Articles tagged with Human Biology
Research finds autophagy rates don't decline with age as expected, but rather vary in different cell types and are influenced by sex. Exercise may modify autophagy levels in humans, potentially reducing blood cell activity in older adults while improving physical performance.
A controlled study found that GLP-1 receptor agonists increase the risk of nail detachment and disorders by 4 times, compared to those with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Additionally, hair and scalp changes were also significantly more common among GLP-1 users.
Researchers discovered that moderate-intensity exercise significantly improved cartilage health and tissue resilience in aging-related osteoarthritis. The molecular cargo of extracellular vesicles was found to be enriched with microRNA-29, which restored youthful characteristics in cartilage cells and reduced joint degeneration features.
Wiley has launched two new research journals, Advanced Medicine and Advanced Healthy Aging, as part of its expanding Advanced Portfolio. The new journals aim to elevate breakthrough science that impacts lives, reflecting Wiley's commitment to accelerating science that addresses humanity's most pressing challenges. Led by expert editori...
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that a small mismatch in kidney salt processing timing can cause blood pressure to remain elevated overnight. This effect is strongest in individuals with high salt intake and those who are sensitive to salt.
A new review highlights sex-specific effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on reproductive health, including testicular damage and ovarian function disruption. Oxidative stress is identified as a central mechanism connecting many of these effects.
A new Cochrane review has found that emergency contraception containing mifepristone is more effective than other common methods, such as levonorgestrel, with fewer side effects. Mifepristone also showed a lower risk of nausea and vomiting compared to other methods, but a higher likelihood of delayed menstruation.
A study of 7,500 adults found that healthy eating is associated with slower biological aging, with no single diet being superior. The researchers examined ten dietary patterns and found that all were linked with slower aging, with some more effective than others.
Research at Kyushu University found that using Igusa mats increases brain activity related to concentration and engagement. Participants reported reduced tension and anxiety after using Igusa mats, indicating potential benefits for stress resilience.
A US study of 20 years of health data found that hormone therapy initiated during peri- or early postmenopause reduces cardiovascular disease risk by 22% compared to those who did not use hormone therapy. The protective effect was strongest among Black women and those who initiated therapy within 10 years of menopause onset.
Researchers found that girls whose mothers took paracetamol during pregnancy had smaller ovaries, fewer ovarian follicles, and lower levels of reproductive hormones at three months old. The study, published in Human Reproduction Open, suggests that foetal exposure to paracetamol may affect reproductive development, but the findings do ...
Women who undergo weight loss surgery experience improved menstrual cycle frequency and reduced polycystic ovaries, leading to improved reproductive health. The study also found a resolution of clinical hirsutism and more regular periods in women who previously experienced irregular cycles.
A comprehensive molecular study of ageing found that genetic factors and environmental influences continuously interact to shape an individual's ageing journey. Researchers identified distinct biological shifts, including correlations between environmental exposures and molecular profiles, which may indicate higher risk of disease and ...
Researchers have identified a potential new target for preventing preterm labour, targeting a specific group of proteins in the uterus muscle that can suppress human uterine contractions and delay preterm birth in a preclinical model. The study, published in Communications Medicine, highlights a promising avenue for developing new drug...
A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.
Salk Institute scientists found that maternal immune activation leads to epigenetic changes in mouse brains, increasing the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. These changes were particularly significant in areas of the genome associated with autism spectrum disorder.
A new study suggests that machine learning models using first-trimester pregnancy data can identify women and babies at risk of serious health problems earlier and more accurately than existing early risk assessment approaches. The models generally outperformed the current methods in Sweden, Chile, and Singapore, highlighting the poten...
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology have developed a vaccine that uses T cells to fight Zika virus, but one vaccine, with both antibody and T cell protection, showed long-term protection against the virus. This discovery offers a new hope in the fight against Zika and its close viral relatives.
A large UK study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of dementia, particularly for women who have undergone surgical menopause. The study, which followed over 180,000 postmenopausal women, found that HRT was associated with a 16% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease compared to non-users.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will support a five-year study on opioid treatment during breastfeeding, aiming to improve drug safety for lactating mothers. The researchers will develop a cell-based assay and use physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to predict drug levels in mothers and infants.
