Harshi Peiris, Ph.D.

BREAKING: A paper just published in Nature — 27,000 people studied — links a forgotten organ in your chest to early death, heart disease, and cancer. Most adults have never heard of it. It's been quietly dying since your 20s. Here's what you need to know 🧵 nature.com/articles/s4158…

BREAKING: A paper just published in Nature — 27,000 people studied — links a forgotten organ in your chest to early death, heart disease, and cancer. Most adults have never heard of it. It's been quietly dying since your 20s. Here's what you need to know 🧵 nature.com/articles/s4158…

What's the biggest barrier you see to curing Type 1 diabetes?

@Nature This is a great story. Created a thread for this today, x.com/Neuroscope_mp/…

It was thought that the thymus serves its purpose for the immune system early in life. Insights about the organ in adults reveal its importance for later well-being go.nature.com/479V2t2

The science here is genuinely exciting and the bladder cancer results, especially those six patients still clean nine years later without chemotherapy, are the kind of numbers that make immunologists pay attention. What's worth adding to this conversation, though, is the regulatory side that most posts skip over. The FDA's refusal to expand approval in May 2025 and the two separate incidents of the company overstating results on its own website are not footnotes, they're signals that the gap between a promising early trial and a broad cancer treatment is still very real and very wide. 77 patients is a remarkable starting point but it's also a tiny sample, and the history of oncology is full of drugs that looked like miracles in small cohorts and then hit walls in larger populations. None of that makes the mechanism less interesting. Powering up natural killer cells rather than poisoning everything in sight is exactly the direction cancer treatment needs to go. Just worth watching the data as carefully as the headlines.

🚨: Japanese scientist Patrick Soon-Shiong has designed a treatment that activates body's natural killer cells that fight against cancer cells. Its approved in the U.S. and now Saudi Arabia has also approved it for its public.

The science here is genuinely exciting and the bladder cancer results, especially those six patients still clean nine years later without chemotherapy, are the kind of numbers that make immunologists pay attention. What's worth adding to this conversation though is the regulatory side that most posts skip over. The FDA's refusal to expand approval in May 2025 and the two separate incidents of the company overstating results on its own website are not footnotes, they're signals that the gap between a promising early trial and a broad cancer treatment is still very real and very wide. 77 patients is a remarkable starting point but it's also a tiny sample, and the history of oncology is full of drugs that looked like miracles in small cohorts and then hit walls in larger populations. None of that makes the mechanism less interesting. Powering up natural killer cells rather than poisoning everything in sight is exactly the direction cancer treatment needs to go. Just worth watching the data as carefully as the headlines.

You were born with cells whose only job is to find and kill cancer. They're called natural killer cells. In most cancer patients, they don't show up in large enough numbers or stay active long enough to win. A drug called Anktiva changes that, and the early results are wild. Anktiva works by flipping a protein switch in your body that tells your natural killer cells to multiply faster and fight harder. Chemo poisons cancer but destroys your immune system along the way, which is why patients lose their hair, get infections, and feel wrecked. Anktiva does the opposite. Instead of poisoning everything and hoping cancer dies first, it powers up the defense system you were already born with. The FDA approved it in April 2024 for one specific type of bladder cancer. It was tested on 77 patients. In 6 out of 10 cases, all detectable signs of cancer disappeared completely. 40% of those patients stayed cancer-free for two years or more. But the number that stands out: six patients from that original group were checked 9 years later. All six are still cancer-free. From a drug that has never been used in chemotherapy. In January 2026, Saudi Arabia became the first country to approve Anktiva for lung cancer, not just bladder cancer. It's now approved in 33 countries. Sales hit $113 million last year, up 700% from the year before. The EU approved it in February 2026. Trials are running in pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, and a handful of others. The catch: the U.S. FDA has been pushing back hard. It refused to expand Anktiva's approval to additional patients with bladder cancer in May 2025. It caught the company exaggerating results on its website twice. The company paid $10.5 million to settle a lawsuit filed by investors who said leadership overpromised about how ready their factories were. The gap between 77 patients with bladder cancer and a broad cancer treatment is still enormous. (The tweet also says he's Japanese. He's not. Patrick Soon-Shiong is South African-born Chinese, grew up under apartheid, and is a billionaire who owns the LA Times and is part of the Lakers. But that's a footnote to the actual science.)

