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WHO calls for urgent action to combat medicalization of female genital mutilation

Urgent measures are needed to curtail the rising "medicalization" of female genital mutilation (FGM) and to engage health workers to prevent the practice, according to a new guideline published today by the World Health Organization (WHO).

28 Apr 2025

Ultra-processed foods make up nearly half of US grocery purchases, raising public health concerns

A 2025 study of nearly 60,000 US households found that almost half of grocery purchases were ultra-processed foods (UPFs), with major disparities based on income, education, and race. Non-Hispanic white households led in UPF purchases, especially in beverages, reversing earlier trends.

28 Apr 2025

Measles could return to endemic status if US vaccination rates fall further

Declining childhood vaccination rates in the United States could lead to a resurgence of measles and other previously eliminated infectious diseases. Simulation models predict that even current vaccination rates may be insufficient to prevent measles from becoming endemic within 20–25 years.

27 Apr 2025

Perspective shows Brexit exposed vulnerabilities in the UK’s food system

A new perspective article in Foods analyzes how Brexit disrupted the UK's food standards, security, and agricultural policy. The authors argue that emerging neoliberal frameworks like neo-developmentalism and eco-extractivism are reshaping the UK’s food system and national resilience.

27 Apr 2025

Buprenorphine improves outcomes for pregnant women with opioid use disorder

Pregnant women living with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants had significantly better health outcomes when treated with buprenorphine, according to a new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health.

25 Apr 2025

Network pharmacology analysis reveals HXTL mechanism in treating postmenopausal osteoporosis

Huo Xue Tong Luo Capsule (HXTL) has been clinically used to treat osteonecrosis of the femoral head, osteoporosis, and other bone and joint diseases with promising effects.

24 Apr 2025

Shingles vaccine eligibility lowers dementia risk in older adults

A large quasi-experimental study in Australia found that adults eligible for free shingles vaccination based on their date of birth were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a 7.4-year period. The findings reinforce previous results from Wales and suggest a potential preventive role for HZ vaccination.

24 Apr 2025

Surgery may not be necessary for some early-stage breast cancer patients

Surgery may not be the best next course of treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer who had a complete response to neoadjuvant (pre-surgical) chemotherapy and standard radiation treatment, according to new data from researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

24 Apr 2025

Mediterranean diet helps manage rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto’s, study shows

The Mediterranean diet shows promise in managing both systemic and organ-specific autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune thyroiditis. Its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-modulating properties may reduce disease activity and improve metabolic outcomes.

23 Apr 2025

New study questions poultry's health halo amid rising cancer risks

A new analysis from Italian cohort studies found that consuming over 300 g of poultry per week is linked to significantly increased risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers, especially in men. Moderate meat intake, particularly red meat in controlled quantities, was paradoxically associated with reduced all-cause mortality.

23 Apr 2025

Maternal childhood trauma linked to rapid weight gain in baby boys

Adverse situations experienced by the mother during childhood – such as neglect or physical, psychological or sexual violence – can trigger excessive weight gain in male children as early as the first two months of life.

23 Apr 2025

Postmenopausal women can reclaim intimacy with support and self-awareness, study finds

A qualitative study conducted in Qazvin, Iran, explored how cultural beliefs, personal experiences, and social dynamics affect the sexual well-being of postmenopausal women. The findings reveal that emotional support, open communication, and reframed attitudes are key to enhancing intimacy after menopause.

23 Apr 2025

New biomarkers identified for early detection of gynecological cancer

Researchers from the University of Skövde, the University of Gothenburg, and the Sahlgrenska Academy have significantly advanced early detection of gynecological cancer.

23 Apr 2025

Early pregnancy anemia linked to higher risk of heart defects in newborns

New research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology found that mothers who are anemic in early pregnancy face a higher likelihood of giving birth to a child with a heart defect.

23 Apr 2025

WHO launches new guidelines to tackle adolescent pregnancy and related health complications

In a bid to tackle the leading cause of death globally among 15–19-year-old girls, the World Health Organization (WHO) today released a new guideline aimed at preventing adolescent pregnancy and its significant related health complications.

23 Apr 2025

DASH diet and salt reduction work together to reduce cardiovascular risk

Reducing dietary sodium and following the DASH diet each lower 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with the greatest benefit when combined. This effect is especially strong for women, Black adults, and those with stage 2 hypertension.

23 Apr 2025

Mediterranean diet lowers breast cancer risk by 13%, postmenopausal women benefit most

A new meta-analysis of 31 observational studies finds that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a 13% lower risk of breast cancer in women, particularly among postmenopausal populations. The protective effect was strongest in Asian countries and in case-control study designs.

22 Apr 2025

Why skin shame matters more than symptoms in chronic skin conditions

A new study in Scientific Reports reveals that skin shame is a key psychological burden for people with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. It significantly affects quality of life, even more than anxiety or depression, especially when disease severity is high.

22 Apr 2025

Cultural values shape body image and eating habits in young women

Body appreciation differs between Middle-Eastern and Western societies, a new international study can reveal, highlighting how cultural and family influences shape body image and eating behaviors in young women.

22 Apr 2025

Can a plant-based diet help prevent breast cancer?

A case-control study in Iranian women found that higher adherence to a healthy plant-based diet significantly reduces breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women and those with a BMI under 25. In contrast, high intake of unhealthy plant-based foods raised risk in premenopausal women.

22 Apr 2025