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Scientists uncover shared biology behind profound fatigue in five major illnesses

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.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 2, 2026

Yak waste does not always add up: New field study reveals surprising greenhouse gas dynamics in alpine meadows

Researchers found that overlapping yak urine and dung patches produce far less nitrous oxide than expected, contradicting the assumption of additive emissions. The study suggests a balance between two competing processes, preventing emissions from rising as much as expected.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalNitrogen Cycling·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2026

Understanding how oxygen is delivered to tissues at the microscopic level

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new mathematical model that simulates oxygen transport by red blood cells through tiny blood vessels and their delivery to surrounding tissues. The findings show that RBCs can naturally adjust the amount of oxygen released based on local requirements.

SourceKyushu University·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 28, 2026

Blood purification beyond dialysis

The oXiris membrane addresses complex sepsis by integrating diffusion, convection, and adsorptive properties to remove inflammatory mediators. Early physiological improvements and potential benefits for cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury and severe COVID-19 have been reported in observational studies.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2026

This is your brain without sleep

Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals experience attentional failures coinciding with a flushing of CSF from the brain. During these lapses, physiological changes occur, including a flux of CSF out and then back in. The study suggests that the brain attempts to compensate for lost cleansing by initiating pulses of CSF flow.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2025

Research findings offer new insight into blood thinners and bone builders

A team of Virginia Tech researchers has discovered new insights into blood thinners and bone builders, heparin. The findings may lead to designing safer and more reliable heparin therapies. Heparin's molecular composition affects its ability to bind calcium, influencing its effectiveness in biomineralization and blood clotting.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 4, 2025

Forensics study helps investigators draw new clues from bloodstains

A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2025

Sahmyook University study repurposes meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus

Researchers at Sahmyook University repurposed meclofenamate to treat abnormal respiratory mucus, reducing mucin secretion and characteristics of respiratory mucus. This study offers an alternative solution for patients with respiratory diseases, saving time and costs compared to conventional drug development strategies.

SourceSahmyook University·JournalBiomolecules & Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

Oncotarget | Serum microRNAs as new criteria for referral to early palliative care services in treatment-naïve advanced cancer patients

Researchers developed predictive models using serum microRNAs to identify patients at risk of requiring early palliative care. The study used serum samples from 178 patients with various types of cancer and found that miRNA-based models had higher accuracy than clinical models in predicting referral to a palliative care unit.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateDec 29, 2022

How flies lay off the extra salty snacks

Researchers at the University of British Columbia identified a new high-salt receptor, IR7c, in fruit flies that governs their ability to detect dangerously high concentrations of salt. This discovery provides insights into how animals sense and avoid excessive salt, which is essential for survival but can be toxic in high amounts.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Single-use sensor strips detect cerebrospinal fluid leaks

Researchers developed a single-use sensor strip that can detect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks, providing a rapid diagnostic tool for patients with brain and spinal cord injuries. The test uses antibodies specific to proteins found in human CSF, detecting leaks even when other substances are present.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Vacuum Science & Technology B Nanotechnology and Microelectronics Materials Processing Measurement and Phenomena·DateFeb 1, 2022

A skin crawling treatment for acne?

A team of scientists at McGill University has invented a smart device for personalized skin care inspired by the male diving beetle. The device collects and monitors body fluids while sticking to the skin's surface, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics and treatment for skin diseases like acne.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2021

Why hydration is so important when hiking in the heat of summer

A recent study found that hikers' performance during hot weather conditions was impaired, resulting in slower speeds and increased risk of heat-related illness. The researchers also discovered that most hikers did not bring enough fluid to compensate for sweat loss, with less fit participants being most negatively affected.

SourceArizona State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 14, 2020

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Researchers at MIT have developed a portable sensor that can accurately measure patients' hydration levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The device has the potential to improve dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disease and could also benefit people with congestive heart failure, athletes, and elderly ind...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

More IV fluids, fewer c-sections

A new study by Thomas Jefferson University found that women who received IV fluids at a higher rate during labor were less likely to need a cesarean section and had shorter labors. The study pooled data from seven small clinical trials involving over 1,200 women.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMar 15, 2017

Personal protective equipment is critical but not enough to shield health care workers from Ebola

A commentary published in Annals of Internal Medicine highlights two factors contributing to Ebola infection among healthcare workers: insufficient supply of personal protective equipment and inadequate donning/doffing procedures. To prevent transmission, the authors recommend a structured process for gear removal.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 25, 2014