Author: healthadmin

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) is a global public health challenge, with its prevalence rapidly increasing, especially in China. Despite therapeutic advances, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. A new research paper has been published. Chinese medical journal A paper published on March 16, 2026 provides important insights into the role of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of MASLD. A research team led by experts from China’s Shandong First Medical University collected plasma samples from six MASLD patients and six healthy volunteers. They isolated and characterized exosomes and then performed miRNA expression profiling. Results showed that exosomal…

Through a first-in-human clinical trial of a unique “immune priming” therapy, clinical scientists at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh have weaned multiple liver transplant patients off all immunosuppressive drugs for more than three years. Results from a small, early-stage trial are being reported today. nature communications. They confirmed that infusing living donor liver transplant recipients with donor-derived immune cells one week before transplantation and starting removal of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection after one year in eligible patients is feasible, safe, and preliminarily effective. “Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs can adversely affect the kidneys, cause metabolic complications, and…

A new study by researchers at University College London (UCL) has found that people taking gabapentinoids, which are increasingly prescribed around the world, especially for chronic pain, are at a much higher risk of drug addiction if they are also taking other drugs. Authors of new works PLOS medicine The study found that among people taking gabapentinoids, adding benzodiazepines doubled the risk of hospitalization for drug poisoning, and adding opioids increased the risk by 30%. This study revealed that gabapentinoids are often initiated as drug therapy at a time when people are already at increased vulnerability to drug addiction, when…

After 18 years of research, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people tend to procrastinate less as they progress through adolescence. Research on procrastination has primarily focused on short-term behaviors over relatively short periods of time in academic settings. Although these studies have helped identify what causes people to procrastinate at work and the direct effects on performance and well-being, they don’t say much about whether procrastination changes over long periods of life, or whether it remains roughly constant as people get older. Therefore, it is unclear whether procrastination should be understood as primarily a situation-dependent behavior or…

The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) has launched a national “Fight for Our Lives” campaign, producing videos and other materials that show the stories behind biotech breakthroughs and their impact on patients. The video begins with a patient and shows people at the moment they realize they or a loved one may have a health problem. “It starts with the symptoms, then unexpected test results, and then the diagnosis changes everything,” one woman says while listening to sad music. The focus then shifts to drug developers, and one man says, “It starts with a science teacher, a family member who gets…

Recent research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences This suggests that what people look for in a romantic partner changes depending on their economic circumstances and broader economic equality between men and women. The findings provide evidence that as women gain more economic power, their traditional tendency to prefer wealthier partners may fade. This adaptability shows the flexibility of human romantic desire. Scientists have debated for decades why men and women often prioritize different traits in romantic partners. In many cultures, women tend to prefer partners who can afford it. Men tend to prioritize youth and physical…

Elizabeth Cooney is STAT’s cardiovascular disease reporter, covering heart, stroke and metabolic diseases. You can reach Liz on Signal at LizC.22.Immune tolerance has long been the holy grail of transplant medicine, with the hope of overcoming the downsides of anti-rejection therapy for patients receiving life-saving organ transplants. A small, early-stage study has shown that harvesting cells from a living donor (someone who donates part of their liver) holds promise for teaching the recipient’s immune system to accept the foreign organ as its own, ultimately achieving a healthy outcome. Living donation takes advantage of the liver’s ability to regenerate, allowing donors…

Carbonated water may play a small role in weight management by slightly increasing blood sugar uptake and metabolism (the process your body uses to convert energy). However, the effect appears to be minimal. A brief analysis published in BMJ Nutrition Prevention and Health concluded that carbonated water alone is not sufficient to promote significant weight loss. The author emphasizes that there is no easy solution to losing weight and keeping it off. Regular exercise and a balanced, healthy diet remain essential. Additionally, the long-term effects of consuming large amounts of carbonated water are still unknown. Carbonated water is often seen…

One in four U.S. adults (representing more than 66 million people) report having used artificial intelligence tools or chatbots for physical or mental health care information or advice, according to new research released today by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America. More than half say they rely on AI to supplement their healthcare experience, using technology before and after doctor visits, rather than to replace traditional healthcare. The findings are based on a nationally representative survey of more than 5,500 U.S. adults conducted from October to December 2025. In the past 30 days, have you used an AI…

An international group led by researchers at Japan’s RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (IMS) has discovered an association between pathogenic variants in the BRCA 1 and 2 genes and four types of cancer. Published in ESMO OpenThe results of this study expand the possibility of personalized medicine for several types of cancer that currently have limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Pathogenic mutations in the BRCA gene are well known to be associated with the risk of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. As a result, personalized medicine for these types of cancer using PARP inhibitors (a type of…