ScienceDaily: Health - May 01, 2025
Top health research news
A brisk walk, a splash of water aerobics, or even a light jog around the block -- if your heart rate goes up then so too will your brain health according to new research.
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Breast cancer mortality in women ages 20-49 significantly dropped between 2010 and 2020
Breast cancer deaths among women ages 20-49 declined significantly between 2010 and 2020, according to a new study.
Engineers develop wearable heart attack detection tech
Every second counts when it comes to detecting and treating heart attacks. A new technology may be able to identify heart attacks faster and more accurately than traditional methods.
Increasing physical activity in middle age may protect against Alzheimer's disease
An increase in physical activity between the ages of 45 and 65 could help prevent Alzheimer's disease, while inactivity may be detrimental to brain health.
Children's reading and writing develop better when they are trained in handwriting
Researchers explored how manual and keyboard practice influenced children's abilities in their reading and writing learning process. 5-year-olds were taught an artificial alphabet using different techniques, and the conclusion was that children who are trained with pencil and paper assimilate new letters and words better.
A virtual reality game integrating smell to fight cognitive decline
Aiming to address age-related cognitive decline, a growing global health challenge, a team of researchers has developed a VR-based smell-training system to help combat it. This innovative VR game activates memory pathways by incorporating olfactory stimulation in a virtual environment. This game-based method offers an engaging platform for maintaining cognitive function and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia in older adults.
Landmark experiment sheds new light on the origins of consciousness
An experiment seven years in the making has uncovered new insights into the nature of consciousness and challenges two prominent, competing scientific theories: Integrated Information Theory (IIT) and Global Neuronal Workspace Theory (GNWT). The findings mark a pivotal moment in the goal to understand the elusive origins consciousness.
Will the vegetables of the future be fortified using tiny needles?
Researchers have shown they can inexpensively nanomanufacture silk microneedles to precisely fortify crops, monitor plant health, and detect soil toxins.
Study suggests dance and lullabies aren't universal human behaviors
Social singing and dance are often assumed to be hard-wired into the human condition; studies have supported the conclusion that these are common across cultures. But new research from an anthropologist challenges the idea that dance and lullabies are universal among humans. The study draws on 43 years of research with an Indigenous population in Paraguay.
New machine algorithm could identify cardiovascular risk at the click of a button
An automated machine learning program has been able to identify potential cardiovascular incidents or fall and fracture risks based on bone density scans taken during routine clinical testing.
Heart disease deaths worldwide linked to chemical widely used in plastics
Daily exposure to certain chemicals used to make plastic household items could be linked to more than 356,000 global deaths from heart disease in 2018 alone, a new analysis of population surveys shows. While the chemicals, called phthalates, are in widespread use globally, the Middle East, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific bore a much larger share of the death toll than others -- about three-fourths of the total.
Rainfall triggers extreme humid heat in tropics and subtropics
Scientists believe they have found a way to improve warning systems for vulnerable communities threatened by humid heatwaves, which are on the rise due to climate change and can be damaging and even fatal to human health. The study analysed how patterns of recent rainfall can interact with dry or moist land conditions to influence the risk of extreme humid heat in the global tropics and subtropics.
Global study links consumption of ultraprocessed foods to preventable premature deaths
A study analyzing data from nationally representative dietary surveys and mortality data from eight countries (Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, United Kingdom, and United States) shows that premature deaths attributable to consumption of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) increase significantly according to their share in individuals' total energy intake. The new study reinforces the call for global action to reduce UPF consumption, supported by regulatory and fiscal policies that foster healthier environments.
Drug combination reduces breast cancer risk and improves metabolic health in rats
Researchers investigated the combined effects of bazedoxifene and conjugated estrogens in rat models as an alternative to tamoxifen.
Using humor in communication helps scientists connect, build trust
Scientists aren't comedians, but it turns out a joke or two can go a long way. That's according to a new study that found when researchers use humor in their communication -- particularly online -- audiences are more likely to find them trustworthy and credible.
