Health News

Scientists have discovered that creatine may strengthen one of the immune system’s most important cancer-fighting pathways by energizing dendritic cells that activate killer T cells. The promising results could eventually help make immunotherapy more effective, but they have not yet been tested in human patients.

Intermittent fasting helped people lose as much weight as calorie restriction, but without the same feeling of constantly controlling their food intake. Researchers say that difference could make fasting a more sustainable option for people who struggle with traditional diets.

A new once-daily weight-loss pill called orforglipron delivered better weight loss and blood sugar improvements than the leading oral semaglutide in a major clinical trial. The tablet could offer a more convenient alternative to injectable drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy because it doesn’t require refrigeration or special timing with meals. It’s also cheaper to manufacture, which could expand access globally.

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have turned an unlikely source into a potential new weapon against cancer: bacteria that naturally live inside tumors. They developed a peptide called aurB, inspired by a bacterial protein, that infiltrates cancer cells and effectively cuts off their energy supply by targeting the mitochondria—the cells’ power plants.

Almost half of the takeaway meals tested contained more salt than advertised, with some dishes delivering nearly twice the recommended daily limit in a single serving. Surprisingly, classic fish and chips ranked among the lowest-salt options, while pasta, pizza, and curries were often the saltiest.

Scientists have identified a molecular switch that may help explain how colorectal cancer becomes deadly. When levels of a gene-regulating factor called GATA6 drop, cancer cells can shed their normal identity and transform into highly adaptable, fetal-like cells capable of spreading through the bloodstream and establishing new tumors in the liver. The study suggests that this dangerous transition is driven less by new genetic mutations and more by changes in how genes are switched on and off.

Scientists have finally solved a nearly 30-year-old mystery surrounding two unusual molecules found in rye pollen that once showed an intriguing ability to help animals fight tumors. By determining their exact 3D structures, researchers have unlocked the blueprint needed to investigate how these natural compounds interact with the immune system and which parts may be responsible for their cancer-fighting effects.

Scientists are calling for a lunar quarantine facility where samples from Mars, the Moon, and beyond would be examined before being brought to Earth. They warn that even a tiny alien microorganism could have unpredictable effects on Earth’s ecosystems. By using robotic handling systems on the Moon, researchers hope to eliminate the risk of accidental exposure or release.

A new study suggests that apoB, a blood test that measures harmful cholesterol particles, is better than standard LDL cholesterol testing for deciding who needs more intensive treatment. Researchers found it could prevent more heart attacks and strokes while remaining cost-effective for the U.S. healthcare system.

A large study found that pregnant women are exposed to dozens of common chemicals, many of which were associated with earlier births and lower birth weights. Researchers also discovered that some replacement chemicals may be just as concerning as the substances they were designed to replace.