- Scientists finally solved how a common gut bacterium triggers colon cancer
Researchers solved a long-standing mystery behind how a bacterial toxin associated with colorectal cancer damages the colon. The toxin first binds to a receptor called claudin-4, giving it access to attack the cells' protective barrier. After identifying this weak point, the team designed a decoy protein that successfully blocked the toxin in mice. The discovery could pave the way for new therapies to prevent inflammation and colon tumors.
- 1 day ago 16 Jul 26, 11:07am -
- More than 400 sick as CDC searches for the source of a mystery outbreak
A growing Cyclospora outbreak has sickened more than 400 people in four states, and investigators are still searching for the contaminated food responsible. The CDC warns the actual number of cases is likely much higher and urges anyone with symptoms to seek medical care.
- 1 day ago 16 Jul 26, 9:55am -
- Common constipation drug may help clear depression brain fog
An existing constipation drug may have an unexpected new use: helping clear the "brain fog" that often lingers after depression. In a small clinical trial, people with a history of depression who took the medication prucalopride for about a week performed better on tests of memory, attention, and thinking speed than those who received a placebo. The drug targets a serotonin receptor found in both the gut and the brain, and researchers saw no significant side effects.
- 1 day ago 16 Jul 26, 6:19am -
- The hidden skeleton “gatekeeper” inside brain cells could help fight Alzheimer's
Researchers have discovered that a microscopic skeleton inside neurons does much more than hold cells together. It acts as a gatekeeper that controls what brain cells absorb and when they absorb it. When this protective structure weakens, neurons rapidly take in harmful proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that stabilizing it could become a promising new strategy for preventing brain cell damage.
- 2 days ago 15 Jul 26, 8:07pm -
- This pet gecko could help scientists unlock the secrets of cancer
An unusual leopard gecko that naturally develops aggressive tumors may become an important new model for cancer research. Scientists found its tumors share key genetic changes with human cancers, offering a rare opportunity to study the disease as it develops naturally.
- 2 days ago 15 Jul 26, 7:17pm -
- Going to museums, movies, and theater may help your body stay younger
Going to the cinema, visiting museums, or attending concerts may do more than entertain. Researchers found that older adults who regularly participated in cultural activities tended to have bodies that functioned like those of people about three years younger. They believe stronger social ties, better mental health, and healthier habits could help explain the link, although more research is needed to determine whether cultural activities directly slow aging.
- 2 days ago 15 Jul 26, 10:15am -
- Scientists finally solved why some frogs survive a deadly fungus
A deadly fungus has wiped out amphibian populations around the globe, yet some mysteriously recover. Researchers discovered that survivors develop powerful immune defenses while they are still tadpoles, giving them a head start before the fungus can attack after metamorphosis. The study also uncovered a vast collection of previously unknown antimicrobial peptides that could someday inspire new drugs to fight infections.
- 2 days ago 15 Jul 26, 9:09am -
- Chewing bubble gum after beetroot may help lower blood pressure
A new study found that chewing sugary gum after eating nitrate-rich vegetables or drinking beetroot juice helped the body produce more beneficial nitrite, leading to a temporary drop in blood pressure. Researchers hope the discovery will lead to healthier ways to enhance the cardiovascular and performance benefits of dietary nitrate without relying on sugar.
- 2 days ago 15 Jul 26, 5:54am -
- Eating chili peppers may raise the risk of one deadly cancer
A major review found that people who consumed the most chili peppers had a substantially higher risk of esophageal cancer, though the evidence was less clear for stomach and colorectal cancers. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect, and that more research is needed to determine whether moderate consumption carries similar risks.
- 3 days ago 14 Jul 26, 6:57pm -
- Popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy may slow biological aging
Researchers found that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, slowed biological aging markers in adults with HIV, marking the first clinical evidence that the drug may influence human aging. Although the findings are encouraging, scientists say larger studies are needed before concluding that the medication can help people age more slowly.
- 3 days ago 14 Jul 26, 3:17pm -
- Scientists discover why peach fuzz can suddenly make you itch
A newly discovered network of fine hairs and specialized nerve cells appears to form a dedicated system for sensing mechanical itch, offering fresh insight into why chronic itching occurs. Because humans show signs of having the same pathway, the research could pave the way for more effective treatments for conditions such as eczema.
- 3 days ago 14 Jul 26, 9:46am -
- Yale scientists found a hidden network inside the eye
Researchers have discovered that the retina uses an unexpected communication network that lets separate visual pathways cooperate instead of working alone. A newly identified "commander" cell appears to coordinate this system, helping the eye detect faint details that might otherwise be missed.
- 3 days ago 14 Jul 26, 6:45am -
- Exercise doesn't just strengthen the heart. It rewires it
Exercise doesn't just make the heart stronger. It also rewires the nerves that regulate it, a discovery that could pave the way for more personalized treatments for common heart conditions such as arrhythmias and angina.
- 3 days ago 14 Jul 26, 6:17am -
- Losing just 80 minutes of sleep a night could make you gain weight
Sleeping about an hour and 20 minutes less each night for six weeks caused participants to gain weight and spend more time inactive. Researchers found that even mild, realistic sleep loss, similar to what many adults experience, had measurable effects. They warn that if this pattern continues over months or years, the health consequences could become much more significant, including a higher risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- 4 days ago 13 Jul 26, 6:54pm -
- Scientists discovered the brain doesn't make decisions the way we thought
A new study suggests the brain begins making decisions much earlier than scientists previously thought. Researchers found that even primary sensory regions are influenced by higher brain areas through rapid feedback loops, rather than simply passing information forward. This more dynamic view of brain function could help engineers design future AI systems that think more like biological brains while using far less power.
- 4 days ago 13 Jul 26, 5:42pm -