Study Shows Brain Can Still Develop New Cells After 70 Years

A recent study is challenging a long-standing assumption regarding the adult brain. It surmises that individuals can continue to develop new brain cells into old age. Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet, under Jonas Frisén’s leadership, have presented direct evidence that new neurons continue to develop in the memory center of the brain, the hippocampus, in 78-year-olds.

Brian Smith underscored the importance of this study, noting that it is fundamental to the ongoing debate in neuroscience related to whether or not neurogenesis (growing new neurons) ceases after childhood or continues throughout life.

The hippocampus is central to memory, learning, and mood, and is often called the "memory center" of the brain. Animal studies have revealed the continuous development of new neurons in this brain structure throughout life, yet researchers have had difficulty finding this in a human study.

In 2013, Frisén’s research team captivated the neuroscience field with what was a paradigm-shifting study. They used carbon-14 in DNA to date when human cells in the hippocampus were born and found evidence of new neurons developing in adult brains.

However, many scientists in the field were skeptical because they simply found dividing neural progenitor cells, which are foundational to the process of neurogenesis. In the present study, the research teams’ work focused on identifying definitive progenitor cells (cells that give rise to new neurons) in the human brain. Previously, no studies had looked for definitive progenitor cells in the human adult brain.

Through examining human brain samples, the authors were able to assess the installation of neurogenesis in humans from birth to adult ages of 78 years old. The human brain tissue was obtained from multiple biobanks in several different countries, a unique opportunity for researchers to study brain development across the human lifespan.

Researchers employed single-nucleus RNA sequencing, which analyzes gene activity in individual cell nuclei, often used to study brain development. Through this, they characterized all stages of progenitor cells in the human brain from stem cells to immature neurons. They also employed a mechanistic approach called flow cytometry, which allows the separation of the cells by characteristics, and then coupled this technique with machine learning to identify very small populations of dividing cells.

In brain tissue from children obtained during early childhood, the team was painstaking in confirming that all stages of neural progenitor cells were clearly identified. The principal finding of the study was the validation of definitive progenitor cells in the adult human brain. The researchers then demonstrated that these neural progenitor cells were actively dividing. They validated this by using antibodies to Ki67, a well-known marker of cell proliferation.

To identify the specific location of the new neurons within the brain of an adult, the authors utilized RNAscope and Xenium, which reveal sites of active gene expression in discrete locations of tissue.

Notably, in an important finding, the progenitor cells and young neurons were located in a small subregion of the hippocampus known as the dentate gyrus, which is a critical brain region that is involved with the formation of new memories, spatial learning, and adaptation to change.

The precise mapping of neural progenitor cells has added weight to the idea that the adult human brain continues to generate new neurons, while at the same time providing researchers with a specific region to investigate in future studies and prospective treatments.

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Iran-Egypt WorldCup Match Creates Logistical Nightmare For FIFA

Controversy has started over a FIFA World Cup game scheduled for Seattle, and this could have ramifications for Vancouver. Both Egypt and Iran have filed complaints with FIFA over their World Cup match in Seattle, which is slated to include Pride celebrations.

The two teams were selected in the FIFA draw to play at Seattle’s Lumen Field on 26 June 2026.

Both federations argue that the Pride event contradicts their cultural and religious values. The two countries criminalize gay relationships and in Iran it is punishable by the death penalty.

Seattle Pride organizers say their programs will proceed on that day, suggesting that FIFA might move the game between Egypt and Iran to Vancouver.

However, the Vancouver Pride Society told Global News that if that should happen, there will probably be Pride events in Vancouver as well.

"It’s in the middle of Pride season, and Pride month is in June, around all of North America," Morgane Oger with the Vancouver Pride Society said.

"Vancouver Pride is the end of July, but Eastside Pride is in June if my calendar mind is correct, and we’re certainly not gonna give up Eastside Pride just because some people want to play soccer."

FIFA has not commented on the matter at this time, but a viable alterative will be holding the game in Mexico.

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Colorado College Approved TPUSA Chapter Application

A retired professor had a classic meltdown in front of the camera and called conservatives "Nazis". Apparently, he had a negative reaction after a proposed Turning Point USA chapter was approved at a Colorado college.

