Health & Medicine

1. Why heart attacks can still happen even when bad cholesterol is low

   Even when bad cholesterol is brought down to healthy levels, some people remain at risk of heart attacks, and scientists may have discovered why. Researchers identified two types of fat-carrying particles that appear to promote inflammation and damage blood vessels through mechanisms beyond cholesterol buildup.

2. Alzheimer’s may have early warning signs outside the brain

   A surprising discovery suggests that some early signs of Alzheimer’s disease may begin outside the brain. Using miniature laboratory systems made from human cells, scientists found that genetic mutations associated with inherited Alzheimer’s can disrupt nerve-to-muscle connections without any involvement from the brain or spinal cord. This could help explain why some patients experience changes in balance, walking, and coordination long before memory problems develop.

3. Common supplement could help fight psoriasis, scientists discover

   Scientists have discovered that pantethine, a readily available vitamin B5 derivative, can calm overactive immune cells and may help fight psoriasis. The supplement prevented psoriasis in mice and showed promising results in a small human trial, revealing an unexpected connection between cholesterol and autoimmune inflammation.

4. Common osteoporosis drugs linked to 24% lower dementia risk in major study

   A massive study of more than 120,000 older adults suggests that common osteoporosis drugs may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias by up to 24%. The surprising findings raise the possibility that medications already used to strengthen bones could also help protect the aging brain.

5. Eating less protein could slow aging, review of 350 studies finds

   A major review of more than 350 studies suggests that eating less protein could slow aging, improve metabolic health, and potentially extend lifespan, challenging the widespread belief that more protein is always better. Researchers warn that many sedentary adults may be consuming too much protein, while emphasizing that individual needs depend on age and physical activity.

6. A little-known protein could be a major culprit in type 2 diabetes

   Scientists have discovered that a buildup of a protein called Miro1 may be a hidden driver of insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes, with preclinical experiments showing that removing it restores the muscles’ response to insulin. Exercise was also found to lower Miro1 levels in people with diabetes, revealing a potential new pathway for treating the disease.

7. Scientists discover a hidden warning sign of cannabis addiction

   A study of more than 17,700 US adults found that people who use cannabis in multiple forms have dramatically higher rates of daily consumption and addiction symptoms than those who stick primarily to one method. Nearly 67% of those who used almost every form met criteria for cannabis use disorder, compared with just 15% of people who mainly consumed edibles.

8. Scientists discover a surprising link between acorns and lyme disease

   After more than 35 years of research, scientists have uncovered surprising clues about what really drives Lyme disease risk. Contrary to longstanding assumptions, deer populations appear less important than mice, which can fuel a 40% increase in tick numbers the following year. Even acorn production can predict tick population surges two years in advance, while extreme temperatures may be far less deadly to ticks than scientists once believed.

9. Stronger flu shot linked to nearly 55% lower Alzheimer's risk

   A surprising new study suggests that a stronger flu shot could offer older adults significantly greater protection against Alzheimer's disease. Researchers at UTHealth Houston analyzed nearly 200,000 adults ages 65 and older and found that those who received a high-dose influenza vaccine had a nearly 55% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's, compared with a 40% reduction previously associated with the standard-dose vaccine.

10. Major trial challenges how doctors decide who really needs statins

    A study of nearly 5,800 adults found that heart scans measuring calcium buildup in the arteries led to the same observed rate of major cardiovascular events as traditional risk assessments, despite recommending statins to far fewer patients. Surprisingly, patients advised to take statins based on their scans were nearly three times as likely to stick with their medication, raising intriguing questions about how doctors should identify and treat heart disease risk.

11. Drinking 2–3 cups of coffee a day linked to dramatically lower dementia risk

    Drinking two to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily was linked to a dramatically lower risk of dementia and better cognitive functioning in a study spanning up to 43 years. The benefits appeared regardless of genetic risk, but decaffeinated coffee did not show the same association.

12. When your gut bacteria run out of fiber, they may start eating your gut lining

    Scientists have discovered that gut bacteria can feed on the protective mucus lining your intestines, producing potentially harmful compounds, but fiber helps keep this activity in check. Overlooked proteins in plant foods also help shift gut bacteria toward producing beneficial substances, revealing a surprising new reason plant-based diets may be good for you.

13. For decades, we were told to avoid full-fat dairy. New research says otherwise

    Full-fat dairy may not be the health villain it has long been portrayed as, according to a new study finding that three daily servings did not worsen weight, cholesterol, or insulin resistance over 12 weeks. Researchers also observed improvements in blood pressure and nutrient intake, raising questions about longstanding recommendations to choose low-fat dairy.

14. A 24-hour fast triggers a surprising repair response in the gut

    Scientists have discovered that fasting for just 24 hours increases a beneficial gut bacterium that helps the intestines regenerate after radiation damage. The preclinical findings could pave the way for new treatments that protect healthy tissue during cancer therapy, potentially without requiring patients to fast.

15. Cancer uses antioxidants to disarm the immune system, scientists discover

    Scientists have discovered that tumors release natural antioxidants to shut down the immune cells responsible for destroying cancer, exploiting a surprising weakness in the body's defenses. Blocking this mechanism in mice restored immune activity and improved immunotherapy responses, potentially opening a new path toward more effective cancer treatments.