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Scientists finally see inside the ‘black box’ of depression treatment

Researchers at UCLA Health have discovered that transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) selectively targets specific brain cells to restore communication channels in the brains of stressed mice. The study found that TMS repairs damaged dendritic spines, leading to enhanced activity and rapid improvements in stress-related behaviors.

A new mechanism regulating beta cell mass under stress

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that ATF6α plays a critical role in enabling the survival and proliferation of beta cells under sustained stress, leading to impaired beta cell mass expansion. The study highlights the potential for developing new therapeutic strategies to preserve and restore beta cell mass in diabetes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

Treatment of anxiety for adults in primary care settings

The American Medical Association (AMA) has developed guidelines for treating anxiety disorders in adults in primary care settings. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are recommended treatments.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 4, 2026

Chinese Medical Journal article review highlights a growing global consensus on acute-on-chronic liver failure

Researchers agree on core elements of ACLF development, including chronic liver disease triggers, acute insult, and extrahepatic organ failure. A new three-stage mouse model supports testing of potential therapies, highlighting impaired liver regeneration as a key driver of disease progression.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2026

New study finds link between difficulty identifying emotions and higher chronic pain levels

A large study found that individuals with difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study also suggests that addressing emotional processing difficulties may be key to improving long-term outcomes for people with chronic pain.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 28, 2026

Alliance study shows new promise against locally advanced lung cancer

A study by the Alliance Foundation Trials shows that combining immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can help more patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer undergo complete cancer resection, improving their long-term health. The treatment also led to high rates of lymph node clearance and successful surgical re...

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalLung Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2026

Point-of-care hepatitis C testing in a tribal setting

A community-based point-of-care HCV RNA testing program was feasible and led to a high percentage of same-day treatment for American Indian and Alaska Native participants. The study supports expanding point-of-care HCV RNA testing and integrated treatment to advance HCV elimination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2026

Surface charge and membrane lipid composition define extracellular vesicle (EV) function: Lipid asymmetry enables new quality metrics for EV-based therapeutics

A comprehensive review reveals how phospholipid asymmetry governs EV surface charge, providing a unified framework for classification, functional understanding, and standardization in nanomedicine. The study highlights the importance of membrane lipid composition and surface charge in determining EV function.

SourceInnovation Center of NanoMedicine·JournalACS Nano Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 14, 2026

Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray

Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Extracellular Vesicles·DateApr 14, 2026

New study reveals why some Chinese immigrants in the US may turn to China-based telehealth apps

A recent study found that 15% of Chinese immigrants use China-based telehealth apps for medical advice while living in the US. These apps are preferred due to lower costs, ease of access, and language support. However, reliance on foreign-based services raises concerns about patient safety, continuity of care, and regulatory oversight.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalDigital Health·DateApr 13, 2026

Penn researchers use AI to surface unreported GLP-1 side effects in Reddit posts

Researchers identified patient-reported symptoms associated with GLP-1s, including menstrual changes, fatigue, and temperature-related complaints, that may not be fully captured in clinical trials or drug labeling. Nearly 4% of Reddit users reported reproductive symptoms, and fatigue was the second most common complaint.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 10, 2026

Blood purification beyond dialysis

The oXiris membrane addresses complex sepsis by integrating diffusion, convection, and adsorptive properties to remove inflammatory mediators. Early physiological improvements and potential benefits for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury and severe COVID-19 have been reported in observational studies.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2026

ASH publishes clinical practice guidelines on diagnosis and management of severe and very severe acquired aplastic anemia

The American Society of Hematology has published clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing and managing severe acquired aplastic anemia, a rare and life-threatening bone marrow failure disorder. The guidelines highlight the importance of shared decision-making between patients and providers, as well as the need for additional researc...

SourceAmerican Society of Hematology·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 1, 2026

Targeted therapy improves long-term outcomes for patients with rare mutations driving lung cancer

A phase 1/2 clinical study found that pralsetinib improved durable responses with manageable safety profiles in patients with advanced or metastatic RET fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer. The overall response rate was 78% and median duration of response was longer in patients with the CCDC6-RET fusion gene.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 1, 2026

Wendy Thompson named recipient of the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research

Wendy Thompson, a Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology/Therapeutics/Toxicology Research. Her research focus on antimicrobial stewardship and primary dental care has made significant contributions to the field.