Protecting Trade Secrets in FDA Submissions from FOIA Disclosure in the Wake of FDA Layoffs

In the wake of recent mass layoffs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), the FDA is likely to have fewer resources to manage its regulatory responsibilities. One area that may be significantly impacted by such workforce reduction is the FDA’s review of Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) requests....
By: Ropes & Gray LLP


http://dlvr.it/TK8wrL

New insights into neurodegeneration using human 'mini brains'

Researchers have discovered a new way that neurons act in neurodegeneration by using human neural organoids -- also known as 'mini-brain' models -- from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Understanding this new pathway could help researchers find better treatments for FTLD and Alzheimer's, the two most common forms of dementia that lead to cognitive decline.


http://dlvr.it/TK8tl4

Scientists identify key enzyme in Alzheimer's disease that links brain inflammation to memory loss

A research team has identified a previously unknown enzyme, SIRT2, that plays a key role in memory loss associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study provides critical insights into how astrocytes contribute to cognitive decline by producing excessive amounts of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.


http://dlvr.it/TK8tjc

Researchers develop new DNA test for personalized treatment of bacterial vaginosis

Roughly one out of three women ages 14-49 in the United States develop a vaginal bacterial imbalance known as bacterial vaginosis (BV) during their lifetime. BV is characterized by unpleasant odors, and potentially painful side effects, as well as the risk of associated health issues later in life. More than half of the patients who seek medical care do not respond to the first-line treatment, the antibiotic metronidazole, leading to recurrence. Now researchers have developed a simple DNA PCR-based lab test -- built on a more detailed genetic analysis of the main group of bacterial organisms that cause the infection -- to help clinicians prescribe the right medicine for each patient.


http://dlvr.it/TK8Yc3

Losing the Ability to Swallow: How to Help Someone With Dysphagia

Coping with an ill loved one’s difficulty swallowing can be frustrating and frightening for everyone involved. Caring for someone we love means nurturing and...


The post Losing the Ability to Swallow: How to Help Someone With Dysphagia appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Alzheimer's treatment may lie in the brain's own cleanup crew

A new study suggests a promising alternative to previous attempts to remove the sticky, toxic amyloid beta plaques from brains with Alzheimer's Disease: enhancing the brain's own immune cells to clear these plaques more effectively. The findings could reshape the future of Alzheimer's treatments, shifting the focus from simply removing plaques to harnessing the brain's natural defenses.


http://dlvr.it/TK7nkY

Clear Terms of Franchise Agreement Are Enforced Against Franchisee

A recent federal court decision in T&T Management, Inc. v. Choice Hotels, Inc. underscores key contractual and operational considerations for franchisors. T&T filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota against Choice Hotels alleging that Choice Hotels breached a geographic exclusivity agreement and misappropriated trade secrets. However, on February 27, 2025, the court granted a motion to dismiss, emphasizing the importance of clear contractual terms....
By: Foley & Lardner LLP


http://dlvr.it/TK7lpR

Father with Alzheimer's? You may be more at risk of brain changes

While some studies have suggested that having a mother with Alzheimer's disease may put you more at risk of developing the disease, a new study finds that having a father with the disease may be tied to a greater spread of the tau protein in the brain that is a sign of the disease, according to a new study.


http://dlvr.it/TK7k6s

Your skin is breathing: New wearable device can measure it

Rsearchers have developed the first wearable device for measuring gases emitted from and absorbed by the skin. By analyzing these gases, the device offers an entirely new way to assess skin health, including monitoring wounds, detecting skin infections, tracking hydration levels, quantifying exposure to harmful environmental chemicals and more.


http://dlvr.it/TK7S6p

New AI model reveals your true biological age from 5 drops of blood

A research team has developed a new system to estimate a person's biological age -- a measure of how well their body has aged, rather than just counting the years since birth. Using just five drops of blood, this new method analyzes 22 key steroids and their interactions to provide a more precise health assessment. The team's breakthrough study offers a potential step forward in personalized health management, allowing for earlier detection of age-related health risks and tailored interventions.


