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Can dietary copper help protect against dementia and memory loss?

Higher dietary copper intake was linked to better cognitive performance in older US adults, with benefits plateauing above a certain threshold. The effect was especially notable in stroke survivors, but further research is needed to confirm causality.

8 Jul 2025

Research reveals Ghanaian children face high cancer risk from local fish

Researchers found that most fish sampled from Ghana’s Keta Lagoon had arsenic and mercury levels exceeding World Health Organization limits. Health risk assessments show these contaminants pose significant cancer and non-cancer risks, especially for children.

8 Jul 2025

Salivary enzyme levels rise with gene variation in diabetics

This research highlights the association between AMY1 gene copy number and salivary enzyme activity, with implications for glucose homeostasis in diabetes.

8 Jul 2025

In a nation growing hostile toward drugs and homelessness, Los Angeles tries leniency

Inside a bright new building in the heart of Skid Row, homeless people hung out in a canopy-covered courtyard — some waiting to take a shower, do laundry, or get medication for addiction treatment.

8 Jul 2025

Aspartame triggers genetic changes tied to glioblastoma severity

Study shows aspartame affects gut microbiome and gene expression in glioblastoma, highlighting potential links to cancer progression and treatment strategies.

8 Jul 2025

Are food labels failing Australians? Ultra-processed foods spark confusion

Most Australian adults are confused about what ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are and often misidentify them based on packaging cues. The study highlights strong support for better labelling and public education to help consumers make healthier choices.

8 Jul 2025

Surprising risks found in popular cinnamon brands across Europe

A Europe-wide analysis of 104 retail cinnamon samples found that only one-third met quality, safety, and authenticity standards. Most Ceylon cinnamon samples showed signs of adulteration, contamination, or non-compliance with regulations.

8 Jul 2025

New study finds UK mums-to-be miss out on key nutrients

A new British Nutrition Foundation review finds that most UK women of reproductive age fall short of key nutrients before and during pregnancy, with teens and low-income groups most affected. The paper urges targeted, consistent guidance and greater support for healthy weight, supplementation, and plant-based diets.

7 Jul 2025

Smallest known protein-based enzyme HARP reveals dual role in tRNA processing

To build proteins, cells rely on a molecule called transfer RNA, or tRNA. tRNAs act like protein-building couriers, where they read the genetic instructions from messenger RNA, mRNA, and deliver the right amino acids to ribosomes, the cell's protein-making factories.

7 Jul 2025

Astrocytes influence metabolism and cognitive function in obesity

Fatty diets and obesity affect the structure and function of astrocytes, the star-shaped brain cells located in the striatum, a brain region involved in the perception of pleasure generated by food consumption.

7 Jul 2025

Cysteine plays key role in weight loss and fat metabolism

Consuming fewer calories is largely accepted as a way to improve health and lose weight, but a recently published study in Nature Metabolism points to a specific sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine as a key component in weight loss.

7 Jul 2025

Synthetic Biology and the Pursuit of Living Diagnostics and Therapeutics

In this interview, Professor James J. Collins, founder of the field of Synthetic Biology, discusses his journey to founding the field of synthetic biology and the potential of living diagnostics.

From Pittcon 7 Jul 2025

Flavonoid diversity, not just quantity, drives better health outcomes

This study reveals that diverse flavonoid intake is crucial for lowering chronic disease risk and mortality, advocating for a varied diet rich in flavonoids.

7 Jul 2025

Eating habits directly influence vaginal microbiome, research finds

A cross-sectional study of young Italian women found that higher intake of animal protein and alcohol is associated with vaginal microbiota dysbiosis, while linolenic acid (a plant-based omega-3) and dietary fiber support beneficial Lactobacillus communities.

7 Jul 2025

Bayesian neural networks advance understanding of gut microbe metabolism

Gut bacteria are known to be a key factor in many health-related concerns. However, the number and variety of them is vast, as are the ways in which they interact with the body's chemistry and each other.

7 Jul 2025

Early exposure to plastics raises young children’s asthma risk

A large international study found that early-life exposure to phthalates, common chemicals in plastics, is modestly associated with increased risks of asthma, wheeze, and rhinitis in children under five. No consistent associations were found for bisphenols, and effects were generally small.

6 Jul 2025

Letting bird flu run its course could spark wider pandemic

In a Policy Forum, Erin Sorrell and colleagues – a coalition of virologists, veterinarians, and health security experts – argue that the recent proposal to permit the uncontrolled spread of highly pathogenic avian influence (HPAI) among U.S. poultry to identify birds that survive infection is dangerous and unethical.

4 Jul 2025