ScienceDaily: Health - May 29, 2025
Top health research news
Timing, consistency of activity linked to better fitness
The timing and consistency of your daily activity might be associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness and walking efficiency.
Bed bugs are most likely the first human pest, new research shows
Researchers compared the whole genome sequence of two genetically distinct lineages of bed bug, and their findings indicate bed bugs may well be the first true urban pest.
Nearly five million seized seahorses just 'tip of the iceberg' in global wildlife smuggling
Close to five million smuggled seahorses worth an estimated CAD$29 million were seized by authorities over a 10-year span, according to a new study that warns the scale of the trade is far larger than current data suggest. The study analyzed online seizure records from 2010 to 2021 and found smuggling incidents in 62 countries, with dried seahorses, widely used in traditional medicine, most commonly intercepted at airports in passenger baggage or shipped in sea cargo.
Researchers engineer a herpes virus to turn on T cells for immunotherapy
A team identified herpes virus saimiri, which infects the T cells of squirrel monkeys, as a source of proteins that activate pathways in T cells that are needed to promote T cell survival.
New AI tool reveals single-cell structure of chromosomes -- in 3D
In a major leap forward for genetic and biomedical research, scientists have developed a powerful new artificial intelligence tool that can predict the 3D shape of chromosomes inside individual cells -- helping researchers gain a new view of how our genes work.
Mother's warmth in childhood influences teen health by shaping perceptions of social safety
Parental warmth and affection in early childhood can have life-long physical and mental health benefits for children, and new research points to an important underlying process: children's sense of social safety.
Intestinal bacteria influence aging of blood vessels
The aging of the innermost cell layer of blood vessels leads to cardiovascular diseases. Researchers have now shown for the first time that intestinal bacteria and their metabolites contribute directly to vascular aging. As people age, the bacterial composition in their gut changes, resulting in fewer 'rejuvenating' and more harmful substances in the body.
Research untangles role of stress granules in neurodegenerative disease
Scientists found that stabilizing stress granules suppresses the effects of ALS-causing mutations, correcting previous models that imply stress granules promote amyloid formation.
Whether it's smoking or edibles, marijuana can be bad for your heart, study suggests
A new study finds that chronic cannabis use -- whether it's smoked or consumed in edible form -- is associated with significant cardiovascular risks.
Zika virus uses cells' 'self-care' system to turn against host
A new study reveals the biological secret to the Zika virus's infectious success: Zika uses host cells' own 'self-care' system of clearing away useless molecules to suppress the host proteins that the virus has employed to get into those cells in the first place.
New study analyzes air quality impacts of wildfire smoke
With wildfires increasing in frequency, severity, and size in the Western U.S., researchers are determined to better understand how smoke impacts air quality, public health, and even the weather. As fires burn, they release enormous amounts of aerosols -- the vaporized remains of burning trees and homes that enter the atmosphere and the air we breathe. Now, a new study dissects these aerosols and gases to pinpoint their potential effects on our health as well as the planet's short and long-term weather.
Overlooked cells might explain the human brain's huge storage capacity
Researchers have a new hypothesis for how brain cells called astrocytes might contribute to memory storage in the brain. Their model, known as dense associative memory, would help explain the brain's massive storage capacity.
Hitting the right notes to play music by ear
A team analyzed a range of YouTube videos that focused on learning music by ear and identified four simple ways music learning technology can better aid prospective musicians -- helping people improve recall while listening, limiting playback to small chunks, identifying musical subsequences to memorize, and replaying notes indefinitely.
Location matters: Belly fat compared to overall body fat more strongly linked to psoriasis risk
Researchers have found that central body fat, especially around the abdomen, is more strongly linked to psoriasis risk than total body fat, particularly in women. This link between central fat and psoriasis remained consistent regardless of genetic predisposition, indicating that abdominal fat is an independent risk factor. The study provides insights that could help improve early risk prediction and guide personalized prevention strategies.
