- newA routine shingles shot may offer powerful defense against dementia
A unique vaccine rollout in Wales gave researchers an accidental natural experiment that revealed a striking reduction in dementia among seniors who received the shingles vaccine. The protective effect held steady across multiple analyses and was even stronger in women. Evidence also suggests benefits for people who already have dementia, hinting at a therapeutic effect.
- 6 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 8:52pm -
- newA common constipation drug shows a surprising ability to protect kidneys
A surprising link between constipation and kidney decline led researchers to test lubiprostone, revealing that it can protect kidney function. The results point toward gut-based, mitochondria-boosting therapies as a promising new avenue for CKD care.
- 7 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 7:17pm -
- newYour sweat reveals health problems long before symptoms appear
Sweat carries a rich mix of biomarkers that advanced wearables can now track in real time. New AI-powered patches analyze biochemical patterns to detect disease risks, medication levels, or stress responses. Researchers are building ultra-sensitive microfluidic devices to read glucose, cortisol, and more—without needles or blood draws. The tech is still emerging, but its potential is huge.
- 8 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 6:54pm -
- newScientists reveal what really drives the “freshman 15”
College life creates a perfect storm for overeating, as students consume more calories when surrounded by friends, eating in dining halls, or following unstructured schedules. A four-week study using a mobile app revealed that students often underestimate how much they eat, especially in social or formal dining settings. Emotional influences, gender differences, and environmental cues all contribute to this subtle but consistent rise in intake.
- 8 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 6:27pm -
- newA long-overlooked weak point in your DNA has just been revealed
Scientists discovered that the first 100 base pairs of human genes are unusually prone to mutations, especially during the earliest stages of embryonic development. These mosaic mutations often go undetected yet can still be passed on and cause disease. Large-scale genome analyses show that genes tied to cancer and brain function are particularly affected, with natural selection filtering out harmful variants. The study highlights the need to adjust genetic models and rethink how researchers ide…
- 16 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 10:36am -
- newIs your gut being poisoned? Scientists reveal the hidden impact of everyday chemicals
Researchers discovered that 168 common chemicals can disrupt the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, with some also promoting antibiotic resistance. Many of these substances—found in food, water, and household items—weren’t previously suspected of affecting living organisms. A new machine learning model now predicts which chemicals may harm the microbiome. The findings suggest safety testing must expand to consider gut health.
- 16 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 10:14am -
- newA 70-year-old pregnancy drug just revealed a hidden weakness in brain cancer
Researchers have solved the decades-old mystery behind how a common pregnancy drug lowers blood pressure. It turns out the medication blocks a fast-acting “oxygen alarm” inside cells. That same alarm helps brain tumors survive, meaning the drug unexpectedly weakens them, too. The discovery could inspire better treatments for both preeclampsia and brain cancer.
- 17 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 9:45am -
- newScientists boost lifespan by 70% in elderly male mice using simple drug combo
Scientists found that combining oxytocin with an Alk5 inhibitor revitalized extremely old male mice, boosting their lifespan and strength. Female mice showed only short-term improvements, highlighting a major sex difference in aging biology. The therapy restored youthful protein patterns in blood and targeted key pathways that drive tissue decline. Because the components are already clinically accessible, this approach could move toward human testing.
- 17 hours ago 3 Dec 25, 9:12am -
- Scientists discover first gene proven to directly cause mental illness
Scientists have discovered that a single gene, GRIN2A, can directly cause mental illness—something previously thought to stem only from many genes acting together. People with certain variants of this gene often develop psychiatric symptoms much earlier than expected, sometimes in childhood instead of adulthood. Even more surprising, some individuals show only mental health symptoms, without the seizures or learning problems usually linked to GRIN2A.
- 1 day ago 2 Dec 25, 9:31pm -
- Fast depression relief? Nitrous oxide shows remarkable potential
Nitrous oxide may offer quick, short-term relief for people with major depression, especially those who haven’t responded to standard medications. The meta-analysis found rapid improvements after a single dose and more sustained benefits after repeated treatments. Side effects were generally mild and brief, though researchers stress the need for larger, longer-term studies.
- 1 day ago 2 Dec 25, 8:30pm -
- New research reveals the hidden organism behind Lake Erie’s toxic blooms
Dolichospermum, a type of cyanobacteria thriving in Lake Erie’s warming waters, has been identified as the surprising culprit behind the lake’s dangerous saxitoxins—some of the most potent natural neurotoxins known. Using advanced genome sequencing, researchers uncovered that only certain strains produce the toxin, and that warmer temperatures and low ammonium levels may tip the ecological balance in their favor.
- 2 days ago 2 Dec 25, 12:48pm -
- Doctors are seeing more aggressive breast cancer in younger women than expected
Younger women are being diagnosed with breast cancer more often than screening guidelines anticipate. Many of these cancers are invasive and harder to treat, especially in those under 40. After analyzing 11 years of data, researchers found that this age group makes up a steady and significant share of diagnoses. The results support a stronger push for earlier risk evaluation.
- 2 days ago 2 Dec 25, 10:11am -
- Scientists discover hidden switch that helps cancer cells survive
Researchers have found a small but powerful switch inside breast cancer cells that helps them survive stressful conditions. When this switch flips, the cells activate protective programs that make them tougher and faster-growing. The finding reveals how tumors use stress to their benefit. It may open up new possibilities for therapies.
- 2 days ago 2 Dec 25, 10:03am -
- New study finds cancer-linked compounds in common foods
Scientists have found that common foods can contain hidden contaminants formed during cooking or through environmental exposure. A new testing method called QuEChERS helps identify these chemicals more quickly and with greater ease. The research showed strong accuracy and high sensitivity across multiple food samples. This streamlined approach could improve food safety checks while reducing chemical waste.
- 2 days ago 1 Dec 25, 10:25pm -
- New brain imaging breakthrough reveals clues to Parkinson’s
A high-speed “zap-and-freeze” method is giving scientists their clearest view yet of how brain cells send messages. By freezing tissue at the instant a signal fires, researchers revealed how synaptic vesicles behave in both mouse and human neurons. These insights could help explain why most Parkinson’s cases emerge without inherited genetic changes. The technique may also point to promising new research paths for therapy development.
- 2 days ago 1 Dec 25, 8:03pm -