New study reveals how human astroviruses bind to humans cells and paves the way for new therapies and vaccines Human astroviruses are a leading viral cause of the stomach bug—think vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It often impacts young children and older adults, leading to vicious cycles of sickness and malnutrition, particularly for those in low and middle income countries. It’s very commonly found in wastewater studies, meaning it’s frequently circulating in communities. As of now, there are no vaccines for…
Scientists uncover how support cells, once thought harmless, send damaging signals that weaken the heart Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, affecting millions of people and placing an enormous burden on healthcare systems. The disease occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently, leaving patients short of breath, fatigued, and at risk of life-threatening complications. For decades, scientists have focused on studying cardiomyocytes—the heart’s muscle cells responsible for pumping blood—believing…
European research team presents comprehensive review in Brain Medicine on tDCS, rTMS, and DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder Lausanne, Switzerland – 28 October 2025. In a peer-reviewed article published today in Brain Medicine, a European research team presents a focused review of emerging neuromodulation techniques for treatment-resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The article, “Neuromodulation techniques in obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current state of the art,” examines how transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are changing…
Lawsonia inermis, widely recognised as the source of henna dye used for colouring skin and fabrics, may soon have a life-saving medical application. Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered that pigments derived from the plant could help combat liver fibrosis — a serious disease that leads to excessive scar tissue formation in the liver due to chronic injury. Understanding Liver Fibrosis Liver fibrosis occurs when prolonged liver damage — often from factors like alcohol abuse or unhealthy lifestyles —…
Study finds the molecule CCL5 is both protective and harmful, suggesting future drugs could target only its damaging effects Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from the blood. It is a common health concern that affects an estimated 8–16% of the global population, particularly among older adults. CKD can arise from various causes, including glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that damage the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units…
Chemical found in consumer products and used in dry cleaning shown to triple the risk of liver fibrosis LOS ANGELES — Liver disease is usually caused by one of three factors: alcohol consumption, fat buildup in the liver linked to obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, or hepatitis B and C. Now, a new study published in Liver International from Keck Medicine of USC reveals that tetrachloroethylene (PCE), a chemical used in dry cleaning and found in consumer products such as…
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), once considered an adult-onset disease, is increasing at alarming rates in children and adolescents. Before the mid-1990s, just 1% to 2% of youth with diabetes had T2D. Today, that number has skyrocketed to between 24% and 45%, with the average age of diagnosis hovering around 13 years old. This troubling trend closely tracks with the ongoing rise in childhood obesity. While genetics, diet and physical activity all play roles in T2D risk, new research from Florida…
Viewpoint examines neuroplasticity and emotional processing mechanisms underlying psychedelic therapy potential CHANGCHUN, Jilin, CHINA, 14 October 2025 — A peer-reviewed viewpoint article published today in Psychedelics by Prof. Xiaohui Wang and colleagues examines the therapeutic potential of psychedelic substances for treating stress-related psychiatric disorders through novel neurobiological mechanisms. The analysis synthesizes current evidence on how compounds like psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), and MDMA could fundamentally alter treatment paradigms for depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Addressing Chronic Stress…
Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Cohen discusses revolutionary approaches and new results transforming mental health research. BELMONT, Massachusetts, USA, 14 October 2025 — In a compelling Genomic Press Interview published today in Genomic Psychiatry, Dr. Bruce M. Cohen discusses results and insights that are reshaping international approaches to understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders. The Robertson-Steele Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Program for Neuropsychiatric Research at McLean Hospital shares remarkable discoveries from nearly five decades of…
Gene therapy successfully reduced epileptic activity, hyperactivity and risk-taking behaviors tied to SYNGAP1-related disorders SEATTLE, WASH. — October 9, 2025 — In an exciting scientific first, researchers at the Allen Institute successfully designed a new gene therapy that reversed symptoms related to SYNGAP1-related disorders (SRD) in mice. These are a class of brain disorders that can lead to severe and debilitating symptoms including intellectual disability, epilepsy, motor problems, and risk-taking behaviors in humans. In most cases, SRDs are caused when…
Kobe University researchers highlight the value of early urinalysis for detecting a rare genetic kidney disease A study from Kobe University has revealed that Japan’s universal urine screening program for 3-year-olds may play a critical role in the early detection of Alport syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that leads to kidney failure, hearing loss, and vision changes. The research, published in Kidney International Reports, shows that over 30% of Alport syndrome cases in children were first detected through age-3 urinalysis—and…
A breakthrough study at The University of Queensland has discovered a hidden dangerous feature in the Black Mamba one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Professor Bryan Fry from UQ’s School of the Environment said the study revealed the venoms of three species of mamba were far more neurologically complex than previously thought, explaining why antivenoms were sometimes ineffective. “The Black Mamba, Western Green Mamba and Jamesons Mamba snakes aren’t just using one form of chemical weapon, they’re…
By hijacking a key growth receptor under low-oxygen conditions, this newly discovered RNA molecule helps oral cancer cells survive chemotherapy Oral cancer is one of the most common head and neck cancers worldwide, with hundreds of thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. Despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, survival rates remain poor. One of the main challenges is that tumors quickly adapt and develop resistance to drugs that previously controlled them. A key factor behind this resistance is…
A team of scientists at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) has published new evidence suggesting that the brain’s protective shield — known as the blood-brain barrier (BBB) — remains largely intact in a commonly used mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The discovery challenges long-standing assumptions that Alzheimer’s disease causes the BBB to “leak,” potentially reshaping how researchers think about drug delivery for the disease. The study, published July 23 in Fluids and Barriers of the CNS, was conducted by a…
Australian scientists have uncovered a strong connection between stress and disease susceptibility in koalas across South East Queensland and the New South Wales North Coast. The University of Queensland’s Dr Michaela Blyton led the research, which monitored koala retrovirus (KoRV) levels in both wild and captive animals. “We wanted to see what happened to their KoRV loads over time and how it related to chlamydial infection and levels of the stress hormones cortisol and corticosterone in their faeces,” Dr Blyton…
Findings from a first-of-its-kind analysis in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases provide timely, insightful guidance to alleviate the burden of musculoskeletal disorders globally Philadelphia, September 16, 2025 – Novel research shows that in approximately one third of countries and territories worldwide, population aging was the largest contributor to the growing burden of musculoskeletal disorders from 1990 to 2021. The new study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, published by Elsevier, is poised to inform targeted public health strategies…
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