Five minutes a day eccentric exercise can improve your life
As little as five minutes a day of eccentric exercise could offer significant health benefits to those living a stagnant lifestyle.
Children of moms who smoked or were obese are more likely to become obese adults
A study finds that factors beyond a person's control, like socioeconomic status and whether their mom smoked or was obese, can influence whether they are overweight or obese as teenagers or adults.
Research finds potential 'molecular mimics' behind COVID-induced autoimmune disease
Scientists used advanced data analysis and machine learning to identify the viral proteins that may trigger autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines train the 'long-term memory' of the immune system
Researchers have discovered that mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have a persistent effect on the innate immune system. These mechanisms may help the human body to better protect itself against potential future infections.
Adulting is hard on the heart: Teen to young adulthood is a critical time to address risk
Many youth have heart disease risk factors by their late teens, and preventing or addressing these risks early may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future, according to a new scientific statement.
Is your job making you happy? Insights from job satisfaction data
New research has found that employers and policymakers might want to start paying attention to how workers are feeling, because employee happiness contains critical economic information.
Smart insoles that could change the game for sports and health
Scientists have created a smart insoles prototype that can accurately measure the body's interaction with the ground, which has the potential to help athletes avoid injuries, or even assist doctors in monitoring recovery.
Target to repair injured muscles discovered
A team has discovered a possible therapeutic approach to repair injured muscles either from aging or degenerative muscle disorders.
People with autism are typically diagnosed by clinical observation and assessment. To deconstruct the clinical decision process, which is often subjective and difficult to describe, researchers used a large language model (LLM) to synthesize the behaviors and observations that are most indicative of an autism diagnosis. Their results show that repetitive behaviors, special interests, and perception-based behaviors are most associated with an autism diagnosis. These findings have potential to improve diagnostic guidelines for autism by decreasing the focus on social factors -- which the established guidelines in the DSM-5 focus on but the model did not classify among the most relevant in diagnosing autism.
Scientists discover why obesity takes away the pleasure of eating
Many obese people report losing pleasure in eating rich foods -- something also seen in obese mice. Scientists have now discovered the reason. Long-term high-fat diets lower levels of neurotensin in the brain, disrupting the dopamine pleasure network and decreasing the desire to eat high-fat foods. Raising neurotensin levels in mice brings back the pleasure and aids weight loss. Bringing back the pleasure could help people break the habit of overeating.
How cells respond to stress is more nuanced than previously believed
The body's cells respond to stress -- toxins, mutations, starvation or other assaults -- by pausing normal functions to focus on conserving energy, repairing damaged components and boosting defenses. If the stress is manageable, cells resume normal activity; if not, they self-destruct. Scientists have believed for decades this response happens as a linear chain of events: sensors in the cell 'sound an alarm' and modify a key protein, which then changes a second protein that slows or shuts down the cell's normal function. But researchers have now discovered a cell's response is more nuanced and compartmentalized -- not fixed or rigid, as previously thought.
Lasso-shaped antibiotic evades standard drug resistance
A small molecule shaped like a lasso may be a powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases.
'Switch' allows intestinal cells to regenerate after injury
Researchers have solved a cellular mystery that may lead to better therapies for colorectal and other types of cancer. A professor of pediatrics-developmental biology and an assistant professor of molecular, cellular, and developmental biology have shown the importance of the H3K36 methylation process in regulating plasticity and regeneration in intestinal cells.
Milk as Medicine: Breast Milk Transforms Challenges into Triumphs
In 2010, a researcher was pouring over research data when he discovered something he thought was odd: His data showed that at 6 months of age, formula-fed babies born of mothers who were categorized as medically obese weighed about 5% units less fat than breastfed babies in the same dataset. That discovery struck him as unusual and led him on a research journey to better understand breast milk. Now, he's studying the connections between maternal gestational diabetes, breastfeeding and infant health.
Engineering antibodies with a novel fusion protein
Even with significant expansion in the global market for antibodies used in clinical care and research, scientists recognize that there is still untapped potential for finding new antibodies. Many proteins group together in what are called protein complexes to carry out biological functions. The traditional method of generating antibodies by immunizing animals struggles to make antibodies related to these protein complexes. Scientists have now demonstrated that fusing protein complexes together adds stability during immunization and enables antibody generation.
