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Exercise during chemotherapy boosts breast cancer patients' quality of life

For many women with breast cancer, the very treatment that saves their lives can also bring fatigue, loss of muscle mass, emotional strain and other daunting obstacles.

26 Feb 2026

Heart attack deaths increase in young adults, especially women

A new study found that heart attack deaths were up among younger adults with women more likely than men to die after a first heart attack.

26 Feb 2026

Fiber intake may reduce heart disease risk in night shift workers

Research shows higher fiber consumption may lower coronary heart disease risk in night shift workers, suggesting dietary adjustments for better health.

26 Feb 2026

Decoding the purpose of fetal yawns in the womb

Even in the womb, where all oxygen is provided by the parental placenta, fetuses can-and do-yawn. More yawns during observation were associated with a lower weight at birth-potentially indicating mild fetal stress in the womb, according to a study published February 25, 2026 in the open-access journal PLOS One by Damiano Menin, of the Università degli Studi di Ferrara in Italy, and colleagues.

26 Feb 2026

Study confirms long-term effectiveness of HPV vaccination

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is associated with a significantly reduced risk of invasive cervical cancer, with no indication of waning protection up to 18 years after vaccination, finds a study from Sweden published by The BMJ today.

25 Feb 2026

Having “hasslers” in your network linked to faster aging and poorer health

Researchers analyzed a state-representative US sample to examine whether negative social ties, termed “hasslers,” are associated with epigenetic age acceleration and faster biological aging. Each additional hassler was linked to roughly nine months higher biological age and a 1.5% faster pace of aging, with particularly strong associations for mental health outcomes.

25 Feb 2026

Could a rare gene variant help reduce smoking? New study suggests it might

An exome-wide association study of nearly 38,000 smokers from the Mexico City Prospective Study identified rare coding variants in CHRNB3 that are associated with substantially fewer cigarettes smoked per day. Cross-ancestry analyses in European and East Asian datasets support a role for the β3 nicotinic receptor subunit in modulating smoking intensity.

25 Feb 2026

TRAP laws reduce access to obstetricians nationwide

A study in Health Economics uncovers a major unintended consequence of abortion‐related regulations: a measurable decline in the availability of obstetricians and gynecologists.

25 Feb 2026

Nearly 6 in 10 women in the U.S. may have cardiovascular disease in the next 25 years

Driven by rising rates in high blood pressure, nearly 6 in 10 women in the U.S. will have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the next 25 years, according to a new scientific statement published today in Circulation, the peer-reviewed, flagship journal of the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all.

25 Feb 2026

Study reveals knowledge gaps about menstrual health in elite women’s football

Elite European women’s football players and staff show substantial knowledge gaps about menstrual health and hormonal contraception despite widespread openness to discussion. The study highlights the need for structured education to support informed health decisions while clarifying that perceived performance effects are not consistently supported by scientific evidence.

24 Feb 2026

US measles and pertussis outbreaks expose policy failures, not just vaccine hesitancy

A recent commentary argues that US measles and pertussis outbreaks are not simply the result of vaccine hesitancy but reflect weakened immunization policies, permissive exemptions, and underfunded public health systems. The authors contend that policy environments determine whether pockets of low coverage escalate into large-scale, preventable outbreaks.

24 Feb 2026

Standard doses of antidepressants during pregnancy appear to be safe, study suggests

Using a standard dose of antidepressants during pregnancy appears to be safe for the baby, suggests new research from the University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital.

24 Feb 2026

Colonoscopy and FIT at age 60 catch colorectal cancer earlier

The SCREESCO trial reveals that colorectal cancer screening at 60 enhances early diagnosis without affecting overall mortality or increasing long-term risks.

24 Feb 2026

Rethinking cardiovascular risk assessment in women

Less artery-clogging plaque in women's arteries did not appear to protect them from heart disease compared to men, according to a study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, an American Heart Association journal.

23 Feb 2026

Researchers call for personalized tiered model of postpartum care

A new study from researchers at the University of Liverpool and King's College London reveals that whilst women may value the convenience of virtual postpartum care, they remain concerned about the need for physical examinations and how to access them.

23 Feb 2026

Study finds most YouTube advice on morning sickness lacks scientific evidence and some may pose risks

Researchers analysed highly viewed YouTube videos on nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and found most recommendations lacked strong scientific evidence. Some advice appeared potentially unsafe, highlighting the need for clearer evidence-based guidance for pregnant women online.

23 Feb 2026

Moments of awe show measurable links to reduced loneliness in daily life

Daily diary data from healthcare workers and community adults during COVID lockdowns showed that people reported less loneliness on days when they experienced greater awe. This association was partly explained by increased feelings of connectedness to nature, although the observational design prevents causal conclusions.

23 Feb 2026

Higher ultra-processed food intake aligns with greater binge eating risk in obesity study

Higher intake of ultra-processed foods in adults with obesity was associated with disordered eating symptoms, poorer diet quality, and lower protein intake. The cross-sectional findings suggest dietary processing level may influence eating behaviour patterns relevant to obesity management, though causality cannot be inferred.

23 Feb 2026

Study reveals how meal skipping during teen pregnancy connects to mental health

A cross-sectional study of pregnant adolescents found that skipping meals, screen distraction during eating, and low dairy intake were associated with higher depressive symptom prevalence. Overall dietary diversity showed no significant relationship, and causality could not be established.

23 Feb 2026

Sex differences in coronary plaque burden and cardiovascular event risk revealed

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death globally. In CAD, plaques composed of cholesterol, fats, calcium and other compounds accumulate and create obstructions in the coronary vessels that supply blood to the heart.

23 Feb 2026