Millions of kids take melatonin but doctors are raising red flags

Melatonin is now widely used to help children sleep, but scientists say the enthusiasm may be getting ahead of the evidence. A major review found clear benefits for children with conditions like autism and ADHD, yet far less data exists for typical childhood insomnia. Researchers also warn about mislabeled supplement doses and rising accidental ingestions among young kids. Experts say melatonin should be used carefully and only alongside proven behavioral sleep strategies.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/HULEltF

The financial crisis that quietly stunted a generation

When the Asian financial crisis sent rice prices soaring in Indonesia in the late 1990s, the shock didn’t just strain household budgets—it left lasting marks on children’s bodies. Researchers from the University of Bonn found that kids exposed to the food price surge were more likely to experience stunted growth and, years later, a higher risk of obesity. The findings suggest that during crises, families often maintain calorie intake but cut back on nutrient-rich foods, creating hidden nutritional deficiencies that disrupt healthy development.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/aZhi7U8

Hidden deep-sea proteins could supercharge disease tests

Hidden in volcanic lakes and deep-sea vents, scientists have discovered tough new DNA-binding proteins built to survive extreme conditions. After scanning huge genetic databases, researchers found molecules that remain stable under heat, salt, and harsh chemistry. One of these proteins significantly improved rapid LAMP diagnostic tests, making them faster and more sensitive. The discovery could help create better tools for detecting infectious diseases.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/d5Kislr

How often do people really fart? Scientists built smart underwear to find out

Researchers have created “Smart Underwear,” a wearable device that measures flatulence by detecting hydrogen produced by gut microbes. Early tests suggest people may pass gas about 32 times a day—much higher than previous estimates. The device gives scientists a new way to track gut microbial activity in everyday life. It will power a new nationwide study called the Human Flatus Atlas to map normal patterns of gas production.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/8BfjEe1

Textbooks were wrong: Scientists reveal the surprising way human hair really grows

Hair may grow in a completely different way than scientists once believed. Instead of being pushed out from the root, new research shows that moving cells inside the follicle actually pull the hair upward like a microscopic motor. Advanced 3D imaging revealed a spiral movement of cells that generates this force. The finding could change how scientists study hair loss and design future treatments.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/oLthZKU

A lab mistake at Cambridge reveals a powerful new way to modify drug molecules

Cambridge scientists have discovered a light-powered chemical reaction that lets researchers modify complex drug molecules at the final stages of development. Unlike traditional methods that rely on toxic chemicals and harsh conditions, the new approach uses an LED lamp to create essential carbon–carbon bonds under mild conditions. This could make drug discovery faster and more environmentally friendly. The breakthrough was uncovered unexpectedly during a failed laboratory experiment.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/sNovWRp

Microplastics may be quietly damaging your brain and fueling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s

Tiny plastic particles may be quietly threatening brain health. New research suggests microplastics—now widely found in food, water, and even household dust—could trigger inflammation and damage in the brain through multiple biological pathways. Scientists estimate adults may consume about 250 grams of these particles each year, and some can accumulate in organs including the brain.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/pMKekYJ

Monty Python Got It Wrong About Medieval Disease

In medieval Denmark, people could pay for more prestigious graves closer to the church — a sign of wealth and status. But when researchers examined hundreds of skeletons, they discovered something unexpected: even people with stigmatized diseases like leprosy were buried in these high-status spots. Instead of excluding the sick, many communities appear to have treated them much like everyone else.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/6sr83i7

Scientists turn brain cells into Alzheimer’s plaque cleaners

Scientists have developed a promising new approach to treating Alzheimer’s disease by turning ordinary brain cells into powerful plaque-clearing machines. Instead of requiring frequent antibody infusions like current therapies, the experimental treatment uses genetically engineered astrocytes — abundant support cells in the brain — that are equipped with a CAR “homing device” similar to those used in cancer immunotherapy.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/o6gVzxn

Cannabis study finds THC can create false memories

THC doesn’t just blur memories—it can create new ones that never happened. In a controlled experiment, cannabis users were much more likely to recall words that were never shown and struggled with tasks like remembering to do something later. Researchers found that THC disrupted many different memory systems at once. Surprisingly, moderate doses caused memory problems similar to higher doses.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/8iL6YyS