Discovering he is getting old before his time, David Cox tries to lower his biological age by changing his diet in a helpful new book, The Age Code, says Graham Lawton
Exercise has been touted as a tool for managing and treating long covid, but much of the evidence has neglected one of its most debilitating symptoms: post-exertional malaise
A traditional vaccine primes the immune system to build better defences. Researchers think we can do something similar to increase our resilience to the pressures and worries of life
Stress is linked to many of our biggest killers, but a growing body of research suggests that certain types can sharpen the mind and strengthen the body. Here’s how to find your perfect dose
People who are terminally ill are commonly reunited with lost loved ones in their dreams and have visions of doors, stairways and light, which are said to help them accept the dying process
Patients are requesting that blood transfusions come from people who they know have not been vaccinated against covid-19, which can cause dangerous delays
The protein craze is in full swing and beef consumption is on the rise, particularly in the US, where health agencies are promoting red meat as part of an optimum diet. So, how much beef should we really be eating, and how does it impact our well-being?
A study of more than 10 million siblings suggests that firstborns are more likely to be autistic and have allergies, while conditions like migraine and shingles tend to affect their younger sibling
Some gut bacteria recycle discarded sex hormones, like oestrogens, back into the body. The level of these bacteria seems to be higher in industrialised societies, which could have big implications for our health
A woman with three different autoimmune conditions had all of them treated simultaneously by genetically modifying her immune cells to kill off the rogue ones causing problems
A drug known only as compound X helped to remove the problematic proteins associated with Parkinson's disease from the brains of mice, and improved their balance and mobility
A newly confirmed mass grave in ancient Jordan offers chilling insight into one of history’s first pandemics. Hundreds of plague victims were buried within days, revealing how the Plague of Justinian devastated entire communities. The findings show that people who usually lived spread out across regions were suddenly concentrated in death. It’s a powerful reminder that pandemics don’t just spread disease—they reshape how societies live and collapse.
A rare group of adults over 80, known as SuperAgers, are rewriting what we thought was possible for the aging brain. With memory abilities comparable to people decades younger, their brains either resist or withstand the damage typically linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Decades of research reveal that their social lifestyles and unique brain biology may hold the key to preserving cognitive function. Scientists believe these insights could pave the way for new strategies to delay or even prevent dementia.
Scientists have identified two specific types of brain cells that behave differently in people with depression, offering a clearer picture of what is happening inside the brain. By analyzing donated brain tissue with advanced genetic tools, the researchers found changes in neurons linked to mood and stress, as well as in immune-related microglia cells. These differences point to disruptions in key brain systems and reinforce that depression is rooted in biology, not just emotions.
A new minimally invasive procedure may help people keep weight off after stopping popular drugs like Ozempic and semaglutide—something most patients struggle with. In a clinical trial, those who underwent a technique called duodenal mucosal resurfacing regained far less weight compared to others after discontinuing the medication. The procedure works by renewing the lining of the upper small intestine, potentially “resetting” metabolism and preserving the benefits of weight loss.
A new virus-fighting plastic film could transform everyday surfaces into invisible defenders against disease. Instead of relying on chemicals, this flexible material is covered in microscopic pillars that physically stretch viruses until they burst, rendering them harmless. In lab tests, it destroyed or disabled about 94% of virus particles within an hour, showing impressive effectiveness.
Scientists at UC Irvine have found a way to potentially reverse age-related vision loss by targeting the ELOVL2 “aging gene” and restoring vital fatty acids in the retina. Their experiments in mice show that supplementing with specific polyunsaturated fatty acids—not just DHA—can restore visual function and even reverse cellular aging signs.
A newly discovered virus hiding inside a common gut bacterium could help explain one of medicine’s long-standing mysteries: why a microbe found in both healthy people and cancer patients is linked to colorectal cancer. The research suggests that the interaction between bacteria and the viruses they carry may be key to understanding disease risk. It may even lead to future screening tests that detect cancer risk earlier.
A routine blood marker tied to inflammation may reveal Alzheimer’s risk years in advance. Scientists found that higher neutrophil levels—part of the body’s first immune response—were linked to a greater chance of developing dementia. The discovery suggests this common lab value could help flag at-risk individuals before symptoms appear. It also raises the possibility that immune cells themselves may be fueling the disease.
Scientists have discovered that combining two existing drugs can dramatically reduce liver fat linked to a common and often silent disease. The treatment not only improved liver health in animal models but also showed potential to lower heart-related risks. Interestingly, using lower doses of both drugs together worked just as well as higher doses alone. While promising, the findings still need to be tested in humans.
A key protein, HOXD13, helps melanoma tumors grow and evade the immune system by boosting blood supply and blocking cancer-fighting T cells. Disabling it shrinks tumors and reopens the door for the immune system—offering a new path for treatment.
Cancer cells are known for their “glutamine addiction,” but many can escape this weakness by switching to alternative fuels. Researchers found that vitamin B7 acts like a metabolic “license,” enabling this escape route through a key enzyme. Without biotin, cancer cells lose that flexibility and stop growing. Mutations in a cancer-linked gene can make this vulnerability even stronger, offering a promising new target for therapy.
A trio of common amino acids may hold the key to unlocking far more powerful gene therapies. Researchers found that adding them to lipid nanoparticles can boost mRNA delivery up to 20-fold and push CRISPR editing efficiency close to 90%. The trick isn’t changing the drug—but helping cells take it in more easily. In early tests, the approach dramatically improved survival and treatment outcomes, pointing to a simple but game-changing upgrade for future medicine.
Real estate investment trusts are landlords for thousands of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals. Some select the managers and keep close watch over their performance but deny responsibility for bad care.
Across the country, people are choosing lower monthly premiums in exchange for higher out-of-pocket risk. Reporter Jackie Fortiér explains what the shift means for Americans’ health and wallets.
Physicians, dentists, and other nonhospital providers account for more than 80% of health care debt collection cases in Connecticut courts, a CT Mirror-KFF Health News investigation finds.
After KFF Health News reported that the Trump administration is seeking federal workers’ medical records, Democratic lawmakers are insisting that the Office of Personnel Management drop its request.
An Arm and a Leg launches its “101” series with the story of Alfred Engelberg, a lawyer who’s been crusading to improve access to generic drugs by fixing loopholes in a law he helped draft more than 40 years ago.
Muchos pacientes consideran muy atractivo un terapeuta no humano impulsado por inteligencia artificial, incluso más atractivo que una persona en un sillón reclinable y con actitud severa
President Donald Trump this week nominated a former deputy surgeon general who has expressed support for vaccines to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Considered a more traditional fit for the job, Erica Schwartz would be the agency’s fourth leader in roughly a year, should she be confirmed by the Senate. And Health […]