http://dlvr.it/TK74B8

District Court Dismisses Trade Secrets Claim Lacking Explicit Expectation of Privacy

On February 20, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania dismissed a trade secret misappropriation claim for failing to identify explicit language establishing an expectation of privacy to the protected information. Plaintiffs in Vertical Bridge REIT LLC v. Everest Infrastructure Partners Inc., Case No. 23-1017 (W.D. Pa. 2024), own and operate telecommunications towers and lease space on those towers to telecommunications tenants....
By: Proskauer - Trade Secrets


http://dlvr.it/TK72kf

Research uncovers hidden spread of one of the most common hospital-associated infections

C. difficile (C. diff) is one of the most common and contagious hospital-acquired infections. Research has found that C. diff spreads more than three times more than previously thought. C. diff can spread covertly from surface to surface and remain undetected for weeks until it infects a patient. The results could spur more rigorous preventive measures that stop hidden spread of the disease.


http://dlvr.it/TK6kzJ

When Your Loved One Rallies Before Death

Family members are often relieved and hopeful when a dying loved one suddenly becomes more aware of their surroundings or begins talking or eating...


The post When Your Loved One Rallies Before Death appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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U.S. Supreme Court Won’t Decide Who Owns Banana Taped to Wall

Well, the concept of a banana taped to a wall, at least.


http://dlvr.it/TK6MR4

Trade Secret Protection in 2025: What In-House Counsel Need to Know

Recent developments in workplace dynamics, regulatory changes, and several high-profile cases have highlighted the growing importance of understanding and protecting your company's trade secrets. For in-house counsel, staying ahead of these developments is crucial to effectively safeguarding your organization's valuable intellectual property....
By: Ward and Smith, P.A.


http://dlvr.it/TK6FLS

Everything You Need to Know About Parkinson’s Disease

“Parkinson’s Disease” or “Shaking palsy” was described 200 years ago by James Parkinson. It is an adult-onset progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide with symptoms typically emerging after the age of 60. It is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness of […]


http://dlvr.it/TK64NK

long-term effects of obesity on brain and cognitive health

With the global prevalence of obesity on the rise, it is crucial to explore the neural mechanisms linked to obesity and its influence on brain and cognitive health. However, the impact of obesity on the brain is complex and multilevel.


http://dlvr.it/TK64Gt

New options for controlling type 2 diabetes

Nearly 40% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes imperil their health by stopping their medication within the first year, diabetes experts warn.


http://dlvr.it/TK5f8T

Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role

Many individuals struggle to accept the label of “family caregiver,” but fully embracing this role increases our chances of succeeding in it. What Is...


The post Am I a Caregiver? Defining the Family Caregiver Role appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TK5N0r

New insights into neurodegeneration using human 'mini brains'

Researchers have discovered a new way that neurons act in neurodegeneration by using human neural organoids -- also known as 'mini-brain' models -- from patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Understanding this new pathway could help researchers find better treatments for FTLD and Alzheimer's, the two most common forms of dementia that lead to cognitive decline.


http://dlvr.it/TK569D

Understanding Trade Secret Laws and Assets

For companies, maintaining a competitive advantage over the market is necessary for long-term growth. In many cases, this competitive advantage takes the form of a federal- or state-protected trade secret, such as a proprietary algorithm, product formula, or customer list. But if companies fail to implement internal policies required by federal and state law, federal and state trade secret protection may quickly be lost, along with the advantage it confers....
By: Venable LLP


http://dlvr.it/TK530T

Biological organ ages predict disease risk decades in advance

Our organs age at different rates, and a blood test determining how much they've each aged could predict the risk of conditions like lung cancer and heart disease decades later, finds a new study.


