Latest news with #LATimesStudios
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Science
- Los Angeles Times
How Commonwealth Fusion Systems is Igniting a Clean Energy Revolution
In the panel discussion 'Fusion is the New F Word,' Kristen Berke, VP of Sales, Entertainment & Branded Content at LA Times Studios moderated a conversation with Joe Paluska, Chief Marketing Officer at Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Jennine Willett, Creative Director at Commonwealth Fusion Systems. The panel talked about how Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), an MIT spin-out, is leading the charge in commercial fusion energy. The company is harnessing the power of the sun and stars through fusion, a clean, unlimited and safe energy source with no byproducts. Unlike fission which splits atoms, fusion combines two hydrogen molecules. While fusion has been around for over a century, recent advancements in material science and AI have made it possible. CFS is building a machine called SPARC and plans to turn it on by 2027. SPARC uses powerful, high-temperature superconducting magnets, a technology first discovered by IBM in the 80s. These magnets are key to containing and controlling the superheated plasma—a state of matter above 100 million degrees Celsius—inside the machine to release massive energy. The company's culture is driven by a sense of mission, with a team of over 1,000 people including top scientists, engineers and skilled tradespeople from NASA and SpaceX. They are working 24/7 to achieve what was once considered the 'holy grail' of energy. CFS believes fusion energy is vital to addressing the global climate crisis, especially as current climate projections indicate humanity will surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold sooner than anticipated. Their goal is to scale up production of magnets and power plants fast, just like during World War II when we faced an existential threat. Beyond the tech, CFS is committed to making fusion energy understandable and public. Through the #PowerMoves campaign they say fusion is 'humanity's power move'—a big step for the planet. They want to mainstream climate tech and tell more creative and impactful stories to reach a wider audience, including young people, to inspire the next generation of engineers and physicists. CFS envisions a future where compact fusion power plants can be deployed everywhere, and energy can be democratized and resource conflicts resolved.
Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Why Everyone's Getting Their Mitochondria Tested
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. Mitochondria have quietly become the new frontier of longevity science. These cellular powerhouses (once confined to biology labs) are now the mainstay of a growing movement that values personalized health metrics over generic wellness advice. Now, serious biohackers and concerned citizens alike aren't just counting steps, they're tracking cellular efficiency. This rise in mitochondrial testing reflects a deeper cultural shift: aging is increasingly defined not by wrinkles or birthdays, but by the performance of our cells. Personalized data is transforming that narrative, giving us the tools to measure, monitor, and optimize our biology in real-time. Mitochondrial health is fast becoming a top-tier biomarker for biological age, and testing is no longer limited to elite circles. ATP output reveals how effectively your mitochondria convert fuel into usable energy, while oxidative stress metrics track how well your cells are managing harmful free radicals. Some labs now offer a full ATP Profile, which differentiates between mitochondrial and glycolytic energy production. Consumer-facing tests from companies like Tally Health, Novos, and InsideTracker give users unprecedented access to mitochondrial metrics. These diagnostic tools signal a broader trend: personalized data is now the baseline, not the luxury. As precision wellness company 10X Health explains, 'Advancements in testing technology, reductions in lab costs, and better access to health data have made it possible to bring this kind of precision-based approach to a much wider population.' More and more research shows that when your mitochondria aren't working well, it doesn't just happen with age; it causes aging. One study found that the buildup of harmful molecules called ROS (reactive oxygen species) is linked to nearly every major age-related health issue, from heart disease and muscle loss to memory decline and diabetes. Another study found that a compound called PQQ can help your body grow new, healthier mitochondria and burn fat more efficiently. Other research has tied mitochondrial damage directly to brain diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, showing that when your cells can't make energy properly, the effects show up all over your body, especially in how you age. The takeaway: Poor mitochondrial performance isn't a side effect of aging; it's the main character. Modern mitochondrial testing can reveal far more than fatigue levels — it paints a picture of how well your cells are functioning and aging. Tally Health assesses biological age through a cheek swab and delivers personalized lifestyle and supplement recommendations. Users receive insights into energy metabolism, inflammation, and epigenetic aging. Novos offers epigenetic testing along with a two-part supplement system: Novos Core and Novos Boost. The formulas combine ingredients like Pterostilbene, Glycine, and NMN to support mitochondrial health and cellular longevity. InsideTracker analyzes key