Study Finds Cocoa Extract May Reduce Inflammation and Age-Related Disease Risk in Older Adults

Executive Summary

A large-scale study conducted by scientists at Mass General Brigham in Boston tracked nearly 600 older adults, averaging 70 years of age, who took either 500 milligrams of cocoa extract or a placebo daily for two years. The study found that those taking the cocoa extract experienced an 8.4% slower annual increase in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), a key blood marker for systemic inflammation, compared to the placebo group. Published in the British journal Age and Ageing, this substudy of the larger COSMOS trial suggests that cocoa flavanols, plant-based compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, may help reduce inflammation associated with aging, known as "inflammaging," which is linked to cardiovascular disease and other age-related conditions. While cocoa extract capsules provide concentrated flavanols without sugar or fat, researchers emphasize that this supplement should not replace a healthy diet and lifestyle. Further research is needed to confirm long-term benefits such as reduced disease or increased longevity. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health with support from Mars Edge and Pfizer, though these companies had no role in data analysis.

Situation

The study builds on previous COSMOS findings that cocoa flavanol supplementation significantly reduced cardiovascular disease death by 27%. Inflammation is a natural immune response but chronic low-level inflammation in older adults contributes to tissue damage and diseases like cardiovascular disease. The trial's focus on hsCRP allowed precise monitoring of inflammation changes over time. Researchers caution that while cocoa extract shows promise in modulating inflammation, it is not a cure or replacement for foundational health practices such as exercise, sleep, stress management, and a nutrient-rich diet. The study population was mostly healthy older White adults, highlighting the need for larger, more diverse studies. Experts like Dr. Howard Sesso and Dr. Yanbin Dong advocate for further investigation into flavanols from diverse plant sources. Exercise physiologist Mark Kovacs notes that while lowering hsCRP is encouraging, clinical outcomes such as fewer heart attacks or improved mobility remain to be demonstrated. This research contributes to the growing scientific interest in dietary supplements that may support healthy aging and reduce age-related disease risks.

International Impact

While the study was conducted in the United States, its findings have global relevance given the worldwide aging population and the universal burden of age-related diseases. The research contributes to international scientific knowledge on dietary interventions for healthy aging. It may influence global public health recommendations and inspire similar studies in diverse populations. The emphasis on plant-based flavanols aligns with worldwide trends toward natural health supplements and preventative medicine.

Decision Maker Perspectives

Mass General Brigham Researchers: They conducted the study to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of cocoa flavanols and their potential to reduce age-related disease risk.

National Institutes of Health: Provided funding support, highlighting the importance of research on aging and inflammation.

Mars Edge and Pfizer: Supplied study pills and infrastructure but did not influence data analysis, ensuring scientific integrity.

Source Perspectives

Fox News: Presented the study findings with an emphasis on the potential health benefits of cocoa extract while cautioning that it is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle.

United States Rejects International AI Oversight at United Nations General Assembly

Executive Summary

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the United States delegation, represented by Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, rejected proposals for centralized international governance and oversight of artificial intelligence (AI). The U.S. emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and independence in AI regulation, opposing bureaucratic global control. President Donald Trump announced plans for a pioneering AI verification system to enforce the Biological Weapons Convention, expressing optimism about AI’s potential benefits and risks. Meanwhile, many other world leaders, including China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu and Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, supported the U.N.'s role in fostering international cooperation and governance frameworks for AI. The U.N. launched the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, aiming to create a collaborative platform for member states to address AI challenges. The U.S. stance contrasts with many nations advocating multilateral approaches to AI regulation, reflecting differing views on balancing innovation, security, and global collaboration.

Situation

The U.S. delegation's rejection of centralized AI governance at the U.N. Security Council meeting highlights ongoing tensions about how to regulate rapidly advancing AI technologies. The U.S. favors bilateral and minilateral coalitions that preserve national sovereignty rather than broad international bureaucracies. President Trump’s speech underscored the administration’s intent to lead in AI verification systems, particularly related to biological weapons enforcement. The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres and other international figures emphasized the need for inclusive, fair, and nondiscriminatory AI governance to manage risks and benefits globally. The U.N.'s Global Dialogue on AI Governance, launched during the Assembly, will hold its first full meeting in Geneva in 2026, aiming to build consensus and frameworks for AI oversight. Experts note that while burdensome governance is undesirable, transnational challenges posed by AI require some degree of international cooperation. The U.S. position reflects concerns about authoritarian influence and the desire to promote innovation aligned with American values.

