ScienceDaily: Health - May 22, 2025
Top health research news
Vitamin D supplements show signs of protection against biological aging
A randomized trial suggests vitamin D can protect against telomere shortening, which is linked to risk of age-related disease.
Personal space chemistry suppressed by perfume and body lotion indoors
In 2022 a team discovered that high levels of OH radicals can be generated indoors, simply due to the presence of people and ozone. This means: People generate their own oxidation field and change the indoor air chemistry around them within their own personal space. Now, in a follow-up study again in cooperation with an international research team, they found that commonly applied personal care products substantially suppress a human's production of OH radicals. These findings have implications for the indoor chemistry, the air quality of occupied spaces, and human health, since many of the chemicals in our immediate vicinity are transformed by this field.
Bed-netting prototypes to target malaria-causing parasites
Scientists have fabricated two bed netting prototypes targeting malaria-causing blood parasites. They designed netting systems to deliver antimalarial drugs called Endochin-like Quinolones (ELQs) that destroy Plasmodium parasites transmitted by mosquitoes.
Are groovy brains more efficient?
The smallest grooves on the brain's surface, unique to humans, have largely been ignored by anatomists, but recent studies show that they're related to cognitive performance, including face recognition and reasoning ability. A new study shows that the depths of these tertiary sulci are also linked to increased interconnectedness between areas of the brain associated with reasoning and high-level cognitive functions. The sulci may decrease the length of neural connections, improving communication efficiency.
Good news for people with migraine who take drugs before or during pregnancy
There's good news for people with migraine who take common drugs before or during pregnancy -- a new study found no increase in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in their children. The study looked at drugs used for migraine attacks called triptans.
Unlocking the secrets of bat immunity
Bats are known as natural hosts for highly pathogenic viruses such as MERS- and SARS-related coronaviruses, as well as the Marburg and Nipah viruses. In contrast to the severe and often fatal disease outcomes these viruses cause in humans, bats generally do not show obvious signs of viral illness following infection. An international research team has developed an innovative organoid research platform that allowed them to closely investigate the cellular antiviral defense mechanisms of mucosal epithelial tissues of bats. The results could pave the way for the development of new therapies against viral diseases.
A mechanism involving potassium channels in the brain that control brain cell activity could provide a new and fundamentally different way of treating depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder.
Engineered bacteria can deliver antiviral therapies, vaccines
New research demonstrates how specially engineered bacteria taken orally can operate as a delivery system for vaccines and antiviral therapies.
Emotional expressions shape how help is received in the workplace
The way people express emotions while helping others can influence whether their assistance is welcomed, resented, or reciprocated, according to new research.
A new technology for extending the shelf life of produce
Researchers developed a way to extend the shelf life of vegetables by injecting them with melatonin using biodegradable microneedles.
Scientists design gene delivery systems for cells in the brain and spinal cord
Research teams funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have created a versatile set of gene delivery systems that can reach different neural cell types in the human brain and spinal cord with exceptional accuracy. These delivery systems are a significant step toward future precise gene therapy to the brain that could safely control errant brain activity with high precision. In contrast, current therapies for brain disorders mostly treat only symptoms.
Live view: Stress-induced changes in generations of cancer cells
Cancer cells respond to stress with greater diversity. Drugs that affect DNA replication, or radiation that causes direct DNA damage, lead to increasingly diverse offspring over multiple cell generations. This increases the tumor's genetic complexity and facilitates the development of resistance to therapy. Researchers have now investigated the emergence of cellular diversity in real time.
Clinical trial shows improvements for spinal cord injuries
Researchers demonstrated unprecedented rates of recovery for spinal cord injuries. Individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury safely received a combination of stimulation of a nerve in the neck with progressive, individualized rehabilitation. This approach, called closed-loop vagus nerve stimulation (CLV), produced meaningful improvements in arm and hand function in these individuals.
New genetic test can diagnose brain tumors in as little as two hours
Scientists and medics have developed an ultra-rapid method of genetically diagnosing brain tumors that will cut the time it takes to classify them from 6-8 weeks, to as little as two hours.The team utilized the new approach during 50 brain tumor surgeries to deliver rapid, intraoperative diagnoses. This approach has achieved a 100% success rate, providing diagnostic results in under two hours from surgery and detailed tumor classifications within minutes of sequencing.