blood biomarkers (like glucose, lipid levels, and inflammation markers) to provide a customized biological age score and science-backed interventions. These tools don't just give you a number; they uncover what's driving that number and offer personalized, research-based strategies to reverse course. Once mitochondrial inefficiencies are identified, there are concrete ways to restore function and resilience. Even small, targeted changes (like improving sleep hygiene, tweaking workout protocols, or adjusting your supplement stack) can have an outsized effect when guided by precise data. Personalized health optimization has long been the domain of athletes and high performers, but that's changing. The integration of low-cost, high-accuracy diagnostics into mainstream wellness is redefining how we approach aging. Mitochondrial health testing stands at the forefront of that shift. It turns the invisible drivers of fatigue, inflammation, and decline into tangible metrics, and most importantly, into treatable targets. In an era overwhelmed by generic health advice and trendy biohacks, mitochondrial testing offers something more grounded: measurable biology and personalized insights. Click here to learn more about 10x Health
Los Angeles Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
LA Times Studios Joins S4 Capital's Monks at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity
LA Times Studios, in partnership with global marketing and technology services company Monks, will make its Cannes debut at the 72nd annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, hosting engaging conversations and special programming at the Les Monks Café, June 16-19. Located at La Biererie, across from the Palais des Festivals, programming by LA Times Studios and Monks will welcome influential leaders and brand innovators to Les Monks Café for meaningful conversations about building, sustaining and refreshing brand identity through storytelling. 'Cannes Lions is a premier festival for the advertising and creative industries, and we're thrilled to be collaborating with Monks on this dynamic activation,' said Anna Magzanyan, president of LA Times Studios. 'We're bringing together some of the most visionary minds in technology, marketing and creative advertising to share their insights and to create an opportunity for networking among industry leaders.' 'We're excited to welcome LA Times Studios to Les Monks Café as we return for our fourth year,' said Kate Richling, chief marketing officer at Monks. 'Guests can expect an incredible line-up of programming centered around real industry transformation featuring our clients, technology partners and of course, Monks.' LA Times Studios programming highlights at Les Monks Café include: Monday, June 16 5:30 p.m. - 'Brand is Back: Brand Storytelling and Consumer Impact'This panel will explore how brands build narratives to connect with consumers and influence cultural conversations. 6:15 p.m. - 'Fusion Is the New F Word: Fireside Chat with Commonwealth Fusion Systems'Hear from the leaders of Commonwealth Fusion Systems about how they're rebranding a complex technology to be relevant and accessible to consumer audiences. Thursday, June 19 5:30 p.m. - 'Timeless, Not Static: Evolving Brand Identity with Purpose'How do you refresh brand identities? Unpack the blueprint for maintaining relevance and continuing to evolve as an organization without sacrificing authenticity. 6 p.m. - 'Digital Alchemy: Transforming Experiences Through AI'This conversation will focus on how AI and next-generation tools are reshaping modern brand-building. Learn more about the discussions at Les Monks Café and register to attend here. Keep up with LA Times Studios business content and events here and on Instagram. Find Monks on LinkedIn, Instagram and
Los Angeles Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
LA Times Studios Launches Podcast ‘Rebuilding Los Angeles'
Today, LA Times Studios launched 'Rebuilding Los Angeles,' a video podcast that explores the city's recovery following the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. Hosted by Spectrum News 1 anchor Kate Cagle, the weekly series will highlight the resilience of Angelenos and explore what can be learned as the city charts a path forward. The first episode is available now on all podcast platforms. Each Wednesday, Cagle will examine an aspect of the city's recovery efforts. She'll interview residents of Pacific Palisades and Altadena about their personal stories of loss; and speak with Los Angeles Times journalists, community leaders, residents and experts about how the city reached this point and explore promising solutions for building a safer, stronger L.A. The first episode features: Altadena resident and lawyer Kelsey Szamet, who is supporting her community as she and her neighbors navigate the challenges of rebuilding and returning home; and an interview with Times Staff Writer Liam Dillon about the current housing situation in Los Angeles and the difficult choices facing many residents to sell or rebuild. Upcoming episodes include The Times' Jenny Jarvie on the 1961 Bel-Air fire and lessons that can be applied today; and Times environment reporters Hayley Smith and Ian James discussing how climate change fueled the most destructive fires in L.A. history. 'Rebuilding L.A.' joins a growing slate of podcasts from LA Times Studios, including 'L.A. Crimes,' 'Boiling Point' and 'Crimes of The Times.' Additional podcast series are in development with launch dates to be announced. The first episode of 'Rebuilding L.A.' is available now to download or stream.
