Medical and Health Sciences

By reactivating a long-lost gene, researchers were able to lower uric acid levels and stop damaging fat accumulation in human liver models. The breakthrough hints at a future where gout and several metabolic diseases could be prevented at the genetic level.

Researchers uncovered how fatty molecules called ceramides trigger acute kidney injury by damaging the mitochondria that power kidney cells. By altering ceramide metabolism or using a new drug candidate, the team was able to protect mitochondrial function and completely prevent kidney injury in mice.

Researchers have created a prediction method that comes startlingly close to real-world results. It works by aiming for strong alignment with actual values rather than simply reducing mistakes. Tests on medical and health data showed it often outperforms classic approaches. The discovery could reshape how scientists make reliable forecasts.

Exercise appears to spark a whole-body anti-aging cascade, and scientists have now mapped out how it happens—and how a simple oral compound can mimic it. By following volunteers through rest, intense workouts, and endurance training, researchers found that the kidneys act as the hidden command center, flooding the body with a metabolite called betaine that restores balance, rejuvenates immune cells, and cools inflammation. Even more striking, giving betaine on its own reproduced many benefits of long-term training, from sharper cognition to calmer inflammation.

Ultra-endurance athletes can push their bodies to extraordinary extremes, but even they run into a hard biological wall. Researchers tracked ultra-runners, cyclists, and triathletes over weeks and months, discovering that no matter how intense the effort, the human body maxes out at about 2.5 times its basal metabolic rate when measured long-term. Short bursts of six or seven times BMR are possible, but the body quickly pulls energy away from other functions to compensate, nudging athletes back toward the ceiling.

Researchers have uncovered surprising evidence that anxiety may be controlled not by neurons but by two dueling groups of immune cells inside the brain. These microglia act like biological pedals—one pushing anxiety forward and the other holding it back.

Smoking, vaping, or using both products significantly increases the likelihood of developing prediabetes and diabetes, and the risk is even higher among Hispanic, Black, and low-income groups. Researchers found that vaping alone raises prediabetes risk, while combining cigarettes and e-cigarettes drives those odds up dramatically.

Scientists studying aging found that sensory inputs like touch and smell can cancel out the lifespan-boosting effects of dietary restriction by suppressing the key longevity gene fmo-2. When overactivated, the gene makes worms oddly indifferent to danger and food, suggesting trade-offs between lifespan and behavior. The work highlights how deeply intertwined the brain, metabolism, and environment are. These pathways may eventually be targeted to extend life without extreme dieting.

Researchers have designed a smart drug that hunts down and breaks a little-known RNA that cancer cells depend on. The drug recognizes a unique fold in the RNA and triggers the cell to destroy it. Tests showed that removing this RNA slows cancer growth. The approach could lead to new treatments that attack cancer at its most fundamental level.

Scientists have discovered strange microscopic structures in the blood of people with Long COVID—clusters of tiny microclots tangled together with sticky immune webs known as neutrophil extracellular traps, or NETs. These combined structures show up far more often in Long COVID patients, where they appear larger, denser, and more stubborn than in healthy blood.

Colchicine, a cheap and widely used gout drug, may help prevent heart attacks and strokes in people with cardiovascular disease. Trials involving nearly 23,000 patients show meaningful reductions in risk with low doses. Side effects were mostly mild and short-lived. Researchers say this overlooked drug could become an accessible prevention tool pending further study.

Scientists have uncovered a new environmental culprit behind liver disease: tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and household products. The study found that people with PCE exposure were three times more likely to develop severe liver scarring, even when traditional risk factors like alcohol or obesity were absent. The chemical is widespread in air, water, and consumer goods, making it a stealthy threat to public health.

New research from the Technical University of Munich and Harvard Medical School reveals that popular GLP-1-based drugs, semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), not only promote weight loss but also significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Using real-world insurance data, the study found up to an 18% reduction in major cardiovascular events, confirming powerful heart-protective effects that appear to extend beyond weight control.

Scientists in Seoul have uncovered 15 gut bacterial species linked to coronary artery disease, showing that microbes can influence heart health far beyond digestion. Their findings reveal how shifts in gut microbial function — including inflammation, loss of protective species, and overactive metabolic pathways — may drive disease progression. Intriguingly, even “good” bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Akkermansia muciniphila can become harmful under certain conditions.

GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy may extend the lives of colon cancer patients, according to a major UC San Diego study. Patients on the medications had less than half the mortality rate of non-users. Researchers suspect the drugs’ anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects contribute to improved outcomes. They’re now calling for clinical trials to test whether these findings reflect a true anti-cancer mechanism.

Researchers scanning soccer fans’ brains found that wins trigger bursts of reward activity while losses dampen control signals. The results show how loyalty and rivalry can override logic, turning competition into an emotional storm. The same brain circuits that fuel sports passion may also underlie political or social fanaticism. Early experiences, the study suggests, shape whether these circuits lead to healthy excitement or explosive reactions.

Texas A&M scientists have unlocked new potential for astatine-211, a rare and short-lived element, as a highly precise cancer-fighting isotope. Its alpha emissions destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue, making it ideal for targeted therapy.

TAR-200, a small drug-releasing implant, wiped out tumors in most patients with high-risk bladder cancer. Its slow, consistent release of chemotherapy proved far more effective than traditional short-term treatments. The therapy may replace bladder removal surgery for many and has earned FDA Priority Review due to its impressive results.

Historians have traced myths about the Black Death’s rapid journey across Asia to one 14th-century poem by Ibn al-Wardi. His imaginative maqāma, never meant as fact, became the foundation for centuries of misinformation about how the plague spread. The new study exposes how fiction blurred with history and highlights how creative writing helped medieval societies process catastrophe.

Researchers in Osaka have found that stem cells from fat tissue can repair spinal fractures similar to those caused by osteoporosis. By turning these cells into bone-forming clusters and pairing them with a bone-rebuilding material, rats regained stronger, healthier spines. The approach could offer a safe, minimally invasive alternative for treating bone diseases in humans.

Researchers found that runners who sleep poorly face nearly double the injury risk compared to those who rest well. The study highlights that sleep is not just recovery—it’s a key factor in preventing injuries. They stress that runners should prioritize rest alongside training. Simple habits like consistent bedtimes and limiting screens can make a big difference.

Japanese researchers found that lecanemab, an amyloid-clearing drug for Alzheimer’s, does not improve the brain’s waste clearance system in the short term. This implies that nerve damage and impaired clearance occur early and are difficult to reverse. Their findings underscore that tackling amyloid alone may not be enough to restore brain function, urging a broader approach to treatment.

Scientists have found that keratin, the protein in hair and skin, can repair and protect tooth enamel. The material forms a mineralized layer that halts decay and restores strength, outperforming traditional fluoride. Made from sustainable sources like hair, it could soon be available in toothpaste or gels. The discovery could transform dentistry by turning waste into a powerful tool for regeneration.

Researchers have discovered that prostate cancer depends on two key enzymes, PDIA1 and PDIA5, to survive and resist therapy. When blocked, these enzymes cause the androgen receptor to collapse, killing cancer cells and enhancing the effects of drugs like enzalutamide. They also disrupt the cancer’s energy system, striking it on multiple fronts. This breakthrough could open a new path to overcoming drug resistance in advanced prostate cancer.

Researchers identified SGK1 as a key chemical connecting childhood trauma to depression and suicidal behavior. High SGK1 levels were found in the brains of suicide victims and in people with genetic variants linked to early adversity. Drugs that block SGK1 could offer a new kind of antidepressant, especially for patients resistant to SSRIs.

A sweeping review of existing studies finds no solid evidence that using acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy increases the risk of autism or ADHD in children. Researchers found that previous reviews often relied on weak or biased data, and most did not properly account for genetic or environmental factors shared by families. When these factors were considered, any apparent link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders largely disappeared.

New research finds that daily coffee drinking may cut AFib risk by nearly 40%, defying decades of medical caution. Scientists discovered that caffeine’s effects on activity, blood pressure, and inflammation could all contribute to a healthier heart rhythm. The DECAF clinical trial’s findings suggest coffee could be not only safe but beneficial for people with A-Fib.

Intermountain Health researchers discovered that customizing vitamin D3 doses for heart attack survivors slashed their risk of another heart attack by 50%. The strategy involved frequent monitoring and dose adjustments to reach ideal vitamin D levels. Traditional studies didn’t track blood levels, missing this critical link.

