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Scientists link specific gene variants to post-vaccine myocarditis and pericarditis

A genome-wide association study in Sweden identified rare genetic variants near the SCAF11 and LRRC4C genes that may be linked to heart inflammation following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. The findings shed light on potential biological pathways driving vaccine-associated myocarditis and pericarditis, particularly among younger individuals.

11 May 2025

New AI tool predicts viral mutations to help future-proof COVID vaccines

A novel AI-driven method helps scientists stay ahead of viral evolution by engineering synthetic spike proteins that anticipate future SARS-CoV-2 escape mutations, offering a powerful tool to test and strengthen next-generation vaccines.

11 May 2025

Vegetarians may need to watch thyroid health, especially with low iodine intake

Vegetarians had a modestly higher risk of developing hypothyroidism compared to high meat-eaters, but only after adjusting for BMI. No increased risk was seen for vegans or pescatarians in incident cases, though pescatarians showed a slight increase in baseline prevalence.

11 May 2025

Time-restricted eating may be a promising strategy for sustaining long-term weight loss

Three months of time-restricted eating (TRE), irrespective of whether it is earlier or later in the day, may be a promising strategy for sustaining long-term weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity, according to preliminary results of a randomised controlled trial being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga, Spain (11-14 May).

11 May 2025

New human ovaroid model offers insight into infertility and differences in sex development

A new model of tiny human ovary organoids, or ovaroids, has been developed from stem cells, according to research presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE).

11 May 2025

GLP-1 receptor agonists improve mood and metabolic health in adults with mental illness

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) can lead to significant weight loss and improve blood sugar control in adults with severe mental illness, as well as having positive effects on mood, well-being, and quality of life in those both with and without mental illness, according to a systematic review of the available evidence being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Malaga, Spain (11-14 May).

11 May 2025

Blocking LSD1 restores immune response in early oral cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and early detection is key to improving patient outcomes. However, the mechanisms driving the transition from preneoplastic lesions to full-blown cancer are not well understood.

11 May 2025

Infertility in women linked to higher risk of heart disease

Women who experience infertility are more likely to develop heart and blood vessel conditions later in life, with younger women and those who undergo fertility treatments at a greater risk.

11 May 2025

Long term steroid use raises risk of adrenal insufficiency

Individuals taking steroid tablets for more than 3 months are over 6 times more likely to be diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency than those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to research presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE).

11 May 2025

Early menopause increases risk of fatty liver disease and metabolic disorders

Women who experience menopause before the age of 50 - and especially before the age of 45 - are more likely to develop fatty liver disease and its related metabolic risk factors within one year after menopause, according to research presented at the first Joint Congress between the European Society of Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE).

11 May 2025

Late motherhood and weight gain greatly increase breast cancer risk

Women who experience significant weight gain after the age of 20 and either have their first child after the age of 30 or don't have children are almost three times more likely to develop breast cancer than those who give birth earlier and whose weight remains relatively stable, new research from the UK being presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) has found.

11 May 2025

Newly identified gene mutation causes severe form of Fanconi anemia

Fanconi anemia is an aggressive, life-threatening disorder. Most individuals living with this rare genetic condition, characterized by bone marrow failure and cancer predisposition, survive into adulthood only with bone marrow transplantation and regular cancer screening.

11 May 2025

Targeting METTL3 may offer new hope for oral cancer treatment

A new research paper was published in Oncotarget, Volume 16, on May 8, 2025, titled "METTL3 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-146a-5p/SMAD4 axis."

11 May 2025

Junk food ads make kids eat more, even if the ad shows no food!

Children exposed to just 5 minutes of junk food ads consumed 130 extra calories in a day, regardless of ad type or media format. Even brand-only ads, without showing actual food, triggered significant increases in calorie intake.

11 May 2025

Early childhood growth predicts adult height but not puberty timing, study finds

Children’s growth in the first two years of life significantly influences their pubertal growth and adult height, but not when puberty begins, according to a Swedish study. Early-life height is a strong predictor of final adult stature, highlighting the critical window for developmental monitoring.

10 May 2025

Delayed puberty in boys raises risk of type 2 diabetes later in life, study shows

A large Israeli study found that boys who experience delayed puberty are significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in early adulthood. This increased risk persists even after accounting for body weight, socio-economic status, and other confounding factors.

10 May 2025

Researchers find 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics enter rivers every year

A global study led by McGill University estimates that 8,500 tonnes of antibiotics enter river systems annually, mostly from human use—even after wastewater treatment. The findings warn that chronic exposure poses risks to aquatic life and fuels antibiotic resistance, especially in regions with poor sanitation.

10 May 2025

Maternal testosterone levels shape boys' activity and girls' strength by age 7

Boys born to mothers with PCOS or high third-trimester testosterone levels are less physically active at age 7, particularly on weekends. Girls exposed to high prenatal testosterone show reduced muscle strength but not lower activity levels.

10 May 2025

Obesity in teens alters brain regions tied to memory and emotion

Adolescents with abdominal obesity have larger brain regions linked to memory and emotional control, potentially due to inflammation, according to a large MRI-based study. These brain changes, coupled with socioeconomic disadvantage, may impair cognitive and emotional development during adolescence.

10 May 2025

Study reveals phthalate exposure harms early sexual development in children

Maternal exposure to phthalates during pregnancy is linked to shorter anogenital distance in 3-year-old boys, a marker of impaired sexual development. Girls showed similar outcomes from their own postnatal exposure, highlighting the lasting hormonal risks of environmental pollutants.

10 May 2025