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Study explores how a familiar spice tackles the toughest cancer cells

Researchers found that clinically achievable doses of curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, target and suppress colorectal cancer stem-like cells, especially in early adenomas. Curcumin shifts these cells toward differentiation, delays tumor growth in mice, and may offer a safe preventive strategy.

27 Jun 2025

New brain imaging benchmark may improve Alzheimer's detection in diverse populations

A team of researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC's Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute (Stevens INI) has identified a new brain imaging benchmark that may improve how researchers classify biologically meaningful changes associated with Alzheimer's disease, especially in Hispanic and non-Hispanic white populations.

26 Jun 2025

Do spicy foods help or hurt your gut health?

Capsaicin, the spicy compound in chili peppers, not only influences inflammation, metabolism, and cancer risk but also shapes the gut microbiome in complex, context-dependent ways. This comprehensive review highlights both the therapeutic promise and potential risks of capsaicin, calling for deeper research into its microbiome-mediated effects.

26 Jun 2025

Is plastic packaging putting more than just food on your plate?

Researchers systematically mapped the evidence on micro-, meso-, and nanoplastics migrating from plastic food-contact articles (FCAs) into food. While most studies report migration, only a small number provide highly reliable proof linking typical FCA use to MNP presence in food.

26 Jun 2025

America slashes heart attack deaths but faces surge in deadly heart failure and arrhythmias

U.S. heart disease mortality has dropped 66% since 1970, mainly due to fewer ischemic heart disease deaths. However, deaths from heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease have risen sharply, signaling a new public health challenge.

26 Jun 2025

Methylene blue emerges as an adjunct in septic shock

Recent evidence suggests methylene blue may help reduce vasopressor needs and ICU stays in septic shock, but current data do not support replacing standard therapies. Further research is needed to clarify its optimal dosing, timing, and patient selection for best outcomes.

26 Jun 2025

Can your athletic past raise your risk for atrial fibrillation?

Elite retired rowers face a nearly threefold increased risk of atrial fibrillation compared to the general population, driven by a combination of long-term cardiac remodelling and underlying polygenic genetic susceptibility.

26 Jun 2025

Study maps brain structure differences in individuals with psychopathic traits

A new study published in the European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience has shed light on the brain structure differences associated with psychopathy - a condition known to be one of the strongest predictors of persistent violent behavior.

26 Jun 2025

Study reveals how FOXA1 mutations drive prostate cancer and therapy resistance

A new study from the University of Michigan Rogel Health Cancer Center, published in Science, sheds light on how two distinct classes of mutations in the FOXA1 gene-commonly altered in prostate cancer-drive tumor initiation formation and therapeutic resistance.

26 Jun 2025

Can saffron treat Alzheimer’s and depression?

Saffron shows promise as a natural treatment for depression and cognitive decline, performing as well as standard drugs in clinical trials. However, more rigorous studies are needed before saffron can be recommended in mainstream psychiatric and dementia care.

26 Jun 2025

Brain injury linked to criminal behavior in new study

A new study led by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School has found that damage to a specific region of the brain may contribute to criminal or violent behavior.

26 Jun 2025

Terahertz and sound waves enable needle-free blood sodium detection

In a new study, researchers demonstrated long-term, non-invasive monitoring of blood sodium levels using a system that combines optoacoustic detection with terahertz spectroscopy.

26 Jun 2025

Fire smoke exposure found to alter immune system at the cellular level

Exposure to fire smoke-which can be composed of particulate matter, gases, materials from buildings such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic metals, and carcinogenic compounds-may alter the immune system on a cellular level, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

26 Jun 2025

New insights into programmed cell death could offer relief for inflammatory bowel disease

New basic science insights into programmed cell death could offer relief for inflammatory bowel disease.

26 Jun 2025

Study finds overlap between chemotherapy side effects and brain aging

While chemotherapy can be lifesaving, it also damages DNA and leads to cognitive issues known as "chemo brain." These effects resemble the memory and learning problems seen in older adults, prompting University of Oklahoma researchers to investigate this unique overlap of cognitive decline.

26 Jun 2025

Harnessing saliva for precision medicine and early disease diagnosis

A research team led by the University of the Basque Country (Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea, EHU) has identified hundreds of molecular markers in saliva that could reveal the risk of a person developing major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

26 Jun 2025