Health news, medical discoveries and wellness tips
New research suggests disrupted communication between the brain and immune system, not just a consequence but a potential driver of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
New analysis of the SELECT trial shows semaglutide significantly reduced the inflammatory marker hsCRP by 37.8% in patients with heart disease and obesity. This reduction, observed early and even with minimal weight loss, suggests inflammation may partly mediate the drug's cardiovascular benefits, though causality isn't proven.
Researchers at UC San Diego have employed AI to identify the DNA signature of the 'initiator,' a crucial element that dictates when genes switch on. The AI model successfully located this signature in approximately 60% of human genes, a breakthrough with potential implications for understanding genetic disorders and designing gene therapies.
A UC Berkeley study reveals TOFA, a decades-old compound, significantly boosts energy expenditure and fat loss in mice by 18% without muscle loss. It also improves metabolic markers and shows promise when combined with GLP-1 drugs, potentially offering a new obesity treatment strategy.
Xavier Becerra, campaigning for California governor, faces a looming health insurance crisis. Federal and state cuts could nearly double the number of uninsured Californians under 65 by 2030, impacting hospitals, insurers, and the economy. Becerra vows to maintain coverage but faces significant funding challenges.
Recent food recalls for Cyclospora, Salmonella, and E. coli have consumers concerned. Rutgers professor Don Schaffner explains that while recalls may seem more frequent, the risk might not be higher, but rather awareness is increased. He discusses factors driving outbreaks, company responsibility, and consumer strategies for staying safe.
New research reveals chemical modifications in transfer RNA (tRNA) are crucial for the Chagas disease parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, to transform between its infectious and non-infectious forms. This discovery could pave the way for novel treatments.
A new study reveals that historical redlining's legacy of poor housing, high crime, and substandard schools, rather than transportation or income, are the primary barriers to healthy food access in affected neighborhoods. The findings challenge simplistic solutions like merely adding grocery stores, urging a holistic approach to neighborhood revitalization.
A two-year study found that a Mediterranean-style diet significantly improved diet quality compared to calorie-focused WeightWatchers, even though both led to similar weight loss. Experts highlight its sustainable approach to chronic disease prevention.