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Resident T-Cells in Healthy Brains: A Paradigm Shift in Neuroimmunology

Here is a  concise research brief  summarizing the significance of the discovery of  T cells in healthy brains  and its implications for neuroinflammation and cognitive function research: Research Brief Title: Resident T Cells in Healthy Brains: A Paradigm Shift in Neuroimmunology Date:  June 2025 Prepared for:  Neuroscience and Immunology Research Stakeholders Author:  KJ Lavan Background Historically, the brain has been viewed as an  immune-privileged  organ—largely insulated from systemic immune surveillance. T cells were thought to infiltrate the brain primarily during pathological events such as infections, trauma, or autoimmune diseases. However,  new evidence (Source: The Subfornical Organ is a Nucleus for Gut-Derived T-Cells that Regulate Behavior, Yoshida, et al., Nature, 2025)   reveals that T cells are not transient visitors but  resident cells  in healthy brains , raising critical questions about their function...
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Visionary Speaker Kit

KJ Lavan | Visionary Speaker Kit Email: kjlavan@becomeonpurpose.com Overview  Short Strategic Bio  Key Topics  Books & Endorsements  Highlighted Achievements  Testimonials Professional Bio With 20+ years as a Biotech-Pharma senior executive and a former pro athlete, founder, investor, and advisor, I focus on merging innovation, sustainability, and human thriving. My experience bridges product development with real-world insight, enabling me to lead global growth strategies, create cutting-edge portfolios, and form impactful public-private partnerships. Core strengths include translating market dynamics and policy shifts into strategic platforms and product innovation; forming cross-sector partnerships to unlock markets and investment opportunities; leading M&A efforts to build market leadership through synergy; and fostering a growth mindset across diverse teams. Personally, I’m passionate about epigenetics and neuroplasticity, founding a nonprofit to support those with ne...
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Perennial Evolution” vs. “Fixed Mindsets” in the #scientific #medical #research #community

My recent post titled, “Mapping How #Ageing Affects Different Brain Cells,” raised a crucial point about the tension between maintaining a growth mindset and the often entrenched, fixed mindsets in various fields like medicine, pharmacology, and public health.   In these domains, the pace of change in knowledge can sometimes be stifled by established norms, expert biases, and institutional inertia. The "illusion of skill" — where experts believe their knowledge is infallible or fully comprehensive — is a significant barrier to progress. To address these challenges and promote continuous growth and adaptability, I invite several approaches that could be antidotes: 🔺     Promoting a Culture of Humility in Science and Medicine                                               Foster a learning culture : Cultivating humility among experts is crucial. The idea t...
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Beyond Amyloid & Tau: Leveraging Molecular Subtypes and Repurposed Drugs for Personalized AD Treatment

  CTAD  2024  Abstract   Title : Beyon d  Amyloi d  &  T au : Leveraging Molecular Subtypes and Repurposed Drugs for Personalized AD Treatment   Au t hor :   KJ  Lavan , Brain Matrix Alliance, Dubai, UAE Background : Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. Despite decades of research, there are currently only a handful of approved drugs, and none offer a cure. Traditional drug discovery for AD has a notoriously high 99% failure rate. This highlights the urgent need for new approaches. Stratified medicine, which tailors treatments to specific patient subgroups based on their unique molecular and genetic profiles, and drug repurposing, which leverages existing medications for new therapeutic uses, are emerging as promising strategies. Methods : While there are ongoing drug repurposing efforts in AD, these studies often target the entire patient population,...
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A New Dawn for Complex Diseases: Brain Matrix Alliance at the Forefront

A New Dawn for Complex Diseases: Brain Matrix Alliance at the Forefront The Brain Matrix Alliance (BMA) is tackling some of the most challenging neurological conditions, like Alzheimer's Disease (AD), with a revolutionary approach. AD, the leading cause of dementia globally, is just one example. It afflicts millions, strains healthcare systems, and  currently [a]  lacks a cure. The disease is characterized by the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to progressive cognitive decline. Despite significant research efforts, traditional drug development for complex diseases like AD faces hurdles: Heterogeneity:  These diseases are not one-size-fits-all. Different patients may have varying underlying causes. Limited Understanding:  Our knowledge of the intricate biological pathways involved remains incomplete. Clinical Trial Challenges:  Identifying reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and gauging treatment response is diffi...
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