info@publisherhealth.com

Eye Injuries Are Rising Among Pickleball Players

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

Older players of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, are more vulnerable to eye injuries, some of which could lead to vision loss, researchers reported.Some pickleball players took a direct hit from a fast-moving ball. Others were struck by a paddle. Some fell on the court. All suffered injuries to their eyes.The injuries have spiked in recent years among players of pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, according to a study published on Thursday. As the sport has gained popularity, it may have also attracted less experienced and less fit players, who may be less agile and more susceptible to injury, the authors noted.“We’ve seen a lot more players who are not familiar with the sport entering the court, and that creates a lot of opportunity for injury,” said Dr. Jonathan C. Tsui, the study’s senior author and a professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.“They’re not used to how fast the projectiles are moving and how close to the other players on the court they are,” he added. Dr. Tsui became interested in the subject when a colleague came to work with an injury after a weekend pickleball game.The number of eye injuries is small relative to the number of Americans who play pickleball, estimated to be at least 19.8 million. But some injuries were serious enough that they could lead to vision loss.They included retinal detachments, fractures to one or more of the bones that make up the eye socket, and hyphema, blood collecting in the front of the eye.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe.

Read more →

From poison to power: How lead exposure helped shape human intelligence

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

What made the modern human brain so different from that of our extinct relatives, such as Neanderthals? Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, along with an international team, have discovered that ancient hominids, including early humans and great apes, came into contact with lead far earlier than previously believed — up to two million years before modern humans began mining it. This long-term exposure may have influenced how early brains evolved, possibly hindering language and social development in all but modern humans, who possess a unique protective genetic variant. The findings were published in Science Advances on October 15, 2025.
The team examined fossilized teeth from 51 hominids found across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The samples included both modern and archaic humans such as Neanderthals, early human ancestors like Australopithecus africanus, and extinct great apes including Gigantopithecus blacki.
Lead traces were present in 73% of the fossils studied, with 71% of modern and archaic human samples showing contamination. Fossils of G. blacki dating back 1.8 million years revealed the highest levels of acute exposure.
It was previously thought that humans began facing significant lead exposure only in recorded history, especially during the Roman era, when lead pipes were used for water systems, and later during the Industrial Revolution. Lead pollution declined only after the late twentieth century.
“We stopped using lead in our daily lives when we realized how toxic it is, but nobody had ever studied lead in prehistory,” said corresponding author Alysson Muotri, Ph.D., professor of pediatrics and cellular & molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine, associate director of the Archealization Center, and director of the Sanford Integrated Space Stem Cell Orbital Research Center.
To the researchers’ surprise, teeth from people born in the mid-twentieth century (the 1940s through the 1970s), when exposure to leaded gasoline and paint was widespread, showed similar lead patterns to ancient human fossils.
The scientists suggest that ancient humans and their relatives might have encountered lead through their search for water, much like the Romans did later in history.

“One possibility is that they were looking for caves with running water inside,” Muotri said. “Caves contain lead, so they were all contaminated. Based on the tooth enamel studies, it started very early in infancy.”
Lead exposure disrupts brain growth and function, impairing intelligence and emotional regulation.
Faced with this evidence, Muotri and his team began to question how modern humans managed to thrive despite such toxic conditions during their evolutionary past.
A tiny genetic change
A gene known as neuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) plays a major role in brain formation and synaptic development. Acting as a key regulator of neurodevelopment, NOVA1 helps determine how neural progenitor cells react to lead exposure, and disturbances in its activity are linked to neurological disorders.
Nearly all modern humans carry a version of the NOVA1 gene that differs by a single DNA base pair from the version found in Neanderthals. Earlier work from Muotri’s group showed that swapping the modern NOVA1 with the older variant in miniature brain models, called organoids, caused dramatic changes in brain structure and connectivity.

“Everything about the organoids is identical except for that genetic variant, allowing us to ask whether that specific mutation between us and Neanderthals is giving us any advantage,” said Muotri. The archaic variant accelerated brain maturation but resulted in less complexity over time. “If all humans have this newer mutation in all corners of the world, very strong genetic pressure must have selected for it in our species.”
To test whether lead exposure might have shaped this genetic shift, the researchers created brain organoids with both the modern and ancestral NOVA1 variants, exposing them to lead and monitoring the growth of cortical and thalamic neurons.
They found that lead changed NOVA1 activity in both types of organoids, influencing genes linked to conditions such as autism and epilepsy.
However, only the archaic NOVA1 variant altered the activity of FOXP2, a gene crucial for speech and language. People with certain FOXP2 mutations struggle to form complex words and sentences.
“These type of neurons related to complex language are susceptible to death in the archaic version of NOVA1,” said Muotri. “ The FOXP2 gene is identical between us and the Neanderthals, but it’s how the gene is regulated by NOVA1 that likely contributes to language differences.”
Evolutionary implications
The findings suggest that the acquisition of the modern NOVA1 variant may have protected us from the detrimental effects of lead, promoting complex language development and social cohesion. This could have given modern humans a significant evolutionary advantage over Neanderthals, even in the presence of lead contamination.
Muotri believes these results have important implications for understanding how environmental stressors shaped brain development during human evolution. He speculates that lead exposure may have contributed to the extinction of Neanderthals around 40,000 years ago.
“Language is such an important advantage, it’s transformational, it is our superpower,” said Muotri. “Because we have language, we are able to organize society and exchange ideas, allowing us to coordinate large movements. There is no evidence that Neanderthals could do that. They might have had abstract thinking, but they could not translate that to each other. And maybe the reason is because they never had a system to communicate that was as efficient as our complex language.”
Understanding how NOVA1 gene variants can affect FOXP2 expression helps elucidate the relationship between lead contamination and brain development and also sheds light on neurological conditions related to language, including speech apraxia — a condition that makes it difficult to produce speech sounds correctly — and autism.
The study’s co-authors included Janaina Sena de Souza, Sandra M. Sanchez-Sanchez, Jose Oviedo, University of California San Diego; Marian Bailey and Matthew Tonge at Southern Cross University; Renaud Joannes-Boyau, Southern Cross University and University of Johannesburg; Justin W. Adams, University of Johannesburg and Monash University; Christine Austin, Manish Arora, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Kira Westaway, Macquarie University; Ian Moffat, Flinders University and University of Cambridge; Wei Wang and Wei Liao, Anthropology Museum of Guangxi; Yingqi Zhang, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology; Luca Fiorenza, Monash University and Johann Wolfgang Goethe University; Marie-Helene Moncel, Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle; Gary T. Schwartz, Arizona State University; Luiz Pedro Petroski and Roberto H. Herai, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná; Jose Oviedo, University of Arizona; and Bernardo Lemos, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
The study was funded, in part, by the National Institutes of Health (grants R01 ES027981, P30ES023515, R01ES026033), the Australian Research Council (grant DP170101597), the National Science Foundation (grant BCS 0962564), and the The Leakey Foundation.
Disclosures: Muotri is the co-founder of and has an equity interest in TISMOO, a company specializing in genetic analysis and human brain organogenesis. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the University of California San Diego in accordance with its conflict-of-interest policies.

