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Transitioning pancreatic cells show lasting epigenetic cancer traits

Johns Hopkins Medicine scientists say they have found a pattern of so-called epigenetic "marks" in a transition state between normal and pancreatic cancer cells in mice, and that the normal cells may keep at least a temporary "memory" of those cancer-linked marks.

24 Apr 2025

Novel cancer immunotherapy approach could complement existing CAR-T treatments

Researchers in South Korea have proposed a novel cancer immunotherapy approach that could complement existing CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) treatments.

24 Apr 2025

Smoking, drinking and inactivity associated with declines in health in people as young as 36

Bad habits such as smoking, heavy drinking and lack of exercise must be tackled as early as possible to boost the odds of a happy and healthy old age.

24 Apr 2025

Exploring the science behind blank minds and conscious gaps

Mind blanking is a common experience with a wide variety of definitions ranging from feeling "drowsy" to "a complete absence of conscious awareness."

24 Apr 2025

Study pinpoints vast 'air quality deserts' across nearly 60% of US counties

Over half of U.S. counties lack air quality monitoring stations, exposing 50.7 million people, especially in rural and disadvantaged areas, to invisible pollution risks. The study links monitoring gaps to systemic inequities and urges equitable infrastructure expansion.

24 Apr 2025

Babies in crisis settings show remarkable social abilities

Babies living as refugees have some of the same social skills as children with more secure home conditions.

24 Apr 2025

lncRNAs shape the tumor microenvironment and drive cancer development

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and dynamic network consisting of tumor cells, immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), cytokines, and growth factors, all interacting to influence tumorigenesis, progression, and metastasis.

24 Apr 2025

What’s behind Gen Z’s skepticism about Ozempic and Wegovy

A U.S. study of over 500 youth aged 14–24 found high awareness but widespread hesitation about using semaglutide for weight loss. Concerns focused on safety, social stigma, and a preference for lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

24 Apr 2025

Manipulating a master regulator prevents tumor growth in mice

A protein identified nearly 40 years ago for its ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells plays a surprising, critical role in dampening the immune system's response to cancer.

24 Apr 2025

Autistic traits do not impact age-related decline in spatial working memory

There is no difference over time in the spatial working memory of older people who have autistic traits and those who are neurotypical, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

24 Apr 2025

Heart failure patients benefit from medically tailored meals after discharge

A new study, published in BMC Nutrition, demonstrates that providing medically tailored meals (MTM) to patients with heart failure (HF) and malnutrition risk following hospital discharge significantly improves their nutritional status and keeps hospital readmission rates well below local and national averages.

24 Apr 2025

Shingles vaccine eligibility lowers dementia risk in older adults

A large quasi-experimental study in Australia found that adults eligible for free shingles vaccination based on their date of birth were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a 7.4-year period. The findings reinforce previous results from Wales and suggest a potential preventive role for HZ vaccination.

24 Apr 2025

Chitosan clears microplastics from the gut in rats within days

A study in rats found that ingesting chitosan, a dietary fiber from shells, significantly increased the fecal excretion rate and decreased the gut retention time of polyethylene microplastics. This suggests chitosan could potentially help mitigate microplastic accumulation in the digestive system.

24 Apr 2025

COVID-19 lowers sperm count and motility, new study confirms

SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to significant declines in sperm quality, including reduced sperm count, motility, and increased DNA fragmentation, as shown in both cross-sectional and longitudinal observations.

24 Apr 2025

H5N1's evolutionary leap could undermine vaccines and heighten human infection risk

From egg prices to pet food recalls – and now, confirmation that another strain of bird flu has infected a large commercial flock of broiler chickens on a Mississippi farm – headlines are capturing escalating concern over H5N1's spread.

24 Apr 2025

Surgery may not be necessary for some early-stage breast cancer patients

Surgery may not be the best next course of treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a complete response to neoadjuvant (pre-surgical) chemotherapy and standard radiation treatment, according to new data from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

24 Apr 2025