Scientists have discovered that most chronic fatigue patients experience dysfunctional breathing, which may worsen their symptoms. The likely culprit is dysautonomia, a disruption in how the body controls blood vessels and muscles. Breathing retraining, yoga, or biofeedback could help restore proper breathing rhythm and ease fatigue. The findings open a promising new path for managing this long-misunderstood illness.

Scientists have turned to advanced AI to decode the intricate ecosystem of gut bacteria and their chemical signals. Using a Bayesian neural network called VBayesMM, researchers can now identify genuine biological links rather than random correlations. The system has already outperformed traditional models in studies of obesity, sleep disorders, and cancer.

A new blood pressure calculator built on extensive clinical trial data helps doctors accurately estimate how much each medication will reduce blood pressure. The tool simplifies complex treatment choices and replaces unreliable BP measurements with solid evidence.

A Japanese-led research team has developed AUN, a groundbreaking immune-independent bacterial cancer therapy that uses two harmonized bacteria to destroy tumors even in patients with weakened immune systems. By leveraging the natural synergy between Proteus mirabilis and Rhodopseudomonas palustris, AUN selectively targets cancer cells, reshapes itself within tumors, and avoids harmful side effects like cytokine release syndrome.

A hospital in Thailand created a quick-action dialysis protocol for patients with metformin-associated lactic acidosis, a dangerous reaction to a common diabetes drug. The program sharply reduced deaths and sped up treatment times. Awareness also soared, showing how organized emergency pathways can transform patient outcomes.

Millions struggle with depression and anxiety, often enduring long waits for effective treatment. Scientists in Sweden, Denmark, and Germany are developing a genetic test to predict which medications will actually work. Using polygenic risk scores, they can analyze DNA variations linked to mental health and drug response.

Scientists found that DNA’s phosphate groups can direct chemical reactions to make the correct mirror-image form of drug molecules. This breakthrough simplifies chiral drug production, reducing waste and energy use. Using a new “PS scanning” method, the team pinpointed which DNA parts guide reactions. The approach could revolutionize green chemistry in pharmaceuticals.

Sertraline (Zoloft) may relieve emotional symptoms of depression and anxiety within two weeks, while physical side effects stabilize later. The research highlights how antidepressants can act on specific symptom networks rather than uniformly across all aspects of depression.

New research shows that the superior colliculus, a primitive brain region, can independently interpret visual information. This challenges long-held beliefs that only the cortex handles such complex computations. The discovery highlights how ancient neural circuits guide attention and perception, shaping how we react to the world around us.

Researchers have identified special immune cells in the brain that help slow Alzheimer’s. These microglia work to reduce inflammation and block the spread of harmful proteins. They appear to protect memory and brain health, offering a promising new direction for therapy.

Aalto University scientists have created a laser-based treatment that uses gentle heat to stop the progression of dry macular degeneration. The approach stimulates the eye’s natural cleanup and repair systems to protect against blindness.

A decade-long review by George Mason University researchers reveals growing evidence that neonicotinoid insecticides—the world’s most widely used class of pesticides—may harm male reproductive health. The findings, based on 21 animal studies, show consistent links between exposure and reduced sperm quality, hormonal disruption, and testicular damage.

New research suggests the COVID-19 vaccine could help children with eczema stay healthier overall. Vaccinated kids had lower rates of infections and allergies, including asthma and rhinitis, compared with unvaccinated peers. Experts believe the vaccine may help prevent allergic conditions from worsening, showing its value beyond protection from COVID-19.

Researchers found that the body’s natural recycling system, the lysosome, plays a vital role in removing the protein that drives premature aging. When this system breaks down, aging speeds up. By reactivating it, scientists were able to help cells recover their youthful behavior. The discovery opens exciting possibilities for anti-aging treatments.

A Stanford-led team has replaced toxic pre-transplant chemotherapy with a targeted antibody, allowing children with Fanconi anemia to receive stem cell transplants safely. The antibody, briquilimab, removes diseased stem cells without radiation, enabling nearly complete donor cell replacement. The approach also widens donor eligibility and could soon be applied to other bone marrow failure diseases.

Prenatal exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes widespread brain abnormalities and poorer motor skills in children. Even after a residential ban, ongoing agricultural use continues to endanger developing brains.