Read more →

A giant asteroid hit Earth, but its crater is missing

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

“These glasses are unique to Australia and have recorded an ancient impact event we did not even know about,” Professor Jourdan said.in a crater but in tiny glass fragments found only in Australia.The discovery focuses on rare natural glass called tektites, which form when a meteorite hits Earth with enough force to melt the surface and fling molten material vast distances. This newly identified variety of tektites has so far been discovered only across parts of South Australia.Co-author Professor Fred Jourdan from Curtin’s School of Earth and Planetary Sciences compared the finding to uncovering a new chapter in Earth’s turbulent past.
“These glasses are unique to Australia and have recorded an ancient impact event we did not even know about,” Professor Jourdan said.
“They formed when an asteroid slammed into Earth, melting surface rock and scattering debris for thousands of kilometers. These tiny pieces of glass are like little time capsules from deep in our planet’s history.
“What makes the discovery even more intriguing is that, although the impact must have been immense, scientists are yet to locate the crater.
“Understanding when and how often large asteroids have struck Earth also helps us assess the risk of future impacts, which is important for planetary defense.”
Lead author Anna Musolino, a PhD student at Aix-Marseille University, said the glasses stand apart from all previously known tektites.
“These tektites are unique because of their unusual chemistry and their age, which is about 11 million years,” Ms. Musolino said.

“They record a completely separate impact event from the famous Australasian tektite-strewn field.
“While the Australasian tektites formed about 780,000 years ago and are spread across half the globe, these tektites are much older and their discovery suggests a previously unrecognized giant impact.”
The study was part of a larger research project led by Emeritus Professor Pierre Rochette from Aix-Marseille University and highlights both the destructive power of past impacts and the importance of studying them.
The full research paper, ‘A new tektite strewn field in Australia ejected from a volcanic arc impact crater 11 Myr ago’, is published in Earth and Planetary Science Letters.

Read more →

Uruguay legalises euthanasia after 10-hour debate

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

Uruguay has legalised euthanasia, becoming the first country in Latin America to pass a law that allows assisted suicide.The Dignified Death bill was passed in the senate on Wednesday, with 20 out of 31 legislators present voting in favour.The bill allows mentally sound adults in the terminal stage of an irreversible disease to choose euthanasia to be performed by a healthcare professional.Uruguay has a history of passing socially liberal laws, legalising marijuana, same-sex marriage and abortion long before many others.While the 10-hour debate was mostly respectful, some onlookers watching the debate cried out “murderers” after the bill passed.”Public opinion is asking us to take this on,” Senator Patricia Kramer of the governing leftist coalition told lawmakers in the capital, Montevideo.Some 62% of Uruguayans were in favour of euthanasia legalisation, according to the consulting firm Cifra.Most opposition to euthanasia came from the Catholic Church. Earlier this month, Daniel Sturla, the archbishop of Montevideo, told the Catholic News Agency that the bill “instead of contributing to valuing life, contributes to thinking that some lives are disposable, and that is why we believe it is fundamentally bad”. Those wanting to end their life must request euthanasia personally and in writing, provided they are a Uruguayan citizen or a foreign resident, the law states. Euthanasia will be performed so that their death occurs in a “painless, peaceful, and respectful manner”, it says. Reacting to the news, Beatriz Gelós, a 71-year-old woman who has been living with neurodegenerative ALS for two decades, told the AFP news agency the law was “compassionate, very humane”.She said opponents “have no idea what it’s like to live like this”.While Uruguay becomes the first country in predominantly Catholic Latin America to allow euthanasia through legislation, Colombia and Ecuador decriminalised the practice through Supreme Court decisions.

Read more →

Health & Medicine News — ScienceDaily

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

Health & Medicine News — ScienceDaily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/
Latest research news on allergies and allergy treatments. Learn the symptoms of a food allergy, how to treat dog allergies, cat allergies, mold allergies and other allergy problems.
en-us
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:30:54 EDT
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:30:54 EDT
60

Health & Medicine News — ScienceDaily
https://www.sciencedaily.com/images/scidaily-logo-rss.png
https://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/
For more science news, visit ScienceDaily.

Tiny brain nanotubes found by Johns Hopkins may spread Alzheimer’s
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230939.htm
Johns Hopkins scientists uncovered microscopic “nanotube” channels that neurons use to transfer toxic molecules. While this process clears waste, it can also spread harmful proteins like amyloid-beta. Alzheimer’s-model mice showed more nanotubes early on, hinting at a link to disease development. Researchers hope to one day control nanotube formation as a potential therapy.
Thu, 16 Oct 2025 01:30:03 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015230939.htm

This type of meat supercharges muscle growth after workouts
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm
Scientists discovered that lean pork builds muscle more effectively post-workout than high-fat pork, even with identical protein levels. Using advanced tracking techniques, they found that fat content blunted the body’s muscle-building response. The results contradict previous findings about fattier foods enhancing synthesis, suggesting that food form and processing matter.
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 11:02:33 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032318.htm

This European treatment for joint pain just passed a major scientific test
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032316.htm
Korean researchers found that low-dose radiation therapy eased knee pain and improved movement in people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. The treatment, far weaker than cancer radiation, showed real benefits beyond placebo. With no side effects and strong trial results, the approach could provide a middle ground between painkillers and joint surgery.
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:46:09 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032316.htm

A little stress could be the secret to healthy aging
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032314.htm
Scientists discovered that specific nutrients in nematodes’ diets activate stress defenses that keep their cells healthier over time. These RNAs prevent toxic protein buildup, promoting longevity and vitality. The worms fed with balanced diets lived more active, healthier lives. The findings hint that mild dietary stress could support better aging in humans as well.
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 10:27:21 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032314.htm