A new study suggests that boys who become overweight in their early teens risk damaging the genes of their future children, increasing their chances of developing asthma, obesity and low lung function.
Wilms tumors: How genes and imprinting pave the way for cancer
A biobank for pediatric kidney tumors plays a key role in identifying hereditary causes of Wilms tumors. New insights gained with its help enable better risk assessment for affected families and could form the basis for targeted screening and improved early detection.
A chip with natural blood vessels
Miniature organs on a chip could allow us to do scientific studies with great precision, without having to resort to animal testing. The main problem, however, is that artificial tissue needs blood vessels, and they are very hard to create. Now, new technology has been developed to create reproducible blood vessels using high-precision laser pulses. Tissue has been created that acts like natural tissue.
Chronic renal failure: Discovery of a crucial biomarker
Scientists have identified microRNA able to protect small blood vessels and support kidney function after severe injury.
New pace of aging measurement reveals trajectories of healthspan and lifespan in older people
A newly refined method for measuring the Pace of Aging in population-based studies provides a powerful tool for predicting risks associated with aging, including chronic illness, cognitive impairment, disability, and mortality. The method offers researchers and policy makers a novel approach to quantify how quickly individuals and populations experience age-related health decline.
Different versions of APOE protein have varying effect on microglia in Alzheimer's disease
A new study suggests how APOE2 is protective while APOE4 increases disease risk by regulating the brain's immune cells.
How brain stimulation alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Persons with Parkinson's disease increasingly lose their mobility over time and are eventually unable to walk. Hope for these patients rests on deep brain stimulation, also known as a brain pacemaker. In a current study, researchers investigated whether and how stimulation of a certain region of the brain can have a positive impact on ambulatory ability and provide patients with higher quality of life. To do this, the researchers used a technique in which the nerve cells are activated and deactivated via light.
Discovery offers new insights into skin healing in salmon
Scientists have discovered cells in the skin of Atlantic salmon that offer new insights into how wounds heal, tissues regenerate, and cellular transitions support long-term skin health.
How you handle your home life can boost work performance, shows new study
A new study shows that people who proactively reorganise their family routines -- such as adjusting childcare schedules or redistributing domestic responsibilities -- are more likely to demonstrate adaptability and innovation at work.
Unconditional cash transfers following childbirth increases breastfeeding
The U.S. is facing a maternal health crisis with higher rates of maternal mortality than any other high-income country. Social and economic factors, including income, are recognized determinants of maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition, more than half of pregnancy-related deaths (deaths occurring during pregnancy or within one year after delivery) occur in the postpartum year. In what is believed to be the first review to summarize evidence on the effect of unconditional cash transfers (UCTs) on postpartum health outcomes in the U.S., researchers have found strong evidence that UCTs increase breastfeeding rates and result in little to no difference in postpartum mood.
Why after 2000 years we still don't know how tickling works
How come you can't tickle yourself? And why can some people handle tickling perfectly fine while others scream their heads off? Neuroscientists argue that we should take tickle research more seriously.
Emotional responses crucial to attitudes about self-driving cars
When it comes to public attitudes toward using self-driving cars, understanding how the vehicles work is important -- but so are less obvious characteristics like feelings of excitement or pleasure and a belief in technology's social benefits.
Taking a statin medication is an effective, safe, and low-cost way to lower cholesterol and reduce risk of cardiovascular events. Despite clinicians recommending that many patients with diabetes take statins, nearly one-fifth of them opt to delay treatment. In a new study, researchers found that patients who started statin therapy right away reduced the rate of heart attack and stroke by one third compared to those who chose to delay taking the medication.
Newly discovered 'molecular fingerprints' could transform diabetes treatment and diagnosis
Researchers reveal unprecedented insights into insulin resistance that could pave the way for better treatments and earlier detection of type 2 diabetes.
Weight loss linked to nerve cells in the brain
A specific group of nerve cells in the brain stem appears to control how semaglutide affects appetite and weight -- without causing nausea.
