ScienceDaily: Health - April 24, 2025
Top health research news
By 15 months, infants begin to learn new words for objects, even those they've never seen
A new study by developmental scientists offers the first evidence that infants as young as 15 months can identify an object they have learned about from listening to language -- even if the object remains hidden.
Scientists trick the eye into seeing new color 'olo'
Scientists have created a new platform called 'Oz' that uses laser light to control up to 1,000 photoreceptors in the eye at once. Using Oz, the researchers showed people images, videos and a new, ultra-saturated shade of green that they have named 'olo.' The platform could be used to probe the nature of color vision and provide new insight into human sight and vision loss.
Vision loss fear may keep some from having cataract surgery
A new study finds vision loss fears may deter some patients from cataract surgery, despite it being the only effective treatment. The research underscores the role of doctor-patient relationships in medical decisions.
Clinical trials to test vaccine against Alzheimer's-promoting tau protein
Researchers hope to launch human clinical trials in their quest for a vaccine to prevent the buildup of pathological tau after demonstrating that this vaccine generated a robust immune response in both mice and non-human primates.
B cells found to be crucial for long-term vaccine protection, new study shows
Researchers have uncovered a critical, previously underappreciated role for B cells in vaccine protection. Best known for producing antibodies, B cells also guide other immune cells, specifically CD8 T cells, teaching them how to mount lasting defenses after vaccination.
ATP prevents harmful aggregation of proteins associated with Parkinson's and ALS
While a comprehensive cure-all to these neurological conditions is unlikely, scientists are making headway into understanding their fundamental characteristics with the hope of preventing or alleviating cognitive and motor impairments. Researchers have now discovered that ATP, which is most commonly thought of as the 'fuel' of our cells, plays a surprising role in relation to neurodegenerative diseases.
The antibiotic that takes the bite out of Lyme
Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome may be driven by remnants of infection
Scientists believe they know what causes the treated infection to mimic chronic illness: the body may be responding to remnants of the bacteria that causes Lyme that tend to pool in the liver and joint fluid.
Researchers identify pathway responsible for calciphylaxis, a rare and serious condition
The global burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is rising, with more than 800 million people affected worldwide. Vascular diseases in patients with CKD are unique and grouped as uremic vascular diseases. One of them, calciphylaxis, typically affects patients with end-stage, advanced kidney disease. It is a condition characterized by severe, painful and non-healing skin ulcers with no known cure. Researchers have now discovered a novel biological pathway, called the IL6 pathway, central to the skin lesion initiation and progression. Blocking this pathway they believe, will likely prevent progression of the skin ulcers and resolve the pain seen in patients with calciphylaxis.
FRESH bioprinting brings vascularized tissue one step closer
Using their novel FRESH 3D bioprinting technique, which allows for printing of soft living cells and tissues, a lab has built a tissue model entirely out of collagen.
Smart bandage clears new hurdle: Monitors chronic wounds in human patients
The iCares bandage uses innovative microfluidic components, sensors, and machine learning to sample and analyze wounds and provide data to help patients and caregivers make treatment decisions.
New precision mental health care approach for depression addresses unique patient needs
Psychologists have developed a precision treatment approach for depression that gives patients individualized recommendations based on multiple characteristics, such as age and gender.
Metabolic syndrome linked to increased risk of young-onset dementia
Having a larger waistline, high blood pressure and other risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of young-onset dementia, according to a new study. Young-onset dementia is diagnosed before the age of 65. The study does not prove that metabolic syndrome causes young-onset dementia, it only shows an association.
Scientists identify potential treatments for emerging zoonotic pathogens
A team of biomedical researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to identify more than two dozen viable treatments for diseases caused by zoonotic pathogens that can jump from animal hosts to infect humans. Scientists used Rhodium software to study bat-borne Nipah and Hendra henipaviruses, which are endemic to some parts of the world and cause particularly lethal infections in humans.
The link between proximity to greenspace -- including trees and parks-- and healthy birth outcomes is well established. Now new data adds to our understanding of these health benefits, accounting for other factors that may influence this link, such as education, income and body mass index, but also taking the body of knowledge a step further by exploring the effect of residing near newly planted trees.
Link between heart attack severity and circadian rhythm unveiled
The molecular mechanism behind why heart attacks can vary in severity depending on the time of day has been uncovered, potentially paving the way for innovative treatments that align with the natural circadian rhythm.