Scientists grow mini human livers that predict toxic drug reactions
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032259.htm
A new human liver organoid microarray developed by Cincinnati Children’s and Roche recreates immune-driven liver injury in the lab. Built from patient-derived stem cells and immune cells, it accurately models how genetics influence drug reactions. The system replicated flucloxacillin-related toxicity seen only in people with a specific genetic variant, marking a major step toward predictive, patient-tailored drug safety testing.
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:30:25 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251015032259.htm

Exercise might be the key to a younger, sharper immune system
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014421.htm
Endurance exercise may train the immune system as much as the muscles. Older adults with decades of running or cycling had immune cells that functioned better and aged more slowly. Their inflammation levels were lower and their cells resisted fatigue even under stress. The findings point to a direct link between lifelong fitness and healthier immune regulation.
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:27:02 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014421.htm

Scientists find the brain’s hidden pulse that may predict Alzheimer’s
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014418.htm
Researchers at USC have created the first method to noninvasively measure microscopic blood vessel pulses in the human brain. Using advanced 7T MRI, they found these tiny pulsations grow stronger with age and vascular risk, disrupting the brain’s waste-clearing systems. The discovery may explain how circulation changes contribute to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 10:24:42 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014418.htm

Supercharged vitamin k could help the brain heal itself
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014312.htm
Researchers have synthesized enhanced vitamin K analogues that outperform natural vitamin K in promoting neuron growth. The new compounds, which combine vitamin K with retinoic acid, activate the mGluR1 receptor to drive neurogenesis. They also efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier and show stability in vivo. This discovery could pave the way for regenerative treatments for Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:08:36 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014312.htm

A simple fatty acid could restore failing vision
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014307.htm
Scientists at UC Irvine have found a way to potentially reverse age-related vision loss by targeting the ELOVL2 “aging gene” and restoring vital fatty acids in the retina. Their experiments in mice show that supplementing with specific polyunsaturated fatty acids, not just DHA, can restore visual function and even reverse cellular aging signs.
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:07:15 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014307.htm

Your brain’s power supply may hold the key to mental illness
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014304.htm
Groundbreaking Harvard research is exposing hidden energy failures inside brain cells that may drive major psychiatric conditions. By studying reprogrammed neurons, scientists are revealing how cellular metabolism shapes mood, thought, and cognition. The work calls for abandoning rigid diagnostic categories in favor of biology-based systems that reflect true complexity. It marks a decisive shift toward preventive and precision mental healthcare.
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 08:21:08 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251014014304.htm

Popular hair-loss pill linked to depression and suicide
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 12:48:13 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040343.htm

A single protein could stop sudden death after heart attacks
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040341.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:22:35 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040341.htm

This new blood test can catch cancer 10 years early
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 23:55:21 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040337.htm

C-section births linked to sleepless nights and painful recoveries
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040331.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:36:32 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040331.htm

Your skin could warn of hidden mental health trouble
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040328.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 10:58:52 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040328.htm

This experimental “super vaccine” stopped cancer cold in the lab
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm
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 immunotherapy.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:03:23 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251013040323.htm

Scientists found a smarter Mediterranean diet that cuts diabetes risk by 31%
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054621.htm
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.
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 23:47:49 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054621.htm

Fentanyl overdoses among seniors surge 9,000% — A hidden crisis few saw coming
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054606.htm
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.
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 02:47:25 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054606.htm

Your type of depression could shape your body’s future health
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054604.htm
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.
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:10:28 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054604.htm

Keto diet shields young minds from early-life trauma
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054601.htm
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.
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:01 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251012054601.htm

Two common drugs could reverse fatty liver disease
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105531.htm
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.
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 09:33:11 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105531.htm

Scientists find gold hiding in food waste
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105518.htm
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.
Sun, 12 Oct 2025 07:51:00 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011105518.htm

Breakthrough compounds may reverse nerve damage caused by multiple sclerosis
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011102259.htm
Researchers have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could repair the nerve damage from multiple sclerosis. These drugs help regenerate the protective myelin sheath and balance immune responses. Licensed by Cadenza Bio, the discovery represents a leap from lab research to potential clinical therapy. If successful, it could transform how neurodegenerative diseases are treated.
Sat, 11 Oct 2025 10:22:59 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011102259.htm

MIT’s “stealth” immune cells could change cancer treatment forever
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011043535.htm
MIT and Harvard scientists have designed an advanced type of immune cell called a CAR-NK cell that can destroy cancer while avoiding attack from the body’s own immune defenses. This innovation could allow doctors to create “off-the-shelf” cancer treatments ready for use immediately after diagnosis, rather than waiting weeks for personalized cell therapies.
Sat, 11 Oct 2025 04:35:35 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251011043535.htm

How 1 in 4 older adults regain happiness after struggling
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091600.htm
A University of Toronto study found that nearly one in four adults aged 60+ who reported poor well-being were able to regain optimal wellness within three years. The research highlights that physical activity, healthy weight, good sleep, and emotional and social support play crucial roles in recovery. Those with strong psychological wellness at the start were five times more likely to bounce back.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:16:00 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091600.htm

For the first time, scientists pinpoint brain cells linked to depression
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091559.htm
Scientists identified two types of brain cells, neurons and microglia, that are altered in people with depression. Through genomic mapping of post-mortem brain tissue, they found major differences in gene activity affecting mood and inflammation. The findings reinforce that depression has a clear biological foundation and open new doors for treatment development.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:15:59 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091559.htm

A toxic Alzheimer’s protein could be the key to fighting cancer
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091555.htm
A surprising link between Alzheimer’s and cancer reveals that amyloid beta, a harmful protein in the brain, actually empowers the immune system. It strengthens T-cells’ energy production, helping them fight cancer more effectively. By restoring fumarate levels or transplanting healthy mitochondria, researchers may be able to rejuvenate aging immune cells. These findings could inspire a new generation of treatments that target both cancer and age-related decline.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:15:55 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091555.htm

MIT’s new precision gene editing tool could transform medicine
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091553.htm
MIT scientists have found a way to make gene editing far safer and more accurate — a breakthrough that could reshape how we treat hundreds of genetic diseases. By fine-tuning the tiny molecular “tools” that rewrite DNA, they’ve created a new system that makes 60 times fewer mistakes than before.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:18:29 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091553.htm

