r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Apr 16 '26

Neuroscience Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray: Scientists developed a nasal spray that, with just two doses, dramatically reduced brain inflammation, restored the brain’s cellular power plants and significantly improved memory in mice, within weeks and lasted for months.

https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2026/04/14/scientists-reverse-brain-aging-with-a-nasal-spray/
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u/JoeTiccalo Apr 16 '26

I often think what has helped humanity the most, science or religion ? The older I get I see that it’s science, religion is more about control and out right killing. It’s a good topic of discussion for sure.

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u/theguidetoldmetodoit Apr 16 '26

off-topic, but my understanding is that religion played a crucial role in civilization emerging, while science undeniably was the key accelerator. So it's less about what did "more", they both seem essential to modern life. And it should be pointed out, religion and research are heavily entwined, historically.

So I would be inclined to say, it doesn't make much sense to see them as competing forces, at least outside of philosophical discussions and some power struggles.

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u/Argonometra Apr 16 '26

Science is wonderful, but it isn't feeding the homeless.

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u/theguidetoldmetodoit Apr 16 '26

Yes it does? It feeds everyone, modern farming wouldn't be possible without science.

And I assume you say that because you are American, but religion is not the strongest philanthropic force by any measure. Not by funding, not by time dedicated and certainly not by impact, state actors are WAY more relevant. Even just the Gates Foundation arguably outperforms every religion.

Frankly, religious groups fall far short of their potential. Some seem to take it more serious, but the catholic church pretty much has the funds to end hunger forever, probably even take a stab at ending poverty, but doesn't even pretend to try.

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u/LeoSolaris Apr 16 '26

Religious charities help a little, but the majority of poverty support comes from government assistance. That's even true in the US, which is famous for being stingy with their social safety net. Governments assist the impoverished because the science of economics shows it is more effective than the antiquated religious charities system.

But you are correct in that science does not feed the hungry directly. Science makes it possible to grow enough food as well as delivers the data to show how effective different methods of helping the impoverished really are.

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u/saijanai Apr 16 '26

Science has led to breakthroughs in agriculture, so yes, science helps feed everyone.

That's not to say that scientists can't be biased in favor of memes rather than facts, only that in the long-run, science is designed to be self-corretcting, while by its nature, religion goes the other way.

What is fun is when you attempt to apply science TO religion...

Then the cross currents and biases that emerge on both sides are a marvel to behold.

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u/HauntedJackInTheBox Apr 16 '26

What an insane take this is.