{
  "id": 5557227,
  "title": "Stanford scientists discover a seafood that can reverse signs of aging",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/stanford-scientists-discover-a-seafood-that-can-reverse-signs-of-aging-5557227",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-04T12:29:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ScienceDaily Health",
    "slug": "sciencedaily-health",
    "url": "https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/09/260902234518.htm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Scientists from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Stanford University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered a potential link between sea squirts and reversing signs of aging. Sea squirts, also known as Ascidiacea, are marine animals commonly consumed in parts of Asia like Korea and Japan. These creatures contain high levels of plasmalogens, a type of lipid or fat molecule found in cell membranes that are particularly abundant in the brain, heart, and immune cells. As people age, their plasmalogen levels decline, leading to several age-related health issues such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. To investigate the potential benefits of plasmalogens, the researchers added these compounds to the diets of aged mice and observed the effects on their behavior and physical appearance. The results were remarkable, with the treated mice displaying improved learning and memory, as well as visible physical improvements. Professor Lei Fu, the lead researcher, stated that plasmalogens may not only prevent but also reverse cognitive impairments in the aging brain. The study provides the first detailed insight into how plasmalogens influence the aging brain, using a Morris water maze test to measure learning and memory. Compared to untreated aged mice, the plasmalogen-treated mice reached the hidden platform significantly faster, indicating a more efficient learning process. The researchers also found that the plasmalogen-treated mice had more and healthier synapses in their brains, which are essential for learning, memory, and other brain functions. Furthermore, these mice exhibited reduced inflammation in their brains, which can be attributed to the gut-brain connection, as dietary plasmalogens may affect the microorganisms in the gut. Although the exact mechanisms behind the observed effects are still unclear, the researchers suggest that plasmalogens can promote neuroregeneration, increase the fluidity of synaptic membranes, and protect against age-related deterioration in the aging brain.",
  "summary": "A substance found in edible sea squirts appeared to reverse several signs of aging in older mice. Plasmalogen supplements improved memory and learning, strengthened connections between brain cells, reduced inflammation, and even helped the mice grow thicker, darker hair. Researchers believe the compounds may encourage brain regeneration and protect aging synapses.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ScienceDaily",
        "title": "Stanford scientists discover a seafood that can reverse signs of aging",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/stanford-scientists-discover-a-seafood-that-can-reverse-signs-of-aging",
        "published": "2026-09-04T12:29:06.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}