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Preclinical models map genetic changes behind multiple sclerosis nerve damage

More than 1 million people across the United States live with multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease that affects the brain, optic nerves and spine.

18 May 2026

Blood metabolite patterns could reveal dementia risk in midlife

Research shows that blood metabolite profiles can indicate dementia risk, offering a potential tool for early detection and prevention of cognitive decline.

18 May 2026

Body weight and genes directly alter gut microbiota composition

Your body weight and genes influence the types of bacteria you have in your gut. In turn, this appears to affect the risk of developing conditions such as coeliac disease and haemorrhoids.

18 May 2026

Tuberculosis drives trillion dollar economic crisis, research shows

The impacts of tuberculosis (TB) are usually discussed in terms of public health and human suffering. Now, new research presented at the 2026 ATS International Conference shows that TB is also driving a massive global economic crisis.

18 May 2026

Study finds pulmonary rehab empowers children with respiratory issues

New research presented at the 2026 ATS International Conference shows that pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) significantly improves functioning and quality of life in children with chronic respiratory conditions, regardless of whether lung function itself improves.

18 May 2026

Olive waste extract may help lower fat and improve muscle markers

A polyphenol-rich olive oil byproduct may enhance muscle health, reducing fat mass and improving antioxidant markers in adults with metabolic risk factors.

18 May 2026

Hydrogel breakthrough offers significant advance in type 1 diabetes treatment

Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) have reached a significant advance in the fight against type 1 diabetes. Using an innovative hydrogel that supports insulin-producing cells once transplanted into the body, the team successfully regulated blood sugar levels in diabetic mice.

18 May 2026

Silent heart attacks may speed cognitive decline

Research shows hidden heart attacks accelerate cognitive decline, highlighting the need for better identification of cardiovascular risks to brain health.

18 May 2026

New study identifies dopamine's role in reversing Alzheimer's

Imagine if patients with Alzheimer's could have their memories restored. Such a future may seem like a pipe dream, but a new study by researchers at Tohoku University, in collaboration with the University of California, Irvine, has identified dopamine dysfunction as a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying memory impairment, unlocking a potential therapeutic means of reversing cognitive decline.

18 May 2026

Research offers clearer genetic blueprint of breast cancer variants

A study led by Dr Jason Pitt, Principal Investigator at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore), has identified eight new "signatures" of DNA patterns (gains and/or losses) in breast cancer.

18 May 2026

International trial proves AI can design gold-standard cancer treatment plans

An AI technology is effective at planning the delivery of life-saving radiotherapy for cervical cancer and prostate cancer, according to results from a large international trial led by researchers at University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

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

Aged immune cells may drive memory decline by releasing a brain-aging protein

A preclinical mouse study in Immunity suggests that aged circulating CD8+ T cells can disrupt hippocampal function and impair learning and memory. The findings point to granzyme K, a secreted factor linked to age-associated CD8+ T cells, as a potential target for restoring aspects of cognition in aging.

17 May 2026

AI eye scans reveal who may be at higher risk of osteoporosis

RetiAGE, an AI-derived retinal biological age score, was associated with lower bone mineral density and higher fracture risk scores in older Singaporean adults. In the UK Biobank, older retinal biological age also predicted future osteoporosis, suggesting routine retinal imaging could eventually support opportunistic osteoporosis risk screening.

17 May 2026

AI beats primary care doctors in simulated diagnosis study using images and ECGs

Multi-modal AMIE used state-aware reasoning to interpret patient history alongside skin photos, ECGs, and clinical documents during simulated telehealth consultations. In a blinded exploratory OSCE-style study, AMIE outperformed primary care physicians across most diagnostic, communication, empathy, and multimodal reasoning measures, but still requires real-world clinical validation.

17 May 2026

Time in nature may improve disadvantaged children’s mental health

Growing up in disadvantaged communities can take a toll on children, with greater stress leading to mental health issues and delays in psychological development.

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

Fewer radiotherapy sessions for prostate cancer show minimal side effects

Two larger doses of radiotherapy for prostate cancer cause no additional side effects compared to the standard five doses of radiotherapy, according to results 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