Health & Medicine

1. Scientists discover the enzyme that lets cancer rapidly rewire its DNA

   Researchers have uncovered the enzyme behind chromothripsis, a chaotic chromosome-shattering event seen in about one in four cancers. The enzyme, N4BP2, breaks apart DNA trapped in tiny cellular structures, unleashing a burst of genetic changes that can help tumors rapidly adapt and resist therapy. Blocking the enzyme dramatically reduced this genomic destruction in cancer cells.

2. Large study finds no link between mRNA COVID vaccine in pregnancy and autism

   Researchers tracked more than 400 toddlers to see whether mRNA COVID-19 vaccination during or just before pregnancy was linked to autism or developmental delays. After detailed assessments of speech, motor skills, behavior, and social development, they found no meaningful differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Experts say the results provide strong reassurance about vaccine safety in pregnancy.

3. Stop eating 3 hours before bed to improve heart health

   A simple shift in your evening routine may give your heart a measurable boost. In a new study, adults who stopped eating and dimmed the lights three hours before bed and extended their overnight fast by about two hours saw improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood-sugar control — without cutting calories.

4. AI uncovers the hidden genetic control centers driving Alzheimer’s

   Scientists have created the most detailed maps yet of how genes control one another inside the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Using a powerful new AI-based system called SIGNET, the team uncovered cause-and-effect relationships between genes across six major brain cell types, revealing which genes are truly driving harmful changes. The most dramatic disruptions were found in excitatory neurons, where thousands of genetic interactions appear to be extensively rewired as the disease progresses.

5. This planet friendly diet could cut your risk of early death by 23%

   A major new study suggests that eating the Nordic way could help you live significantly longer—while also helping the planet. Researchers from Aarhus University found that people who closely followed the 2023 Nordic dietary guidelines had a 23% lower risk of death compared to those who didn’t.

6. This breakthrough could finally unlock male birth control

   Scientists at Michigan State University have uncovered the molecular “switch” that powers sperm for their final, high-speed dash toward an egg. By tracking how sperm use glucose as fuel, the team discovered how dormant cells suddenly flip into overdrive, burning energy in a carefully controlled, multi-step process. A key enzyme, aldolase, helps convert sugar into the burst of power needed for fertilization, while other enzymes act like traffic controllers directing the flow of fuel.

7. The human exposome could change everything we know about disease

   Scientists are launching an ambitious global effort to map the “human exposome” — the lifelong mix of environmental and chemical exposures that drive most diseases. Backed by new partnerships with governments, UNESCO, and international science advisory bodies, the initiative is rapidly expanding across continents. Powered by AI and advanced data tools, the movement seeks to shift medicine beyond genetics and toward the real-world factors shaping human health.

8. Exercise may be one of the most powerful treatments for depression and anxiety

   A sweeping review of global research suggests that exercise—especially aerobic activities like running, swimming, and dancing—can be one of the most powerful ways to ease depression and anxiety. Across tens of thousands of people aged 10 to 90, exercise consistently reduced symptoms, often matching or even outperforming medication and talk therapy.

9. Scientists discover hidden brain cells that help heal spinal cord injuries

   Scientists at Cedars-Sinai have uncovered a surprising repair system in the spinal cord that could open new doors for treating paralysis, stroke, and diseases like multiple sclerosis. They found that special support cells called astrocytes—located far from the actual injury—spring into action after damage. These “lesion-remote astrocytes” send out a protein signal, CCN1, that reprograms immune cells to efficiently clean up fatty nerve debris.

10. Omega-3 fish oil supplements could backfire without this key enzyme

    Fish oil’s cancer-fighting reputation may hinge on a little-known gene. Researchers discovered that omega-3s like EPA and DHA help curb colorectal cancer only when the enzyme ALOX15 is present. Without it, fish oil sometimes increased tumor growth in mice—especially DHA. The results suggest that not all supplements work the same way, and genetics could determine who truly benefits.

11. This vegan diet cut insulin use by nearly 30% in type 1 diabetes

    A low-fat vegan diet—without cutting calories or carbs—may help people with type 1 diabetes significantly reduce how much insulin they need, and how much they spend on it. In a new analysis published in BMC Nutrition, participants following the plant-based plan lowered their daily insulin use by 28%, while those on a portion-controlled diet saw no meaningful change.

12. Scientists make microplastics glow to see what they do inside your body

    Microplastics and nanoplastics are now found everywhere on Earth, from ocean depths to agricultural soils and even inside the human body. Yet scientists still struggle to understand what these particles actually do once they enter living organisms. A new study proposes an innovative fluorescence-based strategy that could allow researchers to track microplastics in real time as they move, transform, and degrade inside biological systems.

13. The exact speed that makes an AI prosthetic arm feel like your own

    A robotic arm that moves too quickly can feel creepy. One that moves too slowly feels awkward and unhelpful. In a VR study, researchers found that AI-powered prosthetic arms were best accepted when they moved at a natural, human-like speed—about one second per reach. That sweet spot boosted feelings of control, comfort, and even trust in the robot.

14. Scientists discover protein that rejuvenates aging brain cells

    A newly identified protein may hold the key to rejuvenating aging brain cells. Researchers found that boosting DMTF1 can restore the ability of neural stem cells to regenerate, even when age-related damage has set in. Without it, these cells struggle to renew and support memory and learning. The findings raise hopes for treatments that could slow or even reverse aspects of brain aging.

15. Scientists discover hidden trigger behind achilles pain and tennis elbow

    A protein called HIF1 may be the missing link behind painful tendon injuries like jumper’s knee and tennis elbow. Researchers showed that high levels of HIF1 actually cause harmful changes that make tendons brittle and prone to pain. In experiments, turning the protein off protected tendons — even under heavy strain.