A new study by NUS Medicine tracked the professor's physiological changes over time, introducing a personalized regimen of fasting, exercise, and nutrition. The DELTA study found significant improvements and challenges traditional approaches to health monitoring, focusing on function rather than static markers.
A study published in Human Reproduction found that vanillin, a common flavoring chemical in e-cigarettes, can disrupt the normal development of embryos in pregnant women who vape. High concentrations of vanillin caused cells to lose pluripotency and differentiate into endoderm, potentially leading to serious developmental issues.
A meta-analysis of nearly 1,900 studies found that climbing stairs significantly reduces the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Regular stair climbing was associated with lower risks of heart-related problems and major cardiovascular conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
A new study by Adelaide University researchers found that higher cumulative doses of clomiphene citrate increase the risk of miscarriage and twinning, but do not improve live birth rates. The study analysed over 21,000 embryo transfer cycles and found a dose-response relationship between cumulative doses and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A new Cochrane review analyzed 11 studies involving 2,524 women undergoing embryo transfer, finding no reliable evidence that preparatory techniques improve IVF success rates. The techniques examined included straightening the utero-cervical angle and removing cervical mucus before transfer.
Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä found that sauna steam significantly impacts thermoregulatory responses, including increased heart rates and core temperatures. High relative humidity reduces sweat evaporation, forcing the cardiovascular system to work harder.
Ectopic pregnancy hospital admissions have been increasing in England since 2021, with significant disparities between deprived and non-deprived areas. The study highlights the need for an equity-focused approach to address preventable inequalities in health and access to care.
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.
The American College of Chest Physicians has released a clinical guideline on sleep-disordered breathing in pregnancy, highlighting the need for targeted care. The guideline provides nine evidence-based recommendations to screen, diagnose, treat, and reevaluate pregnant patients with obstructive sleep apnea, associated with significant...
Exercise produces small improvements in pain and physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis, but those improvements may not be large enough to make a meaningful difference in daily life. Quality of life showed little to no improvement with exercise.
Researchers have identified a widespread source of error in a popular genome study method and created a machine-learning tool to correct it. PATTY uses machine learning to reduce artifacts while preserving real signals in noisy data, giving researchers a clearer view of gene activity control.
A new study found that simple weekly electronic symptom check-ins with care teams significantly improves the quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for advanced cancer. The benefits were notable among patient groups that historically faced barriers to care, including Black patients and those with less formal education.
Dr. Arum Han is leading a $15 million NIH center at Texas A&M University to develop organ-on-a-chip technology for chemical toxicity testing, reducing reliance on animal studies. The goal is to achieve faster, more accurate and cost-effective safety evaluations.
Researchers at CU Anschutz have developed a promising nonhormonal therapy for women experiencing Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM), which affects the vulva, vagina, and urinary tract. The therapy restores estrogen signaling in vaginal tissue without exposing the rest of the body to estrogen.
A new study found that prenatal oestrogen levels in mothers are positively related to their newborn's head circumference. The researchers also discovered that this influence is stronger for boys than girls, shedding light on the evolutionary drive for larger brains in humans.
A new study co-led by Aston University researchers has found no association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research analyzed electronic medical records from over 708,000 mother-child pairs in Hong Kong spanning two decades.
A nationwide Japanese study of over 82,000 children found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces the risk of short sleep duration at one year of age. The study also suggests that breast milk's adaptability to infant needs and its melatonin content help regulate healthy sleep rhythms.
A genome editing technique called base editing has been used to study the role of a master gene in human embryonic cells, revealing its crucial function in early development. The technique allows scientists to alter a single gene in human embryos, enabling them to better understand how human embryos develop.
Researchers developed a new methodology to identify biomarkers for male infertility, enabling comprehensive analysis of lipids and metabolites. They found 955 potential metabolites and 473 lipids that could be present in sperm.
The Sports Heat Tool, developed at the University of Sydney, provides personalized heat risk assessments for various sports. Users can input their location and chosen sport to receive a heat-risk score and practical steps to mitigate risks, taking into account factors such as temperature, humidity, and exertion.