David Kozak, a former professor of anthropology at Fort Lewis College, was caught on camera last 7 November yelling in reaction to the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC) voting to approve the TPUSA chapter in an emergency meeting. Their decision came after previously rejecting senior Jonah Flynn’s proposal to register the group with the university, which had sparked controversy across campus.

The ASFLC's decision to reverse its earlier rejection to deny the chapter apparently angered Kozak, who flipped off the person filming and called the TPUSA supporters "Nazis." He then said, "F--- the Nazis."

"Go on, fascists," Kozak said. "Go on, Nazi lovers."

"C’mon Nazis!," Kozak said repeatedly.

Kozak's confrontation occurred after a challenging few weeks for the TPUSA chapter at the liberal arts college, which is based in a left-leaning area that overwhelmingly supported Democrat Kamala Harris in the last election.

A Fort Lewis College spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Kozak had retired.

"Mr. Kozak retired from Fort Lewis College in 2022 and is no longer employed by the institution," the spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "At Fort Lewis College, we remain committed to fostering an environment grounded in academic excellence, free expression, and civil discourse."

On 17 October, a petition launched by the Fort Lewis College community garnered only 400 signatures, arguing that TPUSA "has engaged in actions that directly harm our community."

Shortly after the chapter was denied, a counter-petition launched backing TPUSA, garnering over 1,000 signatures so far.

The student government ultimately reversed itself, approving the chapter on 7 November.

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Pres. Trump Receives First FIFA Peace Prize

President Donald Trump became the first recipient of the FIFA Peace Prize on 5 December, a newly created award from global soccer’s governing body.

"This is truly one of the great honors of my life," President Trump said after receiving the award during a ceremony at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

FIFA announced the creation of the award — which is designed to recognize "individuals who have taken exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace" — in early November. President Trump was immediately considered to be a strong candidate to win the prize because of his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his vocal belief that he deserves to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

"We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future," Infantino told Trump during the event. "This is what we want to see from a leader, and you definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize."

Before the event, President Trump repeatedly argued that he would be deserving of the prize because he has "settled eight wars." That claim, which he has made repeatedly in recent months, is based on a list of diplomatic agreements that the United States has had a role in brokering during his presidency. There’s debate, however, over how much credit President Trump deserves for making those agreements happen or whether it’s accurate to describe the underlying disputes as wars.

During the event, President Trump also participated in the drawing to determine which nations will play each other in the opening round of the 2026 World Cup. The United States will share hosting duties alongside Canada and Mexico when the tournament begins next summer.

The U.S. was awarded cohosting duties by FIFA in 2018, during President Trump’s first term in office. Since returning to the White House, President Trump has given significant attention to the upcoming tournament, including instructing his administration to prioritize visas for travelers coming to the U.S. for the event and threatening to move matches out of certain cities if he deems them unsafe.

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Female Boxer Doesn't Regret Her Weigh-In Outfits

One female boxer found herself in the center of attention right now for her controversial weigh-in outfit or may be the lack of it.

Ebanie Bridges, a 39-year-old boxer, has trended on social media for the clothes she decides to wear to her weigh-ins - or, rather, the lack of clothes she chooses to wear. Bridges often shows up in her underwear.

Male boxers do this all the time, too. However, for Bridges, she often sees herself trending on social media as a result. Some have called for her to wear more clothing when in front of the cameras.

But despite the calls to change her outfits, Bridges is promising that she won't be giving it up anytime soon.

Bridges made her comments during an appearance on the That Boxing Show podcast.

"I wear lingerie, I like lingerie, I've got massive (expletive), like, I'm gonna (expletive) show it off. Like, I was a bodybuilder for 10 years. I used to stand on stage in a tiny little (underwear), flexing, posing and being all cute," she said.

Bridges has made it clear that those criticizing her outfits are only inspiring her even further.

"People don't wanna see, watch girls that look like boys, box… I'm sorry... It's gonna be very hard to get eyes on the sport by doing the same thing," Bridges said.

