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Spatial modeling of tissue compartments predicts breast cancer treatment response

HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for about 20% of breast cancer cases and is generally associated with more aggressive behavior and a higher risk of distant metastasis, while pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is strongly linked to better survival outcomes.

20 May 2026

How food and alcohol cues leave different signatures in the brain

Food and alcohol cues appear to engage partially distinct EEG oscillatory patterns, with food cues linked mainly to increased delta activity and alcohol-related processing showing alpha and delta differences in key contrasts. The effects were strongest in participants with relatively higher AUDIT scores, but neural changes were small and subjective cue responses were more robust.

20 May 2026

Women may face greater cognitive impact from dementia risk factors

Researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that women not only experience a higher burden of certain modifiable dementia risk factors, but also appear more vulnerable to their effects on cognitive function.

20 May 2026

Gut-localized drug avoids systemic safety risks while reversing hormonal imbalances in mice

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women of reproductive age. It can cause irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, insulin resistance, and elevated male hormone levels. Current treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing underlying causes.

20 May 2026

Adjuvanted and high-dose flu vaccines protect older adults equally well

In a large study of 429,595 adults aged 65 years or older, adjuvanted and high-dose influenza vaccines showed no significant difference in protection against PCR-confirmed influenza. The findings support current recommendations that both enhanced vaccines are reasonable options for older adults, while second-season results may further refine the evidence.

20 May 2026

Higher marine microplastics may signal greater stroke and chronic disease burden in coastal communities

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19 May 2026

Vitamin D deficiency linked to higher postoperative breast cancer pain

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with more moderate to severe pain following breast cancer surgery and an increased consumption of opioid drugs, finds research published online in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.

19 May 2026

Pregnancy-related disorders may shape offspring heart health into adulthood

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy may lead to lasting cardiovascular issues in offspring, highlighting the need for improved maternal health strategies.

19 May 2026

Sleep disturbances during pregnancy may be a risk factor for gestational diabetes

A recent study by Kuopio University Hospital and the University of Eastern Finland shows that sleep disturbances during pregnancy may be a significant risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

19 May 2026

Early protein and calorie supplements lead to fewer high-risk newborns

In parts of the world where daily nutrition is unstable, pregnancy and newborn health are more precarious. A new study led by epidemiologist Dongqing Wang of the George Mason University College of Public Health adds to the evidence that improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy may be a key intervention to improve birth outcomes.

19 May 2026

Study reveals persistent gaps in Ontario’s prenatal syphilis screening coverage

According to new research in CMAJ, 1 in 5 pregnant people in Ontario did not receive timely syphilis screening, which is critical for preventing syphilis infection in newborns (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

19 May 2026

Mental disorders affect one in three pregnant women, and violence may be a key driver

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 studies involving 17,380 pregnant women found that common mental disorders affected about one-third of participants across studies from Africa, Asia, and South America. The analysis found strong regional variation and identified intimate partner violence as the only statistically significant risk factor, with affected women having about 2.6-fold higher odds of CMDs.

18 May 2026

Global consortium renames polycystic ovary syndrome to reflect science

First, it was named after two men. Then, it was named for a false premise. Now, after more than a century, one of the most common hormone disorders affecting women worldwide has a name that reflects the science.

18 May 2026

Sleep complaints highlight Alzheimer's risk in genetically predisposed women

Sleep complaints may be an important Alzheimer's disease risk factor in older women with a higher genetic predisposition to the disease, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California San Diego.

18 May 2026

Integrated care needed for lifelong Polyendocrine Ovarian Syndrome management

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which has just been renamed Polyendocrine Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is the most common hormonal and metabolic disorder affecting women of reproductive age, impacting up to 13% of this population and contributing to nearly 40% of infertility cases worldwide.

18 May 2026

Surgical training program for community health officers slashes maternal mortality risk

Maternal mortality in Sierra Leone used to be among the highest in the world. A 15-year-old non-profit program that trains community health officers to do life-saving surgeries has helped slash that risk by two-thirds.

18 May 2026

Chia seeds may boost fetal brain DHA during obesity-linked pregnancy

Chia seed supplementation during pregnancy increased maternal omega-3 long-chain fatty acids, including DHA, in a rat model of high-fat-high-sugar diet-induced obesity. The findings suggest plant-derived ALA from chia seeds may improve maternal, placental, and mid-gestation fetal brain lipid profiles, but human relevance and offspring outcomes still need testing.

17 May 2026

Vaginal birth after cesarean more common at Black-serving hospitals

Low-risk patients at predominantly Black-serving hospitals (BSH) who previously gave birth through Cesareans are likelier to attempt and successfully deliver vaginally in a subsequent pregnancy than they are at hospitals treating few Black patients, new UCLA-led research finds.

17 May 2026

Targeted radiotherapy may delay progression in metastatic breast cancer patients

Treating breast cancer that has begun to spread around the body with targeted radiotherapy could help patients to live longer without their cancer getting worse, according to the results of a small randomised controlled trial presented at the Congress of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO 2026).

17 May 2026

Prenatal chemical mixtures may influence fetal growth and placental health

Common environmental chemicals could affect birthweight and placental function, according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology and led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by "la Caixa" Foundation. Conducted within the Barcelona Life Study Cohort (BiSC), the research underscores the importance of considering real-life exposure to complex chemical mixtures and highlights the role of angiogenic biomarkers in linking these exposures to fetal development.

17 May 2026