‘Cocaine hippos’ raise tough questions, and scientists uncover insights on faster aging and heart risks

image via New Scientist

April 20, 2026, 10:00 AM

• •HIV can accelerate aging.
• •Antiretroviral therapy can slow aging in HIV patients.
• •Chronic inflammation is a factor in heart disease.
• •Bees are abundant in a New York cemetery.
• •Cocaine hippos are being euthanized in Colombia.

This Science Quickly episode covers recent scientific findings on several topics. Researchers have discovered that HIV can accelerate biological aging, but antiretroviral therapy may slow or reverse this process. Chronic inflammation is highlighted as a key factor in heart disease, with potential drug treatments being explored. Additionally, the episode discusses the abundance of ground-nesting bees in a New York cemetery and the controversial decision to euthanize the infamous 'cocaine hippos' in Colombia due to their ecological impact.

Read original article