International Impact

The U.S. rejection of centralized AI governance at the U.N. contrasts with the positions of other major powers, such as China and Spain, who support a stronger U.N. role. This divergence may complicate efforts to establish global AI standards and regulations. The U.N.'s initiatives, including the Global Dialogue and an independent scientific panel, seek to foster international cooperation on AI risks and opportunities. The debate reflects broader geopolitical tensions over technology leadership, sovereignty, and the balance between innovation and security. The U.S. emphasis on sovereignty and innovation may influence other nations' approaches and shape the future landscape of AI governance worldwide.

Decision Maker Perspectives

United States: Opposes centralized global AI governance, emphasizing national sovereignty and innovation-friendly approaches.

President Donald Trump: Announced plans for a trusted AI verification system to enforce biological weapons treaties, highlighting AI’s potential for good and risk.

United Nations: Supports multilateral cooperation through the Global Dialogue on AI Governance to create inclusive frameworks for AI oversight.

China: Supports the U.N. playing a central role in AI governance, opposing unilateralism and protectionism.

Spain: Advocates for coordinated global AI governance with the U.N. as a legitimate forum to forge consensus.

Source Perspectives

NBC News: Provided a detailed and balanced report on the U.S. rejection of international AI oversight and the contrasting views of other nations and U.N. officials.

Manhattan DA Drops Assault Case Against Woman Accused of Punching Pro-Life Activist

Executive Summary

In New York City, the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office dropped the assault charges against Brianna Rivers, a 30-year-old woman accused of sucker-punching pro-life activist and journalist Savannah Craven Antao during a street interview in April. The case was dismissed because prosecutors missed a key filing deadline related to evidence disclosure. The incident, captured on video, showed Rivers punching Antao twice in the face, causing injury that required emergency room treatment and stitches. The Thomas More Society, representing Antao, criticized the DA’s office for failing to prosecute what they consider a clear case of assault, highlighting concerns about political violence and justice. The DA’s office apologized to the victim and indicated internal steps were being taken in response to the procedural error. Rivers had posted on social media claiming she was provoked and accusing Antao of antagonism. The victim plans to pursue civil litigation against Rivers.

Situation

The assault occurred during a street interview conducted by Antao for the pro-life organization Live Action. The viral video showed the sudden attack, which left Antao bloodied and injured. Despite the apparent evidence, the Manhattan DA’s office failed to meet the discovery deadline, leading to dismissal of the criminal case in July. The Thomas More Society condemned the DA’s handling of the case as undermining public confidence in the justice system, especially amid a politically charged climate. The DA’s spokesperson acknowledged the mistake and apologized, promising corrective measures. Rivers’ social media posts suggest a contentious and politically polarized context surrounding the incident. The victim’s attorneys are pursuing civil action to seek accountability. The case has drawn attention to issues of political violence, prosecutorial responsibility, and protections for journalists and activists.

International Impact

While the incident and legal proceedings are localized within New York City, the case has broader implications for political discourse, freedom of speech, and the treatment of activists and journalists in democratic societies. It highlights challenges in prosecuting politically motivated violence and the importance of procedural diligence in the justice system. The case may resonate internationally as a cautionary example of the consequences when legal processes falter amid polarized political environments.

Decision Maker Perspectives

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg: The office missed a critical filing deadline leading to dismissal; has apologized and is taking internal corrective steps.

Thomas More Society: Criticizes the DA’s office for failing to uphold justice and allowing political violence to go unpunished.

Brianna Rivers: Claims she was provoked and accuses the victim of antagonism, denying sole responsibility for the violence.

Savannah Craven Antao: Victim seeking justice and accountability for the assault, planning civil lawsuit after criminal charges dropped.

Source Perspectives

Fox News: Reported the incident emphasizing the victim’s perspective and criticism of the DA’s office, highlighting political and legal implications.