Thinking peers drink more drives risky behavior
The study explores how social influences, particularly peer pressure, impact substance use -- and misuse -- among young adults. A confidential online survey on alcohol use was given to 524 students at a large public university (not UTA).
Landmark report reveals key challenges facing adolescents
Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report.
How serious is your brain injury? New criteria will reveal more
Trauma centers nationwide will begin to test a new approach for assessing traumatic brain injury (TBI) that is expected to lead to more accurate diagnoses and more appropriate treatment and follow-up for patients. The new framework expands the assessment beyond immediate clinical symptoms. Added criteria would include biomarkers, CT and MRI scans, and factors, such as other medical conditions and how the trauma occurred.
New research on ALS opens up for early treatment
Using the gene scissors CRISPR and stem cells, researchers have managed to identify a common denominator for different gene mutations that all cause the neurological disease ALS. The research shows that ALS-linked dysfunction occurs in the energy factories of nerve cells, the mitochondria, before the cells show other signs of disease, which was not previously known.
Molecules in blood and urine could reveal how much ultra-processed food you eat
Sets of metabolites found in blood and urine reliably correspond with how much energy from ultra-processed food a person consumes, according to a new study.
Our ability to store information about familiar objects depends on the connection between visual and language processing regions in the brain, according to a new study.
Selenium exposure during pregnancy may reduce childhood streptococcal infections
Higher maternal selenium levels during pregnancy were associated with a lower risk of streptococcal infections in children, suggesting a potential protective effect.
How molecules can 'remember' and contribute to memory and learning
Researchers have discovered how an ion channel in the brain's neurons has a kind of 'molecular memory', which contributes to the formation and preservation of lifelong memories. The researchers have identified a specific part of the ion channel at which new drugs for certain genetic diseases could be targeted.
Forest management can influence health benefits
Forests play a crucial role in promoting health and wellbeing, but not all forests provide the same benefits. A large-scale study demonstrates how specific forest characteristics -- such as canopy density and tree species diversity -- can affect various health outcomes.
Technique rapidly measures cells' density, reflecting health and developmental state
MIT researchers found a way to measure cell density quickly and accurately -- measuring up to 30,000 cells in a single hour. They also showed density changes could be used to make useful predictions, including whether T cells have become activated to kill tumors or whether tumor cells are susceptible to a specific drug.
MRI can replace painful spinal tap to diagnose MS more quickly, according to a new study
Experts have demonstrated that multiple sclerosis (MS) can successfully be diagnosed using an MRI scan, meaning patients no longer need to undergo a painful lumbar puncture. Experts found that by using a new MRI scan, they could successfully diagnose MS in 8 minutes.
Advanced genomics study improves detection of hard-to-find diarrheal infections
A study has used advanced genetic and genomic techniques to offer a major step forward in understanding and diagnosing infectious intestinal diseases. The large-scale study analyzed more than 1,000 stool samples from people with diarrheal illness to harness two cutting edge tools. The study used metagenomic (DNA-based) and metatranscriptomic (gene or RNA-based) sequencing. Unlike traditional methods, these techniques do not rely on growing organisms in a lab. Instead, they detect and analyze the genetic material directly from patient samples.
New perspectives for wound healing and the treatment of chronic diseases
Fibroblasts play a central role in maintaining healthy tissue structures, as well as in the development and progression of diseases. For a long time, these specialized connective tissue cells were thought to represent a single, uniform cell type. A recent publication shows that fibroblasts in human tissue actually consist of distinct populations with specialized functions. This heterogeneity is key to developing targeted therapies in regenerative medicine and in the treatment of diseases.
New blood test shows superior sensitivity in detecting HPV-associated head and neck cancers
Head and neck cancer researchers are reporting the development and testing of HPV-DeepSeek, a novel liquid biopsy assay. In their new study, HPV-DeepSeek achieved 99% sensitivty and specifity for diagnosing HPV-associated head and neck cancers, outperforming standard of care methods. HPV causes about 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S., which are increasing in incidence faster than other head and neck cancers.
Why some viral infections appear to trigger autoimmune disease
By studying Chikungunya virus, scientists shed light on how immune responses to viral infections may lead to persistent symptoms of autoimmune disease.
