- newThis “rare” autism-linked genetic disorder may be far more common than scientists thought
A major analysis suggests Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a genetic disorder closely linked to autism, may affect about 1 in 7,300 people and more than 45,000 Americans. Researchers warn that thousands of cases may remain hidden because genetic testing is often not performed, even as targeted treatments move into clinical trials.
- 3 hours ago 25 Sep 26, 7:02pm -
- newCRISPR could help doctors attack blood cancer without destroying healthy cells
Researchers used CRISPR to remove CD33 from donor stem cells, potentially giving doctors a way to attack aggressive blood cancers without destroying the healthy cells patients need after a transplant. In a 30-patient trial, the edited cells successfully took hold and appeared to shield blood cells from a CD33-targeted cancer treatment.
- 3 hours ago 25 Sep 26, 6:43pm -
- newScientists gave worms magnetic bacteria. They lived 43% longer
A magnet-producing bacterium extended the average lifespan of C. elegans worms by more than 43% while helping protect their neurological and intestinal health. Researchers traced much of the effect to suppression of ferroptosis, a damaging form of cell death linked to iron buildup and oxidative stress.
- 13 hours ago 25 Sep 26, 9:22am -
- newScientists discover an “impossible” cellular survival pathway that could help fight cancer
Scientists discovered a surprising backup system that lets mammalian cells make the essential amino acid cysteine even when the pathways once considered indispensable are disabled. The same survival mechanism may help cancer cells resist treatment, raising the possibility that shutting it down could make tumors easier to kill.
- 15 hours ago 25 Sep 26, 7:25am -
- When what you see doesn’t make sense, your brain does something remarkable
The brain may have a built-in way to quickly settle disagreements between regions processing the same scene. Researchers found that matching signals between two visual areas lasted longer, while conflicting signals rapidly faded away. This “consensus building” mechanism could help explain how the brain turns many specialized inputs into one unified view of the world.
- 1 day ago 24 Sep 26, 6:58pm -
- Scientists thought they knew how this 70-year-old leukemia drug worked
A 70-year-old leukemia drug is still revealing new secrets. Researchers found that removing a protein called NUDT5 protected cells from the drug, even though simply blocking the protein had little effect. The unexpected result points to a hidden cellular role that could help explain why people respond differently to certain leukemia treatments.
- 1 day ago 24 Sep 26, 6:17pm -
- Aging muscles may be losing strength for a reason scientists missed
A newly identified breakdown in communication between nerves and muscles could help explain why people lose strength as they age. Researchers were able to improve muscle strength in an animal model by targeting a key protein, raising hopes that some age-related weakness could eventually be treated.
- 1 day ago 24 Sep 26, 5:55pm -
- More REM sleep linked to lower risk of 83 diseases
A large study tracking more than 95,000 people suggests that how you sleep may be linked to your risk of developing dozens of diseases. People who spent more time in REM sleep had lower risks of 83 conditions, including dementia, heart failure, and Parkinson’s disease, while more deep sleep was associated with lower risks of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and major depression.
- 2 days ago 24 Sep 26, 9:28am -
- GLP-1 weight loss and diabetes drugs linked to nutritional deficiencies in nearly 1 in 6 children
Children taking GLP-1 medications (such as Victoza, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Ozempic) for weight loss, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes may face an overlooked risk: nutritional deficiencies. A new study found that nearly 1 in 6 young patients developed a diagnosed deficiency within a year of starting treatment, with vitamin D deficiency affecting about 12%.
- 2 days ago 24 Sep 26, 8:45am -
- Rare pregnancy infections may triple the risk of autism
A major Swedish study of 3.7 million people has found that rare TORCH infections passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus are linked to much higher risks of autism and intellectual disability later in life. Children with a congenital TORCH infection were about three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism, more than seven times more likely to have an intellectual disability, and up to 30 times more likely to have severe to profound intellectual disability.
- 2 days ago 23 Sep 26, 6:41pm -
- Breakthrough drug reverses skin aging and dramatically speeds healing
A topical drug that removes aging, damaged cells helped older mice heal skin wounds significantly faster. The treatment appeared to reactivate repair pathways involved in inflammation, collagen production, and new blood vessel growth.
- 2 days ago 23 Sep 26, 6:02pm -
- This new drug could break cancer’s resistance to treatment
A new experimental drug called CS18 may help break through cancer drug resistance by disabling several of the defenses tumors use to survive treatment. It strengthened existing therapies, restored drug sensitivity in resistant lung cancer cells, and slowed tumor growth in animal models.
- 3 days ago 23 Sep 26, 6:57am -
- Coffee doesn’t have to keep you awake to disrupt your sleep
Caffeine may make sleep less restorative even when you fall asleep normally and stay in bed for eight hours, with EEG recordings revealing fewer of the slow brain waves associated with deep sleep. Individual sensitivity varies dramatically, meaning even caffeine consumed earlier in the day could affect nighttime recovery for some people.
- 3 days ago 22 Sep 26, 7:12pm -
- This emerging treatment could help people avoid knee replacement surgery
A minimally invasive procedure called genicular artery embolization could offer a new middle ground between conservative treatments and knee replacement for osteoarthritis. By blocking tiny blood vessels associated with inflammation, GAE can significantly reduce pain, with some patients reporting little or no pain afterward. Studies suggest the benefits may last two to four years in people who respond well.
- 3 days ago 22 Sep 26, 7:01pm -
- Brain scans reveal a possible cause of long COVID fatigue and brain fog
Researchers have found evidence that long COVID may damage dopamine releasing neurons in the brain, potentially explaining persistent fatigue, low motivation, slowed movement, and memory difficulties. The discovery could lead to new treatments that target the brain's dopamine system.
- 4 days ago 22 Sep 26, 9:18am -