Artemy Alcala Official Blog

"Zombie" Neurons and Chronic Pain: A Scientific Breakthrough in Aging Research A significant scientific breakthrough was announced on May 14, 2025, that may reshape our understanding of chronic pain and neurodegeneration. Researchers at Rubedo Life Sciences, in collaboration with academic scientists, discovered that a specific type of dysfunctional brain cell — known as senescent or "zombie" neurons — may be directly linked to chronic neuropathic pain and neurological aging. This groundbreaking research was published in Nature Neuroscience and marks the first time scientists have clearly shown how aging brain cells may play a role in long-term pain disorders and age-related decline in brain function. What Are “Zombie” Neurons? Senescent cells, often called "zombie" cells, are old or damaged cells that stop dividing but don't die. Instead, they remain in the body and release harmful inflammatory chemicals. These secretions, called the senescence-associ...

The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Understanding the Connection In the digital age, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok have become central to how we communicate, form relationships, and access information. While these platforms offer numerous benefits, including increased social connectivity and access to information, growing research suggests that they can also have significant effects on mental health. From anxiety and depression to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, the effects of social media on mental well-being are complex and multifaceted. The Dark Side of Social Media Social media’s influence on mental health can be both positive and negative. On one hand, platforms allow for easy communication and community building. On the other, the curated nature of online content can contribute to a distorted sense of reality. People often post only their best moments—leading others to compare their lives unfavorably with the seemingly...

Rediscovering the Coelacanth: A Living Fossil Resurfaces in 2025 In the vast, mysterious depths of the ocean, nature continues to surprise us. One of the most fascinating revelations of 2025 has been the rare sighting of the Indonesian coelacanth ( Latimeria menadoensis ), a fish species once thought to be extinct for over 70 million years. This "living fossil" has reemerged, challenging our understanding of extinction and deep-sea biodiversity. A Prehistoric Survivor The coelacanth is no ordinary fish. With origins tracing back over 400 million years, it predates the dinosaurs and even most land vertebrates. Long believed to have perished during the mass extinction at the end of the Cretaceous period, the coelacanth shocked the scientific world when it was rediscovered off the coast of South Africa in 1938. A second species, the Indonesian coelacanth, was formally identified in 1999, proving that life in the oceans can be more resilient—and mysterious—than we ever imagi...

The Fascinating Possibility of De-Extinction: Can We Bring Back Extinct Animals? In the world of science, the concept of de-extinction —the process of bringing extinct animals back to life—has transitioned from the realm of science fiction to a serious area of research. While the idea of resurrecting creatures like the dodo or the woolly mammoth may seem like a plot from a Hollywood blockbuster, advances in genetic research and biotechnology are making the possibility increasingly plausible. The implications of this are vast, raising questions not only about science and technology but also about ethics, conservation, and the future of biodiversity. What is De-Extinction? De-extinction refers to the idea of using advanced technologies such as cloning , genetic engineering , and gene editing to bring extinct species back to life. The most well-known example of this concept comes from the 1993 movie Jurassic Park, where scientists bring back dinosaurs by extracting DNA from preserv...

  Strength Through Tough Times: How to Support Others in Their Struggles Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a sudden illness, or an overwhelming period of stress, tough times are part of the human experience. But in the face of adversity, one thing stands true: resilience. The ability to find strength in the most challenging of circumstances is a defining trait of human spirit. While facing hardship is never easy, there are ways to help others navigate these times with support, empathy, and encouragement. The Psychology of Resilience Resilience is more than just a buzzword—it’s a psychological concept rooted in the ability to bounce back from difficult experiences. According to psychologist Ann Masten (2001), resilience is not a trait found in only a few individuals, but a natural process that can be cultivated by anyone, given the right tools and environment. This involves maintaining hope, seeking meaning in ...

The Magic in the Mundane: Why Ordinary Moments Matter Most In a world that constantly pushes us toward more—more goals, more achievements, more followers—it’s easy to feel like we’re missing something if we’re not always reaching higher. We’ve been taught to look for meaning in the extraordinary: the grand gestures, the once-in-a-lifetime trips, the big wins. But what if the greatest beauty of life isn’t found in those fleeting highs, but in the quiet hum of everyday existence? Imagine this: sunlight pouring through your window as you sip morning coffee. The laughter of a child playing in the next room. A shared glance with someone who understands you. These aren’t highlights on a social feed. These are the unsung moments that shape the soul of a life. The Subtle Power of Everyday Life In psychology, there is a growing recognition of how "micro-moments" influence long-term happiness and mental well-being. According to Emmons and McCullough (2003), regularly reflecting o...