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Common cold may offer temporary protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection

A new study led by researchers at National Jewish Health has found that recent infection with the common cold - often caused by rhinoviruses - may offer temporary protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

25 Aug 2025

Neuroscientists split on whether memories can be extracted from preserved brains

A new survey of 312 neuroscientists reveals strong support for synaptic connectivity as the basis of long-term memory, but deep divides remain over memory extraction and brain emulation feasibility. The findings highlight both emerging consensus and sharp uncertainty in how memories are physically stored.

21 Aug 2025

Can AI help you eat healthier?

Researchers developed and validated an AI-based nutrition recommendation system (AINR) that generates weekly Mediterranean meal plans tailored to individual needs and dietary restrictions. Tested on 4,000 simulated users, the system achieved high accuracy in calorie and nutrient targets but struggled with profiles involving milk and nut allergies.

21 Aug 2025

COVID-19 vaccine successes boosted hesitancy - can trust and equity restore immunization?

Researchers show that countries with higher initial COVID-19 vaccine acceptance also achieved stronger booster uptake, but trust and access remain decisive. The commentary warns that vaccine successes also fueled hesitancy, demanding structural reforms, clear communication, and proactive strategies to protect immunization.

21 Aug 2025

Extreme heat poses silent threat to older adults

Older adults often don't realize how vulnerable they are to extreme heat and most aren't prepared for long periods of hot weather, according to a review of more than 40 studies.

20 Aug 2025

Ultra-processed foods undermine diet quality in Mediterranean youth, study shows

A large study across five Mediterranean countries found that children and adolescents who consumed more unhealthy ultra-processed foods (UPFs) had significantly poorer diet quality. Daily UPF intake was especially linked to lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet and reduced compliance with dietary guidelines.

18 Aug 2025

Study: Lignin shows strong antiviral and antibacterial properties

Research from the Nanoscience Center of the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, has revealed that lignin, a polyphenol, important for plant structure, has antimicrobial activity against viruses and bacteria.

12 Aug 2025

Microplastics found in all popular UK drinks, with hot beverages worst offenders

Researchers found microplastics in every hot and cold beverage tested in the UK, with higher levels in hot drinks and packaging as the main source. Beverage consumption was shown to significantly increase daily microplastic intake beyond water-only estimates.

11 Aug 2025

Balancing copper antimicrobials to combat antibiotic resistance

Copper has emerged as an ally in the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Copper sulfate liquids, for example, have been used since the 1700s to control fungal infections in vineyards, orchards and many other kinds of agricultural settings.

8 Aug 2025

New research pipeline fuels the development of universal vaccines

Most vaccines are designed to provide immunity against just one pathogen. Vaccines for chicken pox (caused by varicella-zoster virus) were only developed to fight that one disease, for example.

7 Aug 2025

Breakthrough in nanoparticle technology could expand access to biologic medicines

In a discovery that could broaden access to next-generation biologic medicines and vaccines, researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (UChicago PME) have engineered polymer-based nanoparticles that form with a simple temperature shift-no harsh chemicals, no specialized equipment, and no processing needed.

7 Aug 2025

Study offers a promising new approach to stabilizing biomolecules

A new study from researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center at the CUNY Graduate Center (CUNY ASRC) reveals that extremely simple peptides can mimic a biological process that protects sensitive proteins from environmental stress.

5 Aug 2025

UCSF research maps over 600 conditions linked to endometriosis

Records from millions of patients at UC health centers found correlations between endometriosis, one of the most common diseases in women, and a bounty of other diseases.

31 Jul 2025

Antiviral treatment shows no benefit for early Alzheimer’s patients

The idea that herpes infections trigger or contribute to Alzheimer's disease has been gaining favor among some scientists, raising hope that herpes treatments could slow progression of Alzheimer's symptoms among patients.

30 Jul 2025

Study maps RNA shape-shifting mechanisms in human and bacterial cells

Apart from carrying the information to encode proteins in, RNA molecules can adopt intricate 2D and 3D structures.

28 Jul 2025

Hemp seeds: The surprisingly complete protein hiding in plain sight

Researchers reviewed the nutritional and functional potential of industrial hemp seeds, highlighting their complete protein, healthy fat, and fiber content. The review outlines how processing innovations and market forces could make hemp a leading ingredient in plant-based and functional foods.

24 Jul 2025

Ibogaine treatment shows major breakthrough for veterans with brain injuries

Now, Stanford Medicine researchers have discovered that the plant-based psychoactive drug ibogaine, when combined with magnesium to protect the heart, safely and effectively reduces PTSD, anxiety and depression and improves functioning in veterans with TBI.

24 Jul 2025

Radiation primes the immune system to attack lung tumors resistant to immunotherapy

By sparking the immune system into action, radiation therapy makes certain tumors that resist immunotherapy susceptible to the treatment, leading to positive outcomes for patients, according to new research by investigators at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Netherlands Cancer Institute.

22 Jul 2025

Specially engineered antibody delivers RNA therapy to treatment-resistant tumors

A specially engineered antibody capable of delivering RNA therapies to hard-to-reach, treatment-resistant tumors significantly shrank tumor size and improved survival in animal models, according to a study published July 16 in Science Translational Medicine.

17 Jul 2025

Local climate and wildlife factors help predict avian flu outbreaks in Europe

Several local factors - including the minimum temperature reached in autumn, the water level in lakes and ponds in winter, and the presence of mute swans (Cygnus olor) - could be key for predicting the potential of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu (HPAI) occurring in Europe.

17 Jul 2025