recent research show that political assassinations deepen fragmentation, sap public trust, and stifle participation in democratic processes. Polarization narrows the space for compromise, turning common ground into lost territory. Instead of citizens seeking to persuade one another, each group increasingly preaches only to its own, and violence begets fear, cynicism, and withdrawal from civic life.

A Call for Dialogue Over Violence

Kirk's death is a reminder that democracy depends on more than laws—it thrives only when opponents see each other as people first, not as enemies to be silenced by force. Condemning political violence is not enough. There must be a renewed effort, by leaders and citizens alike, to reject incendiary rhetoric, foster respect across divides, and recommit to argument as the only just path to change.

If the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder is to mean anything, it should not be deeper trenches and louder threats. The call must be for courage in dialogue, humility in disagreement, and the kind of national mourning that asks: 

Here are two questions Americans must ask: How did American debate become a battlefield? And what will it take to reclaim it as common ground? 

Here's the latest development on Charlie Kirk shooting.

https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-administration-charlie-kirk-news-09-14-25

Finally, here are 3 photos of my Grand Children Visit Today

Newton at Brunch: From Left to Right: Alix Katague Quinn💚, Brendan Quinn💜, Philip Katague💙, Marina Katague 💖and Me 
 

In Front of the Liberty Pavillon Mural- Photo taken by new neighbor Richard Kessin 

Here are the LinkIn websites of the Four:   

💜https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanjohnquinn/

💚https://www.linkedin.com/in/alixkatague/

💖marina katague

💙https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-katague-356569105/

At My Apartment Patio with my Blooming Bougainvilla on the Backgroud