- newScientists found a hidden fat switch and turned it off
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat production. By blocking it, they stopped weight gain, reduced liver damage, and lowered harmful cholesterol levels in animal studies. The finding opens the door to a new kind of medication that could tackle obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease all at once.
- 14 hours ago 6 Feb 26, 9:57pm -
- newWhy colorectal cancer breaks the immune system’s rules
Colorectal cancer has long baffled scientists because, unlike most tumors, patients often do better when their cancers are packed with immune-suppressing regulatory T cells. New research finally explains why. Scientists discovered that these T cells aren’t all the same: one subtype actually helps keep tumors in check, while another shields cancer from immune attack. The balance between these “good” and “bad” cells can determine whether a tumor grows or shrinks.
- 15 hours ago 6 Feb 26, 9:33pm -
- newDoctors test brain cell implants to restore movement in Parkinson’s
Scientists at Keck Medicine of USC are testing an experimental stem cell therapy that aims to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical whose loss drives Parkinson’s disease. The early-stage clinical trial involves implanting lab-grown dopamine-producing cells directly into a key movement-control region of the brain, with the hope of slowing disease progression and improving motor function.
- 19 hours ago 6 Feb 26, 5:27pm -
- newA hidden brain effect of prenatal alcohol exposure
New research using rhesus monkeys suggests that the brain’s relationship with alcohol may begin forming long before a person ever takes a drink. Scientists found that exposure to alcohol before birth reshaped the brain’s dopamine system, a key player in motivation and reward, and those changes were linked to faster drinking later in adulthood.
- 20 hours ago 6 Feb 26, 3:56pm -
- newScientists found a sugar that could defeat deadly superbugs
Scientists in Australia have uncovered a clever new way to fight some of the most dangerous drug-resistant bacteria by targeting a sugar that exists only on bacterial cells. By designing antibodies that recognize this unique sugar, researchers were able to guide the immune system to attack and eliminate deadly infections that normally shrug off antibiotics.
- 22 hours ago 6 Feb 26, 2:39pm -
- A new scan lets scientists see inside the human body in 3D color
A new imaging breakthrough combines ultrasound and light-based techniques to generate vivid 3D images that show both tissue structure and blood vessel activity. Developed by researchers at Caltech and USC, the system delivers detailed results quickly and without radiation or contrast dyes. It has already been used to image multiple parts of the human body. The approach could significantly improve cancer detection, nerve-damage monitoring, and brain imaging.
- 1 day ago 6 Feb 26, 10:41am -
- Scientists uncover why psoriasis can turn into joint disease
Researchers have figured out how psoriasis can quietly turn into joint disease for some patients. Immune cells formed in inflamed skin can travel through the blood and reach the joints, where they sometimes trigger inflammation. The key difference lies in the joint’s ability to keep those cells in check. This insight could help doctors identify warning signs early and prevent lasting joint damage.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 9:14pm -
- This simple diet shift cut 330 calories a day without smaller meals
People who switch to a fully unprocessed diet don’t just eat differently—they eat smarter. Research from the University of Bristol shows that when people avoid ultra-processed foods, they naturally pile their plates with fruits and vegetables, eating over 50% more food by weight while still consuming hundreds fewer calories each day. This happens because whole foods trigger a kind of built-in “nutritional intelligence,” nudging people toward nutrient-rich, lower-calorie options.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 8:34pm -
- Doctors may be missing early signs of kidney disease
Kidney disease often creeps in silently, and many patients aren’t diagnosed until major damage is already done. New research shows that even “normal” kidney test results can signal danger if they’re unusually low for someone’s age. By mapping kidney function across the population, scientists revealed who’s quietly at higher risk. A new online tool could help doctors catch these warning signs years earlier.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 6:58pm -
- Scientists just mapped the mutations that power cancer growth
Researchers have created the first complete map showing how hundreds of mutations in a key cancer gene affect tumor growth. By testing every possible mutation in a critical hotspot, they found that some changes barely boost cancer signals, while others supercharge them. When matched against real patient data, the map accurately predicted cancer behavior across tissues.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 5:59pm -
- Air ambulance teams are changing who survives critical injuries
Advanced care provided by air ambulance teams was linked to higher survival rates in major trauma patients. Researchers found that more people survived than predicted by standard models, including many with severe injuries and low chances of survival. Younger patients and those more responsive at first assessment benefited most. Outcomes for traumatic cardiac arrest also improved steadily over the study period.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 1:26pm -
- Two-month-old babies are already making sense of the world
At just two months old, babies are already organizing the world in their minds. Brain scans revealed distinct patterns as infants looked at pictures of animals, toys, and everyday objects, showing early category recognition. Scientists used AI to help decode these patterns, offering a rare glimpse into infant thinking. The results suggest babies begin learning and understanding far sooner than expected.
- 2 days ago 5 Feb 26, 10:44am -
- New nasal vaccine shows strong protection against H5N1 bird flu
As bird flu continues to circulate in animals and spill over into humans, researchers are racing to stop it before it adapts to spread widely between people. A new nasal spray vaccine showed strong protection against H5N1 in animal tests, outperforming traditional flu shots. Because it targets the nose and lungs, it may prevent infection at the earliest stage.
- 3 days ago 4 Feb 26, 10:13pm -
- The overlooked nutrition risk of Ozempic and Wegovy
Popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy can dramatically curb appetite, but experts warn many users are flying blind when it comes to nutrition. New research suggests people taking these medications may not be getting enough guidance on protein, vitamins, and overall diet quality, increasing the risk of muscle loss and nutrient deficiencies.
- 3 days ago 4 Feb 26, 9:13pm -
- A 25-year study found an unexpected link between cheese and dementia
A massive Swedish study tracking nearly 28,000 people for 25 years found an unexpected link between full-fat dairy and brain health. Among adults without a genetic risk for Alzheimer’s, eating more full-fat cheese was associated with a noticeably lower risk of developing the disease, while higher cream intake was tied to reduced dementia risk overall. The findings challenge decades of low-fat dietary advice but come with important caveats.
- 3 days ago 4 Feb 26, 8:14pm -