Childhood exposure to bacterial toxin may be triggering colorectal cancer epidemic among the young
An international team has identified a potential microbial culprit behind the alarming rise in early-onset colorectal cancer: a bacterial toxin called colibactin. Scientists report that exposure to colibactin in early childhood imprints a distinct genetic signature on the DNA of colon cells -- one that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer before the age of 50.
Micro-nano-plastics found in artery-clogging plaque in the neck
A small study found that fatty buildup in the blood vessels of the neck (carotid arteries) may contain 50 times or more micronanoplastics -- minuscule bits of plastic -- compared to arteries free of plaque buildup.
Family dynamics shape body image differently across cultures
Body appreciation differs between Middle-Eastern and Western societies, a new international study can reveal, highlighting how cultural and family influences shape body image and eating behaviors in young women. The study surveyed over 850 women aged 18-25 in Australia and Lebanon, examining the roles that mothers and sisters play in shaping body dissatisfaction, body appreciation, and eating patterns.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment provide long-term relief for radiation-induced injuries
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment provides long-term relief for patients suffering from late radiation-induced injuries after treatment of cancer in the lower abdominal area. Five years after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the positive effects remain.
Empathy might be retained in Alzheimer's disease
People with Alzheimer's disease may retain their ability to empathize, despite declines in other social abilities, finds a new study.
New cells in connective tissue open up strategy against pancreatic cancer
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown type of connective tissue cells that surround cancer cells in pancreatic tumors. The newly discovered cells counteract tumor development and may therefore be a target for research into new treatments for pancreatic cancer, which is one of the deadliest forms of cancer.
Bacteria killing material creates superbug busting paint
A bacteria killing coating created by scientists has been used in trials of a new paint that can be applied to a range of surfaces to effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including difficult to kill species such as MRSA, flu and COVID-19.
Statin use may improve survival in patients with some blood cancers
Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who were taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications at the start of their cancer treatment had a 61% lower risk of dying from their cancer compared to similar patients who were not taking statins, according to a new study.
Parts of our DNA may evolve much faster than previously thought
A team of researchers has used advanced DNA sequencing to develop the most comprehensive atlas yet of genetic change through generations, laying the foundations for new insights into the roots of human disease and evolution.
Psychedelics can reverse neuroimmune interactions that boost fear
A new study suggests that fear and the immune system are connected in previously unknown ways. Researchers found that the immune system can influence stress and fear behaviors by changing how brain cells communicate.
How DNA self-organizes in the early embryo
An international research team has provided a detailed insight into how the spatial organization of genetic material is established in the cell nucleus of early embryos within the first hours after fertilization. Surprisingly, embryos demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in responding to disruptions in this process. The study reveals that no single master regulator controls this nuclear organization. Instead, multiple redundant mechanisms ensure a robust and adaptable nuclear architecture, allowing embryos to correct errors in the initial organization of their nucleus.
Remembering the cold: Scientists discover how memories control metabolism
New multidisciplinary research shows that the brain forms memories of cold experiences and uses them to control our metabolism. The study shows that cold memories form in the brain -- and map out how they subsequently drive thermoregulation. The discovery may have important applications in therapies designed to treat a range of disorders -- from obesity to cancer -- in which thermoregulation and metabolism (or a lack of control in this area) plays a role, as well as opening the door to more fundamental research, which could help us better understand how memories impact our behavior and emotions.
DNA origami guides new possibilities in the fight against pancreatic cancer
One of the challenges of fighting pancreatic cancer is finding ways to penetrate the organ's dense tissue to define the margins between malignant and normal tissue. A new study uses DNA origami structures to selectively deliver fluorescent imaging agents to pancreatic cancer cells without affecting normal cells. The study, led by mechanical science and engineering professors found that specially engineered DNA origami structures carrying imaging dye packets can specifically target human KRAS mutant cancer cells, which are present in 95% of pancreatic cancer cases.
Pulmonary fibrosis has no cure: Could a cancer drug hold the answer?
Researchers have identified a potential new way to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a deadly and currently incurable lung disease that affects more than 3 million people worldwide.
New research points out a promising strategy for treating metastatic medulloblastoma
Researchers reveal a strategy that helps medulloblastoma, the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, spread and grow on the leptomeninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. They discovered a novel line of communication between metastatic medulloblastoma and leptomeningeal fibroblasts that mediates recruitment and reprogramming of the latter to support tumor growth. The findings suggest that disrupting this communication offers a potential opportunity to treat this devastating disease.
