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Can GLP-1 drugs slow neurodegeneration? New review finds promising signals but limited clinical proof

This review examines how GLP-1 receptor agonists may influence neurodegenerative disease biology through metabolic, inflammatory, mitochondrial, and proteostasis pathways. Evidence from mechanistic, preclinical, and early clinical studies suggests potential neuroprotective effects, but definitive disease-modifying benefit remains unproven.

17 Feb 2026

Dual approach strengthens recovery for military PTSD

Military service members and veterans frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to a range of psychological challenges and adverse effects.

17 Feb 2026

Scientists uncover nanoplastics in brain tissue and question their role in neurological disease

Emerging evidence suggests nanoplastics accumulate in human tissues including the brain and may contribute to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative disease pathways. However, causality, exposure routes, and long-term health effects remain uncertain and require coordinated research.

17 Feb 2026

Oxygen-delivering gel heals chronic wounds in mice

As aging populations and rising diabetes rates drive an increase in chronic wounds, more patients face the risk of amputations.

17 Feb 2026

Mask-wearing during COVID-19 may have reduced heart attack risk triggered by air pollution

Researchers at Kumamoto University have discovered that behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic-particularly widespread mask-wearing-may have reduced the risk of certain types of heart attacks triggered by air pollution.

17 Feb 2026

Short-duration psychedelic therapy shows promise for major depression treatment

A phase IIa randomized trial found that intravenous dimethyltryptamine (DMT) with structured psychological support produced rapid reductions in depressive symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. Improvements were statistically significant versus placebo at two weeks, with mostly mild-to-moderate adverse events and the need for larger confirmatory studies emphasized.

17 Feb 2026

Study provides guidance for caring children with febrile urinary tract infection

A new study from the Advocate Aurora Research Institute - which is part of Advocate Health - published Tuesday in Hospital Pediatrics provides guidance for families and physicians caring for infants and young children hospitalized with a febrile urinary tract infection (UTI), one of the most common infections in early childhood.

17 Feb 2026

Canadian study reveals how COVID-19 lockdowns masked child maltreatment

Hospital admissions for maltreatment of children under the age of 2 years declined 31% during the 16-week lockdown at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to prepandemic levels after restrictions lifted, according to new research published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

17 Feb 2026

Do cocoa flavanols influence heart and fatty liver risk factors?

A recent Nutrients review examined whether cocoa-rich dark chocolate influences cardiovascular and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease risk factors through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and endothelial effects. Evidence suggests modest improvements in biomarkers, but most data come from short-term studies, so definitive clinical benefits remain unproven.

16 Feb 2026

Unlocking the potential of phytochemicals in rheumatoid arthritis treatment

Announcing a new article publication for BIO Integration journal. In recent years, phytochemicals and medicinal plants have increasingly been used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

16 Feb 2026

Synergistic drug pair shows promise for spinal cord injury recovery

Spinal cord injury remains one of the most challenging neurological conditions to treat, largely because damage continues to worsen long after the initial trauma.

16 Feb 2026

Air pollution increases physical disability progression in older adults

Long-term air pollution exposure is associated with faster progression of disability in older adults, highlighting critical public health implications.

16 Feb 2026

Eating more plant-based foods may lower breast cancer risk, major international study indicates

Greater adherence to healthful plant-based dietary patterns was associated with lower breast cancer incidence and reduced all-cause mortality among women with breast cancer in large prospective cohorts. Specific micronutrients showed differential associations with cancer risk and survival, though findings remain observational and not causal.

15 Feb 2026

Role of food nutrients in reducing oxidative stress linked to micro- and nanoplastics

This narrative review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction, including potential links with diabetes. It highlights plant-derived nutrients that activate the Nrf2 pathway as a possible strategy to enhance cellular stress resilience, although most evidence remains preclinical.

15 Feb 2026