"So we need to change (expletive) up. And I thought, well, I'm the girl for it. Because I'll do whatever, I don't give a (expletive) what people think. And if you like it, you like it, if you don't (expletive) off, don't watch me, I don’t give (expletive)."

Bridges is standing by her decisions - and her outfits - with no regret.

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Student Received Zero Points On Essay Using Bible Verses

One student from the University of Oklahoma is speaking out after she received a zero on an opinion-based essay in which she cited the Bible. The teaching assistant (TA), who identifies as transgender, called the essay "offensive."

"I was told to give my opinion on gender stereotypes and gender norms. So that's what I did," Samantha Fulnecky, who wrote the essay, said on "The Will Cain Show" last 2 December.

"I didn't think that was me needing to be brave or have courage," she added as reported by Fox News.

Fulnecky, a junior pre-med student, said she was asked to read an article on gender, mental health and gender stereotypes. According to Fulnecky, the assignment was meant to be opinion-based and respond to the article’s discussion of gender pressures among middle-schoolers.

In her essay, Fulnecky argued that her religious beliefs support traditional gender norms and that such norms should be reinforced rather than eliminated.

"I talked about the Bible and what God says about gender norms and about how there are two genders," Fulnecky said.

The paper was graded by graduate teaching assistant Mel Curth, who uses she/they pronouns. Curth argued that the zero had nothing to do with Fulnecky’s beliefs but with a lack of required evidence and connections to the article.

"Please note that I am not deducting points because you have certain beliefs," Curth wrote, "but instead I am deducting point [sic] for you posting a reaction paper that does not answer the questions for this assignment, contradicts itself, heavily uses personal ideology over empirical evidence in a scientific class, and is at times offensive."

The University of Oklahoma later posted a statement on X: "The University of Oklahoma takes seriously concerns involving First Amendment rights, certainly including religious freedoms."

"Upon receiving notice from the student on the grading of an assignment, the University immediately began a full review of the situation and has acted swiftly to address the matter," the statement said.

The university has placed Curth on administrative leave. Fulnecky says she learned of the suspension only through social media and questioned whether the same action would have been taken had her story not gone viral.

"I didn't know that they were going to take the situation seriously, and I don't know if that's because it blew up on social media and that's what caused them to act on it that way," she said.

"But when they were in contact with me, it didn't seem to me like they were [going to] do anything about it."

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Conservative Gettysburg College Posters Torn By Leftist Student

There is a video circulating online by a member of a conservative campus group at a private Pennsylvania college that clearly captured a student tearing down its promotional flyers.

The Young America's Foundation (YAF) chapter at Gettysburg College hosted conservative author and speaker Vince Ellison on 20 November. Days before the event, the group posted advertisements for the event around campus.

However, according to Gettysburg College YAF Chairman Tyler Seeman, students who oppose right-leaning ideals tore down the chapter's flyers — something Seeman says happens every semester when the campus group hosts an event — and one of them was caught on camera.

"Every semester, Gettysburg YAF has a campus lecture. So, we invite one of the speakers from YAF's speaker list to come to campus and discuss whatever their specialty is," Seeman told Fox News Digital.

In the video, a YAF member climbs a flight of stairs after seeing a student pulling the group's flyers off the wall, and races to confront the alleged perpetrator.

"You having fun?" the YAF member asks.

"Yeah," the student quickly replies.

"You know that's against college policy, right?" the YAF member asks.

"OK," the student says, before falling silent.

The YAF member then chastised the student for not making it out of the building before being caught red-handed.

"We've got more of those [flyers] in the stairwell, you wanna go get those too?" the YAF member asks.

"I don't know," the student replies.

The YAF member then escorts the alleged perpetrator out of the building.

"Every semester, students on campus tear our flyers down because we're the only conservative 501(c)(3) on campus that actually hosts campus lectures," Seeman said. "So, some students feel, I would presume, that our views and our speakers' statements are contrary or dangerous to their own perspectives and their own worldview."

Seeman characterized the school as "apathetic" toward the chapter's plight. He said that on one occasion, the school sent out an email to some students condemning the behavior of YAF's opponents, but on another occasion, school administrators declined a request to admonish bad actors.

Seeman shared a message to those on campus who oppose YAF's views.