A review of research on repeated weight loss and regain suggests that yo-yo dieting is not necessarily as harmful as often portrayed. The benefits of weight loss can outweigh the potential risks of later weight regain, with several large studies showing that obesity itself is a primary driver of metabolic disease risk.
Researchers developed RNovA algorithm to identify new PTMs in human cells, expanding capabilities of machine learning in basic biological research. The discovery aims to advance diagnostics and broaden biologists' horizons for cancer and other diseases.
Researchers found well-preserved bacterial communities in ancient middens, including species from human feces and animal hosts. The study suggests that these communities provide a unique glimpse into the daily life of Paleo-Inuit and old Norse, including their farming, seal hunts, and toilets.
A global study of over 8,000 participants found that changes in physical activity are closely linked to changes in mood throughout the day. Participants who engaged in light activities like walking or doing chores reported feeling happier and more energized.
A new study has found that standard antibody-based tests can fail to detect all gluten residues in barley beer, leading to concerns about the safety of gluten-free products. Researchers developed a new mass spectrometry method to identify celiac disease-active peptides, which were found in some 'gluten-free' beers.
A WVU study found that pregnant women who spend more time sitting are at a greater risk of developing gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Sitting for over 10 hours a day was associated with twice as many adverse pregnancy outcomes as shorter periods of sitting.
Researchers recreated the maternal-embryo interface using a novel co-culture system and mapped lipid metabolic dynamics during early implantation. Arachidonic acid metabolism is essential for embryo attachment, endometrial receptivity, and trophoblast development.
A large study of nearly 40,000 women found that plant-based diets with lower insulinemic potential can help women manage their weight and reduce the risk of obesity during menopause. Women who followed a diet rich in whole grains, nuts, legumes, and vegetables had a significantly lower risk of developing obesity.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
Researchers have identified a long non-coding RNA gene, PTCHD1-AS, as a contributor to increased likelihood of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in males. The study found that deletions within this gene influence social interaction and repetitive behaviors without affecting cognition.
A simple 30-second sit-to-stand test can estimate muscle power and identify individuals at higher risk of hospitalization and mortality. The test revealed a strong association between low muscle power and increased risks of falls, fractures, hospitalizations, and mortality in older adults.
A study of over 400 pregnant women found that vivid mental images are directly linked to their opinion of vaccines and whether they get vaccinated. Positive mental images were associated with increased vaccination rates, while negative images predicted higher hesitancy towards certain vaccines.
Researchers have created a new scale to measure whether lactating mothers' psychological needs are being met, providing a tool to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study found that when all three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are satisfied, exclusive breastfeeding is more likely to persist.
Creatine supplementation has been shown to increase muscle energy and improve cognitive function, particularly in populations with lower baseline creatine levels. Emerging evidence also explores its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like Parkinson's disease and menopause-related muscle loss.
A study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution found that optimal birth weight for minimal kidney damage during extreme endurance events is around eight pounds. Individuals with lower or higher birth weights may face a greater risk of kidney stress or damage.
Researchers found placental contractions in 60% of healthy pregnancies, changing the shape of the placenta and lasting longer than uterine contractions. These findings lay groundwork for future studies on placental function and may lead to improved ways to identify potential pregnancy problems.
A new review proposes a prevention-focused framework for understanding Parkinson's disease risk, highlighting the role of early-life vulnerability, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. The study suggests that susceptibility to PD may begin earlier in life through interactions between biology and environment.
A new EU project study found that combined exposures to man-made chemicals can lead to measurable biological effects not explained by individual substances, underestimating overall risk. The research identified a continuous exposure pathway from environment to people, including breast milk and umbilical cord blood.
A University of Texas at Arlington researcher is leading a study investigating cardio-sarcopenia, the combined loss of heart and muscle health in aging adults. The grant aims to uncover how heart dysfunction and muscle loss interact and detect biomarkers for earlier intervention.
Research shows that nine weeks of Nordic hamstring exercise training increases eccentric knee flexor strength and allows participants to control the exercise through a greater range of motion. The study found that muscle fibers can stretch to longer lengths during exercise without overstretching, reducing injury risk.