Member-only story
Health
Eternal Youth: Could Poop Play a Role?
We may someday use fecal transplants to restore brain function in older adults. Researchers show a gut: mind connection in mice.
Today we take a turn to explore a recent research report that is not immediately actionable but is thought-provoking. We begin with a look at some historical musings about a fountain of youth.
The hunt for a fountain of youth, a mythical spring that can restore, seems eternal. Tales of bathing in or drinking its waters to restore youth abound. Herodotus offered descriptions of a fountain of youth in the 5th century BC, and you can learn about it in the 3rd century Alexander Romance. The latter is an account of the exploits of Alexander the Great.
Alexander the Great formed one of the largest empires of the ancient world. His lands extended from Greece to northwestern India. This remarkable hero (known for his violent temper) never lost a battle and is regarded as one of history’s greatest military commanders of all time.
His legacy extended beyond his conquests, with Alexander’s campaigns significantly increasing contacts and trade between East and West. He also brought Greek civilization and influence to extraordinarily large areas of the east.
