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“Brain signatures whisper warnings:” Researchers identify age 9 as critical turning point for anxiety and depression

A longitudinal study identified distinct brain-wave patterns emerging from age 9 that can forecast a child's vulnerability to anxiety or depression by age 13. The predictive markers reveal divergent neurodevelopmental trajectories linked to the right and left sides of the brain, respectively.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 19, 2026

A*STAR scientists develop new method to reveal how RNA structure influences health and disease

Researchers developed a new method called sm-PORE-cupine to study individual RNA molecules and reveal how their structures influence gene regulation. The technology provides deeper insight into how RNA structure affects cellular function and could help identify new therapeutic targets for diseases such as viral infections.

Predicting genetic risk for Type 1 diabetes just got more accurate thanks to UC San Diego study

The study demonstrates that the T1GRS tool can identify children and adults at high risk for Type 1 diabetes earlier than current methods, enabling preventive measures before the disease develops. The researchers grouped individuals into four sub-types based on genetic features, each with unique clinical profiles and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Genetics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 30, 2026

SLU research shows surge in alcohol-related liver disease driving ‘deaths of despair’

New research from Saint Louis University School of Medicine shows a significant increase in deaths from alcohol-related liver disease, particularly among those without a college degree. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social and economic stressors, as well as medical and behavioral risks.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalAlcohol Clinical and Experimental Research·DateDec 16, 2025

Drinking for two? Prenatal alcohol exposure rewires the brain and fuels compulsive behavior, new study finds

A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeuropharmacology·DateOct 28, 2025

It’s not just diet: where a child lives also raises type 2 diabetes risk

A recent study published in Pediatric Research highlights the impact of neighborhood environments on childhood type 2 diabetes risk. The research found associations between library presence, neighborhood walkability, and caregiver health, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a significant role in T2D development.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPediatric Research·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 21, 2025

DNA nanospring measures cellular motor power

Scientists have developed a DNA nanospring to measure the force of protein motors like KIF1A, which can lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The technique uses fluorescent imaging to detect the stretching of the DNA nanospring, allowing researchers to accurately measure the motor's power.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2025

Arts programs can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and other leading causes of deaths, large study finds

A large international study found that arts-based programs can make health messages more memorable and relevant to people's lives, improving health behaviors and cultural relevance of disease prevention programs. The study suggests that arts could be a vital part of the toolkit for promoting health and preventing disease.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalNature Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 24, 2025

Risk of long COVID increases with social and economic hardship

A nationwide study found that financial hardship, food insecurity, lack of healthcare access, and other social risk factors increase the risk of long COVID. The RECOVER-Adult cohort study analyzed 3,700 participants and found significant associations between individual-level social risk factors and increased risk of developing long COVID.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJul 28, 2025

Demographics, risk factors and prevalence of chronic cough in Asian general adult population: a narrative review

Chronic cough is a common symptom in the Asian general adult population, related to risk factors such as age, allergy, smoking, and air pollution. The physical and psychological burden of chronic cough is notable, particularly among older patients or those with comorbidities.

SourceNational Center for Respiratory Medicine·JournalJournal of Thoracic Disease·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 19, 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

Researchers uncover surprising link to stroke risk

A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 18, 2025

Understanding aging requires more than counting birthdays

A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.

SourcePenn State·JournalAging Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2025

Novel app tracks travel-related illnesses

A new app has tracked travel-related illnesses globally, showing that travelers experience health issues more often than expected. The Illness Tracking in Travellers (ITIT) app recorded gastrointestinal symptoms most frequently among Asian travelers and respiratory diseases in Europe.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalBMJ Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 15, 2024

Future enterovirus outbreaks could be exacerbated by climate change

Researchers at Brown University found that temperature increases enterovirus transmission, with a similar effect seen in polio historically and more recent enteroviruses causing hand, foot and mouth disease. Climate change may lead to increased intensity of outbreaks, particularly in regions with larger seasonal temperature ranges.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2024

Genes or environment? A new model for understanding disease risk factors

A new model developed by Penn State researchers more accurately predicts the causal relationship between genetic and environmental factors in disease development. The study found that lifestyle and environmental factors play a larger role than previously believed, offering new opportunities to mitigate disease risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 30, 2024

New pathway in immune defense discovered

Bonn researchers decode the interaction between monocytes and platelets, revealing a new intercellular communication mechanism that regulates monocyte function. This discovery has implications for treating immune disorders such as immune thrombocytopenia and other inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitatsklinikum Bonn·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateJul 8, 2024

Global consensus for sarcopenia

A new global definition of sarcopenia is proposed, aiming to unify research and clinical practice. The definition may help identify low muscle mass or strength in older people, increasing the risk of poor outcomes such as fragility and disability.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 26, 2024

Could auto-antibodies be linked to severe COVID-19?

Researchers found auto-antibodies against type I interferons in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, compromising their immune response. This discovery highlights the importance of detecting these auto-antibodies in regular health checkups to better prepare for viral infections.

SourceChiba University·JournalJournal of Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 19, 2024

Study implicates Neanderthal DNA in autism susceptibility

Researchers at Clemson University discovered that certain Neanderthal-derived genetic variations are more common in people with autism than in the general population. These findings suggest long-term effects of ancient human hybridization on brain organization and function, potentially leading to earlier diagnostics.

SourceClemson University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2024

Global life expectancy to increase by nearly 5 years by 2050 despite geopolitical, metabolic, and environmental threats, reports new global study

Global life expectancy is forecasted to increase from 73.6 years in 2022 to 78.1 years in 2050, with a convergence of increased life expectancy across geographies. The trend is largely driven by public health measures that have prevented and improved survival rates from cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19, and other communicable diseases.

Pathogens, including multi-drug resistant “superbugs”, found on floors, ceilings and door handles of hospital toilets, UK study finds

A new study has found that hospital toilet surfaces in the UK are contaminated with multi-drug resistant superbugs, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The study reveals that patient toilets were the worst affected, with higher levels of bacteria and fungi found on floors and high surfaces than hand-touch sites.