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Myotonia may play a much larger role in driving muscle damage than previously recognized

For decades, researchers studying myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) have focused on the disease's underlying genetic cause: a mutation that produces a toxic form of RNA, disrupting the normal processing of thousands of genetic messages inside cells.

13 Jul 2026

Structural study identifies unexpected cancer-regulating functions of MLL4 protein

The epigenetic modifier MLL4 has an unassuming name-the 4, for instance, indicates it's just one in a family of such modifiers.

13 Jul 2026

Researchers uncover hidden mechanism behind cancer-linked SPOP mutations

Mutations to the protein SPOP are widespread in cancer, yet many remain poorly understood. To address this gap, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists obtained structures of SPOP in both the presence and absence of these mutations.

13 Jul 2026

Study: Bariatric surgery is safe, effective for obese adolescents and young adults

A new study from researchers at LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Metamor Institute demonstrates that metabolic and bariatric surgery can be delivered safely and effectively for adolescents and young adults living with severe obesity, offering promising improvements in weight loss and obesity-related health conditions.

13 Jul 2026

Study links chronic xanthan gum consumption to colon inflammation

Xanthan gum is found almost everywhere. This food additive has thickening, stabilizing, and gelling properties and is one of the most widely used by the food industry to adjust the consistency of ice cream, yogurt, cakes, sauces, and gluten-free pasta.

13 Jul 2026

Imaging technique uncovers how copper imbalance may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases

Using a groundbreaking imaging technique, a University of Houston chemist is uncovering how copper imbalances in the body may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and ALS.

13 Jul 2026

New consensus provides updated guidance for managing prolactinoma tumors

Prolactinomas are the most common functional pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, accounting for nearly half of all hormone-secreting pituitary adenomas.

13 Jul 2026

New approach accurately predicts lung cancer mutations

Scientists have developed a new method for accurately predicting gene changes that cause lung cancer, without the need for slower, more expensive lab techniques.

13 Jul 2026

New therapy targets Hippo pathway to fight treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that an investigational epigenetic therapy remained effective in treatment-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) through activating the Hippo pathway, a tumor-suppressing pathway linked to cancer growth and drug resistance.

13 Jul 2026

Weekly electronic symptom check-ins improve advanced cancer care

New results from an Alliance Foundation Trials (AFT) study reveal that a simple weekly electronic symptom check-in with care team, significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer.

13 Jul 2026

Many older adults remain unaware of national crisis lifeline

In the four years since the launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the nationwide service for mental health and substance misuse crisis support, Americans have dialed, texted or chatted online with the service over 26 million times.

13 Jul 2026

Blocking ZFP384 protein extends brain repair window after stroke

Blocking the activity of ZFP384 can prolong the brain’s endogenous repair functions after stroke, report researchers in a collaborative study.

13 Jul 2026

Study reveals substantial rise in Latin American dementia rates

A new study led by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Newcastle University in the U.K. finds that the share of adults living with dementia rose substantially across several Latin American and Caribbean sites over the past two decades.

13 Jul 2026

Rising tick-borne disease in Canada can trigger heart inflammation

Move over, Lyme disease - there's another tick-borne disease to worry about in Canada. Anaplasmosis, the second most common tick-borne disease in the country, can cause a range of health issues, including myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle).

13 Jul 2026

Distinct gut microbiome signatures identify frailty in older women

Research reveals gut microbiome signatures linked to frailty in older women, highlighting microbial changes associated with mortality and physical decline.

13 Jul 2026

Robot-guided surgery successfully drains multiple deep brain abscesses

Brain abscesses located deep within the brain can rapidly become life-threatening and are often difficult to treat through conventional surgery. Brain abscesses located deep within the brain can rapidly become life-threatening and are often difficult to treat through conventional surgery.

13 Jul 2026

Global consortium releases AI toolbox to unlock new Alzheimer's treatments

The Consortium for Biomedical Research and Artificial Intelligence in Neurodegeneration (C-BRAIN), a global collaboration of academic researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and philanthropic organizations of which Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is a founding member, today launched three open-source AI tools to accelerate research aimed at developing new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

13 Jul 2026

Social media and low body esteem fuel cosmetic procedure addiction

As cosmetic procedures become increasingly normalized worldwide, new research suggests that for some women, repeated treatments may become addiction-like rather than purely cosmetic.

13 Jul 2026

Study links GLP-1 treatment to fewer alcohol drinking days

Current GLP-1 receptor agonist prescriptions were associated with modestly lower AUDIT-C scores in a large, diverse US cohort. The difference appeared to reflect less frequent drinking rather than fewer drinks per occasion or fewer binge-drinking episodes.

13 Jul 2026

Gut microbiota may shape eating behavior and guide new obesity treatments

The review shows how gut microbiota may influence appetite, food reward, inflammation, and energy balance through the gut-brain axis. Microbiota-targeted approaches could support future treatments for obesity and eating disorders, but clinical evidence remains limited.

12 Jul 2026