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The long and short of it: Human penis size evolved for both attraction and rivalry, study suggests

This experimental study used life-sized and screen-based 3D male avatars to test how penis size, height, and body shape influence female mate choice and male assessments of rivals. The findings show non-linear female preferences for size and demonstrate that penis size functions as a modest but significant cue in male perceptions of fighting ability, alongside stronger traits such as height and torso shape.

25 Jan 2026

New oral contrast agent improves bowel disease detection on CT scans

In a new pilot feasibility study, researchers from Mayo Clinic, the University of Washington School of Medicine, the University of California San Francisco, and Nextrast Inc. found that a new imaging oral agent, also known as a "contrast agent," helps radiologists better see bowel structures and disease in CT imaging when compared with the current oral contrast agents.

20 Jan 2026

Vagus nerve stimulation shows lasting benefit in treatment-resistant depression

Findings reveal that vagus nerve stimulation leads to lasting benefits in treatment-resistant depression, improving function and quality of life over two years.

16 Jan 2026

New chemistry revives neurokinin-1 receptor as depression treatment target

For decades, scientists have investigated the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) as a potential target for treating major depressive disorder.

14 Jan 2026

Gene regulators could restore the aging body's ability to self-repair

As we age, we don't recover from injury or illness like we did when we were young. But new research from UCSF has found gene regulators - proteins that turn genes on and off - that could restore the aging body's ability to self-repair.

12 Jan 2026

New eye injection restores sight in untreatable hypotony

A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of a widely-used eye injection to manage the previously untreatable rare condition, hypotony, in a project by clinical researchers at University College London (UCL) and Moorfields Eye Hospital.

12 Jan 2026

Researchers successfully perform coronary artery bypass without cutting the chest wall

In a world-first, a team of researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, has successfully performed a coronary artery bypass - a normally open-heart surgery - without cutting the chest wall.

6 Jan 2026

First human 'lung-on-chip' model developed using stem cells from a single donor

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and AlveoliX have developed the first human 'lung-on-chip' model using stem cells taken from only one person.

2 Jan 2026

Spatial computing explains how the brain organizes cognition

Our thoughts are specified by our knowledge and plans, yet our cognition can also be fast and flexible in handling new information.

22 Dec 2025

Tianjin grading system improves prognosis prediction in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is notoriously difficult to treat due to its aggressive nature and limited prognostic tools.

12 Dec 2025

Early scans reveal prostate radiotherapy toxicity risk

Daily scans taken during prostate cancer radiotherapy could be repurposed to guide changes to treatment, reducing the risk of side effects, a study suggests.

11 Dec 2025

Missing piece of myelin results in slower, less consistent signal transmission to the brain

Our nerve cells are surrounded by a protective layer (myelin). This protective layer allows signals to pass between cells incredibly quickly.

11 Dec 2025

Study shows glial cells actively shape addictive responses to nicotine

Nicotine addiction remains one of the most persistent public health challenges worldwide, driven by changes in the brain that reinforce repeated use and make quitting extremely difficult.

4 Dec 2025

Hidden cellular layers in the hippocampus' CA1 region revealed

Researchers at the Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) at the Keck School of Medicine of USC have identified a previously unknown pattern of organization in one of the brain's most important areas for learning and memory.

3 Dec 2025

FOLFIRINOX shows promise as a second-line option for advanced biliary tract cancer

Biliary tract cancers, including intrahepatic, perihilar, and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder cancer, are among the most aggressive gastrointestinal malignancies.

27 Nov 2025

Study finds rising sex toy use and masturbation among older women

Although research on sexuality in older adults has been growing in recent years, most of the studies are focused on partnered sexual activity and not on solo sexual behavior, including masturbation or the use of sex toys.

26 Nov 2025

Long-term calorie restriction can slow cellular markers of brain aging

As the brain ages, cells in the central nervous system experience metabolic dysfunction and increased oxidative damage.

25 Nov 2025

Digital and AI innovations in cardiology take center stage at ESC Digital & AI Summit

Smartphone stethoscopes, voice-detected heart failure, training using 3D-printed and virtual hearts and early detection of cardiovascular disease using blood spots are among the innovations being presented at the ESC Digital & AI Summit taking place in Berlin, Germany, 21–22 November.

21 Nov 2025

Gut immune cells follow an atypical pathway to provide long-lasting antiviral protection

A new study led by University of Toronto researchers has shown that immune cells in the gut follow an atypical pathway to produce antibodies that provide long-term protection against viruses.

17 Nov 2025

Patient preferences impact physician earnings in Canada

Physician responses to patient expectations can affect physician incomes and may help explain lower incomes for many women, racialized, and immigrant physicians, found a new study published in CMAJ.

17 Nov 2025