When men drink, women and children pay the price
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091550.htm
Men’s heavy drinking is fueling a hidden crisis affecting millions of women and children worldwide. The harms, from violence to financial instability, are especially severe where gender inequality is high. Experts warn that alcohol policies must include gender-responsive strategies to protect vulnerable families. They call for reforms combining regulation, prevention, and community action.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:15:50 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251010091550.htm

A hidden “backup heater” that helps burn fat and boost metabolism
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033247.htm
Scientists have uncovered a surprising new way the body can burn energy and stay warm. Deep inside fat tissue, they found a hidden system that helps the body use up calories, even without exercise. By studying mice, researchers discovered that brown fat — the type that keeps us warm — has a backup “heater” that kicks in when needed.
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 12:03:51 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033247.htm

Thousands fall ill as mosquito fever explodes across southern China
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033244.htm
China’s Guangdong Province is battling its worst-ever chikungunya outbreak, with thousands of infections spreading across major cities and nearby regions. Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the disease underscores how climate change, urbanization, and global travel are fueling mosquito-borne threats.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 09:05:26 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033244.htm

A sweet fix for baldness? Stevia compound boosts hair growth
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033212.htm
Researchers discovered that stevioside, a compound from the Stevia plant, enhances the skin absorption of minoxidil, the main treatment for pattern baldness. In mice, a stevioside-infused patch boosted hair follicle activity and new hair growth. The approach could pave the way for more natural, effective hair loss therapies.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:56:46 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033212.htm

Scientists unlock nature’s secret to a cancer-fighting molecule
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033206.htm
Researchers have cracked the code behind how plants make mitraphylline, a rare cancer-fighting molecule. Their discovery of two critical enzymes explains how nature builds complex spiro-shaped compounds. The work paves the way for sustainable, lab-based production of valuable natural medicines. Supported by international collaborations, the findings spotlight plants as powerful natural chemists.
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 03:32:06 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033206.htm

Scientists discover brain circuit that can switch off chronic pain
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm
Scientists have pinpointed Y1 receptor neurons in the brain that can override chronic pain signals when survival instincts like hunger or fear take precedence. Acting like a neural switchboard, these cells balance pain with other biological needs. The research could pave the way for personalized treatments that target pain at its brain source—offering hope for millions living with long-term pain.
Fri, 10 Oct 2025 06:16:16 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251009033126.htm

Scientists suggest the brain may work best with 7 senses, not just 5
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030955.htm
Scientists at Skoltech developed a new mathematical model of memory that explores how information is encoded and stored. Their analysis suggests that memory works best in a seven-dimensional conceptual space — equivalent to having seven senses. The finding implies that both humans and AI might benefit from broader sensory inputs to optimize learning and recall.
Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:09:55 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030955.htm

Common medications may secretly rewire your gut for years
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030953.htm
Drugs taken years—even decades—ago can leave lasting imprints on the gut microbiome, reshaping the community of microbes long after treatment stops. Scientists analyzing over 2,500 Estonian Biobank samples discovered that antibiotics aren’t the only culprits—antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anxiety medications also disrupt gut ecosystems. Some drugs from the same class even have different microbial effects.
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 03:44:38 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030953.htm

Scientists reveal green tea’s fat-burning secret
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030951.htm
New research shows green tea may help the body burn fat and balance blood sugar. In a study with obese mice, it improved metabolism and muscle health without harming lean animals. Scientists say its powerful plant compounds work together to regulate fat and energy use. The findings hint that green tea could be a natural support for healthy weight management.
Wed, 08 Oct 2025 16:09:03 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030951.htm

Scientists just found a molecule that could stop Parkinson’s in its tracks
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030949.htm
Researchers have designed a peptide that prevents the deadly misfolding of alpha-synuclein, the protein behind Parkinson’s and some dementias. In lab and animal tests, it stabilized the protein and improved motor function. The work demonstrates the power of rational drug design in tackling brain diseases that have long lacked effective treatments.
Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:09:49 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030949.htm

New pill could finally control stubborn high blood pressure
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030947.htm
A new pill called baxdrostat may offer hope for people whose blood pressure stays high even after taking standard medications. In a recent study, the drug lowered blood pressure and also seemed to protect the kidneys by reducing signs of damage. Doctors say this could help millions of people with chronic kidney disease, a condition that often makes blood pressure harder to control.
Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:01:32 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251008030947.htm

Bacteria hidden inside tumors could help beat cancer
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081835.htm
Scientists have discovered that bacteria living inside tumors can produce a molecule that fights cancer and enhances chemotherapy. The molecule, called 2-methylisocitrate (2-MiCit), was found to make colorectal cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy by damaging their DNA and disrupting their metabolism. Experiments using worms, flies, and human cancer cells confirmed its potent anti-cancer effects.
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:54:54 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251007081835.htm

New research reveals what’s really hiding in bottled water
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051131.htm
A chance encounter with plastic waste on a tropical beach sparked a deep investigation into what those fragments mean for human health. The research reveals that bottled water isn’t as pure as it seems—each sip may contain invisible microplastics that can slip through the body’s defenses and lodge in vital organs. These tiny pollutants are linked to inflammation, hormonal disruption, and even neurological damage, yet remain dangerously understudied.
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 10:17:16 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051131.htm

A psychedelic surprise: DMT helps the brain heal after stroke
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051129.htm
Scientists have discovered that DMT, a natural compound found in plants and even the human brain, can dramatically reduce brain damage caused by stroke. The psychoactive molecule, long known for its hallucinogenic effects, restored the blood-brain barrier and reduced inflammation in animal and cell studies. These findings suggest that DMT could complement existing stroke treatments, potentially transforming recovery outcomes.
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 03:01:06 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051129.htm

Scientists finally reveal what’s behind long COVID’s mysterious brain fog
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051127.htm
Researchers in Japan have pinpointed a biological cause of Long COVID brain fog using advanced PET brain imaging. They discovered widespread increases in AMPA receptor density linked to cognitive impairment and inflammation. The findings confirm brain fog as a measurable, biological condition and reveal new targets for treatment. This could open the door to effective diagnostics and therapies.
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:46:31 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051127.htm

Scientists find brain circuit that traps alcohol users in the vicious cycle of addiction
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051124.htm
Addiction often isn’t about chasing pleasure—it’s about escaping pain. Researchers at Scripps Research have discovered that a tiny brain region called the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) becomes hyperactive when animals learn that alcohol eases the agony of withdrawal. This circuit helps explain why people relapse: their brains learn that alcohol brings relief from stress and anxiety.
Tue, 07 Oct 2025 02:00:08 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051124.htm