The multiverse framing is a fun ride but worth noting that many-worlds and standard quantum mechanics make identical predictions, so Willow can't actually confirm parallel universes any more than it can rule them out. What's quietly more exciting is that Google used Willow to measure molecular geometry at an atomic level in ways traditional tools like NMR spectroscopy can't match, which is where this starts touching real drug discovery and materials science. The benchmark that broke the internet was impressive, but the part that might actually change your life is the chemistry happening just outside the headlines.

Google’s new quantum chip is so powerful it might be tapping into parallel universes. Google's groundbreaking quantum processor, Willow, has achieved the seemingly impossible: solving an extraordinarily complex computational problem in under five minutes—a feat that would require the world's most advanced supercomputer approximately 10 septillion years to complete (10²⁵). This mind-boggling performance has revived one of the most provocative ideas in physics: could quantum computers like Willow be performing calculations across vast numbers of parallel universes? Hartmut Neven, founder and lead of Google Quantum AI, believes the answer may be yes. He argues that Willow’s results align strikingly with the many-worlds (or multiverse) interpretation of quantum mechanics, in which every quantum measurement causes reality to branch into multiple, equally real parallel universes. In this view, a quantum computer doesn’t just calculate faster within our universe—it effectively distributes the workload across countless parallel realities simultaneously. The idea traces back to physicist David Deutsch, who, as early as the 1980s, suggested that the exponential power of quantum computation could only be fully explained if the machine is exploiting resources from many coexisting worlds. Yet the interpretation remains deeply divisive. Many physicists and quantum computing experts insist that no multiverse is required. Willow’s breakthrough, they argue, is fully explainable through standard quantum mechanics—leveraging superposition (qubits existing in multiple states at once), entanglement, and the mathematics of high-dimensional Hilbert spaces—all within a single universe. So what has Willow truly demonstrated? It has pushed quantum technology into a regime so extreme that it compels us to re-examine the deepest foundations of reality itself. Whether or not Willow is quietly borrowing power from alternate universes, one thing is clear: practical, large-scale quantum computing is no longer science fiction—and it is forcing us to confront profound questions about the nature of the cosmos, computation, and existence.

BREAKING: For the first time in 100+ years, Alzheimer's may not be permanent Scientists just reversed advanced Alzheimer's in mice by restoring brain energy balance, eliminating both plaques AND cognitive decline The drug worked in two different animal models, suggesting "this could translate to humans". Game-changing!! sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/… cell.com/cell-reports-m…

You have no idea how many times I have said that ... I get so many people demonizing me and laughing ... its almost like they are waiting for people like me. Cancer is not one disease. It has many root causes and this is highly irresponsible. I am heart broken when I see actual patients and loved ones contacting them to buy the drugs. They are literally capitalizing on these poor people who need treatment. Reminds me of Belle Gibson from Australia ... but worse.

@Neuroscope_mp @NightSkyToday Thank you. I can call out the bad sourcing but you just explained the WHY better than I ever could. People need to hear that from someone who's actually worked with this stuff.

BREAKING🚨: COMPLETE REMISSIONS of Stage IV cancers using anti-parasitics are now being documented in the peer-reviewed literature.

It does not work. I have studied ivermectin in lab. The dose that kills cancer cells is higher than normal cells ... meaning healthy part of our body will die before it eliminates cancer cells. But these scientists and misinformation hackers are using ONLY cancer cell data (not the normal cells) and showing IN VITRO data ... and try to convince people to buy their drugs. This will never pass in vivo studies. while I agree with repurposing drugs and I even posted about one recently ... this is terrible. They have created companies and selling these drugs to people with cancer. Cancer is NOT one disease. Root causes are many and this is highly irresponsible.

