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Triple negative breast cancer cells use new strategy to boost metastatic ability

Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have uncovered a strategy that triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells use to boost their ability to metastasize, or spread to other organs.

6 Feb 2026

New meta-analysis challenges claims of athletic advantage for transgender women

A meta-analysis of 52 studies reveals insights into body composition and fitness in transgender athletes, challenging assumptions about competitive advantage.

6 Feb 2026

Ending female genital mutilation: A global call to action

In 2026 alone, an estimated 4.5 million girls – many under the age of five – are at risk of undergoing female genital mutilation (FGM). Currently, more than 230 million girls and women are living with its lifelong consequences.

6 Feb 2026

Hormonal contraceptives show differing heart risks among stressed women

Antonia Seligowski, PhD, of the Neurocardiac Effects of Stress & Trauma Laboratory within the Department of Psychiatry at Mass General Brigham, is the senior author of a paper published in JAMA Network Open, "Hormonal contraceptive use, stress disorders, and cardiovascular and thrombotic risk in women."

5 Feb 2026

Early biomarkers predict infections after breast reconstruction surgery

In the U.S., one in eight women will get breast cancer in their lifetime, and about half of them will have mastectomies.

5 Feb 2026

Maternal perinatal depression linked to autistic traits in toddlers

A research team from the Department of Psychiatry at Tohoku University, led by Dr. Zhiqian Yu and Professor Hiroaki Tomita, has uncovered compelling evidence that maternal perinatal depression - psychological distress occurring during pregnancy or postpartum - elevates the risk of autistic-related traits in toddlers, with a particularly strong impact on girls.

5 Feb 2026

Does motherhood influence brain aging? New research suggests a positive cognitive association

Longitudinal data from postmenopausal women suggest that cumulative pregnancy duration and breastfeeding history are associated with modestly better cognitive performance later in life. These associations reflect higher cognitive trajectory levels rather than proven slowing of decline, and causality remains uncertain.

5 Feb 2026

Air conditioning in nursing homes lowers heat-related risk

Air conditioning is linked to lower mortality rates in nursing homes during extreme heat, underscoring the importance of climate control for vulnerable seniors.

5 Feb 2026

Severe pregnancy sickness doubles postpartum depression risk

Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy may elevate postpartum depression risk, suggesting the need for early detection and tailored maternal support.

5 Feb 2026

COVID vaccination not linked to reduced childbirth

COVID-19 vaccination is not the cause behind a decrease in childbirth, according to a study from Linköping University, Sweden.

4 Feb 2026

Metformin linked to lower odds of intermediate macular degeneration in people with diabetes

A five-year image-based study in people with type 2 diabetes found metformin use was associated with lower odds of developing intermediate age-related macular degeneration. The observational findings suggest a potential protective link but do not establish causation and warrant prospective clinical trials.

4 Feb 2026

Mediterranean diet may protect women against all stroke types

Following a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of all types of stroke among women, according to a study published on February 4, 2026, in Neurology Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

4 Feb 2026

Menstrual blood testing shows promise for HPV screening

Testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) could be a "robust alternative or replacement" for current cervical cancer screening by a clinician, finds a study from China published by The BMJ today.

4 Feb 2026

IVF study finds shorter insemination protects embryo availability without harming success

Short-term sperm–oocyte co-incubation during IVF cycles with only one or two retrieved oocytes produced cumulative live birth rates comparable to conventional overnight insemination. It also improved fertilisation metrics and reduced cancellation or no-embryo cycles, suggesting practical laboratory advantages without improving overall live birth probability.

4 Feb 2026