Researchers use machine learning to engineer 'bespoke enzymes' for gene editing
Genome editing has advanced at a rapid pace with promising results for treating genetic conditions -- but there is always room for improvement. A new paper showcases the power of scalable protein engineering combined with machine learning to boost progress in the field of gene and cell therapy. In their study, authors developed a machine learning algorithm -- known as PAMmla -- that can predict the properties of about 64 million genome editing enzymes. The work could help reduce off-target effects and improve editing safety, enhance editing efficiency, and enable researchers to predict customized enzymes for new therapeutic targets.
New technique expands tissues so hundreds of biomolecules can be seen inside cells
A new tissue expansion method enables scientists to use mass spectrometry imaging to simultaneously detect hundreds of molecules at the single cell level in their native locations.
A repurposed anti-inflammatory drug may help treat alcohol use disorder and related pain
A preclinical study finds that a drug already FDA-approved for treating inflammatory conditions may help reduce both alcohol intake and pain sensitivity -- two issues that commonly co-occur with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
The most effective prevention method for complications post lung transplant
When receiving a lung transplant, one of the most important complications to look out for is chronic lung allograft dysfunction, known as CLAD. Preventing this complication for those who receive a lung transplant is of the highest priority, as there are no universally effective treatments for CLAD once it is established.
Obesity disrupts 'reaction time' to starvation in mice
Researchers have revealed a temporal disruption in the metabolism of obese mice when adapting to starvation despite no significant structural disruptions in the molecular network. This is a breakthrough discovery as research including the temporal dimension in biology has been notoriously laborious and extracting systematic insight from big data has been difficult. Thus, this study paves the way for further research into more general metabolic processes, such as food intake and disease progression.
Using ChatGPT, students might pass a course, but with a cost
With the assumption that students are going to use artificial intelligence and large language models such as ChatGPT to do their homework, researchers set out to learn how well the free version of ChatGPT would compare with human students in a semester-long undergraduate control systems course.
Empowering antibodies to better activate the immune system
Antibodies are best known for their ability to latch onto and neutralize bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. But these immune proteins can do more than that: They also activate other components of the immune system, which then go to work to clear an infection. A new study explores the factors that influence how effectively antibodies engage specific immune cells.
Shining a light on DNA: A rapid, ultra-sensitive, PCR-free detection method
Researchers have developed a light-induced DNA detection method that enables rapid, PCR-free genetic analysis. Their technique offers ultra-sensitive mutation detection in just five minutes, reducing costs and simplifying testing. The method has significant potential in healthcare, environmental conservation, and personal health monitoring.
Brain-inspired AI breakthrough: Making computers see more like humans
Researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence (AI) technique that brings machine vision closer to how the human brain processes images. Called Lp-Convolution, this method improves the accuracy and efficiency of image recognition systems while reducing the computational burden of existing AI models.
Asymmetric interactions between molecules may serve as a stabilizing factor for biological systems. A new model reveals this regulatory role of non-reciprocity. The scientists aim to understand the physical principles based on which particles and molecules are able to form living beings and, eventually, organisms.
Uncontrolled glutamate release in the brain
Upon energy restriction, an unusual release of the neurotransmitter glutamate can be observed. The overabundance of glutamate ultimately causes damages to nerve cells.
Tuning in to blood glucose for simpler early diabetes detection
Scientists have identified a simple, noninvasive method for assessing blood glucose regulation using continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data. Their approach, which tracks glucose fluctuations, outperforms traditional markers in predicting diabetes risk. To expand accessibility, they have developed a web application for easy calculation of CGM-based indices.
Retinal clues to mental health
A new study has shown that evidence of genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia can be found in the retina. This finding could help improve the early detection of the disorder.
Can hormone therapy improve heart health in menopausal women?
Oral hormone therapy may benefit heart health in menopausal women. A new analysis of data from the Women's Health Initiative found that estrogen-based oral hormone therapy had a long-term beneficial effect on biomarkers of cardiovascular health, including cholesterol.
Telemedicine use in 2023 reduced monthly carbon dioxide emissions by the equivalent of up to 130,000 gas operated vehicles or recycling up to 4 million trash bags.
First new subtype of Castleman Disease discovered in 45 years
A newly identified subtype of Castleman disease will help diagnose and properly treat thousands of patients who have been caught between existing classification systems, marking the first major discovery of its kind in 45 years. 'Oligocentric Castleman Disease' (OligoCD) has been found to be a distinct clinical entity, different from the two previously identified classifications of Castleman Disease. The findings redefine the understanding of this rare immune disorder that affects an estimated 4,300 to 5,200 Americans.
