Medical Science News

RSS

Mathematical model recreates swallowing and reveals causes of dysphagia

For most people, swallowing is second nature, but how does it occur, and why do some people have difficulty with it? Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan have started to tackle these questions by developing a mathematical model that recreates the muscle movements of the esophagus that occur during swallowing.

16 Sep 2025

Triple negative breast cancer exploits lymph node niches to block immune defense

In almost all solid tumors - i.e. cancers with a solid tissue structure - the detection of tumor cells in the lymph nodes is considered a decisive marker for the progression of the disease.

16 Sep 2025

Study uncovers the tradeoff between fast immune defense and long-term inflammation

Some of our biggest threats can come in the tiniest forms-viruses and bacteria. Thankfully, we are born with a built-in defense system, our innate immune system that protects us in our youth but can turn against us as we age.

16 Sep 2025

Novel biotechnical vector integrates viral and synthetic features for targeted cancer therapy

Gene therapy offers the possibility of addressing cancer at its molecular roots by targeting disease-causing genes rather than relying solely on surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

16 Sep 2025

Scientists find a smarter way to activate the immune system against cancer

Scientists have developed a smarter way to activate the immune system against cancer, potentially making treatments safer and more precise.

16 Sep 2025

AlphaFold3 predicts bitter taste receptor structures with greater accuracy

Receptor proteins, expressed on the cell surface or within the cell, bind to different signaling molecules, known as ligands, initiating cellular responses.

16 Sep 2025

Stem cell therapy shows promise for repairing brain damage after stroke

When someone has a stroke - a leading worldwide cause of death and disability - time is of the essence. Almost nine out of 10 cases are ischemic strokes, caused by restricted blood flow in the brain, and the current gold-standard treatment that breaks up blood clots must be delivered within four and a half hours of symptoms appearing.

16 Sep 2025

Study uncovers how the brain flexibly switches communication routes

When we recall something familiar or explore a new situation, the brain does not always use the same communication routes.

16 Sep 2025

New research positions the placenta at the center of human neurodevelopment and evolution

In a Genomic Press Interview published today in Brain Medicine, Dr. Alex Tsompanidis highlights an exciting new idea that positions the placenta at the center of human neurodevelopment and evolution, challenging conventional wisdom about the origins of autism and human cognition.

16 Sep 2025

Individuals taking semaglutide for weight loss experience less food noise than before

New research being presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) in Vienna, Austria (15-19 September) shows that individuals who are taking semaglutide for weight loss experience less food noise than before.

16 Sep 2025

Boosting PI31 to restore synaptic function and prevent neurodegeneration

One fundamental feature of neurodegenerative diseases is a breakdown in communication. Even before brain cells die, the delicate machinery that keeps neurons in touch-by clearing away protein waste at the synapses-starts to fail.

16 Sep 2025

Hair cortisol levels signal mental health risks in children with chronic illness

Long-term stress levels, measured through hair samples, may provide important clues about mental health risks in children with chronic physical illnesses (CPI), according to new research from the University of Waterloo.

15 Sep 2025

Scientists discover IC–encoder neurons that shape visual perception

An illusion is when we see and perceive an object that doesn't match the sensory input that reaches our eyes. In the case of the image below, the sensory input is four Pac Man–like black figures.

15 Sep 2025

Scientists map kissing bugs beyond the Americas to assess Chagas threat

Researchers compiled the first comprehensive dataset of 16 non-American triatomine bug species, mapping 396 verified records across Africa, Asia, and Oceania. This resource supports global Chagas disease surveillance by identifying where potential vectors are establishing new populations.

15 Sep 2025

Daily meal timing influences longevity risk in adults, study reveals

Researchers analysing Aging Cell data from over 33,000 US adults found a U-shaped link between daily eating window length and mortality. Eating for 11–12 hours per day was tied to the lowest risk, while very short (<8h) or long (≥15h) windows raised death risk, especially in older and White participants.

15 Sep 2025

Study reveals how centenarians preserve youthful immune defenses

Researchers mapped immune cells from centenarians, their offspring, and younger controls across three cohorts using multi-omics single-cell profiling. They found that centenarians retain leaner helper pools but have enhanced cytotoxic and NK cell programs, along with reinforced NK–T communication networks.

15 Sep 2025

UC3M participates in a study to counteract the adverse effects of microgravity on astronauts

A pioneering international project led by prominent female scientists, involving research staff from the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) and promoted by the Spanish Space Agency (AEE), has just completed its parabolic flight campaign in Bordeaux (France).

15 Sep 2025

RSV vaccine slashes hospitalizations in older adults in real-world trial

A large, real-world randomized trial in Denmark found that the RSVpreF vaccine reduced RSV-related hospitalizations in adults aged 60 and over by over 80%. The vaccine also showed protection against broader respiratory illness with a favorable safety profile.

15 Sep 2025

Genetic study shows dual GIPR/GLP1R action curbs binge alcohol use

Researchers used drug-target Mendelian randomization to test whether genetically proxied activation of GLP1R and GIPR influences alcohol-related behaviors. They found that GIPR, especially when combined with GLP1R, was linked to lower binge and heavy drinking, healthier food preferences, improved liver markers, and reduced coronary artery disease risk.

15 Sep 2025

Researchers reveal why global gains against chronic diseases are stalling

Researchers analysed mortality data from 185 countries and found that while global non-communicable disease (NCD) deaths before age 80 declined from 2010 to 2019, progress slowed compared to 2001–2010. Gains were mainly from drops in heart disease and stroke, but rising burdens from diabetes, cancers, and neuropsychiatric conditions stalled momentum.

15 Sep 2025