Each year, thousands of babies are born with rare but serious medical conditions that may not be visible at birth. But thanks to newborn screening, many of these conditions can be detected early—often before symptoms appear—giving babies the best possible start in life. What Is Newborn Screening? Newborn screening is a routine process that takes place shortly after…
Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory in Connecticut have developed a promising antibody ‘cocktail’ that could form the basis of a universal therapy against the influenza A virus (IAV). This family of viruses causes regular seasonal epidemics and is linked to the risk of pandemics, particularly when bird flu strains spread. The findings of the study…
Breathing is something most of us take for granted—until it becomes difficult. Our respiratory system plays a vital role in keeping us alive and well, delivering oxygen to every cell in the body and removing carbon dioxide. When our lungs and airways are functioning properly, we have the energy to think clearly, move easily, and…
A new study by scientists at Northeastern University examined this question and found a correlation between low body fat and high levels of aerobic fitness, as well as reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression in children. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, began in 2019 and continued until 2023. The research team…
Scientists at McGill University and the Douglas Institute have identified two specific types of brain changes that occur in people with depression. The study, published in Nature Genetics, paves the way for developing new depression treatments that target specific cells. It also deepens our understanding of the disorder, which is a leading cause of disability…
The phrase ‘You reap what you sow’ may sound like just a cliché, but a recent study published in the journal Social Science and Medicine suggests that helping others can bring significant benefits to the aging brain. According to the results, middle-aged and older adults who regularly help strangers experience a significantly slower decline in…
New studies confirm that the composition of the intestinal microflora in both mothers and newborns can significantly affect infant health, particularly their susceptibility to respiratory infections in the first months of life. Finnish scientists have found that the diversity and balance of gut bacteria in the first weeks after birth can influence how susceptible a…
Scientists at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), along with other leading research institutions, have discovered that the PELOTA protein—known for its role in RNA quality control—can slow aging and extend lifespan. This finding opens new avenues in gerontology and in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The study results were published in…
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the link between different types of plant-based diets and the risk of developing cancers in various organs. A vegetarian diet typically includes more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes, while limiting or completely excluding meat. This type of diet increases the intake of phytochemicals…
Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases in children, claiming many young lives. Scientists are working to understand why some tumors return so soon after treatment. Recent research suggests that the cause may be an unusual form of circular DNA that exists within cancer cells. This circular DNA, or ecDNA, forms when fragments of…