Scientists have pinpointed a “Big Bang” moment in bowel cancer—when cells first evade the immune system. This early immune escape locks in how the cancer will behave as it grows. The discovery could help predict which patients respond to immunotherapy and lead to new vaccine strategies

Rockefeller scientists uncovered how hair follicle stem cells can switch from growing hair to repairing skin when nutrients run low. The key lies in serine, an amino acid that activates a stress signal telling cells to conserve energy. When both injury and low serine occur, stem cells fully pivot to skin repair. The discovery could lead to dietary or medical ways to boost healing.

Almost 20% of packaged foods and beverages in the US contain synthetic dyes, often paired with excessive sugar to attract children. These additives have been linked to behavioral issues, yet remain widespread among major brands like Mars and PepsiCo. Experts criticize the FDA for relying on voluntary reform, contrasting it with Europe’s stricter labeling laws. Growing state-level action offers hope for meaningful change.

An extract from a desert berry used in traditional Chinese medicine restored insulin function and stabilized metabolism in diabetic mice. The findings hint at a powerful natural alternative for holistic diabetes treatment.

Miniature antibodies from camels and llamas can slip into the brain more easily than conventional drugs, offering a new way to treat disorders like Alzheimer’s and schizophrenia. Researchers say these “nanobodies” could reshape the future of brain medicine.

Scientists have discovered a surprising benefit of the acne drug doxycycline: it may lower the risk of schizophrenia. Teens prescribed the antibiotic were about one-third less likely to develop the condition as adults. The effect could stem from the drug’s ability to reduce brain inflammation. Researchers say the findings highlight an unexpected new direction in mental health prevention.

A newly identified disorder, MINA syndrome, results from a mutation in the NAMPT protein that deprives motor neurons of energy, leading to severe movement problems. The discovery not only deepens understanding of nerve cell metabolism but also points toward potential therapies.

Researchers have created a bioinspired gel that can regenerate tooth enamel by mimicking natural growth processes. The fluoride-free material forms a mineral-rich layer that restores enamel’s strength and structure while preventing decay. It can even repair exposed dentine and reduce sensitivity. Early testing shows it performs like natural enamel, with potential for rapid clinical use.

Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide 25 mg achieved up to 16.6% weight loss in a landmark study, rivaling injectable Wegovy. The pill also improved cardiovascular risk factors and physical activity levels. With a safety profile consistent with existing treatments, experts see it as a breakthrough for patients preferring oral options.

Weill Cornell researchers uncovered how free radicals from astrocyte mitochondria can fuel dementia. Using new compounds that target these radicals at their source, they slowed brain inflammation and neuronal damage in mice. The findings reveal a potential breakthrough for treating diseases like Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia by focusing on the precise mechanisms driving degeneration.

A Northwestern team transformed a common chemotherapy drug into a powerful, targeted cancer therapy using spherical nucleic acids. The redesign dramatically boosted drug absorption and cancer-killing power while avoiding side effects. This innovation may usher in a new era of precision nanomedicine for cancer and beyond.

Virginia Tech researchers have shown that memory loss in aging may be reversible. Using CRISPR tools, they corrected molecular disruptions in the hippocampus and amygdala, restoring memory in older rats. Another experiment revived a silenced memory gene, IGF2, through targeted DNA methylation editing. These findings highlight that aging brains can regain function through precise molecular intervention.

Meditation is widely praised for its mental health benefits, but new research shows that it can also produce unexpected side effects for some people—from anxiety and dissociation to functional impairment. Psychologist Nicholas Van Dam and his team found that nearly 60% of meditators experienced some kind of effect, and about a third found them distressing.

Most U.S. adults don’t realize alcohol raises cancer risk, and drinkers themselves are the least aware. Scientists say targeting these misbeliefs could significantly reduce alcohol-related cancer deaths.

Scientists have shown that brain connectivity patterns can predict mental functions across the entire brain. Each region has a unique “connectivity fingerprint” tied to its role in cognition, from language to memory. The strongest links were found in higher-level thinking skills that take years to develop. This work lays the groundwork for comparing healthy and disordered brains.

Researchers discovered how rabies virus exerts massive control over host cells with very few genes. A key viral protein changes shape and binds RNA, allowing it to infiltrate different cellular systems. This adaptability could explain the power of other deadly viruses, including Nipah and Ebola. The breakthrough may lead to next-generation antivirals or vaccines.