Low iron could cause brain fog during menopause transition
New research sheds light on an understudied area of science: iron levels in the blood and their relationship to cognitive performance in women transitioning into menopause. The findings are good news for women experiencing brain fog and other symptoms.
United States sees disproportionate increase in body mass index rates of more than 60
In the past 20 years, the average rate of obesity among adults in the United States has risen by approximately 30 percent, but the rate of those with the most severe forms of obesity, or those with a body mass index, or BMI, of more than 60 kg/m2, increased by 210 percent. Researchers analyzed national health data from 2001 through 2023, and discovered the alarming increase in the numbers of patients with the most severe forms of obesity.
Natural killer cells remember and effectively target ovarian cancer
Researchers have uncovered a unique ability of a special subtype of natural killer cells in the immune system, called adaptive NK cells, to remember ovarian tumors and effectively attack them. The discovery could pave the way for new, more powerful immunotherapies for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Left or right arm? New research reveals why vaccination site matters for immune response
Scientists have uncovered why vaccines can elicit a stronger immune response if they are administered in the same arm.
Bacteria's mysterious viruses can fan flames of antibiotic damage
Scientists built a model that allows them to diminish phage communities from a mouse gut microbiome -- and then bring them back -- without affecting the bacteria. On a test run of their model, researchers found evidence that phages may increase gut bacteria's sensitivity to antibiotics.
Influenza virus hacks cell's internal system
The influenza virus manipulates the body's gene regulation system to accelerate its own spread. A new study also shows that an already approved drug could help strengthen immune defenses -- though its effect in humans remains to be confirmed.
Personality traits shape our prosocial behavior
Why do some people do more for the community than others? A new study now shows that personality traits such as extraversion and agreeableness correlate with volunteering and charitable giving.
Updated equestrian helmet ratings system adds racing and high-speed events
Falling off a horse at high-speed changes the impact to the rider's head and the parameters for a quality helmet, according to new research. The findings indicate that head impacts during falls at high speed generate unique head rotation, which in turn, directly affects helmet behavior.
Urine test could reveal early prostate cancer
A newly published study indicates that prostate cancer can be diagnosed at an early stage through a simple urine sample. With the aid of AI and extensive analyses of gene activity in tumors, they have identified new biomarkers of high diagnostic precision.
Study using simulations highlights power of pooled data in environmental health research
Conflicting findings in environmental epidemiology have long stalled consensus on the health effects of toxic chemicals. A new study suggests that one major reason for these inconsistencies may be the limited exposure ranges in individual studies -- leading to underpowered results and unclear conclusions.
Largest osteoarthritis genetic study uncovers pathways to new therapies and repurposed drugs
Researchers have uncovered multiple new genes and genetic pathways that could lead to repurposing hundreds of existing drugs for osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
BU researchers develop a brain-inspired algorithm that can help people with hearing loss pick out conversations in noisy, crowded spaces.
A drug dismantles a metabolic barrier to anti-tumor immunity
A new study has identified a specific mode of fat uptake by immune cells within tumors that serves as a metabolic checkpoint against anti-cancer immune responses.
First synthetic 'mini prion' shows how protein misfolding multiplies
Prions transmit their abnormally folded shape onto other proteins. Researchers designed a synthetic fragment of the tau protein that exhibits prion-like behavior. Misfolded tau proteins are the hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Study revealed crucial role of water organization in the tau misfolding process.
Brain decoder controls spinal cord stimulation
A lab develops brain wave decoder that may help in spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
A highly sensitive bone marrow test could double survival rates for some groups of younger adults with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) by helping doctors identify if they might relapse up to three months earlier.
Are 'zombie' skin cells harmful or helpful? The answer may be in their shapes
Researchers have identified three subtypes of senescent skin cells with distinct shapes, biomarkers, and functions -- an advance that could equip scientists with the ability to target and kill the harmful types while leaving the helpful ones intact.
