https://medicalxpress.com/ en-us Medical Xpress internet news portal provides the latest news on Health and Medicine. About 25 million people in the U.S.—roughly eight out of 100—are diagnosed with asthma. Allergens, air pollution, extreme weather conditions and other irritants can cause chronic lung inflammation, leading to coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-asthma-reshape-airway-tissue-mechanical.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:00:05 EDT news700754821 Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)—even mild concussions—may trigger a chain reaction in the brain that disrupts neuronal communication, long-term memory and cognition, according to University of California, Riverside, research investigating how the brain's immune system responds after injury. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-enemy-immune-worsens-brain-injury.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:20:06 EDT news700736462 Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a previously unrecognized mechanism by which structural changes in the cerebellum influence social behavior. The study demonstrates that disruption of specialized extracellular structures surrounding cerebellar neurons alters neuronal activity across brain circuits involved in social behavior. The findings provide new insight into the neural mechanisms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The work is published in the journal Translational Psychiatry. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-cerebellar-nets-social-behavior-autism.html Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:03 EDT news700476661 Researchers at the Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, have identified a possible mechanism behind the spread of the aggressive brain tumor diffuse midline glioma. The study shows that the brain's own immune cells, microglia, may contribute to the tumor's invasive capacity by producing the protein fibronectin. The results are published in the journal Cell Death & Disease. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-children-brain-tumors-faster-microglia.html Mon, 01 Jun 2026 14:40:07 EDT news699537541 Researchers have discovered a new way that brain plasticity is controlled in early life, offering insight into the little-understood phenomenon of critical-period closure. In the months or years after birth, critical periods of learning in the brain are open, making the organ uniquely sensitive to information coming from the outside world. Experiences during this time can have a lasting impact on the brain by sculpting neural connections that persist into adulthood. As a child or young animal matures, this heightened period of brain plasticity ends as critical periods begin to close through mechanisms that remain largely unclear. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-stress-hormone-brain-clues-early.html Sun, 31 May 2026 13:00:03 EDT news699112850 Common medications used to treat anemia may also slow down cancer cell growth, according to new research from Finland. Researchers from the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland discovered that these drugs affect cell metabolism and growth in ways previously unknown. The findings, published in Redox Biology, suggest that the drugs could benefit cancer patients who often suffer from anemia, potentially treating two problems at once. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-common-anemia-medication-unexpected-potential.html Thu, 28 May 2026 18:40:01 EDT news699183909 Molecular clocks that can provide accurate estimates of both molecular age and lifespan across multiple mammalian species and tissue types are presented in an article published in Nature this week. An analysis of more than 11,000 human, rodent, and primate samples reveals conserved signatures of aging. This framework may aid the development of targeted interventions to improve longevity. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-gene-clocks-lifespan-species-epigenetic.html Thu, 28 May 2026 12:20:01 EDT news699187143 A largely overlooked space between cells in women's brains may hold the key to understanding memory loss tied to estrogen decline after menopause, reports a new preclinical Northwestern Medicine study. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-memory-decline-menopause-linked-loss.html Tue, 26 May 2026 05:30:01 EDT news698919841 It is known that the antiepileptic drug valproate increases the risk of developmental disorders in unborn children. A study conducted by the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the University of Tübingen, and the University Heidelberg using lab-grown tissue models of the human brain gives new insights into the effects this drug has on early brain development. They open new avenues for research to mitigate the risk during pregnancy. The study has been published in Molecular Psychiatry. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-common-epilepsy-drug-disrupts-early.html Fri, 22 May 2026 12:40:03 EDT news698668621 Researchers have developed a novel mouse model that replicates severe geleophysic dysplasia, including short stature, heart valve alterations, and early lethality—characteristics of this rare disease. The findings from the study in The American Journal of Pathology provide a basis for the identification of molecular mechanisms underlying geleophysic dysplasia, which can then be targeted for therapeutic purposes. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-mouse-recreates-severe-geleophysic-dysplasia.html Mon, 18 May 2026 18:00:06 EDT news698340179 Experimental infections, where a pathogen is introduced into the host body to see its effects in action, are considered the gold standard for assessing how vulnerable a host is, offering clear insights into how a pathogen causes disease and spreads through populations. This approach requires deliberately infecting live animals, which not only raises clear ethical concerns but also often proves impractical for many wildlife species, especially endangered ones, where conservation efforts take precedence. Scientists have found a potential solution to this problem. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-animal-lab-grown-airway-organoids.html Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:20:06 EDT news696763792 Bone marrow is the spongy tissue located within the hollow center of bones, serving as the primary site for the continuous production of red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. Despite its physiological importance, the developmental mechanism by which this soft tissue is formed within the rigid confines of hard bone has remained largely unknown. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-bones-marrow-newly-cells-reappear.html Tue, 28 Apr 2026 17:30:01 EDT news696614941 The stiffness of tumor tissue plays a role in how cancer spreads. Furthermore, stiff tumor tissue leaves traces in the affected cells, according to two recent research studies from Lund University. "This helps us to better understand how the mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment actively drive cancer development and spread," says Vinay Swaminathan, senior lecturer at Lund University. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-stiffer-tumor-tissue-cancer-rewire.html Sun, 26 Apr 2026 11:00:04 EDT news696176801 By studying and engineering heart tissue in the unique low-gravity environment of space, the laboratory of Arun Sharma, Ph.D., is uncovering new ways to protect and repair the failing heart. He addressed the 46th Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT), held from 22–25 April at the Metro Toronto Convention Center in Toronto, ON, Canada. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-space-grown-heart-tissue-uncover.html Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:10:01 EDT news696247439 Researchers at WashU Medicine have uncovered new molecular insights into Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and other forms of dementia by analyzing thousands of proteins in both cerebrospinal fluid and blood plasma. The study, led by Carlos Cruchaga, the Barbara Burton & Reuben Morriss III Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the NeuroGenomics and Informatics Center at WashU Medicine, represents one of the largest and most comprehensive multi-tissue analyses of proteins across multiple neurodegenerative diseases to date. The findings raise the possibility of developing blood tests for earlier and more precise diagnosis of these conditions. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-blood-spinal-fluid-proteins-reveal.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:40:03 EDT news696255301 A new study by researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center focusing on pancreatic cancer has shown that a new scoring system can provide a single numerical value that reflects whether the tumor microenvironment, the biological "neighborhood" surrounding a tumor, is working to suppress or support that tumor. The results of the laboratory study could ultimately help clinicians improve treatment offered to patients with pancreatic cancer. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-scoring-tool-reprogram-pancreatic-tumor.html Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:20:01 EDT news696226982 Diabetes affects more than 40 million people in the United States, according to the American Diabetes Association. For many, the chronic condition means a lifetime of pain as worsening circulation leads to nonhealing ulcers in the extremities, especially the legs and feet. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-diabetic-wound-treatment-cells.html Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:00:04 EDT news695572920 The way in which the body processes cholesterol affects the risk of cardiovascular diseases. LDL cholesterol is obtained from saturated fats in food and from hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Its accumulation in the arterial walls can obstruct blood flow. In a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, long-term monitoring has revealed that high cholesterol absorption predicted myocardial infarctions and cardiac mortality in patients who had previously had an acute coronary artery event. The worst prognosis was seen in patients with the highest cholesterol absorption, while low cholesterol absorption was associated with a better prognosis. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-effective-cholesterol-absorption-intestine-cardiac.html Wed, 15 Apr 2026 16:20:09 EDT news695482441 Aortic aneurysms are characterized by abnormal enlargement of the aorta, the primary artery responsible for carrying blood from the heart. Rupture often leads to sudden death, and currently, no effective drug therapies are available to halt disease progression. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-blood-mutations-deadly-aortic-aneurysms.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:20:07 EDT news695390221 Preeclampsia is a life-threatening pregnancy complication that affects roughly 1 in 10 pregnancies worldwide and, in the United States alone, around 5%–8% of pregnancies. The condition can lead to severe, long-term health consequences for mothers and their babies. Despite its prevalence, though, the underlying cause has remained largely unknown. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-root-preeclampsia.html Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:40:01 EDT news695376782 A first-of-its-kind study led by the Medical University of South Carolina raises questions about the value of fish oil supplements for people with repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries. In work published in Cell Reports, researchers say the supplements, often seen as neuroprotective, may actually impair the healing process after brain injury. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-widespread-belief-fish-oil-effects.html Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:20:05 EDT news694798501 Fibrosis is the body's way of patching up damage—a bit like fixing a pothole. When skin is cut or a muscle is injured, fibroblast cells rush in to make fibronectin and collagen, which are two major extracellular matrix proteins in tissue. They pull the wound edges together and build a temporary scaffold to let tissue heal. Once the job is done, the body slowly removes the extra fibers and the tissue softens again. This type of normal wound healing is essential. However, problems arise when fibroblasts do not stop making fibers. Instead of healing and calming, the tissue becomes thicker, stiffer, and less able to work. This long-term, uncontrolled scarring is called pathological fibrosis. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-uncontrolled-scarring-reveals-cell-sensor.html Thu, 02 Apr 2026 14:40:02 EDT news694354584 Periodontitis is a serious chronic inflammatory form of gum disease that affects millions worldwide. It can lead to tooth loss and the destruction of supporting bone. This disease has also been linked to other health problems, including diabetes, respiratory infections, and heart disease, impacting quality of life and increasing health care costs. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-stiff-defense-physical-rigidity-healthy.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 18:40:01 EDT news694258168 Obesity is known to be a major risk factor that exacerbates metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes. A key molecule involved in this process is endotrophin, a signaling protein that links excess fat accumulation to metabolic decline. Recent research from UNIST has identified a natural compound capable of directly inhibiting endotrophin production, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-04-natural-compound-nigericin-endotrophin-obesity.html Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:40:05 EDT news694261442 A study by researchers at the University of California San Diego could make it easier to treat breast cancer by uncovering a new way the body helps prevent its spread. The scientists discovered a new role for an inflammatory protein called TYK2 in mechanotransduction, the process by which cells sense and respond to their physical environment. Understanding mechanotransduction can provide insights into how cancer spreads and provide new avenues for treatment. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-tyk2-protein-suppresses-breast-cancer.html Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:10:01 EDT news694196222 Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is an autoimmune disease characterized by the deposition of circulating IgA-containing immune complexes (IgA-ICs) in the glomerular mesangium, leading to mesangial cell proliferation, enhanced extracellular matrix production, and variable infiltration of inflammatory cells. Because IgA nephropathy carries a lifelong risk of progression to end-stage kidney disease, optimal therapeutic strategies to halt renal deterioration are needed. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-biomarker-immunoglobulin-nephropathy.html Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:00:08 EDT news694101049 A research group led by Professor Cecilia Sahlgren at Åbo Akademi University (Finland) and the InFLAMES Research Flagship has identified a new mechanism directing the adverse remodeling of tumor tissue during breast cancer progression. This discovery could offer new treatment opportunities against aggressive forms of breast cancer that currently lack targeted therapy options. The findings are published in the journal Science Advances. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-breast-cancers-faster-jagged1-trigger.html Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:40:03 EDT news693072061 Traumatic muscle injury can be associated with volumetric muscle loss (VML), often leading to permanent functional loss. Until recently, experimental therapies to support muscle regeneration have faced several key limitations, including the challenge of delivering sufficient healing cells to the traumatized area and the inability of conventional tissue transplants to conform to the specific shape of a muscle defect. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-scaffold-free-approach-muscles.html Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:10:01 EDT news692985962 An international research team led by the Levenberg Laboratory in the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology has succeeded in developing a first-of-its-kind, three-dimensional implant that combines muscle and fat tissues, a lymphatic network, and a hierarchical blood vessel network. The researchers' findings are published in Cell Biomaterials. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-implant-treatment-significant-tissue-loss.html Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:30:01 EDT news692985244 The healing of the spinal cord depends on carefully timed interactions between injured nerve cells and their surrounding environment, according to a study published in Science Advances by researchers at Karolinska Institutet titled "Time-dependent adaptations of damaged neurons and their microenvironment in the regenerating adult zebrafish spinal cord." https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-03-crucial-spinal-cord-zebrafish.html Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:40:03 EDT news692263586