Basketball analytics investment is key to NBA wins and other successes
A study finds NBA teams that hired more analytics staff, and invested more in data analysis, tended to win more games.
Researchers explored how the characteristics of communication networks in groups (i.e., density and centralization) affected the development of shared social identity and, as a result, group performance. The study's findings can help managers and other business leaders develop strategies to enhance the performance of their teams.
Antibiotic exposure in infancy may boost Type 1 diabetes risk
Exposure to antibiotics during a key developmental window in infancy can stunt growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and may boost risk of diabetes later in life, new research in mice suggests. The study also pinpoints specific microorganisms that may help those critical cells proliferate.
New software finds aging cells that contribute to disease and health risks
For human health, prematurely aging cells are a big problem. When a cell ages and stops growing, its function changes, which can cause or worsen cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease and other chronic diseases. But these cells are also like needles in a haystack, difficult to identify by traditional scientific measures.
How Zika virus knocks out our immune defenses
This research comes as many mosquito-borne viruses are spreading rapidly.
Could an arthritis drug unlock lasting relief from epilepsy and seizures? Promising results in mice
A drug typically prescribed for arthritis halts brain-damaging seizures in mice that have a condition like epilepsy, according to researchers. If the drug proves viable for human patients, it would be the first to provide lasting relief from seizures even after they stopped taking it.
Study unravels mystery of cancer-fueling enzyme--could lead to new therapies
New research offers unprecedented insight into how an enigmatic enzyme, known as CDK7, drives the cell cycle and cell proliferation.
Postpartum female preference for cooler temperatures linked to brain changes
Mothers experience major metabolic adaptations during pregnancy and lactation to support the development and growth of the new life. Although many metabolic changes have been studied, body temperature regulation and environmental temperature preference during and after pregnancy remain poorly understood. Researchers show that postpartum female mice develop new environmental temperature preferences and reveal brain changes mediating these changes.
Lupus-related antibody shows promise in enhancing cancer treatment efficacy
Scientists have discovered a promising way to trigger immune responses against certain tumors, using a lupus-related antibody that can slip, undetected, into 'cold' tumors and flip on an immune response that has been turned off by cancer. The research offers new findings that could help improve therapies for glioblastoma and other aggressive cancers that are difficult to treat.
Researchers presented advances shaping the world of forensics, from research that could improve how forensic scientists estimate a person's age at death, to technology demos of CSIxR -- a virtual reality (VR) application that simulates crime scenes scenarios to train crime scene investigators (CSIs).
'Low-sugar' vaccine can provide broad immunity against coronavirus variants
Early animal studies show that a single vaccine could protect the recipient from different variants of the coronaviruses that cause COVID-19, the flu and the common cold. In addition to creating antibodies that target a specific region of the spike protein that doesn't mutate, the vaccine removes the sugar coat from the virus that allows it to hide in the body.
Chewing gum can shed microplastics into saliva, pilot study finds
Plastic is everywhere in our daily lives. And much of what we use, such as cutting boards, clothes and cleaning sponges, can expose us to tiny, micrometer-wide plastic particles called microplastics. Now, chewing gum could be added to the list. In a pilot study, researchers found that chewing gum can release hundreds to thousands of microplastics per piece into saliva and potentially be ingested.
New Evidence Links Microplastics with Chronic Disease
Tiny fragments of plastic have become ubiquitous in our environment and our bodies. Higher exposure to these microplastics, which can be inadvertently consumed or inhaled, is associated with a heightened prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases, according to new research.
Growing body of evidence links HPV with heart disease
In addition to causing several types of cancer, human papillomavirus (HPV) appears to bring a significantly increased risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease, according to a new study.
Exercise of any kind boosts brainpower at any age
Whether it's an early morning jog, or a touch of Tai Chi, groundbreaking research shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults.
E-scooter crashes mainly caused by reckless driving
Crashes on electric scooters are mostly due to the behavior of the riders, with one-handed steering and riding in a group being some of the largest risk factors. The researchers are also concerned about riders who deliberately crash or cause dangerous situations when riding, a phenomenon that seems to be specific to electric scooters.