http://dlvr.it/TK4xt2

Wyoming Bans Most Non-Compete Agreements Starting July 1, 2025

Wyoming, with the introduction of Wyo. Stat. §1-23-108, banned most non-compete agreements for contracts signed on or after July 1, 2025, but with several meaningful exceptions. If you do business in Wyoming, here’s what you need to know: Key Exceptions to the Ban While the majority of non-compete agreements will be unenforceable, Wyoming’s new statute... Continue Reading


http://dlvr.it/TK4vRP

'Sugar' signatures help identify and classify pancreatic cancer cell subtypes

Scientists have developed a new method for identifying and classifying pancreatic cancer cell subtypes based on sugars found on the outside of cancer cells. These sugars, called glycans, help cells recognize and communicate with each other. They also act as a cellular 'signature,' with each subtype of pancreatic cancer cell possessing a different composition of glycans.


http://dlvr.it/TK4VFL

Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence

Although we may not think about it in these terms very often, a person’s dignity and identity are often tied to their independence. As...


The post Honor Your Elders’ Need for Independence appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Utilizing Digital Forensics Expertise in Intellectual Property, Copyright & Trade Secret Matters

Need Assessment, Vetting, and Identification of a Reliable Expert in the Digital Forensics Process - Whether your organization is looking for advisory and expert support for an internal investigation into allegations of exfiltration, or outside counsel is preparing a client for pending litigation, specific needs may vary. Digital forensics services for these types of matters can be broad-ranging; from overtly technical (e.g. deep-dive recovery of fragmentary deleted data, intensive review...
By: J.S. Held


http://dlvr.it/TK3rYh

ALS drug effectively treats Alzheimer's disease in new animal study

Experimental drug NU-9 -- a small molecule compound approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical trials for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) -- improves neuron health in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, according to a new study.


http://dlvr.it/TK3nvl

Discovery of mitochondrial protein opens path to therapeutic advances for heart and Alzheimer's disease

Calcium transport into and out of mitochondria -- the powerhouses of cells -- is central to cellular energy production and cell death. To maintain the balance of calcium within these powerhouses, cells rely on a protein known as the mitochondrial sodium-calcium exchanger, or NCLX. Now, in new research, scientists have discovered a novel regulator of NCLX activity, a protein called TMEM65, which helps move calcium out of mitochondria, protecting against harmful calcium overload.


http://dlvr.it/TK3l4h

New AI models possible game-changers within protein science and healthcare

Researchers have developed new AI models that can vastly improve accuracy and discovery within protein science. Potentially, the models will assist the medical sciences in overcoming present challenges within, e.g. personalised medicine, drug discovery, and diagnostics.


http://dlvr.it/TK3JbM

Why So Many Long-Married Couples Die Close Together

While death rarely brings pleasant feelings, from time to time we’ll see a story about death go viral on the Internet because it touches...


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Consumer devices can be used to assess brain health

Technology is changing how physicians think about assessing patients and, in turn, how patients expect to be able to measure their own health. Apps designed for smartphones and wearable devices can provide unique insights into users' brain health. It is estimated that 55 million individuals worldwide suffer from some form of dementia. Alzheimer's disease and related dementias being the leading causes, with numbers expected to triple by 2050.


http://dlvr.it/TK2Vm7

Court Rejects DTSA Claim Over Inadequate Efforts to Protect Alleged Trade Secrets

On March 13, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York dismissed a trade secret misappropriation claim under the Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”), finding that the employer failed to plead it had taken reasonable measures to maintain the secrecy of its alleged trade secrets....
By: Proskauer - Trade Secrets


http://dlvr.it/TK2TZp

Eye health linked to dementia risk

Researchers discovered the blood vessels at the back of the eye -- called retinal microvasculature -- can show early signs someone is at risk of developing dementia.


http://dlvr.it/TK2Pld

Nearly half of depression diagnoses could be considered treatment-resistant

Almost half of patients diagnosed with depression classify as being 'treatment-resistant' as new research suggests that many don't respond to multiple antidepressant options.


http://dlvr.it/TK1vTg

How to Engage in Self-Care While Grieving

Many caregivers watch their loved ones endure a long, slow decline that will eventually end in death. As they age, we grieve every mental...


