Every day, our body produces billions of energy molecules—ATP—thanks to mitochondria. But this process goes hand in hand with the formation of so-called free radicals, or reactive oxygen species (ROS). They are like fire: in the right amount they warm and drive processes forward, but in excess they can burn everything in their path. In[…]

Each of our cells contains hundreds, even thousands of mitochondria—the small energy “power plants” of the body. Interestingly, they are not always identical. Some mitochondria may carry completely healthy mitochondrial DNA, while others have minor mutations or structural damage. This phenomenon is called mitochondrial heteroplasmy. What does this mean in practice? When mitochondria within the[…]

Mitochondria—often called the cell’s “energy factories”—are at the center of some of today’s most fascinating biomedical research. They determine endurance, recovery, and even cognitive performance. One compound in particular, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), is proving especially promising in this area. Space as a laboratory: NASA and PQQ Long-term space missions pose a serious challenge for astronauts—rapid[…]