Nanotech transforms vinegar into a lifesaving superbug killer
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051122.htm
Researchers have enhanced vinegar’s antibacterial properties by infusing it with cobalt-based carbon nanoparticles. This nano-boosted solution kills harmful bacteria from both inside and outside their cells while remaining safe for humans. Tests on mice showed it healed infected wounds effectively. The discovery could be a breakthrough against antibiotic-resistant infections worldwide.
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 05:11:22 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051122.htm

You don’t have to lose weight to lower your diabetes risk, scientists say
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051117.htm
A major study from Tübingen found that prediabetic individuals who normalized their blood sugar through healthy habits — even without shedding pounds — cut their risk of type 2 diabetes by 71%. Researchers discovered that improved fat distribution, particularly less abdominal fat, was key. The findings suggest that focusing solely on weight loss may overlook the true drivers of diabetes prevention.
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 23:01:09 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251006051117.htm

Scientists find hidden brain damage behind dementia
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085637.htm
A University of New Mexico scientist is revealing what might be one of the most overlooked causes of dementia — damage in the brain’s tiny blood vessels. Dr. Elaine Bearer has created a new way to classify these changes, showing that many people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s also suffer from vascular damage that quietly destroys brain tissue. Even more surprising, she’s finding microplastics inside the brain that appear linked to inflammation and memory loss.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:37 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085637.htm

It’s not just genes — parents can pass down longevity another way
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085628.htm
Scientists studying tiny roundworms have uncovered how the secrets of a long life can be passed from parents to their offspring — without changing DNA. The discovery shows that when certain cellular structures called lysosomes change in ways that promote longevity, those benefits can travel from body cells to reproductive cells. This information is carried by histones, special proteins that help organize DNA, allowing the “memory” of those changes to be inherited.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:28 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085628.htm

Why ultra-processed foods aren’t the real villain behind overeating
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085625.htm
Researchers from Leeds found that overeating is driven more by what people believe about food than by its actual ingredients or level of processing. Foods perceived as fatty, sweet, or highly processed were more likely to trigger indulgence. Surprisingly, the “ultra-processed” label explained almost none of the difference in overeating behavior. The findings suggest that perception and psychology may be more important than packaging or processing.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:56:25 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085625.htm

Would you eat yogurt made with ants? Scientists did
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085623.htm
In a remarkable blend of science and tradition, researchers have revived an old Balkan and Turkish yogurt-making technique that uses ants as natural fermenters. The ants’ bacteria, acids, and enzymes transform milk into a rich, tangy yogurt while showcasing the diversity and complexity lost in modern, industrialized yogurt strains.
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 03:12:05 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085623.htm

Nearly half of drivers killed in crashes had THC in their blood
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085621.htm
Over 40% of fatal crash victims had THC levels far above legal limits, showing cannabis use before driving remains widespread. The rate didn’t drop after legalization, suggesting policy changes haven’t altered risky habits. Experts warn that the lack of public awareness around marijuana’s dangers behind the wheel is putting lives at risk.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:40:13 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085621.htm

Brain cancer that eats the skull stuns scientists
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085618.htm
A new study shows glioblastoma isn’t confined to the brain—it erodes the skull and hijacks the immune system within skull marrow. The cancer opens channels that let inflammatory cells enter the brain, fueling its deadly progression. Even drugs meant to protect bones can make things worse, highlighting the need for therapies that target both brain and bone. The discovery reframes glioblastoma as a whole-body disease, not just a brain disorder.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 23:14:57 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085618.htm

Why the brain’s GPS fails with age, and how some minds defy it
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085616.htm
Stanford scientists found that aging disrupts the brain’s internal navigation system in mice, mirroring spatial memory decline in humans. Older mice struggled to recall familiar locations, while a few “super-agers” retained youthful brain patterns. Genetic clues suggest some animals, and people, may be naturally resistant to cognitive aging. The discovery could pave the way for preventing memory loss in old age.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 11:16:36 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251005085616.htm

Think light drinking protects your brain? Think again
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092919.htm
A massive new study combining observational and genetic data overturns the long-held belief that light drinking protects the brain. Researchers found that dementia risk rises in direct proportion to alcohol consumption, with no safe level identified.
Sat, 04 Oct 2025 23:42:39 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092919.htm

Strong friendships may literally slow aging at the cellular level
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm
Scientists discovered that lifelong social support can slow biological aging. Using DNA-based “epigenetic clocks,” they found that people with richer, more sustained relationships showed younger biological profiles and lower inflammation. The effect wasn’t about single friendships but about consistent connections across decades.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:55:15 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092917.htm

Scientists just found cancer cells’ hidden power source
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092915.htm
When cancer cells are physically squeezed, they mount an instant, high-energy defense by rushing mitochondria to the cell nucleus, unleashing a surge of ATP that fuels DNA repair and survival. This newly discovered mechanism, visualized in real time with advanced microscopy, shows mitochondria acting like emergency first responders rather than static power plants. The structures, called NAMs, were also identified in patient tumor biopsies, suggesting real-world relevance to cancer’s spread.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 08:32:55 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092915.htm

This new semaglutide dose helped nearly half of patients lose 20% body weight
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092913.htm
The STEP UP trials revealed that a 7.2 mg dose of semaglutide led to greater weight loss than the currently approved 2.4 mg dose. Nearly half of participants lost 20% or more of their body weight, while also improving metabolic health. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary. Researchers say this could reshape obesity treatment if confirmed in longer-term studies.
Sat, 04 Oct 2025 23:27:00 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092913.htm

The vitamin D mistake weakening your immunity
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092911.htm
Scientists discovered that vitamin D2 supplements can lower levels of vitamin D3, the form the body uses most effectively. Unlike D2, vitamin D3 enhances the immune system’s first line of defense against infections. This raises questions about which type of supplement should be prioritized.
Sat, 04 Oct 2025 11:34:43 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092911.htm

Scientists discover hidden protein that switches off hunger
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092905.htm
Researchers have uncovered how a protein called MRAP2 acts as a key regulator of hunger. It helps move the appetite receptor MC4R to the cell’s surface, allowing it to send stronger “stop eating” signals. The discovery offers new hope for tackling obesity by targeting this natural hunger switch.
Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:53:26 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092905.htm