@NightSkyToday @Farmaenfurecida necesito traducción al castellano de la calle de que significa esto. Estoy hasta las narices de que los antitodo manipulen y sesguen estás noticias. Si tienes un ratillo y te animas 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.

It does not work. I have studied ivermectin in lab. The dose that kills cancer cells is higher than normal cells ... meaning healthy part of our body will die before it eliminates cancer cells. But these scientists and misinformation hackers are using ONLY cancer cell data (not the normal cells) and showing IN VITRO data ... and try to convince people to buy their drugs. This will never pass in vivo studies. while I agree with repurposing drugs and I even posted about one recently ... this is terrible. They have created companies and selling these drugs to people with cancer. Cancer is NOT one disease. Root causes are many and this is highly irresponsible.

This news is indeed highly encouraging for the medical community and for families battling cancer. In recent times, there has been considerable discussion and research regarding the "repurposing"—the use of existing medications for new purposes—of anti-parasitic drugs such as Fenbendazole (typically used for animals) and Ivermectin.

It does not work. I have studied ivermectin in the lab. The dose that kills cancer cells is higher than normal cells ... meaning the healthy part of our body will die before it eliminates cancer cells. But these scientists and misinformation hackers are using ONLY cancer cell data (not the normal cells) and showing IN VITRO data ... and trying to convince people to buy their drugs. This will never pass in vivo studies.

@NightSkyToday If anti-parasitics are genuinely producing Stage IV cancer remissions and this has been in the literature for years, the question of why it's not front page news answers itself 👀

Thank you!! I have studied ivermectin in lab. The dose that kills cancer cells is higher than normal cells ... meaning healthy part of our body will die before it eliminates cancer cells. But these scientists and misinformation hackers are using ONLY cancer cell data (not the normal cells) and showing IN VITRO data ... and try to convince people to buy their drugs. This will never pass in vivo studies.

This is irresponsible. That case series was retracted by the journal in Jan 2026 due to undeclared financial conflicts by the lead author. It covered 3 self-medicating patients who were also on other treatments. There are zero clinical trials showing anti-parasitics cure stage IV cancer. Real people will read this and want to skip chemo. Words matter.

Really interesting post, and the liver concern around sugary drinks is well supported by the data. One thing worth adding to this is that the same study found diet soda linked to an equal or slightly higher liver disease risk than regular soda, which most people find genuinely surprising. So the instinct millions of people have to switch to zero-sugar versions may not be protecting the liver the way they think, possibly because artificial sweeteners still disrupt gut bacteria and may trigger insulin responses even without actual sugar. The only swap that consistently showed lower liver disease risk in the data was replacing soda with plain water, which reduced risk by around 13 to 15%. What makes all of this more urgent is that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease now affects roughly 30% of adults globally, and most people have no idea they have it because the liver gives no pain signals until the damage is already significant. Your liver is quietly keeping score long before you feel anything.

This is very interesting to me because my father was a dentist for over 50 years, so I grew up in the dental world. But then he sadly died in 2017. And in August of 2024, I unfortunately had such bad dental work with first dentist I ever saw besides my dad that he destroyed part of my jaw and collapsed my sinus and I've had massive bacterial problems ever since. I have been on probably 30 rounds of antibiotics and had four major surgeries to fix it (two oral surgeries and two sinus surgeries). It nearly destroyed my health and I'm still not right. Even after my last sinus surgery, which was just on January 9 of this year, two weeks later the sinus culture came back with a heavy growth of Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia. I also had Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus constellatus infections last year. Trying to get rid of all the bacterial infections has completely screwed up my gut microbiome. I'm super worried about permanent damage all this might have caused, but maybe there's a way to come back from it. I'm fatigued all the time, also.

@deadhardware @karlmehta The importance of healthspan (how healthy are we when we are alive) over lifespan (how long we live ... in good or bad health).

