Category: Health

A new study from Northwestern Medicine has uncovered the mechanism behind metformin, a leading Type 2 diabetes medication known for its wide range of health benefits. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, reveals how metformin interferes with mitochondria, the cell’s “powerhouse,” to effectively lower blood sugar levels. For over 60 years, metformin has…

Asians, non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics are significantly less likely than whites to use obesity-management medications to manage their weight, new research shows. These disparities persist even when controlling for socioeconomic factors, insurance coverage and clinical need. Published in the Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, the study is one of the few to explore…

Recent research published in ACS ES&T Water has uncovered startling findings about silver-coated antimicrobial showerheads, suggesting they may fail to protect against harmful waterborne pathogens and could even exacerbate the threat by fostering antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial showerheads, often laden with silver — a naturally antimicrobial metal — are widely installed in various settings, including health…

A groundbreaking study from the University of Surrey has raised concerns about the mental health impacts of ultra-processed plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) for vegetarians. Published in the journal Food Frontiers, the research showed that vegetarians consuming PBMAs faced a 42% increased risk of depression compared to their counterparts who avoided these meat substitutes. Led by…

Imagine a vaccine that you could simply rub onto your skin rather than enduring the discomfort of a needle. This groundbreaking prospect is closer to reality thanks to the innovative work of researchers at Stanford University. Michael Fischbach, the Liu (Liao) Family Professor and a professor of bioengineering at Stanford, and his team have domesticated…

For those suffering from rosacea, eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions, a new treatment could be on the horizon. Researchers led by the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that a compound named SYM2081 can effectively inhibit the activity of mast cells, potentially preventing the symptoms that often plague patients. Their findings, published in Science Translational…

New findings from researchers at University College London (UCL) suggest that the cognitive benefits of exercise extend far longer than previously thought. According to the study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, moderate to vigorous physical activity can boost cognitive performance, including memory, for up to 24 hours. The significance…

New research from the University of Pittsburgh has elucidated the mechanism by which house dust mites, a prevalent allergen, trigger allergic asthma through immune system activation in mice. The study, recently published in Nature Immunology, provides vital insights into how seemingly harmless substances like dust mites, pet dander and pollen induce allergic reactions. This revelation…

Researchers at Umeå University in Sweden have discovered a concerning link between nanoplastics and the reduced effectiveness of antibiotics. This groundbreaking study highlights the severe implications of nanoplastics on public health, revealing that these diminutive plastic particles can compromise the efficacy of life-saving antibiotic treatments and potentially contribute to antibiotic resistance. “The results are alarming…

Researchers at UC Davis Health have unveiled a clever mechanism that Salmonella bacteria use to overcome the gut’s natural defenses and cause infections. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on how this common foodborne pathogen manipulates its environment to survive and replicate in the intestines. “We knew…