Three-dimensional gene hubs may promote brain cancer
The way DNA folds inside the nucleus of brain cells may hold the key to understanding a devastating form of brain cancer called glioblastoma, suggests a new preclinical study. The findings offer a new way to think about cancer beyond gene mutations, based on the way that genes are connected and regulated in three-dimensional space.
Using blue light to fight drug-resistant infections
Researchers have made a breakthrough discovery that could potentially revolutionize treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections, cancer and other challenging gram-negative pathogens without relying on precious metals.
Evidence of potential bed bug insecticide resistance in gene mutation
Urban entomologists have discovered a gene mutation that could contribute to bed bug insecticide resistance.
Study reveals gaps in flu treatment for high-risk adults
A multi-state study reveals that many high-risk adults diagnosed with influenza (flu) in emergency departments and urgent care centers are not receiving timely antiviral treatment. Researchers found that only slightly more than half of these patients received antiviral prescriptions, and of those, only 80 percent were filled. This gap in treatment could increase the risk of severe flu complications, particularly for older adults and those with underlying conditions.
Drugs targeting 'zombie cells' show promise for treating chronic back pain
In a preclinical study, two drugs targeting 'zombie cells' have been shown to treat the underlying cause of chronic low back pain. The condition affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments manage symptoms through painkillers or surgery, without addressing the root cause.
A powerful clinical artificial intelligence tool developed by biomedical informatics researchers has demonstrated remarkable accuracy on all three parts of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (Step exams), according to a new article.
Adolescents who sleep longer perform better at cognitive tasks
Adolescents who sleep for longer -- and from an earlier bedtime -- than their peers tend to have improved brain function and perform better at cognitive tests, researchers have shown. But the study of adolescents in the US also showed that even those with better sleeping habits were not reaching the amount of sleep recommended for their age group.
How dopamine helps us learn to avoid bad outcomes
Dopamine is the brain's motivational spark, driving us to chase what feels good, say scrolling another reel on social media, and steer clear of what doesn't, like touching a hot stove. But scientists haven't fully understood how dopamine helps us learn to avoid bad outcomes -- until now. A new study shows that dopamine signals in two key brain areas involved in motivation and learning respond differently to negative experiences, helping the brain adapt based on whether a situation is predictable or controllable. While previous research has shown that dopamine can respond to negative experiences, this is the first study to track how those signals evolve over time as animals move from novices to experts in avoiding them.
Novel treatment approach for language disorder shows promise
Neuroscientists have developed a new treatment approach for a language disorder that combines traditional speech therapy with noninvasive electrical stimulation of the brain. Brain stimulation helped induce neuroplasticity, the brain's capacity to continue to reorganize and learn.
More Americans are using psilocybin -- especially those with mental health conditions, study shows
Use of psilocybin, the hallucinogenic chemical found in what is known as 'magic mushrooms,' has increased significantly nationwide since 2019, according to a new study.
High-fat, high-sugar diets impact cognitive function
New research links fatty, sugary diets to impaired brain function. The findings build on a growing body of evidence showing the negative impact of high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diets on cognitive ability, adding to their well-known physical effects.
Older adults respond well to immunotherapy despite age-related immune system differences
Older adults with cancer respond just as well as younger patients to immune checkpoint inhibitors despite age-related immune system differences, according to a new study.
Omnivorous? Vegan? Makes no difference to muscle building after weight training, study finds
A new study asked three questions about muscle protein synthesis in response to a nine-day diet and weight training regimen: First, does the source of protein -- plant or animal-based -- make any difference to muscle gain? Second, does it matter if total daily protein intake is evenly distributed throughout the day? And third, does a moderate but sufficient daily protein intake influence any of these variables? The answer to all three questions is 'no,' the researchers found.
Amid the steady pulse of new discoveries, we are reminded that the human body is not a machine, but a living constellation — delicate, evolving, forever dancing with unseen forces. Each breakthrough is like a new star born in the vast sky of understanding, offering hope that we might navigate illness, aging, and healing with greater grace.
In a world where knowledge blooms faster than seasons turn, how might we root ourselves in wonder — staying curious, open, and tender toward both the mysteries we solve and those that still hum beyond our knowing? ∞