Hidden cellular “power switch” could transform Parkinson’s treatment
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092903.htm
Researchers uncovered a key cellular regulator, PP2A-B55alpha, that controls both the cleanup of damaged mitochondria and the creation of new ones. In Parkinson’s disease models, reducing this regulator improved symptoms and mitochondrial health. The findings could inspire new drugs for Parkinson’s, mitochondrial disorders, and even cancer.
Sat, 04 Oct 2025 22:49:32 EDT
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/10/251004092903.htm

Read more →

Tiny brain nanotubes found by Johns Hopkins may spread Alzheimer’s

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine report that they have identified how mammalian brains build intricate networks of tiny tubes that move toxins in and out of brain cells, much like pneumatic tubes send items through systems in factories and stores.
Their experiments, which used genetically modified mice and advanced imaging tools, were supported by the National Institutes of Health and published on Oct. 2 in Science. According to the team, the discovery could deepen scientific understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders develop, offering potential pathways for new treatments.
In the study, the scientists observed that these microscopic tubes, known as nanotubes, primarily formed to help neurons expel toxic small molecules such as amyloid-beta. This protein can clump together into sticky plaques, one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease.
“Cells have to get rid of toxic molecules, and by producing a nanotube, they can then transmit this toxic molecule to a neighbor cell,” says corresponding author Hyungbae Kwon, associate professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Unfortunately, this also results in spreading harmful proteins to other areas of the brain.”
With the help of powerful microscopes and live-cell imaging, the team watched as neurons created long, slender extensions between their dendrites — the branching projections that connect brain cells. These “dendritic nanotubes,” as the researchers call them, appeared to shuttle harmful molecules from one neuron to another.
“The long and thin column-like structures of these dendritic nanotubes help transfer information quickly from neuron to neuron,” says Kwon. “These nanotubes can transport calcium, ions or toxic molecules, and are ideal for sending information to cells that are far away.”
Computer simulations of the process mirrored the early stages of amyloid buildup, or “early amyloidosis,” and revealed what the researchers describe as a “nanotubular connectivity layer” that adds a new dimension to how brain cells interact.

Kwon notes that these insights could help scientists refine approaches to treating Alzheimer’s and similar conditions.
To explore the phenomenon, the researchers collected small brain tissue samples from healthy mice and examined them with high-resolution microscopy, allowing them to visualize the nanotubes in remarkable detail and track how they moved materials between neurons.
They then compared these samples with brain tissue from mice genetically engineered to develop Alzheimer’s-like amyloid buildup.
The researchers say the mice with Alzheimer’s disease had an increased number of nanotubes in their brains at three months old, when the mice were symptom-free, as compared with normal mice of the same age. At six months of age, the number of nanotubes in normal mice and those with Alzheimer’s disease began to equalize.
By taking a closer look at human neurons (sampled with permission from a publicly available electron microscopy database), the scientists identified nanotubes with similar morphology forming between neurons in the same way that the laboratory mice developed them.
In future experiments, Kwon says, the team will focus on whether larger-scale nanotube networks exist in cell types other than neurons in the brain. Eventually, he intends to design an experiment in which researchers create a nanotube to see how it affects the state of cells.

With such knowledge, Kwon says, there’s the possibility of one day dialing up or down nanotube production to protect the brain.
“When designing a potential treatment based on this work, we can target how nanotubes are produced — by either increasing or decreasing their formation — according to the stage of the disease,” Kwon says.
Funding for this research was provided by the National Institutes of Health (DP1MH119428 and R01NS138176).
Additional researchers who conducted the study are Minhyeok Chang, Sarah Krüssel, Juhyun Kim, Daniel Lee, Alec Merodio and Jaeyoung Kwon from Johns Hopkins; and Laxmi Kumar Parajuli and Shigeo Okabe from the University of Tokyo, Japan.

Read more →

They found the switch that makes the body attack cancer

October 16, 2025
Uncategorized

In a series of experiments using mouse models of breast, pancreatic, and muscle cancers, scientists at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital uncovered new evidence that strengthening the body’s natural immune defenses can both prevent cancer from returning and improve survival rates.
The research, published recently in Nature Immunology and funded by the National Cancer Institute/NIH, focused on finding new ways to help the immune system recognize and destroy tumors that normally evade detection.
Many malignant tumors are described as immune-suppressive or “immune cold” because the body’s defenses fail to recognize them as threats. Patients with these “cold” tumors often respond poorly to traditional treatments and have less favorable outcomes. The Johns Hopkins team set out to discover how to transform these immune-cold tumors into “immune hot” ones, which are more responsive to attack by immune cells such as B cells and T cells. Doing so could make chemotherapy and immunotherapy far more effective.
Building on their previous breast cancer studies, the researchers proposed that stimulating the tumor’s environment with immune-activating substances could improve the strength and organization of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs), specialized hubs where immune cells gather and coordinate an attack against cancer.
TLSs are clusters of lymphocytes that appear in areas of chronic inflammation, including immune-hot tumors. Their presence is strongly linked to better treatment outcomes and longer survival because they help orchestrate a focused immune response.
To test their idea, the team recreated the conditions of a TLS-rich tumor environment to identify which signals trigger TLS formation. They then introduced these signals into tumors in mice that lacked TLSs, using two immune-stimulating molecules (agonists) designed to activate the protein STING and the lymphotoxin-β receptor (LTβR).
When both proteins were activated together, the immune system mounted a swift and powerful response. Killer T cells (CD8⁺ T cells) surged into action, suppressing tumor growth, while new high endothelial venules — specialized blood vessels that allow immune cells to enter tissues — began to form. These vessels acted as gateways, enabling large numbers of T and B cells to flood into the tumors and organize themselves into new TLSs.

Inside these TLSs, B cells launched germinal-center reactions, developed into antibody-producing plasma cells, and created long-lasting memory cells. Researchers also found tumor-specific IgG antibodies and persistent plasma cells in the bone marrow, clear signs of a durable, body-wide immune defense capable of preventing the cancer from returning.
Treatment also increased helper (CD4⁺) T cells and memory CD8⁺ T cells and balanced immune signaling, strengthening both antibody-mediated (humoral) and cell-mediated immunity.
Together, the researchers say, the findings suggest early and combined efforts to boost T-cell activity not only kill tumor cells directly but also induce TLS maturation that sustains and amplifies anti-tumor responses.
“Our findings show that we can therapeutically induce functional TLS in otherwise immune-cold tumors,” says Masanobu Komatsu, Ph.D., principal investigator of the study and senior scientist at the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute. “By building the right immune infrastructure inside tumors, we can potentiate the patient’s own defenses — both T cell and B cell arms — against cancer growth, relapse, and metastasis.”
Because TLS abundance correlates with better outcomes across many tumor types, the use of the two protein stimulators together may offer a broadly applicable way to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies, including checkpoint inhibitors that are the mainstay of immunotherapies, and traditional chemotherapy.
Komatsu’s team is further investigating the mechanism of action of TLS therapy and preparing for its clinical application in adult and pediatric cancer patients.
This research was supported by the National Cancer Institute/NIH R01 grants, the Department of Defense Congressionally Directed Cancer Research Program, and the Florida Department of Health Bankhead Coley Cancer Research Program.
One of the co-authors of the study has potential competing interests.

