Blog

Oral bacteria linked to heart attack risk: DNA from oral bacteria was found in a significant portion of arterial plaques from sudden death victims and surgical patients, and when activated by external triggers, these bacteria may provoke immune responses that contribute to plaque rupture and the onset of myocardial infarction, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The findings highlight both the potential for biofilm-targeted therapies to prevent heart attacks and the importance of oral hygiene in cardiovascular health.

From pig organs to 3D printing: The future of transplants – Science writer Mary Roach’s latest book, “Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy,” explores the history and future of replacing human body parts, from 16th-century prosthetic noses to modern advances in gene editing and 3D-printed tissue. Roach traces how pigs became the standard model for organ transplants, why genetic editing is crucial to reduce rejection and how scientists are working to print muscle that mimics natural structures.

Mouse study shows that maternal inflammation linked to long-term anxiety risk in offspring: A study with mice showed that that prenatal inflammation or stress during pregnancy can trigger epigenetic changes in specific neurons in the offspring’s hippocampus, leaving them primed for anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood. Researchers say these findings link prenatal adversity to lasting brain changes and may guide the search for early biomarkers and new treatments.

Melinda French Gates pledges another $50M for women’s health: Melinda French Gates has committed an additional $50 million to women’s health research through Pivotal Ventures and Wellcome Leap. The funding will be used to address areas such as autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, and mental health. “Women’s health is chronically underfunded, chronically under-researched, and, as a result, not well understood,” French Gates said.

Amphetamines can be extremely helpful for people with certain neuropsychiatric conditions, such as ADHD. However, they are also frequently misused and abused, creating a growing public health problem. There are currently no medicines for treating amphetamine use disorder, but hope may be on the horizon: Researchers have zeroed in on how a common microbe enhances the effects of these drugs — which means they might someday be able to do the opposite.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 09 SEP 2025 sweeping reforms to rein in misleading direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertisements. The FDA sent thousands of letters warning pharmaceutical companies to remove misleading ads and issuing approximately 100 cease-and-desist letters to companies with deceptive ads.

Wild baboon microbiome offers clues to healthy aging: Researchers working with wild baboons in East Africa used microbiome data from fecal samples to develop a gut-based biological aging clock, which they used to predict chronological age with an error rate of two (2) years, outperforming human-based versions. This animal model revealed that age-related shifts in microbial diversity are influenced by sex, social status, and environmental conditions, and the findings, reported in eLife, may help scientists better understand how manipulating the microbiome can promote healthy aging in humans.

Analysis reveals medical device professionals are putting in over a quarter (1/4) more working hours than the average American — the equivalent of 69 extra workdays annually.

Peanut allergies and the search for a cure: Peanut allergies, once rare, have become a major public health challenge since the 1990s, affecting millions of children and adults and reshaping daily life in schools and homes. The causes remain unclear, with theories pointing to overly clean environments, genetics and delayed childhood exposure. A true cure is not yet available; however, new therapies such as oral immunotherapy, skin patches, biologic drugs like Xolair, immune resetting regimens and early peanut introduction in infants offer families real hope for safety and a future with fewer restrictions.

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with cutting $783 million in research funding as part of its efforts to reduce federal diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The decision, made by a 5-4 vote, lifts a previous block on these cuts, although future funding cuts under the same directive remain blocked. The ruling has sparked criticism from Democratic state attorneys general and public health groups, who argue that it disrupts scientific research and potential breakthroughs. The Justice Department supports the cuts, arguing that funding decisions should not be subject to judicial review.