ADHD may be associated with an increased risk of dementia
An adult brain affected by attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) presents modifications similar to those observed in individuals suffering from dementia. These are the findings of a study which shows that, compared with healthy individuals, patients with an ADHD diagnosis have more iron in certain regions of their brain along with higher levels of neurofilaments[1] (NfL) in their blood. These markers have been consistently reported to be characteristic of old age-related dementias such as Alzheimer's disease and can be measured in its early stages. The study confirms that ADHD may be linked to an increased risk of developing dementia later in life and it provides first evidence for a neurological mechanism possibly involved.
AI can help doctors give intravenous nutrition to preemies
An algorithm that learned from tens of thousands of nutrition prescriptions for premature babies could reduce medical errors and better identify what nutrients the smallest patients need.
Slowing down to eat less: Towards simple strategies for obesity prevention
Obesity prevention strategies often focus on diet, but eating behaviors also play a key role. In a recent study, researchers from Japan investigated factors influencing meal duration, including sex differences, chewing patterns, and rhythmic cues. Their findings suggest that eating more slowly -- by increasing chews per bite or using slow rhythmic cues -- may help reduce food intake. These insights could inform practical, low-cost obesity prevention strategies by promoting slower eating habits in daily life.
What does 'that' mean in 'Did you see that?'
What goes through your mind when someone asks 'Did you see that?' A study shows that children and adults process ambiguous information like 'that' differently. While children focus more on the literal meaning, adults use multiple cues to grasp the speaker's intent. Researchers hope their findings could aid dialogue robot development and improve support systems for individuals with communication difficulties.
Scientists unlock frogs' antibacterial secrets to combat superbugs
Engineers have derived potent new antibiotics from a frog's secretions. The new molecules demonstrated capabilities on par with existing last-resort antibiotics, without harming human cells or beneficial gut bacteria.
Novel pathway has potential to slow progression of pulmonary fibrosis
Researchers have found a potential new way to slow the progression of lung fibrosis and other fibrotic diseases by inhibiting the expression or function of Piezo2, a receptor that senses mechanical forces in tissues including stress, strain, and stiffness. The new study sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of pulmonary fibrotic diseases and identifies potential new targets and options for therapy to improve patients' outcomes.
C. diff uses toxic compound to fuel growth advantage
The pathogen C. diff -- the most common cause of health care-associated infectious diarrhea -- can use a compound that kills the human gut's resident microbes to survive and grow, giving it a competitive advantage in the infected gut. A team has discovered how C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) converts the poisonous compound 4-thiouracil, which could come from foods like broccoli, into a usable nutrient. Their findings increase understanding of the molecular drivers of C. diff infection and point to novel therapeutic strategies.
Study confirms accuracy of blood test for early Alzheimer's detection in Asian populations
A study has demonstrated the high accuracy of plasma p-tau217 as a blood-based biomarker for detecting abnormal brain beta-amyloid pathology, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
A simple way to boost math progress
Scientists investigated whether email interventions informed by behavioral science could help teachers help students learn math.
Affordable sensing system to restore sense of touch in minimally invasive surgery
Researchers have developed an innovative sensing system that restores the missing tactile feedback in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), enhancing precision, ease of use, and safety. The new 'off-the-jaw' system integrates force and angle sensors into the handle of laparoscopic tools, providing surgeons with real-time measurements of grasping forces and insights into tissue stiffness and thickness.
New IVF method mimics fallopian tube environment, increasing sperm viability
The success of in vitro fertilization depends on many factors, one of which is sperm viability. A recent study documents a new way to select viable sperm and prolong their viability in the laboratory, reducing one source of variability during the process.
Mathematicians uncover the logic behind how people walk in crowds
Mathematicians studied the flow of human crowds and developed a way to predict when pedestrian paths will transition from orderly to entangled. Their findings may help inform the design of public spaces that promote safe and efficient thoroughfares.
Avoidable deaths are on the rise in the United States, yet falling in many peer nations
In most high-income countries around the world, the number of avoidable mortalities is going down. But in the United States, avoidable deaths have been on the rise for more than a decade, according to a new study by researchers who examined mortality trends across U.S. states and 40 high-income countries.