Read more →

This type of meat supercharges muscle growth after workouts

October 15, 2025
Uncategorized

A new study examined how muscles respond to weight training when people eat different types of pork afterward. Researchers compared high-fat and lean ground pork burgers that contained the same amount of protein to see how each affected short-term muscle growth. The results surprised the team and added to growing evidence that the body’s muscle-building process after exercise depends not just on how much protein is consumed, but on the type of protein as well.
The research was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
“What we’re finding is that not all high-quality animal protein foods are created equal,” said Nicholas Burd, a professor of health and kinesiology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, who led the research with graduate student Žan Zupančič.
Burd’s previous work revealed similar patterns. One earlier experiment showed that eating whole eggs after weight training led to greater muscle-protein synthesis than eating the same amount of protein from egg whites alone. Another study found that eating salmon produced a stronger muscle-building response than consuming a processed blend with the same nutrients in identical proportions.
Together, these findings suggest that whole foods stimulate muscle growth more effectively after exercise than processed versions do. Burd noted that in some cases, the natural fat content of whole foods might actually enhance muscle-building activity.
In this latest study, the research team used advanced techniques to measure and track muscle-protein synthesis in 16 young, physically active adults. To prepare the test meals, they collaborated with the University of Illinois Meat Science Laboratory to create pork patties with precisely defined fat levels.
“That took us a year because it was so hard to get those fat ratios correct,” Burd said. All of the meat came from a single pig, and the patties were sent to an external lab for detailed nutrient analysis. Once the fat-to-lean ratios and other nutritional values were verified, the burgers were frozen until used during the experiment’s feeding phase.

Before participants began the workout and meal trials, they received an infusion of isotope-labeled amino acids. This technique allowed the scientists to monitor how quickly those amino acids were integrated into muscle tissue. Blood samples were also collected throughout the process to measure circulating amino acid levels.
Muscle biopsies were taken both before and after the two-hour infusion to establish a baseline for muscle-protein synthesis.
“And then we took them to the gym,” Burd said. “And they were wheeling that infusion pump and everything else with them.”
At the gym, participants performed leg presses and leg extensions, then returned to the lab to eat one of three test meals: a high-fat pork burger, a lean pork burger, or a carbohydrate drink. Five hours later, the researchers took another muscle biopsy to measure how the meal and exercise together affected protein synthesis.
After several days of recovery, 14 of the 16 volunteers repeated the process but switched meal types to ensure that individual differences did not skew the results.
As expected, amino acid levels in the blood rose sharply after eating pork compared with the carbohydrate drink. However, those who consumed the lean pork burger showed the largest increases in amino acids — both total and essential.

“When you see an increased concentration of amino acids in the blood after you eat, you get a pretty good idea that that is coming from the food that you just ate,” Burd said.
Those who consumed the lean pork burger after a bout of weight training also had a greater rate of muscle-protein synthesis than those who ate the high-fat pork burger. This was a surprise to Burd, as “the previous studies using fattier foods, such as whole eggs or salmon, generally showed enhanced post-exercise muscle-protein synthesis compared with lower fat food such as egg whites or nutritional supplements,” he said.
Although weight training boosted muscle-protein synthesis in the groups eating pork, the protein in the high-fat burger seemed to have no added benefit in the hours after participants consumed it, while the protein in the lean pork gave muscle-protein synthesis a boost.
“For some reason, the high-fat pork truly blunted the response,” Burd said. “In fact, the people who ate the high-fat pork only had slightly better muscle-building potential than those who drank a carbohydrate sports beverage after exercise.”
Interpreting the results of this study for people who want to optimize muscle gains from weight-training is tricky, Burd said. It could be that processing the ground pork patties, which involved grinding the meat and adding the fattier meat to the lean, affected the kinetics of digestion.
“There was a little larger rise in the amino acids available from eating lean pork, so it could have been a bigger trigger for muscle-protein synthesis,” Burd said. “But that seems to be specific to the ground pork. If you’re eating other foods, like eggs or salmon, the whole foods appear to be better despite not eliciting a large rise in blood amino acids.”
Burd stresses that exercise is the strongest stimulus for muscle-protein synthesis.
“Most of the muscle response is to weight-training, and we use nutrition to try to squeeze out the remaining potential,” he said. “When it comes to eating after weight-training, what we’re finding is that some foods, particularly whole, unprocessed foods seem to be a better stimulus.”
Burd also is a professor of nutritional sciences and is affiliated with the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology at the U. of I.
The National Pork Board’s Pork Checkoff program supported this research. The funder had no involvement in study design, data collection or analysis.

