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Researchers discover bullfrog brains can make their own backup fuel

Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered that bullfrogs can generate ketone bodies in their brains, allowing them to continue critical neural functions even when glucose levels are low. This finding could have implications for understanding human brain health and potentially treating neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2026

Engineered human neurons rebuild damaged spinal cord circuits

Scientists at Gladstone Institutes have developed a regenerative treatment using stem cell-derived spinal interneurons to repair damaged neural networks in rats. The new cells not only survived and formed connections with the animals' own neural circuits but also improved breathing-related motor function after transplantation.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateAug 5, 2026

Building your immunity: Tissue-resident immune cells defend human lungs from viral, bacterial, and fungal infections

A recent study found that human lung tissue contains a vast reservoir of tissue-resident memory T cells (T RM cells) capable of targeting a range of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These cells reside only in the lungs and can live for years, providing a vital line of defense against severe respiratory infections.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2026

Study reveals why some colorectal cancers respond better to immunotherapy

A subset of cancers, known as microsatellite instability (MSI) and deficient DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) cancers, are more visible to the immune system than others. Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC identified a biological feedback loop that helps activate the immune response against these types of cancer.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2026

Dementia risk may also be reduced through diet

A review of hundreds of studies suggests that polyphenol-rich foods like berries, tea, and olive oil may support healthy brain aging by reducing inflammation and promoting nerve cell function. While no single food can prevent Alzheimer's disease, a balanced diet rich in plant-based foods may help preserve cognitive function over time.

SourceSemmelweis University·JournalNutrients·DateJul 14, 2026

NATO battlefield surgery training and surgical simulations among the first courses at Semmelweis University’s new Innovation Center

Semmelweis University's new Anatomy & Innovation Center for Education and Research has hosted two NATO battlefield surgery courses, providing realistic environments for learning and practicing new procedures. The center aims to improve patient safety and quality of care through advanced technologies and hands-on training.

Reusable catheters a safe choice that could save NHS millions, study finds

A new study by the University of Southampton has found that reusable catheters are just as safe for patients as single-use ones and do not increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The study followed hundreds of patients for a year and discovered that those who tested reusable catheters used 35 per cent fewer antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 20, 2026

Translational experiments advance efforts to restore vision with transplanted neurons

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made progress in transplanting retinal ganglion cells to restore vision in people with optic nerve damage. By disrupting the internal limiting membrane, a thin layer of tissue that blocks the growth and survival of transplanted nerve cells, scientists have seen improved transplantation surviva...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2026

New global consensus establishes blueprint for holistic cardiovascular implantable electronic device lead management and lifelong patient safety

The new consensus statement provides updated guidance on CIED lead management, including extraction and management of traditional devices and newer technologies. The recommendations aim to reduce clinical challenges and morbidity within a rapidly evolving technological landscape, ensuring better quality of life for patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 23, 2026

New study finds common blood pressure drug boosts cancer treatment

A new study found that the common blood pressure medication telmisartan can significantly enhance the cancer-killing activity of olaparib, potentially expanding its use to many more patients. Telmisartan made tumors more vulnerable to PARP inhibitors, even when they lacked specific DNA repair defects.

SourceDartmouth Health·JournalJournal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2026

NRG Oncology/Alliance trial finds immunotherapy did not improve survival when added to chemoradiotherapy for small cell lung cancer

The NRG-LU005 trial found that immunotherapy atezolizumab did not improve survival for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer when added to chemoradiation. Twice-daily radiation therapy, however, was associated with improved survival in this population.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 12, 2026

New predictive model to identify complications in the first 2 days following mild or moderate traumatic brain injury

A clinical prediction model called the Goliat score can estimate the risk of acute complications in patients with minor and moderate traumatic brain injuries. The model, developed by researchers at UOC and IRBLleida, uses easily accessible variables to predict neurological or cardiorespiratory complications and mortality within 48 hours.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalBMC Emergency Medicine·TypeCase study·DateFeb 3, 2026

ISSCR develops roadmap to accelerate pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies to patients

The ISSCR has released a comprehensive roadmap for developing pluripotent stem cell-derived therapies, outlining critical scientific, manufacturing, and regulatory guidance. The Best Practices document provides a risk-based, end-to-end development strategy to support informed decision-making across seven essential areas.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJan 22, 2026

Autism research reframed: Why heterogeneity is the data, not the noise

Dr. Noritaka Ichinohe challenges the long-held assumption that averaging away individual differences is necessary in psychiatric research. Instead, biological heterogeneity is seen as a phenomenon demanding explanation. The author's work on primate brain mapping and molecular subtyping has identified convergence points between species ...

SourceGenomic Press·JournalGenomic Psychiatry·TypeNews article·DateJan 6, 2026

Eat, explore, rest: a leptin-sensing brain circuit helps overcome anxiety to meet vital needs

A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 20, 2025