Nudges improve food choices and cut calories when shopping for groceries online
A team of researchers designed and tested a new digital toolkit that helps consumers make healthier grocery choices online -- an innovation that could play a major role in the global fight against chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
An interdisciplinary research team has unveiled the world's first artificial intelligence (AI) model designed to classify both the cancer stage and risk category of thyroid cancer, achieving impressive accuracy exceeding 90%. This innovative AI model promises to significantly cut frontline clinicians' pre-consultation preparation time by approximately 50%, aligning with the HKSAR Government's initiative to harness AI technology in healthcare.
Single-dose baloxavir reduces household influenza transmission
A landmark study reveals that a single oral dose of baloxavir marboxil (baloxavir) significantly reduces the transmission of influenza within households, marking a major advancement in influenza management. The trial provides robust evidence that an antiviral treatment can curb the spread of influenza to close contacts.
Cancer research reveals how chemo impact cells at the molecular level
A study uncovers intricate details about protein function at the molecular level. The discovery could transform disease diagnostics and treatment.
Young adults and rise in dry eye disease
Researchers have called for more advice to be given to young people about preventing dry eye disease, after a study found that 90% of participants had at least one sign of the condition in their eyes.
Global survey highlights the challenges of VR-haptic technology in dental education
A recent global survey of 156 institutions reveals strong interest in VR-haptic technology for dental training, yet significant barriers impede widespread adoption.
New cell therapy shows promising results in advanced tumor diseases
In recent years, cell therapies have developed alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy to become a new pillar in the treatment of patients with blood and lymph gland cancer. In solid tumors, such as skin, lung, or bone and soft tissue cancer (sarcomas), they have not yet proven themselves as a treatment method. Tumor shrinkage was achieved only in rare cases, but the side effects were all the more severe. An international research group led by scientists has now succeeded in a phase 1 clinical trial in testing a novel cell therapy approach that also shows promise for solid tumors.
An earth-abundant mineral for sustainable spintronics
Iron-rich hematite, commonly found in rocks and soil, turns out to have magnetic properties that make it a promising material for ultrafast next-generation computing.
New way to prevent duodenal cancer
People with the hereditary disease familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) have a greatly increased risk of developing a malignant tumor of the duodenum. Researchers have now discovered a mechanism in the local immune system that can drive the development of cancer. They see this as a promising new approach to preventing duodenal carcinoma in people with FAP.
Structure dictates effectiveness, safety in nanomedicine
Historically, small molecule drugs have been precisely designed down to the atomic scale. Considering their relatively large complex structures, nanomedicines have lagged behind. Researchers argue this precise control should be applied to optimize new nanomedicines.
New body-fluid biomarker for Parkinson's disease discovered
Researchers have discovered a new biomarker for Parkinson's disease. A misfolded protein facilitates reliable diagnosis even in the early stages of Parkinson's disease in body fluids.
AI helps unravel a cause of Alzheimer's disease and identify a therapeutic candidate
A new study found that a gene recently recognized as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease is actually a cause of it, due to its previously unknown secondary function that triggers a pathway that disrupts how cells in the brain turn genes on and off.
Chimpanzee stem cells offer new insights into early embryonic development
Chimpanzee naive pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) can now be grown in cellular cultures, reveals a recent study. They successfully created chimpanzee early embryo models, called 'blastoids,' and found that the inhibition of a specific regulatory gene is essential for chimpanzee PSC self-renewal. They also developed a feeder-free culture system, eliminating the need for mouse-derived feeder cells as support. These findings provide valuable insights into primate embryology and could advance stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
This injected protein-like polymer helps tissues heal after a heart attack
Researchers have developed a new therapy that can be injected intravenously right after a heart attack to promote healing and prevent heart failure. The therapy both prompts the immune system to encourage tissue repair and promotes survival of heart muscle cells after a heart attack. Researchers tested the therapy in rats and showed that it is effective up to five weeks after injection.
