(New York Times) – Last summer, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said he could tell that someone was having “mitochondrial challenges” just by looking at them. The nominee for surgeon general, Dr. Casey Means, features mitochondria prominently in her book on metabolism and health. And several trendy supplements marketed for longevity, such as coenzyme Q10, urolithin A and those that boost N.A.D.+, purportedly work by enhancing mitochondrial functioning.

Scientists who study mitochondria are somewhat baffled by the newfound attention. But they’re also excited to see their favorite organelle in the spotlight. (Read More)