- newScientists build artificial neurons that work like real ones
UMass Amherst engineers have built an artificial neuron powered by bacterial protein nanowires that functions like a real one, but at extremely low voltage. This allows for seamless communication with biological cells and drastically improved energy efficiency. The discovery could lead to bio-inspired computers and wearable electronics that no longer need power-hungry amplifiers. Future applications may include sensors powered by sweat or devices that harvest electricity from thin air.
- 9 hours ago 14 Oct 25, 11:01am -
- newThis new blood test can catch cancer 10 years early
Scientists at Mass General Brigham have created HPV-DeepSeek, a blood test that can detect HPV-linked head and neck cancers nearly a decade before diagnosis. By finding viral DNA in the bloodstream, the test achieved 99% sensitivity and specificity. This breakthrough could lead to earlier, less invasive treatments and significantly improve survival. A large NIH trial is underway to confirm the results.
- 11 hours ago 14 Oct 25, 9:25am -
- newA single protein could stop sudden death after heart attacks
A team at Massachusetts General Hospital uncovered that an immune defense protein, Resistin-like molecule gamma, attacks heart cells after a heart attack—literally punching holes in them. This discovery explains why dangerous, fast heart rhythms can strike after an infarction. By removing this molecule in mice, the researchers reduced deadly arrhythmias twelvefold, suggesting that targeting immune-driven damage could open a new path to preventing sudden cardiac death.
- 11 hours ago 14 Oct 25, 8:52am -
- newPopular hair-loss pill linked to depression and suicide
Finasteride, a common hair-loss drug, has long been tied to depression and suicide, but regulators ignored the warnings. Prof. Mayer Brezis’s review exposes global data showing psychiatric harm and a pattern of inaction by Merck and the FDA. Despite its cosmetic use, the drug’s effects on brain chemistry can be devastating. Brezis calls for urgent regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies to protect public health.
- 22 hours ago 13 Oct 25, 10:18pm -
- newC-section births linked to sleepless nights and painful recoveries
Women who undergo C-sections are more likely to experience debilitating pain and sleep disorders in the months after giving birth. Researchers found both qualitative and large-scale data supporting this link, including a 16% increase in sleep disorder diagnoses. Proper pain management and healthy sleep habits can reduce these risks, helping new mothers recover more smoothly and avoid complications like depression and fatigue.
- 23 hours ago 13 Oct 25, 9:06pm -
- newYour skin could warn of hidden mental health trouble
People experiencing their first psychotic episode who also have skin conditions such as rashes or itching are at greater risk of depression and suicidal thoughts, according to new research presented at the ECNP meeting. Scientists found that 25% of these patients experienced suicidal ideation, compared with only 7% of those without skin issues. The study suggests that dermatological symptoms could serve as early warning markers for worse psychiatric outcomes.
- 24 hours ago 13 Oct 25, 8:28pm -
- This experimental “super vaccine” stopped cancer cold in the lab
UMass Amherst researchers have developed a groundbreaking nanoparticle-based cancer vaccine that prevented melanoma, pancreatic, and triple-negative breast cancers in mice—with up to 88% remaining tumor-free. The vaccine triggers a multi-pathway immune response, producing powerful T-cell activation and long-term immune memory that stops both tumor growth and metastasis. By combining cancer-specific antigens with a lipid nanoparticle “super adjuvant,” it overcomes key challenges in cancer i…
- 1 day ago 13 Oct 25, 1:33pm -
- New research reveals how ADHD sparks extraordinary creativity
Researchers have discovered that ADHD’s hallmark mind wandering might actually boost creativity. People who deliberately let their thoughts drift scored higher on creative tests in two large studies. The findings hint that mindful management of mental drift could turn ADHD’s challenges into creative strengths.
- 1 day ago 13 Oct 25, 12:52pm -
- Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9,000% — A hidden crisis few saw coming
Overdose deaths from fentanyl mixed with stimulants have skyrocketed among seniors, increasing 9,000% in just eight years. Once thought to affect mainly the young, the opioid epidemic’s fourth wave now engulfs older adults too. Cocaine and methamphetamine are the leading culprits, and experts warn that multi-drug use makes these overdoses especially lethal. Doctors are urged to educate patients and caregivers on prevention and safer pain management.
- 1 day ago 13 Oct 25, 12:17pm -
- Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%
Spanish researchers found that combining a calorie-reduced Mediterranean diet with exercise and professional support cut type 2 diabetes risk by 31%. Participants also lost weight and reduced waist size, proving that small, consistent lifestyle shifts can yield major health gains. Experts say this realistic approach could be integrated globally to tackle diabetes and obesity epidemics.
- 1 day ago 13 Oct 25, 9:17am -
- Your type of depression could shape your body’s future health
Different types of depression affect the body in different ways. Atypical, energy-related depression raises the risk of diabetes, while melancholic depression increases the likelihood of heart disease. Scientists say these differences reflect distinct biological pathways and highlight the need for personalized mental and physical health care.
- 2 days ago 13 Oct 25, 6:40am -
- Keto diet shields young minds from early-life trauma
Young rats given a ketogenic diet were largely protected from the mental and behavioral issues caused by prenatal stress. The high-fat, low-carb diet appeared to safeguard brain development and promote sociability. Researchers believe this could pave the way for early dietary interventions to prevent mood and social disorders, though human trials are still needed.
- 2 days ago 12 Oct 25, 7:30pm -
- Two common drugs could reverse fatty liver disease
Researchers at the University of Barcelona found that combining pemafibrate and telmisartan significantly reduces liver fat and cardiovascular risks in MASLD models. The drug duo works better together than alone, likely due to complementary mechanisms. They also uncovered a new role for the PCK1 protein in fat metabolism.
- 2 days ago 12 Oct 25, 7:03pm -
- Scientists find gold hiding in food waste
Researchers are finding extraordinary new uses for what we throw away. Beet pulp may help crops resist disease, while composted coconut fibers could replace peat moss. Discarded radish and beet greens are rich in bioactive compounds that boost gut health and protect cells. Food waste is rapidly becoming a source of sustainable solutions for both agriculture and health.
- 2 days ago 12 Oct 25, 5:21pm -
- Dolphins may be getting Alzheimer’s from toxic ocean blooms
Dolphins washing up on Florida’s shores may be victims of the same kind of brain degeneration seen in humans with Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers discovered that cyanobacterial toxins—worsened by climate change and nutrient pollution—accumulate in marine food chains, damaging dolphin brains with misfolded proteins and Alzheimer’s-like pathology.
- 2 days ago 12 Oct 25, 9:20am -