In Down syndrome mice, 40Hz light and sound improve cognition, neurogenesis, connectivity
A new study provides new evidence that sensory stimulation of a gamma-frequency brain rhythm may promote broad-based restorative neurological health response.
Immune cells drive congenital paralysis disease
Patients with spastic paraplegia type 15 develop movement disorders during adolescence that may ultimately require the use of a wheelchair. In the early stages of this rare hereditary disease the brain appears to play a major role by over-activating the immune system, as shown by a recent study.
Compelling new insights into dynamics of the brain's serotonin system
A new study sheds new light on these big questions, illuminating a general principle of neural processing in a mysterious region of the midbrain that is the very origin of our central serotonin (5-HT) system, a key part of the nervous system involved in a remarkable range of cognitive and behavioral functions.
Why our waistlines expand in middle age: Stem cells
It's no secret that our waistlines often expand in middle-age, but the problem isn't strictly cosmetic. Belly fat accelerates aging and slows down metabolism, increasing our risk for developing diabetes, heart problems and other chronic diseases. Exactly how age transforms a six pack into a softer stomach, however, is murky. New research shows how aging shifts stem cells into overdrive to create more belly fat.
Can technology revolutionize health science? The promise of exposomics
Researchers in the field of exposomics explain how cutting-edge technologies are unlocking this biological archive, ushering in a new era of disease prevention and personalized medicine.
Cinnamon could affect drug metabolism in the body
Cinnamon is one of the oldest and most commonly used spices in the world, but a new study indicates a compound in it could interfere with some prescription medications.
Awkward. Humans are still better than AI at reading the room
Humans are better than current AI models at interpreting social interactions and understanding social dynamics in moving scenes. Researchers believe this is because AI neural networks were inspired by the infrastructure of the part of the brain that processes static images, which is different from the area of the brain that processes dynamic social scenes.
Scientists develop new bone marrow imaging technique
A new bone marrow imaging technique could change treatment for cancer, autoimmune disease and musculoskeletal disorders.
New method improves survival analysis power in clinical and epidemiological studies
Innovative statistical method helps determine ideal threshold times in restricted mean survival time analyses.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a graph worth? For doctors trying to determine whether a patient's blood pressure is within normal range, the answer may depend on the type of graph they're looking at.
Blocking a surprising master regulator of immunity eradicates liver tumors in mice
'Cold' tumors are resistant to common immunotherapies. Researchers have uncovered a master regulator that can be manipulated to prevent tumor growth in mice.
Simple consultations in emergency room can help patients manage high blood pressure
A simple consultation during unrelated visits to the emergency room can help patients with high blood pressure -- 'the silent killer' -- manage the condition, even before they experience symptoms, according to new research.
Combining signals could make for better control of prosthetics
Combining two different kinds of signals could help engineers build prosthetic limbs that better reproduce natural movements, according to a new study. A combination of electromyography and force myography is more accurate at predicting hand movements than either method by itself.
Right patient, right dose, right time
A new study uses AI to modify drug doses for personalized cancer treatment.
Excellent roundup of impactful health breakthroughs! Particularly compelling is the research into determining 'heart age' through MRI this could revolutionize preventive care and redefine how we manage cardiovascular health. The findings on familial adenomatous polyposis also highlight a critical need for proactive, genetics-informed healthcare strategies. It's fascinating to see how interconnected physiology-inspired approaches can extend even into political decision-making, suggesting a holistic path forward for community wellness and resilience. Insightful and valuable updates thank you!
Hello, I have a suggestion to make our daily science news emails more engaging. What do you think of attaching a photo with each article related to that topic?
This will create a visual memory for the reader, allowing them to better remember the article and gain a deeper understanding.
Approximate images of the topic or images of a new technological invention will help us understand the shape of the devices being invented every day. I know this is a bit difficult because this is a non-profit site, but I believe you value quality and reader satisfaction, and I think they will love it, as will I. Thank you.