"Instead of tearing down flyers, show up to our events and ask questions, because we want to have that dialogue," he said.

"At the end of the day, that's just going to get everyone in the room thinking about these issues, and we'd rather have as many people thinking about these issues and talking about these issues as possible, rather than just tearing down flyers and trying to silence other people's speech, because that's not constructive."

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Chicago Public Schools Continue To Promote "Woke" Materials

A top parents’ rights advocacy group is sounding the alarm on "woke" LGBT literature being implemented into the curriculum at Chicago Public Schools, one of the largest public school systems in the United States.

The report from Defending Education, released recently, alleges that Chicago Public Schools has been issuing "Pride guidances" to teachers that encourages them to host a "Pride Week," display "Pride flags," and distribute other materials supportive of LGBT agendas in schools.

Additionally, the group says that the guidance includes a goal of every district implementing a "Gender and Sexuality Alliance" club which they have already made significant progress on over the past couple of years.

Defending Education exclusively spoke to Fox News Digital about its concerns over the materials being disseminated to children.

"Chicago Public Schools’ ongoing obsession with wasting classroom time — and district resources — on everything except educating students on core subjects is absolutely appalling," Nicole Neily, founder and president of Defending Education, told Fox News Digital.

"Families expect that their children will learn basic skills like reading, writing, and math that will provide them a path to a better life, a social contract that CPS has clearly broken. District test scores demonstrate that Brandon Johnson and his CTU cronies are failing Chicago families."

One document obtained by Defending Education suggests that teachers are being reminded that state law prohibits them from opting out of "LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum" and stating that they are required to teach "LGBTQ+ History."

"Pride is more than just a month of celebrations and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community," one of the documents posted by Defending Education says. "It’s a protest and a fight for equality. It’s collaboration and support across other marginalized communities."

A FAQ section in one of the documents asks, "Can I put Pride flags and other LGBTQ+ affirming materials in my classroom?"

The answer from the school system reads, "Yes! We encourage you to do so!"

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Caitlyn Clark Excluded From US Women's Basketball Graphics

USA Women's Basketball is once again facing some Caitlin Clark-related criticism with it’s latest decision ahead of next month’s training camp.

As the U.S. women’s national team begins preparations for the 2028 LA Olympics, Team USA revealed the roster of ladies participating in its inaugural camp being held in Durham, NC on 12 - 14 December.

The camp will feature 18 players, headlined by 2024 Olympic gold medalists Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Brittney Griner, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young and Dearica Hamby. As well as newcomers such as: Brionna Jones, Aliyah Boston, Lauren Betts, Cameron Brink, Paige Bueckers, Veronica Burton, Sonia Citron, Caitlin Clark, Kiki Iriafen, Rickea Jackson, Angel Reese and JuJu Watkins.

However in the organization’s promotional flier, Clark’s photo was curiously missing despite being arguably the biggest star in the sport. And that led to people calling it out on social media.

Among the first to point it out was longtime sports columnist and author Christine Brennan, who wrote a book on Clark this summer titled: "On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports."

"This is so interesting," Brennan said. "If USA Basketball really wanted to go all out promoting WBB, bring new fans in and get unprecedented attention for a team that dropped in TV viewership at the Paris Olympics, they would have added the photo of one other player to this graphic. But no."

Others agreed in Team USA’s mentions.

"Wheres Caitlin on the poster?" a user asked.

"Yes, let’s not put the most famous woman’s basketball player in the world Caitlin Clark on the poster 😂😂😂😂" an Indiana Fever fan laughed. "wtf Is wrong with the decision makers 🚨"

"It never gets old that the most popular player in the league is left off posters like this… can you imagine leaving Magic or Jordan off a poster? You all need to wake up!!!" another exclaimed. "While all these players are amazing and some may be better than CC- this is marketing 101."

"Leaving the picture of the most popular female athlete on the planet sure is an interesting marketing choice. At least women’s basketball is consistent," another person commented.

It’s definitely interesting that the WNBA doesn’t look to platform its biggest draw more than it currently does. But at the same time, the league is in as good a place as it’s ever been — even if it a lot of that has to do with it’s 23-year-old All-Star guard.

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