The post How to Engage in Self-Care While Grieving appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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http://dlvr.it/TK1m77

Exercise as an anti-aging intervention to avoid detrimental impact of mental fatigue

Retired adults who habitually exercised outperformed sedentary adults in physical and cognitive tests.


http://dlvr.it/TK1K0G

Intellectual Property in Heavy Manufacturing

Heavy manufacturing companies operate at the intersection of hardware, materials science, and automation—sectors where IP protection is critical for long-term competitive advantage. Unlike software startups, industrial companies must protect processes, systems, and engineering breakthroughs that are often embedded in physical products....
By: Fenwick & West LLP


http://dlvr.it/TK1JQS

Western diet causes inflammation, traditional African food protects

A switch of just two weeks from a traditional African diet to a Western diet causes inflammation, reduces the immune response to pathogens, and activates processes associated with lifestyle diseases. Conversely, an African diet rich in vegetables, fiber, and fermented foods has positive effects. This study highlights the significant impact of diet on the immune system and metabolism.


http://dlvr.it/TK0kvg

Navigating IP in Government Contracts

For space, defense, and industrial technology companies, securing government contracts is often a major growth milestone. But without a clear IP strategy, working with agencies like NASA or the Department of Defense (DoD) can put a startup’s long-term technology ownership at risk....
By: Fenwick & West LLP


http://dlvr.it/TK05yl

Blood test may rule out future dementia risk

Researchers have demonstrated how specific biomarkers in the blood can predict the development of dementia up to ten years before diagnosis, among older adults living independently in the community.


http://dlvr.it/TJzzb6

Caregiver Upset by Lack of Clarification Regarding Medical Terms

Dear Carol: I’m frustrated with medical people who think family caregivers should automatically understand their abbreviated terms. At appointments, my mom’s doctor asks about...


The post Caregiver Upset by Lack of Clarification Regarding Medical Terms appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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AI-powered mammograms: A new window into heart health

Mammograms, with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) models, may reveal much more than cancer, according to a new study. The findings highlight how these important cancer screening tools can also be used to assess the amount of calcium buildup in the arteries within breast tissue -- an indicator of cardiovascular health.


http://dlvr.it/TJzlgh

No Slowing Down: Employers’ Recap of the Trump Administration’s First 50 Days

While new presidents are typically judged based on their actions in their first 100 days, the current Trump administration has moved at such a rapid speed that we think another recap is needed at the halfway point. Here’s your employer cheat sheet on Trump’s first 50 days....
By: Fisher Phillips


http://dlvr.it/TJzJtG

Key differences between visual- and memory-led Alzheimer's discovered

Differences in the distribution of certain proteins and markers in the brain may explain why some people first experience vision changes instead of memory loss in Alzheimer's disease, finds a new study.


http://dlvr.it/TJzFzd

Vocal changes in birds may predict age-related disorders in people, study finds

Neuroscientists have found a link between vocal changes and the aging brain in zebra finch songbirds, which could help lead to earlier diagnoses for disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases in people.


http://dlvr.it/TJz9hy

Nurses and AI collaborate to save lives, reduce hospital stays

An AI tool that analyzes nurses' data and notes detected when patients in the hospital were deteriorating nearly two days earlier than traditional methods and reduced the risk of death by over 35%.


http://dlvr.it/TJyxTb

Multi-generational Households: The Ins and Outs of In-law Suites

When I was a teenager, my parents had a new home specifically built with separate quarters so my grandmother could live with us and...


The post Multi-generational Households: The Ins and Outs of In-law Suites appeared first on Minding Our Elders.
             

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Assorted Stupidity #167

In this edition: things are getting stupider all the time.


http://dlvr.it/TJyq41

K&C Sports & Entertainment Law Weekly Roundup - April 2025

A New York federal judge has tossed several school district lawsuits seeking to void a state law banning the use of Native American team mascots and names, throwing out individual board members’ free speech claims but saying they can amend their suits as private citizens....
By: Kaufman & Canoles


http://dlvr.it/TJyQvM

New study links lower proportions of certain sleep stages to brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease

New research reveals that lower proportions of specific sleep stages are associated with reduced brain volume in regions vulnerable to the development of Alzheimer's disease over time.


http://dlvr.it/TJyLyH