Articles tagged with Human Biology
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Stuart Gansky, a University of California, San Francisco researcher, has received the AADOCR Irwin D. Mandel Distinguished Mentoring Award. He was recognized for his outstanding mentorship efforts in fostering academic and professional growth among students and junior faculty.
Donald Chi, a professor at the University of Washington, has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on fluoride treatments and its impact on children's oral health. He is being awarded the 2026 IADR E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for his work in caries prevention.
Researchers at Cornell University have made a breakthrough in developing a safe and reversible male contraceptive. By targeting meiosis with the small molecule inhibitor JQ1, they successfully stopped sperm production without affecting fertility or offspring health. The study shows promise for a non-hormonal, long-acting, and 100% effe...
Rep. Debbie Dingell received the 2026 AADOCR Honorary Membership for her dedication to improving access to quality oral health care, particularly for underserved communities. She championed initiatives to increase the oral health workforce and invest in research for prevention and disease management.
Hiroshi Ogawa, Head of Preventive Dentistry at Niigata University, received the 2026 IADR Distinguished Service Award. He has contributed significantly to global oral health initiatives and served on various IADR committees.
Nasir Bashir, a researcher from the University of Cambridge, has been awarded the 2026 IADR John Clarkson Fellowship. He will receive funding for training and experience in dental public health at a center of excellence.
Falk Schwendicke, a renowned researcher, has been awarded the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award for his groundbreaking work on caries detection and management. His research, including AI-assisted caries detection, has set new standards for clinical research in this field.
Pekka Vallittu, a renowned expert in biomaterials, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dental health. He is the first from Finland to receive this prestigious award, which acknowledges his groundbreaking work on biocomposites and bioactive materials.
Mary C. Farach-Carson, an internationally recognized leader in extracellular matrix biology and salivary tissue engineering, has been awarded the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award. Her research reveals key functions of ECM components in organizing stem/progenitor cell microstructures and guiding cell migration.
Xuesong He, a professor at ADA Forsyth, has been recognized with the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award for his groundbreaking research in oral biology. His work has greatly advanced our understanding of microbial ecology in the human mouth and its connections to various diseases.
Mario Brondani, Associate Professor at UBC, has been recognized with the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Geriatric Oral Research. He is being honored for his extensive research experience and contributions to the field of dental geriatrics.
The University of Cincinnati has opened a zebrafish research facility to investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on human fertility. The lab will use zebrafish as a model organism to understand molecular mechanisms behind reproductive biology and infertility.
Brian Foster, Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, has been recognized for his work on biological mineralization. He is the recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Award, supported by Unilever Oral Care, for his contributions to cementum and biomineralization research.
David Conway, Professor of Dental Public Health at the University of Glasgow, has been recognized for his research on socioeconomic inequalities in health and oral health, particularly head and neck cancer and child oral health. His work has attracted significant funding and informed public health policies globally.
Joy Richman, a renowned researcher at the University of British Columbia, has been recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to craniofacial biology research. Her work focuses on tooth development and regeneration, with notable findings using chicken and reptile models.
Finbarr Allen recognized for outstanding contributions to behavioral science and health services research in dentistry. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and developed innovative methods for interpreting quality of life data.
Maobin Yang has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of regenerative endodontics, integrating stem cell biology and biomaterials science. His research program has secured over $700,000 in competitive funding, with support from top organizations.
A Cochrane review found that chlorhexidine application to umbilical cord stumps likely reduces infections by 29% and may lower mortality rates, particularly in LMICs. Umbilical cord care is crucial for preventing infection and promoting healthy healing.
Researchers found that exercise and aggressive cardiovascular risk reduction improved heart health, but did not produce measurable cognitive benefits over two years in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights a critical gap between vascular risk reduction and brain health.
Researchers found that people following a Mediterranean-style diet have higher levels of humanin and SHMOOSE, which are linked to protection against cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. The study suggests that specific components of the Mediterranean diet may directly influence mitochondrial biology.
Researchers from the University of Kansas used motion capture technology to analyze shooting mechanics, finding that greater flexibility in the preparatory phase is crucial for accuracy. The study's findings will be used to attempt a new world record for most consecutive made three-point shots.
The Alliance trial explores the combination of zanubrutinib and sonrotoclax for CLL treatment, aiming to send cancer into remission and allow patients to stop treatment earlier. The study has the potential to be life-changing for patients and their families, reducing the burden of ongoing therapy and improving quality of life.
Researchers developed a fast, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic tool using retinal images to differentiate between ALS and Alzheimer's disease. The tool, based on polarized light analysis, accurately predicted disease severity and type with high accuracy.
A study from Tulane University found that consuming more ultra-processed foods is linked to lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of hip fractures. The study involved over 160,000 participants and found that even small increases in ultra-processed food intake can increase the risk of hip fractures.
Researchers at Goethe University are developing non-hormonal contraceptives to address declining pill use and side effects. The PREVENT project aims to create safe and effective alternatives, focusing on small molecules that block proteins in sperm or egg cells.
Researchers identified molecular defect in taste receptor cells due to reduced levels of PLCβ2 protein, which strengthens the signal before transmission to the brain. Taste cells that detect salty and sour flavors are less affected.
A study published in PLOS One found that fetuses who yawned more frequently during pregnancy had a lower birth weight, suggesting mild fetal distress. The research observed healthy fetuses between 23-31 weeks and recorded their yawning behavior using ultrasound.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that a simple blood test can accurately predict short-term survival in older adults by detecting specific piRNA molecules. Lower levels of these molecules are linked to longer survival, echoing patterns seen in simple organisms where reducing them can extend lifespan.
Researchers create detailed 3D reconstructions of human liver tissue, comparing healthy and cirrhotic livers, showing dysregulation of metabolite transport, reduced specialized cells, and disruption of vascular networks. The study highlights the importance of understanding organ structure for bioprinting artificial organs.
A group of nerve cells in the brainstem has been identified as a stabilizing system for blood pressure, preventing fluctuations between daily activities. The study suggests that loss or dysfunction of these cells can lead to unstable blood pressure and is associated with conditions such as multiple system atrophy.