Assembly instructions for enzymes
In biology, enzymes have evolved over millions of years to drive chemical reactions. Scientists have now derived universal rules to enable the de novo design of optimal enzymes. As an example, they considered the enzymatic reaction of breaking a dimer into two monomer molecules. Considering the geometry of such an enzyme-substrate-complex, they identified three golden rules that should be considered to build a functional enzyme.
A dental floss that can measure stress
Scientists create a floss pick that samples cortisol within saliva as a marker of stress and quantifies it with a built-in electrode. The system uses a polymer casting technology that can be adapted to capture a wide a range of markers, such as estrogen for tracking fertility, or glucose for tracking diabetes. Ease of use allows monitoring to be incorporated into many areas of treatment.
Daytime boosts immunity, scientists find
Daylight can boost the immune system's ability to fight infections.
Experimental drug may benefit some patients with rare form of ALS
Some patients with a rare form of ALS benefited from an experimental therapy, with biomarker evidence of reduced injury to neurons and even limited functional recovery.
First vascularized model of stem cell islet cells
Researchers have developed a vascularized organoid model of hormone secreting cells in the pancreas. The advance promises to improve diabetes research and cell-based therapies.
New ketamine study promises extended relief for depression
For the nearly 30 percent of major depressive disorder patients who are resistant to treatment, ketamine provides some amount of normalcy, but it requires frequent treatment and can have side effects. Researchers now show in proof-of-concept experiments that it may be possible to extend ketamine's antidepressant effect from about a week to up to two months.
New tools to treat retinal degenerations at advanced stages of disease
Scientists have developed new tools to improve gene therapy in advanced stages of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis.
Brain drain? More like brain gain: How high-skilled emigration boosts global prosperity
As the US national debate intensifies around immigration, a new study is challenging conventional wisdom about 'brain drain'--the idea that when skilled workers emigrate from developing countries, their home economies suffer.
Researchers develop gene therapy that can target airway and lungs via nasal spray
For gene therapy to work well, therapeutic molecules need to be efficiently delivered to the correct locations in the body -- a job commonly given to adeno-associated viruses (AAV). To improve the AAV's ability to deliver therapeutics specifically to the lungs and airway, researchers developed and applied a new version, called AAV.CPP.16, that can be administered with a nasal spray. In preclinical models, the innovative tool outperformed previous versions by more effectively targeting the airway and lungs and showing promise for respiratory and lung gene therapy.
An artificial protein that moves like something found in nature
Proteins catalyze life by changing shape when they interact with other molecules. The result is a muscle twitching, the perception of light, or a bit of energy extracted from food. The ability to engineer shapeshifting proteins opens new avenues for medicine, agriculture, and beyond.
Overimitation begins in infancy but is not yet linked to in-group preference
A new study examines the emergence of overimitation in infants aged between 16 and 21 months to see if and how it is linked to social affiliation and other forms of imitation. The researchers found that young children engaged in low rates of overimitation and that it was not driven by in-group preference -- meaning they were not acting to please someone similar to themselves. This suggests that overimitation for social affiliation reasons may emerge later. But they did find that other types of imitation associated with memory and cognition were closely correlated.
Social connection is still underappreciated as a medically relevant health factor
New studies reveal that both the public and healthcare providers often overlook social connection as a key factor in physical health, even though loneliness rivals smoking and obesity in health risks.
A leading cardiovascular disease researcher is ringing the alarm on universal recommendations intended to improve heart health around the globe. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with 80 per cent of deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. However, international heart-health guidelines are primarily based on research from high-income countries and often overlook upstream causes of CVD, according to experts.
AI is here to stay, let students embrace the technology, experts urge
A new study says students appear to be using generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) responsibly, and as a way to speed up tasks, not just boost their grades.
Tiny genetic switch found to control brain balance and behavior
Researchers have identified a remarkably small but critical piece of genetic code that helps determine how brain cells connect, communicate, and function. The discovery not only deepens our understanding of how the brain's wiring is built but may also explain the origins of several neurological and psychiatric conditions.
