Month: December 2025

Autoimmune diseases are numerous, affect mostly women: There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases that collectively affect tens of millions of people, predominantly women, and diagnosing autoimmune diseases can be challenging due to vague and overlapping symptoms that mimic other illnesses. Multiple tests, including blood tests for specific antibodies, are often required. New research is focusing on reprogramming the immune system to cure autoimmune diseases.

Llamas, alpacas source of broad-spectrum snake antivenom: Scientists working with llamas and alpacas have created a new antivenom that neutralizes venom from 17 species of deadly African snakes by combining eight (8) nanobodies derived from the animals’ immune responses. When tested with mice, the cocktail protected against multiple venoms and reduced tissue damage, suggesting a new path toward safer and broader antivenom treatments for humans.

Trial of transplanted pig kidneys begins: The first clinical trial of pig kidney transplants is underway, with United Therapeutics announcing a successful initial procedure at NYU Langone Health. The trial, which may expand to 50 participants, will follow recipients of gene-edited pig kidneys. Genes that may trigger rejection are knocked out, and some human genes that promote compatibility are added.

The Senate has rejected bipartisan ACA subsidy bills as millions face doubled premiums when financial assistance expires at the end of 2025.

Many depression trials exclude real-world patients, study finds: A new analysis presented at the 2025 European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Congress found that about one-third (1/3) of people with major depressive disorder would not qualify for most randomized controlled trials of antidepressants, revealing a major gap between research and real-world patients. Common exclusion factors included substance use disorder, prior suicide attempts, comorbid serious somatic disease and other psychiatric disorders.

FDA cleared Fujirebio’s Lumipulse G pTau 217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio for marketing. The test measures two proteins in a blood sample to measure amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. The results are highly reliable but must be interpreted in conjunction with other patient clinical information.

Iconic amphibians took an unexpected path across the globe, study finds — with toxins as a “game changer”. The Asian common toad, which was accidentally introduced to Madagascar by humans, secretes deadly toxins from specialized glands behind its eyes.

Mouse research shows lung tumor cells can hijack neurons for growth signals: Scientists working with mouse models found that metastasizing small-cell lung cancer cells can wire themselves into brain circuits, forming synapse-like connections that deliver growth signals to tumors. Disrupting these nerve interactions by severing a key nerve slowed tumor growth in the lungs, pointing to new strategies for treating lung cancer.

Human embryo implantation filmed for the first time: For the first time, researchers have captured live, real-time videos of human embryos implanting into a simulated womb made up of a collagen-based gel to mimic uterine tissue, which could help explain why implantation often fails and guide new fertility treatments. The study, published in Science Advances, showed embryos forcefully burrow into the matrix using enzymes and physical pressure, a process that may explain implantation cramps reported by many women.