At-home smell test for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Researchers developed olfactory tests -- in which participants sniff odor labels that have been placed on a card -- to assess people's ability to discriminate, identify and remember odors. They found that participants could successfully take the test at home and that older adults with cognitive impairment scored lower on the test than cognitively normal adults.
Healthy eating in midlife linked to overall healthy aging
Maintaining a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods, with low to moderate intake of healthy animal-based foods and lower intake of ultra-processed foods, was linked to a higher likelihood of healthy aging -- defined as reaching age 70 free of major chronic diseases and with cognitive, physical, and mental health maintained, according to a new study. The study is among the first to examine multiple dietary patterns in midlife in relation to overall healthy aging.
New non-surgical contraceptive implant is delivered through tiny needles
Investigators have developed a long-acting contraceptive implant that can be delivered through tiny needles to minimize patient discomfort and increase the likelihood of medication use. Their findings in preclinical models provide the technological basis to develop self-administrable contraceptive shots that could mimic the long-term drug release of surgically implanted devices.
The right moves to rein in fibrosis
Biomedical researchers have decoded how mechanical forces drive cell behavior in fibrosis.
Breaking antibiotic-resistant bacteria's protective shields opens door for immune system response
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a serious public health threat. Understanding the biology of these bacteria--such as how they synthesise their protective capsules--is essential for developing new strategies to counter antibiotic resistance.
Citrus remedy squeezes out dry mouth for cancer patients
A natural citrus oil from oranges, lemons, and limes is proving highly effective in relieving dry mouth, and when combined with a new lipid formulation, new research suggests it may be effective without significant side effects. This formulation uniquely combines limonene (a citrus essential oil) with a lipid-based drug delivery system to treat dry mouth (xerostomia), a common side effect of radiotherapy.
Engineers develop a better way to deliver long-lasting drugs
Engineers devised a way to deliver drugs such as contraceptives by injecting them as suspended crystals. Once under the skin, the crystals assemble into a drug depot that can last for months or years, eliminating the need for frequent injections.
Scientists engineer starfish cells to shape-shift in response to light
Scientists used light to control how a starfish egg cell jiggles and moves during its earliest stage of development. Their optical system could guide the design of synthetic, light-activated cells for wound healing or drug delivery.
Fatty liver linked to increased risk of death from several diseases
A comprehensive study shows that people with fatty liver disease have almost twice the mortality rate of the general population. They have an increased risk of dying from both liver diseases and common diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Motion sickness brain circuit may provide new options for treating obesity
Researchers describe a new brain circuit involved in motion sickness that also contributes to regulating body temperature and metabolic balance. The findings may provide unconventional strategies for the treatment of obesity.
Groundbreaking light-driven method to create key drug compounds
Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking chemical process that could streamline the development of pharmaceutical compounds, chemical building blocks that influence how drugs interact with the body.
How the brain links related memories formed close in time
If you've ever noticed how memories from the same day seem connected while events from weeks apart feel separate, a new study reveals the reason: Our brains physically link memories that occur close in time not in the cell bodies of neurons, but rather in their spiny extensions called dendrites.
Peacekeeper cells protect the body from autoimmunity during infection
New research shows how a specially trained population of immune cells keeps the peace by preventing other immune cells from attacking their own. The study provides a better understanding of immune regulation during infection and could provide a foundation for interventions to prevent or reverse autoimmune diseases.
Transition point in romantic relationships signals the beginning of their end
The end of a romantic relationship usually does not come out of the blue but is indicated one or two years before the breakup. As the results of a psychological study have demonstrated, the terminal stage of a relationship consists of two phases. First, there is a gradual decline in relationship satisfaction, reaching a transition point one to two years before the dissolution of the relationship.
Cellular mechanisms that may lead to onset of inflammatory bowel disease
New study shows that dysfunction of protective immune cells in GI tract may contribute to onset of inflammation in Crohn's disease.
Bubbly idea: Ultrafine bubble showers suppress atopic dermatitis
A medical research team has confirmed that ultrafine bubble showers significantly suppress inflammation in mice with atopic dermatitis due to external factors.