Depression linked to physical pain years later
Middle-aged and older adults who experience pain are more likely to have had worsening symptoms of depression up to eight years before the pain began, according to a new study.
Controlling these 8 risk factors may eliminate early death risk for those with high blood pressure
Controlling blood pressure is not the only way to treat hypertension. A new study identified eight associated risk factors. Each risk factor addressed was associated with a 13% lower risk of premature death. Patients who addressed at least four of these risk factors had no greater risk of an early death than those without high blood pressure.
Eating craved foods with meals lessens cravings, boosts weight loss
Small clinical study with obese dieters who had chronic health problems found that eating balanced meals and including craved foods with those meals helped dieters manage cravings, even into the yearlong maintenance phase of the program.
Genomic data shows widespread mpox transmission in West Africa prior to 2022 global outbreak
Historically, most human mpox infections have resulted from zoonotic transmission --m eaning from animals to humans -- and these spillovers have rarely led to human-to-human transmission. But during the 2022 global outbreak, mpox began spreading readily between people. A new study now shows the virus was circulating long before then.
Waist-to-height ratio predicts heart failure incidence
Risk of heart failure (HF) has been shown to increase as body mass index (BMI) increases; however, BMI has limitations as an obesity measure. Over median follow-up of 13 years, waist-to-height ratio (WtHR) was found to significantly predict incident HF in almost 2,000 individuals in the Malm Preventive Project. WtHR may be a better metric than BMI to identify patients with HF who could benefit from targeted obesity interventions.
Fast food, fast impact: How fatty meals rapidly weaken our gut defenses
A study has become the first in the world to unravel the immediate effects of a high-fat diet on our gut health.
Survival trick: Pathogen taps iron source in immune cells
The body defends itself against pathogens by depriving them of vital iron. However, this strategy doesn't always succeed against Salmonella. Researchers have discovered that these bacteria specifically target iron-rich regions within immune cells to replicate. Their findings on how pathogens evade the immune defense are important for fighting infections.
After cardiac event, people who regularly sit for too long had higher risk of another event
People who were less active, with a daily average of more than 14 hours of sedentary behavior, were more than twice as likely to have another cardiac event, including heart attack, surgery to treat heart issues (coronary revascularization), or to be hospitalized again within a year after the first cardiac event.
More donor hearts by extending the preservation time
A new discovery could mean more donor hearts are available for heart transplant, giving more people a second chance at life.
Don't hit snooze on new research about waking up each morning
Sleep experts recommend against snoozing after a wake-up alarm, but a study shows the practice is common, with more than 50% of sleep sessions logged ending in a snooze alarm and users spending 11 minutes on average snoozing.
Family of parasite proteins presents new potential malaria treatment target
Researchers have shown that the evolution of a family of exported proteins in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum enabled it to infect humans.
Scientific breakthrough: We can now halve the price of costly cancer drug
The demand for the widely used cancer drug Taxol is increasing, but it's difficult and expensive to produce because it hasn't been possible to do it biosynthetically. Until now, that is. Researchers have now cracked the last part of a code that science has struggled with for 30 years. The breakthrough could halve the price of the drug and make production far more sustainable.
Early puberty increases risk of overweight later in life for girls
Unique Danish longitudinal study with over 136,000 measurements reveals the connection between pubertal development and weight throughout adolescence.
A first blueprint of chemical transport pathways in human cells
An unprecedented international effort to decode how cells manage the transport of chemical substances has culminated in four groundbreaking studies This decade-long project provides the first comprehensive functional blueprint of chemical transport pathways in human cells.
Changes in the aging heart may lessen the risk of irregular heartbeats
Researchers have discovered that microscopic structural changes in the aging heart may help prevent irregular heartbeats. The discovery challenges the idea that all age-related heart changes are harmful.
New protein target for childhood medulloblastomas
A study has identified a new target for Group-3 medulloblastomas.
Gut bacteria and acetate, a great combination for weight loss
Researchers have discovered a new way to reduce obesity. Supplying the gut with extra acetate reduces fat and liver mass in both normal and obese mice, as long as bacteria of the Bacteroides species is also present. When both these conditions are met, gut bacteria can eliminate more sugars from the gut and promote the burning of fats for energy in the host.
Could nanoplastics in the environment turn E. coli into a bigger villain?
Nanoplastics are everywhere. These fragments are so tiny they can accumulate on bacteria and be taken up by plant roots; they're in our food, our water, and our bodies. Scientists don't know the full extent of their impacts on our health, but new research suggests certain nanoplastics may make foodborne pathogens more virulent.
Maintaining balance in the immune system
Researchers have published the first description of the role of the ZFP36 family of RNA binding proteins in regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are key to maintaining balance in the immune system and essential to preventing autoimmune disease. By the targeted deletion of Zfp36l1 and Zfp36l2 in Tregs in mice, the findings demonstrate that loss of these RNA binding proteins results in Tregs no longer being able to control other immune cell types, which results in inflammation. The data point to a key role of ZFP36L1 and ZFP36L2 in governing multiple cytokine responses in Tregs, including regulating the availability of the cytokine interferon-gamma, which activates immune responses, as well as being important in maintaining Treg stability.
New research highlights health benefits of using heritage art practices in art therapy
To better understand the potential therapeutic benefits of heritage art practices, researchers examined the impact of these practices on mental and physical health.
Sophisticated data analysis uncovers how city living disrupts ADHD's path to obesity
A hidden link between impulsivity and obesity may not be fixed in human biology but shaped by the cities we live in. Using a novel engineering-based approach, researchers found that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) contributes to obesity not only directly through known biological pathways but also indirectly, by reducing physical activity.
Experimental painkiller could outsmart opioids -- without the high
A study shows a non-opioid pain reliever blocks pain at its source -- calming specific nerve signals that send pain messages to the brain. In mice, the compound SBI-810 eased pain from surgery, bone fractures, and nerve injury without causing sedation or constipation.
Machine learning model helps identify patients at risk of postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 15 percent of individuals after childbirth. Early identification of patients at risk of PPD could improve proactive mental health support. Researchers developed a machine learning model that can evaluate patients' PPD risk using readily accessible clinical and demographic factors. Findings demonstrate the model's promising predictive capabilities.
Stars or numbers? How rating formats change consumer behavior
Researchers found that consumers tend to overestimate fractional star ratings and underestimate fractional numerals. In either case, the ratings can be misleading, potentially causing a company to unknowingly overpromise and underdeliver -- or sell its own product short.
Longer-lasting wearables set to transform health monitoring
A new article describes a longer-lasting, 3D-printed, adhesive-free wearable capable of providing a more comprehensive picture of a user's physiological state.
Could personality tests help make bipolar disorder treatment more precise?
A new study suggests that it might be possible to personalize care for people with bipolar disorder, using the results of detailed personality tests. It finds that such tests might help identify people who have certain combinations of personality traits that could raise or lower their risk of repeated depressive episodes or poor functioning in everyday life.
Scientists discover key gene impacts liver energy storage, affecting metabolic disease risk
A new study reveals that a single gene plays a big role in how the liver stores energy, a process that's critical for overall health and for managing diseases like type 2 diabetes. The research focuses on the PPP1R3B gene. This gene tells the liver how to handle energy: store it as glycogen (a form of sugar) or triglycerides (a type of fat).
AI-powered app enables anemia screening using fingernail selfies
A groundbreaking new study introduces an AI-powered smartphone app that noninvasively screens for anemia using a photo of a user's fingernail. The study shows the app provides hemoglobin estimates comparable to traditional lab tests, with over 1.4 million tests conducted by 200,000+ users. An estimated 83 million Americans and more than 2 billion people globally are at high risk for anemia -- populations that stand to benefit significantly from this accessible screening tool. The app offers a low-cost, scalable solution that enhances access, especially in underserved and remote communities, while enabling real-time health monitoring and earlier intervention.
Overlooked cell type orchestrates brain rewiring
Researchers have shown in mice that brain cells known as astrocytes are required for a signaling chemical called norepinephrine to modify brain activity, changing the textbook understanding that norepinephrine acts directly on neurons.
One in ten asthma cases can be avoided with a better urban environment
The combination of air pollution, dense urban development and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma in both children and adults.
A step closer to the confident production of blood stem cells for regenerative medicine
Researchers have developed a method to confidently produce blood cell precursors from stem cells in mice, by activating a set of seven key genes in the laboratory. The team takes a step forward towards the production of precursor cells able to restore the bone marrow of blood cancer patients, in a successful example of regenerative medicine.