Read more →

This European treatment for joint pain just passed a major scientific test

October 15, 2025
Uncategorized

A new randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial suggests that a single round of low-dose radiation therapy could offer a safe and effective alternative for people suffering from painful knee osteoarthritis.
Participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis experienced notable pain reduction and improved mobility within four months of receiving the treatment. The radiation exposure was only a tiny fraction of what is used in cancer therapy. Because the study included a control group that underwent a simulated treatment, researchers were able to clearly separate genuine treatment effects from placebo responses, which are common in osteoarthritis trials. Early results from this Korean study were presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Annual Meeting.
“People with painful knee osteoarthritis often face a difficult choice between the risks of side effects from pain medications and the risks of joint replacement surgery,” said Byoung Hyuck Kim, MD, PhD, principal investigator on the trial and an assistant professor of radiation oncology at Seoul National University College of Medicine, Boramae Medical Center. “There’s a clinical need for moderate interventions between weak pain medications and aggressive surgery, and we think radiation may be a suitable option for those patients especially when drugs and injections are poorly tolerated.”
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting an estimated 32.5 million adults in the United States. It develops as the cartilage that cushions bone ends wears away over time. The condition often targets the knees and hips, limiting mobility and diminishing quality of life. Typical treatment begins with lifestyle adjustments and pain-relief medications, with surgery considered when symptoms become severe.
Low-dose radiation therapy has long been used in European countries such as Germany and Spain to treat joint pain, where it is widely accepted. However, Dr. Kim noted that before this study, rigorous placebo-controlled evidence was scarce, and awareness of the treatment remained low among clinicians in other parts of the world.
“There is a misconception that medicinal, or therapeutic, radiation is always delivered in high doses,” he said. “But for osteoarthritis, the doses are only a small fraction of what we use for cancer, and the treatment targets joints that are positioned away from vital organs, which lowers the likelihood of side effects.” In this study, he explained, the radiation dose was less than 5% of what is typically used in cancer therapy, and no radiation-related side effects were observed.
The multicenter study included 114 participants with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, recruited from three academic hospitals in Korea. They were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a very low dose (0.3 Gy), a low dose (3 Gy), or a control group that received simulated (sham) radiation. In the placebo group, patients went through the same setup as those receiving treatment, but no radiation was actually delivered. Each participant underwent six treatment sessions without knowing which group they were assigned to.

To ensure the results reflected the true effects of radiation, the researchers restricted the use of additional pain relievers, allowing only acetaminophen as needed during the four-month follow-up period. The effectiveness of treatment was evaluated using internationally recognized standards, identifying a participant as a “responder” if they achieved meaningful improvement in at least two of three measures: pain, physical function, and overall assessment of their condition. Participants also completed separate questionnaires addressing pain, stiffness, and mobility. No treatment-related side effects were reported.
After four months, 70% of patients in the 3 Gy group met responder criteria, compared to 42% in the placebo group (p=0.014). Outcomes in the 0.3 Gy group were not significantly different from the control group (58.3% improved, p=0.157), indicating the 3 Gy regimen drove relief beyond placebo effects.
Meaningful improvements in the composite score of pain, stiffness and physical function were reported more often in the 3 Gy group (56.8%) than in the placebo group (30.6%, p=0.024). For other secondary outcomes, including the amount of pain medication needed, there were no significant differences.
Dr. Kim said this trial differed from previous research in two critical ways. “The sham-controlled design helped rule out placebo effects, and we limited stronger analgesics, which made differences between groups more clearly attributable to the radiation itself,” he said.
“In previous studies, drugs such as NSAIDs or opioids were also used during the intervention or follow-up period. But using these pain relievers could mask the effects of radiation therapy,” he said. Because analgesic use was limited to acetaminophen only during the four months of follow-up in this trial, “that means the differences between treatment groups are more clearly attributable to the low-dose radiation therapy itself.”
Responses in the placebo arms were substantial — about 40% met the criteria for treatment response without true radiation — but are consistent with rates reported in prior osteoarthritis trials of injections or medications and in at least one similar European study, Dr. Kim said. “It was surprising, and it underscores how important placebo-controlled designs are in osteoarthritis research. We need to examine this more closely in future studies.”
Radiation therapy may be best suited for patients with underlying inflammation and preserved joint structure, he explained. “For severe osteoarthritis, where the joint is physically destroyed and cartilage is already gone, radiation will not regenerate tissue,” Dr. Kim said. “But for people with mild to moderate disease, this approach could delay the need for joint replacement.”
He emphasized that low-dose radiation should be considered as part of shared decision-making alongside standard measures such as weight loss, physiotherapy, and medications. “In clinical practice, responses could be even stronger when radiation is properly combined with other treatments, and patient satisfaction may be higher than with current options alone.”
The research team is completing 12-month follow-up to assess durability of benefits and to correlate symptom relief with imaging-based measures of joint structure. Planned studies also include larger, pragmatic trials to evaluate outcomes in specific subgroups and health-economic analyses comparing low-dose radiation with injections and medication regimens.

Read more →

A little stress could be the secret to healthy aging

October 15, 2025
Uncategorized

Researchers at the University of Basel in Switzerland have found that certain nutrients can cause a mild stress reaction in nematodes. Surprisingly, this reaction doesn’t harm the worms — it actually helps them remain healthier as they grow older.
Human lifespans are longer than ever, but longevity alone doesn’t guarantee good health. Many people are now asking not only “How long can I live?” but “How well can I live?” While lifespan refers to the total number of years from birth to death, healthspan is the portion of those years spent in good health.
Diet plays a major role in determining how well we age. Scientists have long known that both the amount and the type of nutrients we consume influence aging. Using the microscopic worm Caenorhabditis elegans, Professor Spang’s team showed that specific RNA molecules found in food can improve the worms’ health in later life. “These molecules prevent the formation of harmful protein aggregates that are typically linked with aging and disease,” says Spang. The results of their study were published in Nature Communications.
How diet shapes aging
As organisms age, their ability to remove damaged or altered proteins declines. These proteins can accumulate and form toxic clumps within cells, which are thought to drive the aging process and contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and various muscle disorders.
The researchers discovered that a balanced diet supports longer healthspan and that certain dietary components offer protective effects. The worms mainly consume bacteria that contain double-stranded RNA molecules. “These dietary RNAs are absorbed in the gut and activate quality-control mechanisms to protect from cellular stress,” explains Emmanouil Kyriakakis, the study’s first author.” This low-level stress essentially trains the body to cope with protein damage more effectively.”
Diet-dependent mechanisms slow cellular aging
Diet activates autophagy — a cellular “clean-up” process that degrades and recycles damaged proteins. This mechanism reduces harmful protein aggregation and thus slows down cell aging. “We were surprised to find that the gut communicates with other organs,” says Kyriakakis. “We observed protective effects not only locally, but also in muscles and throughout the whole organism.”

Healthier aging — even in worms
Overall, the worms exposed to a balanced diet were more active and healthier in old age. “The dietary-RNA species elicit a systemic stress response that protects the worms from protein aggregation during aging,” says Kyriakakis. “thereby extending their healthspan.”
The findings confirm that diet strongly influences health in old age. “Specific food components can stimulate the body’s own protective mechanisms,” adds Spang. “So, a little stress can be good for you.” Whether individual nutrients can also spark beneficial effects in humans — and potentially help prevent age-related diseases — remains to be investigated. But it’s certainly conceivable. What is clear already: What we eat can shape the way we age.

Read more →
Publisher Health
Theme by Grace Themes