New research reveals how trace metals mothers are exposed to during pregnancy can shape their babies’ gut bacteria, metabolic pathways, and even antibiotic resistance, potentially influencing lifelong health. Study: Prenatal exposure to trace elements impacts mother-infant gut microbiome, metabolome and resistome during the first year of life. Image Credit: Anusorn Nakdee / Shutterstock In a recent study … Read more
Scientists have made a key breakthrough for treating respiratory diseases by developing a new drug delivery system that transports genetic therapies directly to the lungs, opening promising possibilities for patients with conditions like lung cancer and cystic fibrosis. The research, led by Gaurav Sahay of Oregon State University’s College of Pharmacy, was conducted in collaboration … Read more
Myopia, or nearsightedness, has reached epidemic levels worldwide, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. Orthokeratology, which involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea, has proven effective in slowing axial eye growth—a key factor in myopia progression. Yet not all children benefit equally. Traditional predictors like age or initial degree of myopia … Read more
Scientists in Japan and Australia have shown that iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause a complete sex reversal in genetically male mice carrying XY chromosomes, leading them to develop ovaries. The research team from Japan’s Osaka University and Australia’s University of Queensland found that a severe lack of iron in the womb caused some genetically … Read more
The Surprisingly Stinky Scents of Outer Space While a broken pipe at home might create an unpleasant odor, new research suggests we are fortunate not to experience the extreme smells of outer space. Without protective equipment,astronauts would face not only the dangers of a vacuum but also an olfactory assault. Scientists are analyzing scents from … Read more
A newly published randomized controlled trial in Frontiers in Medicine has found that the practice of Transcendental Meditation® (TM) may significantly reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in Black men and women at high risk for heart disease. The study compared TM with a standard health education (HE) program and found a 65% … Read more
Rapid, Portable COVID-19 Immunity Assessment: A New Diagnostic Tool Table of Contents Rapid, Portable COVID-19 Immunity Assessment: A New Diagnostic Tool The Challenge of Monitoring evolving Immunity How the TOI System Works: Microfluidics and Chemiluminescence RIVIA 2.0: A Breakthrough in Viral Neutralization Testing Validation and Predictive Potential rapid COVID-19 Antibody Test: Fingertip Blood Analysis – … Read more
Researchers at University of California San Diego School of Medicine have developed a gene therapy for Alzheimer’s disease that could help protect the brain from damage and preserve cognitive function. Unlike existing treatments for Alzheimer’s that target unhealthy protein deposits in the brain, the new approach could help address the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease … Read more
Birmingham spin-out Linear Diagnostics has been awarded £1m funding to finalize the development of a rapid test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in partnership with the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre (HRC) in Diagnostic and Technology Evaluation and the North East Innovation Lab, part of Newcastle Hospitals. Linear is developing a low-cost, accurate, near-patient diagnostic platform, … Read more
Stroke survivors with depression or anxiety who attend talking therapy sessions are more likely to recover from their psychological symptoms, finds a new study by UCL researchers. The first of its kind study, published in Nature Mental Health, analysed data from all 1.9 million patients who attended NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression services … Read more