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USC scientists identify promising new target for Alzheimer’s-linked brain inflammation

A multidisciplinary team at USC has developed selective compounds that inhibit an enzyme tied to brain inflammation in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s. The inhibitors preserve normal brain function and cross the blood-brain barrier, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·Journalnpj Drug Discovery·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 23, 2026

Red light therapy shows promise for protecting football players’ brains

A preliminary study suggests that red light therapy can protect against brain inflammation caused by repetitive head impacts in collegiate football players. The treatment, which involves shining near-infrared light at the brain through the skull, appeared to be effective in reducing inflammation throughout almost all regions of the brain.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2026

Itaconate modifications: mechanisms and applications

Researchers summarize itaconate biology highlighting its chemical reactivity and therapeutic potential in treating infectious diseases, sepsis, autoimmunity, neurodegenerative disorders. Itaconate exerts biological effects through post-translational modifications, altering protein activity and signaling pathways

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 15, 2026

Korea University researchers revive an abandoned depression drug target using structurally novel NK1 receptor inhibitors

Researchers from Korea University report a breakthrough in reviving an abandoned depression drug target by redesigning the molecular structure of neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists. New compounds exhibiting antidepressant-like effects have been identified, reducing depressive-like behavior and brain inflammation in mice.

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalExperimental & Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

Fat surrounding the colon interacts with the immune system

Research reveals that fat located near the colon contains an unusually high number of inflammatory fat cells and immune cells, suggesting a unique function in communicating with the immune system in the gut region. This tissue may be an adaptation to the gut microbiome and could contribute to amplifying or sustaining inflammation.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2026

Glow with the flow: Implanted 'living skin' lights up to signal health changes

A Japanese research team has developed a biohybrid approach that works inside the body, transforming engineered skin into a visible indicator of internal biological states. The system leverages the body's natural skin regeneration to support long-term biomarker monitoring, providing a visual readout without blood sampling.

From ancient herb to modern medicine: new review unveils the multi-targeted healing potential of Borago officinalis

A comprehensive review reveals the therapeutic effects of Borago officinalis, a plant with diverse compounds targeting inflammation and metabolic pathways. The study highlights its potential in treating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiological Diversity·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 6, 2026

Study identifies potential biomarker linked to progression and brain inflammation in multiple sclerosis

A University of Toronto-led study has discovered a potential biomarker linked to multiple sclerosis disease progression that could help identify patients most likely to benefit from new drugs. The findings were validated in both mouse models and humans, suggesting a possible surrogate marker for leptomeningeal inflammation.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2026

Research spotlight: A subset of patients with depression could benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment

A subset of depressed individuals with chronic, low-grade inflammation may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis. The study found that anti-inflammatory medications significantly reduced depressive symptom severity and anhedonia in these patients.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 10, 2025

University of Minnesota research finds reducing inflammation may protect against early AMD-like vision loss

University of Minnesota researchers found that reducing chronic inflammation can significantly protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-like pathology in preclinical models. The strategy aims to intervene before severe damage occurs, potentially delaying or preventing vision loss for those with early signs of AMD.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalCell Death and Disease·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 21, 2025

Brain mechanisms in acute and chronic depression vary, according to new research

A new study found that individuals with a history of major depression showed higher MRI markers associated with neuroinflammation in the VTA, suggesting increased extracellular inflammatory processes. Current depressive symptom severity was associated with distinct microstructural changes indicating different underlying pathophysiologi...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 18, 2025

Common gout drug may reduce risk of heart attack and stroke

A Cochrane review found that low-dose colchicine reduced heart attacks and strokes in people with a history of heart disease or stroke. The study involved nearly 23,000 participants and showed that taking colchicine could prevent about two of each heart attack and stroke among those with cardiovascular disease.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 12, 2025

Arctigenin prevents metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis by inhibiting NLRP3/GSDMD-N axis in macrophages

Arctigenin, a monomer of Fructus Arctii, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and prevents MASH progression through modulating the NLRP3/GSDMD-N axis in macrophages. ATG administration also reduces hepatic macrophage infiltration, serum enzyme levels, and lipid peroxidation while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateNov 6, 2025

Research finds higher rare risk of heart complications in children after COVID-19 infection than after vaccination

A new study analyzing linked electronic health records found that COVID-19 infections led to a higher and longer-lasting risk of rare heart complications, including myocarditis and thrombocytopenia, compared to vaccination. The research team estimated an additional 2.24 cases of myocarditis per 100,000 children after COVID-19 infection.

SourceHealth Data Research UK·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 4, 2025

USC Superfund researchers identify “forever chemical” PFHpA as risk factor for severe liver disease in adolescents

Researchers identified a significant association between perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. The study used advanced models to reveal PFHpA's role in disrupting biological pathways, leading to liver damage and inflammation.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2025

Why women's brains face higher risk: scientists pinpoint X-chromosome gene behind MS and Alzheimer's

Researchers at UCLA Health have identified a sex-chromosome linked gene that drives inflammation in the female brain, making women more susceptible to conditions like Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. Deactivating this gene and using diabetes medication metformin showed promising results in reducing symptoms in female mice.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 15, 2025

Human Organ Chip technology sets stage for pan-influenza A CRISPR RNA therapies

A new human lung alveolus chip model enables investigation of viral replication, inflammatory responses, and genetic off-target effects of a novel pan-influenza CRISPR therapy. The study achieved significant reductions in virus load and host inflammatory response after a single administration.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalLab on a Chip·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

USC physician-scientists Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher win $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Aging to develop regenerative drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Denis Evseenko and Toby Maher are developing a regenerative drug to block cells that promote fibrosis in the lungs, aiming to slow or reverse IPF damage. The team plans to test the safety and therapeutic potential of their drug-like molecules in animals and human cells.

American College of Cardiology issues scientific statement on inflammation and cardiovascular disease

The American College of Cardiology has released a scientific statement on inflammation and its connection to various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and heart failure. The statement confirms years of research confirming the importance of inflammation as an underlying contributor to CVDs.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateSep 29, 2025

USC Stem Cell-led team makes major advance toward building a synthetic kidney

A USC Stem Cell-led team has successfully generated lab-grown kidney structures, or organoids, that exhibit kidney-like functions such as blood filtration and urine production. The 'assembloids' achieved maturity levels comparable to newborn mouse kidneys, paving the way for developing new therapies for patients awaiting transplant.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2025

Stem cells repair mouse brains post-stroke

Stem cell transplantation has been shown to reverse stroke damage in mice by regenerating neurons and restoring motor functions. The treatment also improved blood-brain barrier integrity, reduced inflammation, and promoted new blood vessel formation.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2025