Los Angeles Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Best Brain Supplements for Longevity: Boost Memory, Focus & Clarity in 2025
LA Times Studios may earn commission from purchases made through our links. In 2025, brain supplements have taken center stage in the wellness world. From those seeking deep focus to others invested in memory retention, the cognitive enhancement market is booming, with nootropics now a $10+ billion industry and growing. But in a world of overhyped formulas, which ingredients actually support long-term cognitive health? Here's what the data is starting to support. Lion's mane mushroom (Hericium erinaceus) is gaining serious attention for its potential to support neurogenesis. Studies suggest it may stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein essential for the growth and repair of neurons. In one double-blind study, older adults taking lion's mane daily showed statistically significant improvements in cognitive function after just 16 weeks. It's featured in products by Four Sigmatic and Host Defense, known to reduce anxiety and improve attention, especially when paired with caffeine. Claims: Promotes neuron regeneration and mental clarity, especially useful in mild memory impairment. Unlike traditional magnesium, magnesium L-threonate crosses the blood-brain barrier and boosts synaptic density, key for memory and learning. Preclinical trials showed enhanced memory performance and synaptic function in aging animals, with potential implications for human cognitive aging. Supplements like Neuro-Mag by Life Extension and Thorne's Magnesium L-Threonate offer this in clinically relevant doses. Many users also report better sleep, which directly benefits memory consolidation. Claims: Supports synaptic function and learning while promoting restorative sleep. NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) plays a crucial role in energy production and DNA repair, but levels decline dramatically with age. Research shows that replenishing NAD+ (using precursors like NMN or NR) may improve mitochondrial function, reduce fatigue, and support brain resilience. Supplements like Tru Niagen and Elysium Basis have been studied for their effects on NAD+ levels, and a growing body of research suggests potential cognitive benefits, including improved cerebral blood flow and cellular repair. Claims: May protect against age-related brain fatigue by supporting cellular energy. Omega-3 fatty acids (especially DHA) are essential for brain structure and function. An analysis of 38 studies found that omega-3 supplementation supports cognitive performance in older adults and may delay age-related decline. Top sources include fish like sardines and salmon or vegan options such as Calgee (algae-based DHA) and Nordic Naturals. Claims: Strengthens brain cell membranes and supports memory and mood regulation. Beyond lion's mane, mushrooms like reishi, chaga, and turkey tail are being explored for their role in immunity, gut health, and stress response, each a contributor to better cognitive function. These fungi are packed with beta-glucans, antioxidants, and compounds that influence the gut-brain axis, which plays a major role in mood and mental clarity. Popular blends like MUD\WTR and Laird Superfood's Performance Mushrooms combine multiple varieties with brain-friendly ingredients like coffee fruit extract and L-theanine. If you've also found yourself pausing on those Instagram coffee ads promising a laundry list of brain-boosting benefits and feel compelled to buy, you're not alone. Claims: Supports cognition, immunity, and stress resilience. Form matters. Choose liposomal or chelated ingredients for superior absorption. Quality counts. Look for third-party tested, clinically backed brands. Dosing is key. Ensure ingredients are used in research-supported quantities, skip the fairy dust. Pro Tip: Introduce supplements gradually and consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking medication or managing chronic health conditions. Brain supplements aren't magic pills — but paired with movement, sleep, hydration, and stress management, they can offer measurable support for cognitive clarity and longevity. Click here to learn more about Laird Superfood
