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Massachusetts closest to eliminating cervical cancer, Southeastern states lag, new study finds

According to a new study, Massachusetts is close to eliminating cervical cancer due to its low incidence rate of 4.3 cases per 100,000 in recent years. In contrast, the Southeast and Southwest regions have higher rates of 11.2 and 9.9 cases per 100,000, respectively, making it challenging for these states to reach elimination goals.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·DateJan 26, 2026

Combined aerobic-resistance exercise: Dual efficacy and efficiency for hepatic steatosis

Researchers have found a nonlinear dose-response relationship between exercise and hepatic steatosis, indicating that a combination of aerobic and resistance exercises can produce clinically meaningful improvements. The study suggests that exercising above 130 MET-min/week can lead to significant reductions in hepatic steatosis.

SourceJournal of Sport and Health Science·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 23, 2026

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy strengthens the immune system in newborns

A study found that vaccinating pregnant women increases protection for infants against whooping cough, a highly contagious disease. The research team also showed that whole-cell pertussis vaccines provide longer-lasting protection than acellular vaccines, and recommends vaccination during pregnancy as a double-layered defense.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalThe Lancet Microbe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 9, 2026

Alcohol-related hospitalizations from 2016 to 2022

The study found a significant increase in alcohol-related hospitalizations between 2016 and 2022, with rising mortality rates and extended lengths of stay. Preventive efforts are needed to reduce population-level alcohol consumption and improve treatment outcomes for individuals with alcohol use disorder.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 23, 2025

From lab to clinic: CU Anschutz launches Phase 1 clinical trial of promising combination therapy for resistant ovarian cancer

Researchers at CU Anschutz have discovered a novel therapy combination to offer new hope to ovarian cancer patients who do not respond to existing treatments. The combination of a PARP inhibitor and SM08502 boosts the effectiveness of treatment, even for patients resistant to PARP inhibitors.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalCancer Research Communications·DateDec 4, 2025

Prehab can improve recovery after surgery, but barriers remain

A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they fully participate in the program. Participants who completed at least 75% of exercises had significantly lower levels of disability after surgery.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalJAMA Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 3, 2025

What your sweat can reveal about your health

A new study suggests that sweat can reveal information about a person's health, including hormone levels, medication doses, and early detection of diseases like diabetes and cancer. Wearable sensors using artificial intelligence can detect specific metabolites in sweat, providing personalized health insights.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2025

Clogged ‘drains’ in the brain a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease, find NTU Singapore scientists

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that enlarged perivascular spaces, or 'clogged drains', in the brain are a likely early-warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. The condition can be visually identified on routine MRI scans, complementing existing methods to detect Alzheimer's earlier.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2025

Predicting disease outbreaks using social media

A new approach developed by University of Waterloo researchers uses social media posts to identify early warning signs of increasing vaccine skepticism. This method can detect patterns in data much more effectively than traditional methods, providing a bigger lead time before an outbreak occurs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalMathematical Biosciences and Engineering·DateNov 18, 2025

Root canal treatment reduces heart disease and diabetes risk

A study published in Journal of Translational Medicine found that successful root canal treatment can reduce inflammation linked to heart disease and improve levels of blood sugar and cholesterol. The researchers discovered a link between monitoring blood metabolic markers after dental treatment, which could help assess recovery and risk.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateNov 17, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal study highlights exercise-induced vascular growth as anti-aging strategy

Exercise promotes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis through molecular signaling pathways, enhancing vascular function and immune response. This process offers potential interventions to combat age-related decline and disease, including cardiovascular diseases, muscle atrophy, and metabolic disorders.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 10, 2025

Increased avoidance learning in chronic opioid users

This study confirms the role of negative reinforcement in chronic opioid use, contributing to addiction development. The findings suggest that this mechanism is present even after regular opioid use, highlighting potential for more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateNov 6, 2025

Caution advised with corporate virtual care partnerships

Provincial partnerships with corporate-provided virtual care programs raise concerns about access, quality of care, and data privacy. Governments must ensure healthcare standards are met, protect patient data, and maintain transparency around contracts and profits. The authors advise caution before introducing corporate entities in the...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 3, 2025

Longer distances to family physician has negative effect on access to health care

A study of almost 10 million patients in Ontario found that those living over 30 km from their family physician were more likely to visit the emergency department for nonurgent reasons and had fewer visits with a family physician. The distance also negatively impacted preventive screening for certain cancers.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

Chance to identify young people at risk of cardiac arrest

A nationwide Swedish study found that many young people who died from cardiac arrest had recently sought medical care and showed signs of heart problems. The study suggests that fainting, seizures, and abnormal ECG findings in young people should be taken more seriously to identify those at risk before a sudden arrhythmic death occurs.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe American Journal of Cardiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 3, 2025

Drinking for two? Prenatal alcohol exposure rewires the brain and fuels compulsive behavior, new study finds

A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 28, 2025

NIH grants totaling $17.9 million will advance UMass Amherst research tackling opioid overdose and HIV prevention and treatment

The research aims to develop an intervention for incarcerated people to address the challenge of engaging with MOUD treatment after release. Massachusetts has received federal approval for a Section 1115 waiver to provide Medicaid benefits to incarcerated individuals, expanding access to healthcare and support services.

Ditch ‘shrink it and pink it’ approach to women’s running shoes, manufacturers urged

A study finds that women runners prioritize comfort, injury prevention, and performance when choosing running shoes, highlighting a need for sex- and gender-specific designs that accommodate female foot morphology across the lifespan. The researchers recommend moving beyond scaling down men's shoes to fit women's feet.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025