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COVID-19 vaccinations are metabolically safe

A new study from Murdoch University confirms that COVID-19 vaccinations do not cause significant metabolic changes. The research monitored 167 metabolic markers in 33 participants over 480 days post-vaccination, showing no significant impact on key health indicators.

SourceMurdoch University·JournalJournal of Molecular Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 2025

Therapist in your pocket

A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a smartphone app that teaches core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat subthreshold depression and anxiety. The app, RESiLIENT, was tested in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind, showing promising results with no serious adverse effects.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 23, 2025

Meta-analysis finds Transcendental Meditation reduces post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms across populations and cultures

A meta-analysis of 15 studies with over 1,200 participants found TM to be highly effective in reducing stress and PTSD symptoms in diverse populations. The study showed a large effect size of 1.01 for TM compared to control groups, with rapid reductions in symptoms observed within one month of practicing TM.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalMedicina·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2025

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles improve survival in mice exposed to high-dose irradiation

A new study found that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles significantly enhance survival and facilitate substantial peripheral blood recovery in mice exposed to high-dose irradiation. The treatment promoted hematopoietic recovery, with increases in red blood cell, platelet, white blood cell, and hemoglobin levels.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalStem Cells and Development·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2025

Smartwatches may help control diabetes through exercise

A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to start and maintain purposeful exercise, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. The programme also helped participants lower cholesterol and improve their quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMJ Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2025

Customized smartphone app shows promise in preventing further cognitive decline among older adults diagnosed with mild impairment

A randomized clinical trial found that a customized smartphone app, Silvia Program, significantly improved cognitive functioning among residents with mild cognitive impairment. The program's combination of daily goal setting, cognitive training, and AI-generated conversations showed promising results.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalPublic Health in Practice·DateMar 6, 2025

Sliding into novel materials: A new frontier in material science

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a method to transform graphite into novel materials with controlled atomic layers, enabling the creation of tiny electronic memory units. This process, known as 'Slidetronics,' allows for precise manipulation of material properties, opening doors to innovative applications in electronic...

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateFeb 5, 2025

Qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans

A pilot study found that qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans, improving physical function and reducing sleep disturbance. The holistic practice also showed positive effects on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and social roles, highlighting its potential as a nonpharmacological treatment option.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalPain Management Nursing·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2025

Peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ t cell ratio predicts HBsAg clearance in inactive HBsAg carriers treated with peginterferon alpha

Researchers found that a lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio after 12-24 weeks significantly predicted HBsAg clearance in IHCs treated with peginterferon alpha. Higher baseline percentages of CD3+CD8+ cells and lower CD4+/CD8+ ratios were also associated with improved outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJan 16, 2025

The aquaporin-4 inhibitor, N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide, inhibits the glymphatic system

A study investigated the effects of N-(1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-3-pyridinecarboxamide (TGN-020), a selective AQP4 inhibitor, on glymphatic function. The results showed that acute inhibition of AQP4 significantly impaired glymphatic function without inducing short-term behavioral abnormalities in mice.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateDec 20, 2024

Chungnam National University researchers develop power-free color-changing strain sensor

Chungnam National University researchers developed a magnetoplasmonic strain sensor that changes color in response to mechanical stress, offering a reliable and user-friendly solution for real-time health and activity tracking. The device is powered-free, versatile, and ideal for use in remote or extreme environments.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

New study reveals blood sugar control is a key factor in slowing brain aging, highlighting the benefits of the Mediterranean diet

Researchers found that improved blood sugar control significantly impacts brain health, slowing down age-related brain atrophy by up to 50%. The Green Mediterranean Diet, rich in polyphenols, shows promise in supporting metabolic and brain health.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2024

Novel digital pet game within smoking cessation app increases user engagement with app’s tools to quit smoking

A new study found that embedding a customizable digital pet game within a popular smoking cessation app increased user engagement and direct use of the app's smoking cessation tools. Overall engagement with the app increased by 20 percent, and direct use of the tool increased by 30 percent among participants who had access to the game.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 31, 2024

Scientists create cancer patients’ ‘digital twins’ to predict how well treatments may work

Researchers have developed a technology called FarrSight-Twin that creates digital twins of real cancer patients to predict treatment response. The approach was tested on published clinical trials and showed accurate predictions in all simulated studies, with 75% response rate among patients receiving the predicted best treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 24, 2024

Chinese Medical Journal investigates recent and future trends of lung cancer

According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), lung cancer is the most common type of cancer, with 2.2 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths worldwide in 2020. China had the highest number of new cases, and incidence and mortality rates have been steadily rising from 1990 to 2019.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 26, 2024

Success of meal boxes in treating childhood obesity

A study conducted by the University of Gothenburg found that meal boxes with healthy recipes and subsidized meals led to a greater reduction in children's BMI compared to lifestyle treatment alone. The intervention also involved family meals, which were perceived as tolerable and reduced conflicts over food shopping.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Journal of Pediatrics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2024

Evidence-based information combats misleading and false claims on the internet and social media about the anti-Mullerian hormone test

Researchers found that when given accurate information about the anti-Mullerian hormone test, women had less interest in taking the test compared to those who viewed misleading online claims. The study highlights the importance of providing evidence-based information to women seeking fertility treatment.

SourceEuropean Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology·JournalHuman Reproduction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 28, 2024

Early vision loss linked with difficulty judging sounds

A new study published in Optometry and Vision Sciences found that people with early vision loss are less accurate at estimating the distance of sound compared to those who lose sight later in life. This difficulty can have safety implications, such as judging distances while crossing roads.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalOptometry and Vision Science·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 19, 2024