- newWhy consciousness exists at all
Consciousness evolved in stages, starting with basic survival responses like pain and alarm, then expanding into focused awareness and self-reflection. These layers help organisms avoid danger, learn from the environment, and coordinate socially. Surprisingly, birds show many of these same traits, from subjective perception to basic self-awareness. This suggests consciousness is far older and more widespread than once believed.
- 40 mins ago 15 Dec 25, 8:59pm -
- newAI found a way to stop a virus before it enters cells
Researchers discovered a hidden molecular “switch” that herpes viruses rely on to invade cells. By combining AI, simulations, and lab experiments, they identified and altered a single amino acid that shut down viral entry. What once might have taken years was achieved far faster using computational tools. The findings open new possibilities for designing future antiviral treatments.
- 1 hour ago 15 Dec 25, 8:15pm -
- newNew study shows some plant-based diets may raise heart disease risk
Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased risk by 40%. The study urges a shift toward whole, naturally nutrient-rich plant foods.
- 2 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 7:25pm -
- newThese simple habits could make your brain 8 years younger, study finds
New research shows that your brain’s “true age” can shift dramatically depending on how you live, with optimism, restorative sleep, stress management, and strong social support acting like powerful anti-aging tools. Using advanced MRI-based brain-age estimates, scientists found that people with multiple healthy lifestyle factors had brains up to eight years younger than expected — even among those living with chronic pain.
- 3 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 6:56pm -
- newAnxiety and insomnia linked to sharp drops in key immune cells
Natural killer cells act as the immune system’s rapid-response team, but the stress of anxiety and insomnia may be quietly thinning their ranks. A study of young women in Saudi Arabia found that both conditions were linked to significantly fewer NK cells—especially the circulating types responsible for destroying infected or abnormal cells. As anxiety severity increased, NK cell levels dropped even further, suggesting a stress-driven weakening of immune defenses.
- 5 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 4:17pm -
- newCannabis compounds show unexpected power against ovarian cancer
Scientists have discovered that key compounds from cannabis—CBD and THC—show surprisingly strong effects against ovarian cancer cells. Used together, they slow cell growth, reduce colony formation, and may even block the cancer’s ability to spread. Even more promising, the treatment caused minimal harm to healthy cells and appears to work by restoring a disrupted signaling pathway that fuels tumor growth.
- 8 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 1:52pm -
- newMayo Clinic neurosurgeon reveals 8 back pain myths to stop believing
Back pain is wrapped in persistent myths, but many are far from the truth. From misconceptions about heavy lifting and bed rest to confusion over posture, exercise, and surgery, Dr. Meghan Murphy breaks down what really causes pain and what actually helps. Her insights reveal that everyday habits, movement, and smart prevention often make a bigger difference than people realize.
- 9 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 12:25pm -
- newStem cell pain sponge soaks up osteoarthritis joint pain and protects cartilage
SereNeuro Therapeutics revealed promising results for SN101, a first-in-class iPSC-derived therapy designed to treat chronic osteoarthritis pain while protecting joint tissue. Instead of blocking pain pathways, SN101 uses lab-grown nociceptors that act like sponges, soaking up inflammatory pain factors without sending pain signals. These cells also release regenerative molecules, offering disease-modifying potential that stands apart from traditional corticosteroids and single-target drugs like…
- 11 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 11:07am -
- newIndoor tanning triples melanoma risk and seeds broad DNA mutations
Researchers discovered that tanning beds cause widespread, mutation-laden DNA damage across almost all skin, explaining the sharply increased melanoma risk. Single-cell genomic analysis revealed dangerous mutations even in sun-protected regions. Survivors’ stories underscore how early tanning habits have lifelong consequences. The findings push for stricter policies and clear public warnings.
- 11 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 10:40am -
- newResearchers identify viral suspects that could be fueling long COVID
Scientists are uncovering a new possibility behind long COVID’s stubborn symptoms: hidden infections that awaken or emerge alongside SARS-CoV-2. Evidence is mounting that viruses like Epstein-Barr and even latent tuberculosis may flare up when COVID disrupts the immune system, creating lingering fatigue, brain fog, and other debilitating issues.
- 13 hours ago 15 Dec 25, 9:06am -
- newHarvard gut discovery could change how we treat obesity and diabetes
Scientists found that certain molecules made by gut bacteria travel to the liver and help control how the body uses energy. These molecules change depending on diet, genetics, and shifts in the microbiome. Some even improved insulin response in liver cells when tested in the lab. The findings could open the door to new ways of preventing or managing obesity and diabetes.
- 24 hours ago 14 Dec 25, 9:53pm -
- A grad student’s wild idea triggers a major aging breakthrough
Senescent “zombie” cells are linked to aging and multiple diseases, but spotting them in living tissue has been notoriously difficult. Researchers at Mayo Clinic have now taken an inventive leap by using aptamers—tiny, shape-shifting DNA molecules—to selectively tag these elusive cells. The project began as an offbeat conversation between two graduate students and quickly evolved into a collaborative, cross-lab effort that uncovered aptamers capable of binding to unique surface proteins…
- 1 day ago 14 Dec 25, 8:51pm -
- Natural compound supercharges treatment for aggressive leukemia
Forskolin, a plant-derived compound, shows surprising potential against one of the most aggressive forms of leukemia. Researchers discovered that it not only stops cancer cells from growing but also makes them far more vulnerable to chemotherapy by preventing them from pumping out the drugs meant to kill them. Experts say this dual action could help create safer, more powerful AML treatments with fewer harsh side effects.
- 1 day ago 14 Dec 25, 8:07pm -
- AI finds a hidden stress signal inside routine CT scans
Researchers used a deep learning AI model to uncover the first imaging-based biomarker of chronic stress by measuring adrenal gland volume on routine CT scans. This new metric, the Adrenal Volume Index, correlates strongly with cortisol levels, allostatic load, perceived stress, and even long-term cardiovascular outcomes, including heart failure risk.
- 1 day ago 14 Dec 25, 7:57pm -
- Tea may strengthen bones in older women while heavy coffee weakens them
A decade-long study of older women found that tea drinkers had slightly stronger bones, while moderate coffee drinking caused no harm. Heavy coffee intake—over five cups a day—was linked to lower bone density, especially in women who consumed more alcohol. Tea’s benefits may stem from catechins that support bone formation. The researchers say small daily habits could make a meaningful difference over time.
- 2 days ago 13 Dec 25, 10:19pm -