How stress disrupts emotion control in people with mental health conditions
New research suggests that acute stress may impair key brain functions involved in managing emotions -- particularly in people living with 'distress disorders' such as depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder.
The bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) may have an 'on-off switch' that lets them pause and restart growth, according to a new study. The research helps explain why TB is so hard to treat with antibiotics and could pave the way for better drugs.
How cholera bacteria outsmart viruses
Researchers uncover a notorious cholera strain that contains sophisticated immune systems to fend off viruses, which potentially helped it to fuel a devastating epidemic across Latin America.
A potential 'anti-spice' that could dial down the heat of fiery food
If you've ever regretted ordering a spicy meal, take note: A new study identifying molecules that suppress the heat of chili peppers hints at the possibility of adapting these compounds into an 'anti-spice' condiment for food that's too fiery to eat. The research helps explain differences in chili pepper pungency, or spiciness, by identifying three compounds in a range of pepper samples that chemical analysis predicted, and study participants on a tasting panel confirmed, are linked to lower heat intensity.
Why we trust people who grew up with less
When deciding whom to trust, people are more likely to choose individuals who grew up with less money over those who went to private schools or vacationed in Europe, according to new research.
Could AI understand emotions better than we do?
Is artificial intelligence (AI) capable of suggesting appropriate behavior in emotionally charged situations? A team put six generative AIs -- including ChatGPT -- to the test using emotional intelligence (EI) assessments typically designed for humans. The outcome: these AIs outperformed average human performance and were even able to generate new tests in record time. These findings open up new possibilities for AI in education, coaching, and conflict management.
When doctors skip the numbers, patients may misjudge the health risks
Doctors can better communicate health numbers and statistical risks to their patients. Decision psychology experts give five strategies for effective patient-physician communication on quantitative medical information.
Looking to cut calories? Try adding chilies, study suggests
Throwing a little heat on your meal might be an effective strategy for cutting back on calories, according to a new study.
Potential new treatment for Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegenerative conditions
Worldwide, more than 55 million people suffer from dementia caused by Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other conditions that destroy cells in the brain and nervous system. While there is no treatment to control or manage these neurodegenerative conditions, investigators have identified a new and promising drug to treat AD. The drug--and their approach by identifying a new target in the brain -- showed promising results in mouse models of AD.
New factor linked to heart failure
When the workload on the heart increases, the ventricular wall may thicken too, known as cardiac hypertrophy. This is an adaptive response that reduces pressure on the heart and maintains the activity of this vital organ. It is often a reversible process that does not cause serious effects on the structure or function of the heart, but if the factor causing cardiac overload becomes chronic, it can lead to pathological hypertrophy with more serious effects (dilatation of the ventricular cavities, alterations in cardiac function, heart failure, etc.).
Biological markers for teen depression
Using a novel lab method they developed, researchers have identified nine molecules in the blood that were elevated in teens diagnosed with depression. These molecules also predicted how symptoms might progress over time. The findings of the clinical study could pave the way for earlier detection, before symptoms worsen and become hard to treat.
Scientists test in an animal model a surgical technique to improve cell therapy for dry AMD
Scientists have developed a new surgical technique for implanting multiple tissue grafts in the eye's retina. The findings in animals may help advance treatment options for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss among older Americans.
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms more common among long-term users
People who have been taking antidepressants for more than two years are substantially more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms compared to short-term users when they come off the medication, finds a new study.
Positive mindset about aging in over-60s linked to better recovery after a fall
There is a strong association between an older person's view of how they are aging and how well they will physically recover after a fall. That is the finding of a new research study which is the first to suggest how important psychological factors may be in post-fall physical recovery. Falls in older adults are a major health concern because they can lead to high levels of physical disability and hospitalization, as well as affecting people's ability to live independently.
Digital mental health tools need human touch
Keeping a human in the loop significantly enhances emotional engagement during online psychological interviews.