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ALS appears to be an autoimmune disease

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal study reviews the association between lipid metabolism and Parkinson’s disease

A Chinese Medical Journal study reviews the association between lipid metabolism and Parkinson’s disease. The research highlights how lipid disruptions contribute to α-Syn aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation, suggesting lipids as a promising therapeutic target for PD.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 17, 2025

Warm-up could make or break a work-out

New research from Edith Cowan University found that increased muscle temperature enhances the speed and power of muscles, especially in explosive movements. The study showed a 3.5% improvement in performance for every 1°C increase in muscle temperature.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalJournal of Sport and Health Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 7, 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

Seeing with fresh eyes: Snails as a system for studying sight restoration

Researchers have established apple snails as a system to study eye regeneration, which may hold the key for restoring vision due to damage and disease. The team discovered that the snail eye is anatomically similar to humans and can regrow itself, with genes such as pax6 playing a crucial role in development.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2025

How does the immune system prepare for breastfeeding?

Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Immunology·DateJul 29, 2025

A Journal of Intensive Medicine editorial highlights a new metabolic checkpoint in immunity

Researchers discover a novel metabolic pathway, glyoxalase system, that regulates excessive immune responses by targeting a previously underexplored metabolic pathway. The GLO2-SLG-D-lactylation pathway suppresses inflammatory signaling, reducing inflammation in acute and autoimmune disease settings.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 7, 2025

Dysregulated epigenetic memory in early embryos offers new clues to the inheritance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

A recent study found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have embryos carrying a unique 'epigenetic memory' that could explain why the condition often runs in families. Treating affected embryos with certain inhibitors showed promise in restoring normal gene activity, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue.

Aging disrupts osteocyte networks and bone structure, with greater impact in males

Researchers used a premature aging mouse model to study the effects of age and sex on osteocyte networks and bone structure. Aged PolgA mice showed accelerated skeletal aging, reduced osteocyte connectivity, and increased frailty, with males exhibiting more pronounced changes.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2025

NUS Medicine researchers develop a better and more accurate biological ageing clock

Researchers developed an improved biological ageing clock, LinAge2, that offers doctors a practical way to assess how quickly a person is ageing and what can be done to slow it down. The new algorithm-powered tool outperforms other clinical models in predicting long-term mortality and health outcomes.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·Journalnpj Aging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2025

Sanitary towels morph into test strips

MenstruAI analyzes menstrual blood to detect disease biomarkers, offering an early warning system for women's health. The technology uses a paper-based test strip and smartphone app to analyze protein concentrations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 2025

Higher success rate using a simple oral swab test before IVF

A new study found that a simple oral swab test can increase IVF success rates by identifying the best hormone treatment for each woman based on her genetic profile. The test, developed by researchers at Lund University, shows promise in reducing costs and increasing pregnancies.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Endocrinology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 13, 2025

A healthy diet in childhood is linked to starting menstrual periods later, regardless of BMI or height

A study published in Human Reproduction found that healthy childhood diets are associated with delayed onset of menstruation, independent of body mass index (BMI) or height. The research suggests that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and breast cancer.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2025

A VAST new view of viruses

The VAST project seeks to understand the normal human virome, the vast ecosystem of viruses living in and on humans. By analyzing tens of thousands of samples from diverse populations, researchers aim to identify how a healthy virome shifts with disease or environmental factors.

Listening to an avatar makes you more likely to gamble

A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals who receive dynamic facial-expression feedback from an avatar's face tend to gamble more than those receiving real human feedback. The amygdala plays a key role in this facilitation, with increased valuation of uncertainty contributing to increased risk-taking behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2025

Tired jackdaws sleep more deeply

A study of European jackdaws reveals that sleep-deprived birds prioritize deep sleep over vigilant wakefulness. The findings suggest that even flexible sleep strategies have limits, highlighting the importance of understanding animal sleep patterns to better comprehend human sleep loss.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 3, 2025

New S$130 million national research initiative to enhance Singapore’s strategic research capabilities in RNA biology and its applications

The National Initiative for RNA Biology and Its Applications (NIRBA) aims to strengthen Singapore's RNA research capabilities, focusing on human health and diverse applications. The program will integrate leading institutions and promote interdisciplinary collaborations to achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries.