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Stem-Cell Tune-Ups, GLP-1 Revolution, Protein Latte Hype
Stem-cell therapy made old monkeys act young again, GLP-1s just became first-line for obesity, and Starbucks’ protein foam is mostly sugar in disguise. Plus: our readers’ best health hacks.
Tash Jamieson
October 10, 2025
Superpower Signals — 10 October, 2025
Hey team, welcome back to Superpower Signals — your Friday shot of the latest science, health, and “wait, really?” moments.
This week we dug into:
• 🧬 Stem-cell “tune-ups” that made old monkeys young again
• 💉 Are GLP-1s finally getting the medical respect they deserve?
• ☕️ Starbucks’ protein foam (and why it’s more sugar than strength)
• 💡 The 8 best reader health hacks we’ve seen this week
Grab your coffee (protein foam-free, ideally) and dive in 👇
One number:
Ferritin was first discovered in horse spleens. Scientists were amazed to find a single protein shell capable of safely storing thousands of iron atoms, since free iron can be highly toxic inside the body [PMC1171952].
Latest news:
🧬 Stem-cell “tune-up” helped old monkeys act younger
Scientists gave aging monkeys engineered stem cells that resist the usual wear of time. After 44 weeks, the animals showed healthier brains, sharper cognition, lower inflammation, and signs of revived reproductive function [the study].
Our take: So exciting! This is one of the most convincing glimpses yet into how we might re-engineer our repair systems at their core. In the near term, progress will likely come from signal-first approaches - peptides, proteins, and small molecules that coax existing cells to behave younger. Over the next decade, hybrid strategies will emerge, combining molecular precision with true cellular renewal. Cell replacement remains a powerful proof of concept, but it already shows that by rewriting the epigenetic and metabolic programs of repair, aging becomes an adjustable process rather than an inevitability.
📏 GLP-1s should be first-line for obesity
New European guidance puts semaglutide and tirzepatide at the front of the treatment queue, not as “last resort” [the guidelines].
Our take: For decades we have been trying to solve weight gain. Nothing has worked at scale – until GLP-1s. This is important because obesity is upstream of most chronic disease. GLP-1s might be the closest we have to miracle drugs. Beyond the weight loss, they also improve blood sugar levels, lower inflammation, and reduce heart disease risk. We're still early, and there might be risks, but so far the data looks promising.
🥤Protein hype hits Starbucks (experts aren’t impressed)
Starbucks just dropped protein cold-foam lattes to ride the “high-protein” wave, but early drinkers say they taste chalky and strange [the news].
Our take: I tried it so you don’t have to [video]. Taste-wise, it’s… fine. Like someone mixed protein powder into heavy cream and tossed in a lot of sugar. But the macros? 19g protein (okay), 26g sugar (eeek!), 15g fat (45% of your saturated fat for the day), and 320 calories — just for the added foam itself. For comparison: the same protein hit comes from 200g of Greek yogurt, 3–4 egg whites, or a simple protein shake, all with way less junk. If you love this as a treat, enjoy it! Just don’t rely on it as a good way to boost your daily protein intake.
“Our take” is a quick, off-the-cuff perspective on the health trends catching our eye this week. It might be a personal anecdote, a gut-check, or a philosophical lens. It’s not medical advice, just our two cents. Read with nuance.
Superpowered by You: Readers’ best ‘health hacks’.
So last week we asked YOU to submit your best ‘health hacks’ and well, we couldn’t choose just one, so…
Well… just seven of our fantastic readers, anyway. Thanks for your replies!
So, our Top 8 Reader Health Hacks (in no particular order):
🍳 Filippo: Detox your kitchen.
Swap non-stick pans, plastic cutting boards, and food containers for steel, bamboo, and glass to cut out microplastics from your diet.
🚶🏻♀️ Jawad: Micro-movement magic.
Walk 2 minutes every 30 minutes — adds up to around 7K steps/day with almost no effort.
🥛 Travis: Skip the caffeine rush…
Start your morning with electrolytes + amino acids instead of coffee for clean energy and hydration.
☕️ Chris: … or keep it, with no caffeine crash.
Mix your usual beans 50/50 with decaf. Keeps the flavor and focus, cuts the jitters and anxiety.
🥗 Lindsey: No to desk lunches!
No more sad desk lunches — eat outside and talk about non-work stuff.
Lindsey’s out for lunch — not a desk in sight 👀
🛀🏼 Lindsey (again): Hotel shower risk.
On trips, flush hotel showers 3–5 min to reduce pathogen exposure.
🧘🏾 Kyle: Hydrate and breathe.
Chug 3 glasses of water upon waking, then do 10 power breaths + affirmations to prime your mindset.
🥩 Zinjin: Budget-friendly quality beef.
Track “use by” dates of grass-fed beef, return near expiry for 50–75% off. Freeze immediately. Bonus: Air-fry from frozen — 17 min on high = perfect medium rare.
Superpower members have the best life hacks and health stacks. Got one? Reply and we might feature it in the newsletter...or even surprise you with a Hoodie.
The lab note:
Our optimal range: 45-80 ng/mL
What it tests for: Amount of iron stored in your body.
What it tells you about your health: Low ferritin = low iron stores. High ferritin = iron overload or inflammation.
Buzzing on caffeine, sugar and regret. All in the name of health science ☕️🤷♀️
Give Superpower Signals a read and hit reply to let me know what you think. Your feedback shapes where we go next.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health or wellness routine.