ScienceDaily

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers have identified cancer drugs that might reverse the effects of Alzheimer's disease in the brain. By analyzing gene expression in brain cells, they discovered that some FDA-approved cancer medications could reverse damage caused by Alzheimer's....

GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic are transforming weight loss, but a new UVA study warns they're not improving a critical measure of health: cardiorespiratory fitness. While these medications help people shed fat, they also strip away vital muscle mass—raising concerns about long-term heart health, physical function, and mortality. The researchers urge combining treatment with exercise, protein intake, and possibly future drugs to avoid hidden downsides of rapid weight loss....

Potent statins are the best-proven weapon against heart disease, especially when paired with lifestyle changes. Most people aren’t active enough—and many are underdiagnosed—so starting treatment strong is key....

A newly mapped neural circuit shows how our skin senses cool temperatures and sends that info to the brain, revealing an unexpected amplifier in the spinal cord and offering insight into cold-related pain....

A group of Australian scientists has uncovered a new way to fight some of the toughest cancers by targeting an overlooked cellular process called minor splicing. This tiny but vital mechanism turns out to be essential for the growth of certain tumors, especially those driven by KRAS mutations — a common but hard-to-treat culprit in cancer. By blocking minor splicing, researchers triggered DNA damage and activated the body’s own cancer-defense system, killing cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. The results in animal and human cell models are so promising that drug development is now underway, potentially paving the way for...

Scientists have used artificial intelligence to upgrade plant immune systems, potentially revolutionizing how crops like tomatoes and potatoes can defend against harmful bacteria. By reengineering plant receptors that recognize bacterial threats, they are enhancing plant resistance and preparing for a future of more resilient crops....

A new global study reveals a striking post-pandemic surge in gut-brain disorders like IBS and functional dyspepsia. Researchers compared data from 2017 and 2023 and discovered sharp increases—IBS up 28% and dyspepsia nearly 44%. Those suffering from long COVID were especially vulnerable, reporting more anxiety, depression, and worse quality of life. These findings spotlight the urgent need for deeper investigation into the gut-brain axis and revised care models in a post-COVID world....

Sometimes a gentle touch feels sharp and distinct, other times it fades into the background. This inconsistency isn’t just mood—it’s biology. Scientists found that the thalamus doesn’t just relay sensory signals—it fine-tunes how the brain responds to them, effectively changing what we feel. A hidden receptor in the cortex seems to prime neurons, making them more sensitive to touch....

Stepping into a virtual forest or waterfall scene through VR could be the future of pain management. A new study shows that immersive virtual nature dramatically reduces pain sensitivity almost as effectively as medication. Researchers at the University of Exeter found that the more present participants felt in these 360-degree nature experiences, the stronger the pain-relieving effects. Brain scans confirmed that immersive VR scenes activated pain-modulating pathways, revealing that our brains can be coaxed into suppressing pain by simply feeling like we re in nature....