Clarity on staying healthy and happy arrives every day, from all corners of the globe. The Plunge brings you the information you always wanted: current, clear-cut answers from the world's leading scientists and creators.

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Viva la mamma!

Dutch researchers took a deep look at the longevity of mothers. Moms who have their last child after 45 live longer, 17 months longer, than those who finish before 40. The result is surprising given the research which says there's increased risk of complications when the mother is over 40. Niels van den Berg, who led the study, believes there may be a connection, as generally healthy women are more likely to live longer and be able to conceive. Interestingly, having long-lived parents or relatives isn't linked to giving birth at an older age. Another data point that general health is crucial to a long, fulfilling life. (ResearchGate, New Scientist - 2 mins)

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Hop, skip, and a fix

ACL injuries are in the news with the Women's World Cup taking place. The list of star athletes currently sidelined is lengthy and sure to grow. Researchers in Australia are taking a new look at the problem with the help of an unusual source: kangaroos. Tendons and ligaments are unique in that they cannot be sewn back together. 90% of the time, that means a replacement from elsewhere in the body. Kangaroos, which can jump up to 40 feet and hop at 45 mph, have ligaments that are six times stronger than humans and despite many being killed to curb the population growth and for meat, their body parts are discarded. "They are biologically superior as far as tendons are concerned" according to orthopedic surgeon and researcher Dr. Nick Hartnell. His team is wrapping up pre-clinical trials in which they've devised a way to ensure the kangaroo xenografts aren't rejected. The hope is to begin human clinical trials in 2024. It may not be a complete solution to the issue, but the extra strength from the 'roo parts will reduce rehab time and get players back on the field. (Macquarie University - 5 mins)

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Smart Implant Coatings

Roughly one in ten orthopedic implants suffers from infection or failure. A team at the University of Illinois has a solution for both. To battle infection, their "smart" implants contain a coating modeled after cicada and dragonfly wings. Nanoscale pillars puncture the cell wall of enemy bacteria, preventing infection. Within the implants, highly sensitive, flexible sensors allow them to monitor strain, guide rehabilitation, and repair or replace devices before they fail. The devices have been successful in sheep spines, with future plans for wireless power and communication. From there, it's on to clinical trials. (SciTechDaily - 2 mins)

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Private Equity and healthcare

Private equity has been on a healthcare buying spree, should we be worried? Since 2021, global healthcare buyouts exceed $200 billion. Data from numerous studies suggest it's not leading to a better, or cheaper, product. A look at 27 studies of PE impact revealed unfortunate results. 12 found that quality decreased while only 3 showed an improvement. As for the analysis of costs, 75% of the studies saw patient costs increasing and none showed a decrease. Hospitals and nursing homes can potentially be improved through economies of scale, but at what cost? (Study Assessments Table, BMJ - 25 mins)

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