This is anecdata but what you're saying does confirm something I noticed in my own family. We don't die slowly, we spontaneously fall down dead. We're very outdoorsy, social, a lot of us work in the trades, and while I don't think any of us have ever sauna'd, we live in south Texas aka the subtropics. I believe spontaneously falling down dead is the ideal of anti-aging. None of us are living forever, but if we can live well until the exact moment we clock out, that's a life well lived.

We have proof that HEAT STRESS can reverse the brain's natural decline after 30. A 20-year Finnish study found that one 20-minute habit activates BDNF, the "neurogenesis protein" that grows new brain cells, strengthens memory, and cut dementia risk by 66%. Here's the breakdown:

Here's a paper on pesudomonas gingivalis and AD pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC76… There are also new therapies being reconsidered, such as FMT (fecal microbiome transplant). Current clinical trials on this focus on cancers and Parkinson's. But AD and microbiome links have been established and I think they need to consider AD too. I did a couple of threads on FMT too. I will do a deep dive chat on substack soon too. If you like join me there too. All my articles and chats are free. I do not charge. x.com/Neuroscope_mp/… youtube.com/shorts/GmJ7mmE…

Yup they have. I studied planaria and C elegans. Here's a paper from me that talks about TOR and how its relevant for their brain regeneration. It's primitive but it can make decisions. I have more journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/12… C elegans also have a brain and they have doperminergic neurons. We used to use them for big drug screens sfu.ca/biology/facult…

@Neuroscope_mp First of all, worms have brains that can get Alzheimer’s? Science is utterly incredible.

This is groundbreaking!! They used gene-editing tools (likely CRISPR-based systems) delivered in vivo (inside the body). These tools reprogram T cells directly within the patient to become CAR-T cells. Essentially ... turn the body into the manufacturing site. That should make CAR-T less expensive, too. Right now, CAR-T is used/studied (preclinical and clinical) for many cancers, including solid cancers. Apart from that ... Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Currently in clinical trials, showing high rates of drug-free remission. Myasthenia Gravis: Clinical trials are testing mRNA-based CAR T to reduce muscle weakness. Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma): Clinical trials are investigating its impact on organ thickening. Type 1 Diabetes: Preclinical research uses "CAR Tregs" to protect insulin-producing cells from the immune system. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Preclinical studies target B cells that cause joint damage. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Preclinical trials aim to prevent the immune system from attacking nerve insulation. Pemphigus Vulgaris: Usually.... CAR-T therapy requires Extract patient T cells Engineer them in a lab Expand them Infuse back This is expensive, slow, and logistically complex, limiting access.

What if we could engineer T cells in the body, making CAR T vs cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other applications far more practical, much less expensive? A step forward today via genome editing T cells nature.com/articles/d4158… nature.com/articles/s4158…

My own reserach in lab mostly focused on diet metabolism and also the microbiome and how it is linked with AD. Microbiome is usually similar in families too. I also did a clinical trial and research focusing on a bacteria in our mouth that causes Alzheimer's. These bacteria form plaque in our mouth, and they can eventually reach the brain and damage the tissue. I remember looking at 100s of autopsy samples, and each sample was blue (positive for this bacterium called Porphyromonas gingivalis). Its kind of crazy to think about. But a good dental plan could solve many issues related to this. This is why I brush my teeth first thing in the morning and brush after lunch and after dinner.

There isn't a history of early onset Alzheimer's in my family, but I feel like there is some sort of genetic component with my mother's family for late onset because my mother had it, her mother had it, several of my grandmother siblings had it and apparently their mother, and my great grandmother, had it. I do know that my APOE profile is 3/3 so I'm happy about not having a 4 allele.

@LynnCareySaylor @AI_4_Healthcare The late onset is sporadic. But the fixes are easier and that is good news for sure.

Multiple studies have shown even one night lacking in sleep increases Alzheimer's risk. But of course ... as long as we fix it we can bounce back at this stage and age. Here's an article about it nih.gov/news-events/la… Some videos I made based on the research youtube.com/watch?v=WqLSUI… youtube.com/shorts/Zx1SmlY…

@Neuroscope_mp @AI_4_Healthcare I am a disaster in the sleep department. Ugh.