- newNew 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 hours ago 1 Dec 25, 8:03pm -
- newScientists reveal five big moments when your brain dramatically changes
A large study of brain scans shows that our neural wiring evolves through five major stages from birth to late old age. These phases are separated by sudden turning points that mark big shifts in how the brain is organized. The most surprising discovery is that adolescent-style development lasts into our early thirties. The work helps explain changing abilities and risks at different points in life.
- 3 hours ago 1 Dec 25, 7:27pm -
- newFructose may quietly supercharge your inflammation
Researchers found that fructose can prime immune cells to overreact to bacterial toxins. In healthy adults, fructose-sweetened drinks increased receptors that trigger inflammation. This heightened sensitivity may contribute to greater infection risk. The effects could be even more dangerous in people with metabolic diseases.
- 15 hours ago 1 Dec 25, 7:22am -
- Scientists find a hidden obesity trigger in soybean oil
Researchers at UC Riverside have uncovered why soybean oil, one of America's most widely consumed ingredients, drives significant weight gain—at least in mice. The findings point not to the oil itself but to the fat-derived molecules it produces inside the body, called oxylipins, which can trigger inflammation, alter liver function, and influence genes tied to metabolism.
- 1 day ago 30 Nov 25, 9:16pm -
- Your skin has a built-in cancer defense and sunlight turns it off
Scientists have uncovered how too much sunlight can flip a hidden switch inside skin cells that makes inflammation spiral out of control and increases the risk of cancer. Their research reveals that UV radiation breaks down a protective protein called YTHDF2, which normally prevents a small RNA signal from activating an immune sensor linked to dangerous inflammation. Once that protection is lost, a surprising chain reaction unfolds inside the cell, turning ordinary sun damage into a potential ca…
- 1 day ago 30 Nov 25, 8:03pm -
- Scientists discover a hidden brain circuit that rewrites vision
MIT scientists found that what we see is strongly influenced by how alert or active we are. Parts of the brain responsible for planning and control send specialized signals that either boost or quiet visual details. These areas seem to balance each other, sharpening important information while dimming distractions. The study shows vision is constantly being shaped by our internal state.
- 1 day ago 30 Nov 25, 5:12pm -
- Why some memories last a lifetime while others fade fast
Scientists have uncovered a stepwise system that guides how the brain sorts and stabilizes lasting memories. By tracking brain activity during virtual reality learning tasks, researchers identified molecules that influence how long memories persist. Each molecule operates on a different timescale, forming a coordinated pattern of memory maintenance. The discoveries reshape how scientists understand memory formation.
- 1 day ago 30 Nov 25, 4:43pm -
- RSV prevention in newborns could cut asthma risk
Scientists found that RSV infection early in life can set the stage for childhood asthma, particularly in kids already genetically prone to allergies. The virus appears to skew the developing immune system toward exaggerated responses to everyday allergens. But when newborns were protected from RSV, asthma development was prevented. The results point to a powerful added benefit of RSV prevention tools now being rolled out globally.
- 1 day ago 30 Nov 25, 1:36pm -
- Simple thyroid check in pregnancy may lower autism risk
Researchers have found that ongoing thyroid hormone imbalance in pregnancy may be linked to higher autism risk in children. Treated thyroid disorders did not show the same effect. The longer the imbalance lasted across trimesters, the more the risk appeared to rise. The study underscores the need for consistent thyroid monitoring.
- 2 days ago 29 Nov 25, 9:38pm -
- Scientists discover hidden wolf DNA in most dogs
Researchers studying thousands of canine genomes discovered that wolf DNA is still present in most dog breeds. This ancient genetic influence shows up in traits like body size, behavior, and environmental resilience. Even dogs bred far from wolves, including tiny chihuahuas, carry detectable wolf ancestry. The findings highlight how deeply intertwined the histories of dogs and wolves really are.
- 2 days ago 29 Nov 25, 9:19pm -
- Millions are about to choose the wrong Medicare plan
Millions face Medicare decisions each year, but many don’t take advantage of tools that can save them money and stress. Insurance marketing often overshadows unbiased options like SHIP, leaving people unaware of better choices. Comparing real costs—not just premiums—can prevent unpleasant surprises, especially when provider networks or drug rules change. New assistance programs for low-income adults offer valuable help for 2026.
- 2 days ago 29 Nov 25, 5:52pm -
- Hidden blood molecules show surprising anti-aging power
Scientists have identified new anti-aging compounds produced by a little-studied blood bacterium. These indole metabolites were able to reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and collagen-damaging activity in skin cell cultures. Three of the compounds, including two never seen before, showed particularly strong effects. The findings hint at a surprising new source for future skin-rejuvenation therapies.
- 2 days ago 29 Nov 25, 2:42pm -
- Where cannabis stores cluster, emergency visits climb
Researchers analyzed data from over six million people to see how close residents lived to cannabis retailers. Neighborhoods near these shops experienced higher cannabis-related emergency visits compared with those farther away. The effect was strongest where multiple stores were packed into small areas. These trends suggest that store density plays a meaningful role in community health.
- 3 days ago 29 Nov 25, 10:07am -
- Repeated head impacts may quietly break the brain’s cleanup system
Researchers found that repeated head impacts can disrupt a key system that helps the brain wash away waste. In professional fighters, this system initially seems to work harder after trauma, then declines over time. MRI scans revealed that these changes may show up years before symptoms do. The work could help identify at-risk athletes earlier in their careers.
- 3 days ago 29 Nov 25, 9:17am -
- Scientists find toxic metals hidden in popular plastic toys
A large-scale Brazilian study found dangerous levels of toxic metals in popular children’s toys, with barium and lead topping the list. Researchers used sophisticated lab methods to identify 21 hazardous elements and test how easily they could be released when toys are mouthed. Even though only small fractions leach out, the total concentrations were so high that safety concerns remain critical.
- 3 days ago 28 Nov 25, 10:05pm -