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New $3.1M NIH grant for University of Houston to study how ‘spongy heart’ disease develops — and whether it can be stopped

University of Houston researcher Mingfu Wu has received a $3.1 million NIH grant to investigate left ventricular noncompaction, a serious heart condition that can lead to heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms. The study aims to uncover a common mechanism behind different genetic causes of LVNC and potentially identify new targets fo...

Researchers identify ANKRD11 as a brake on T-cell responses to chronic hepatitis B virus and cancer

Researchers identified ANKRD11 as a key regulator that suppresses CD8+ T cell activity during chronic hepatitis B virus infection and cancer. ANKRD11 deficiency reprograms CD8+ T cell differentiation to enhance immunity in chronic infection and cancer, making it a potential therapeutic target.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2026

New approach cuts sepsis diagnosis from days to hours, researchers report

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new approach to diagnose sepsis-causing bacteria in blood infections, which can rapidly identify the specific pathogens and ideal antibiotics. This new approach, called STREAM, enables faster diagnosis and treatment, potentially reducing antibiotic resistance and improving patient outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2026

Experts lead European study into childhood survival inequalities

A major European study published in PLOS One found that children from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to die from congenital anomalies, with the risk increasing after infancy. The research highlights the influence of social and economic factors on health outcomes, particularly in countries with lower GDP per capita.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 14, 2026

AI tool helps predict bowel cancer relapse risk

A new AI tool developed by La Trobe University researchers can analyze routine pathology slides to predict stage-two bowel cancer patients at risk of relapse. The study analyzed over 1600 pathology slides and validated the findings across 1220 patients in three independent cohorts.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalGastroenterology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2026

Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study updates guidelines for prolactinoma care

A multidisciplinary consensus updates treatment guidance for prolactinomas, emphasizing early recognition, individualized management strategies, and advanced imaging. The recommendations cover screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term monitoring to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

SourceChinese Neurosurgical Journal·JournalChinese Neurosurgical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 13, 2026

Healthy but sedentary individuals show early decline in cellular energy production

A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalClinical Bioenergetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

Alliance digital tool proves effective at keeping patients engaged in trials

A pilot study of the Participant Engagement Portal (PEP) tool shows that 84% of participants had a positive experience, with high usability and satisfaction rates. PEP facilitates two-way communication between patients and clinicians, allowing for self-reporting of social risk factors and future research opportunities.

SourceAlliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeSurvey·DateJun 8, 2026

New insights into oral cancer without traditional risk factors

Researchers identified four distinct mutational clusters in oral cancers lacking traditional risk factors, with two linked to endogenous processes and unique driver gene mutations. The study suggests a potential role of the oral microbiome in tumor development and highlights opportunities for precision medicine approaches.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2026

New AI tool developed by Stowers Institute and Helmholtz Munich scientists predicts how cells choose their future — helping uncover hidden drivers of development

Researchers developed RegVelo, an AI framework that models cellular dynamics and gene regulation to predict cellular fate decisions. The model traces developmental trajectories and simulates regulatory interactions, providing insights into hidden drivers of development and potential therapeutic targets.

LOXL2 enzyme discovery offers new hope for jaw arthritis

Researchers have discovered the protective role of LOXL2 protein in preventing cartilage damage and inflammation in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis. The enzyme helps suppress inflammatory pathways, reducing cell death and preserving cartilage viability even under inflammatory conditions.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalInternational Journal of Oral Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2026

Yes! The role of YAP and CTGF as potential therapeutic targets for preventing severe liver disease

A study from The University of Osaka reveals a molecular pathway connecting liver congestion to liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and liver tumorigenesis. Researchers identified increased activity of YAP and CTGF in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as key molecules involved in this signaling pathway.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2026

Mount Sinai scientists uncover link between influenza and heart disease

The study found that a novel subset of white blood cells becomes infected in the lung and produces type 1 interferon, which triggers cardiac damage. A modified mRNA treatment was shown to mitigate cardiac damage while preserving the immune system's protective response. The research offers great promise for developing new therapies to p...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalImmunity·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2026

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

Myths about rapid spread of the Black Death influenced by single “literary tale”, experts show

Researchers find a fourteenth-century Arabic poem misinterpreted as factual account of plague's movement, influenced myths of its quick spread across Asia. The study highlights the importance of maqāmas in understanding how communities coped with catastrophic events like the Black Death.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Arabic and Islamic Studies·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 3, 2025

Tuberculosis vulnerability of people with HIV: a viral protein implicated

A study by the CNRS-led research team highlights the key role of Tat, a viral protein that blocks autophagy, promoting Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival and multiplication. Restoring autophagy mechanism could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies for better protection against tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2025

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

Study raises red flags about BPA replacements

Researchers found that chemicals used to replace BPA can disrupt human ovarian cell function and change gene expression. The study calls for further investigation into the safety of these alternatives, which are not regulated or routinely tested.

SourceMcGill University·JournalToxicological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2025