Exercise may actually reverse your body’s aging clock

New research suggests that exercise may not just make us feel younger—it could actually slow or even reverse the body’s molecular clock. By looking at DNA markers of aging, scientists found that structured exercise like aerobic and strength training has stronger anti-aging effects than casual activity. Evidence from both mice and humans shows measurable reductions in biological age, with benefits reaching beyond muscles to the heart, liver, fat tissue, and gut.

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Beet juice secretly helps older adults lower blood pressure in just two weeks

Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice lowered blood pressure in older adults by reshaping their oral microbiome, according to researchers at the University of Exeter. The study found that beneficial bacteria increased while harmful ones decreased, leading to better conversion of dietary nitrates into nitric oxide—a molecule vital for vascular health.

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New AI model predicts which genetic mutations truly drive disease

Scientists at Mount Sinai have created an artificial intelligence system that can predict how likely rare genetic mutations are to actually cause disease. By combining machine learning with millions of electronic health records and routine lab tests like cholesterol or kidney function, the system produces "ML penetrance" scores that place genetic risk on a spectrum rather than a simple yes/no. Some variants once thought dangerous showed little real-world impact, while others previously labeled uncertain revealed strong disease links.

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Ancient DNA finally solves the mystery of the world’s first pandemic

Scientists have finally uncovered direct genetic evidence of Yersinia pestis — the bacterium behind the Plague of Justinian — in a mass grave in Jerash, Jordan. This long-sought discovery resolves a centuries-old debate, confirming that the plague that devastated the Byzantine Empire truly was caused by the same pathogen behind later outbreaks like the Black Death.

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Lithium deficiency may be the hidden spark behind Alzheimer’s

Harvard scientists have uncovered that lithium, a naturally occurring element in the brain, may be the missing piece in understanding Alzheimer’s. Their decade-long research shows that lithium depletion—caused by amyloid plaques binding to it—triggers early brain changes that lead to memory loss. By testing new lithium compounds that evade plaque capture, they reversed Alzheimer’s-like damage and restored memory in mice at doses far lower than those used in psychiatric treatments.

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Cannabis for coping? Why it may trigger paranoia

Using cannabis to self-medicate comes with hidden dangers—new research shows these users face higher paranoia and consume more THC. Childhood trauma further amplifies the risks, especially emotional abuse, which strongly predicts paranoia.

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More likely to be struck by lightning than get tetanus. So why the boosters?

Researchers propose that the U.S. could safely drop adult tetanus and diphtheria boosters, saving $1 billion annually, since childhood vaccinations provide decades of protection. Evidence from the U.K. shows that skipping boosters has not led to higher disease rates.

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Scientists crack indole’s toughest bond with copper, unlocking new medicines

Scientists have cracked one of chemistry’s toughest challenges with indoles, using copper to unlock a spot once thought too stubborn to change. The discovery could pave the way for easier, cheaper drug development.

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9 in 10 Australian Teachers Are Stressed to Breaking Point

Australian teachers are in crisis, with 9 in 10 experiencing severe stress and nearly 70% saying their workload is unmanageable. A major UNSW Sydney study found teachers suffer depression, anxiety, and stress at rates three to four times higher than the national average, largely driven by excessive administrative tasks. These mental health struggles are pushing many to consider leaving the profession, worsening the teacher shortage.

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Common painkillers like Advil and Tylenol supercharge antibiotic resistance

Painkillers we often trust — ibuprofen and acetaminophen — may be quietly accelerating one of the world’s greatest health crises: antibiotic resistance. Researchers discovered that these drugs not only fuel bacterial resistance on their own but make it far worse when combined with antibiotics. The findings are especially troubling for aged care settings, where residents commonly take multiple medications, creating perfect conditions for resistant bacteria to thrive.

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Ocean air may add years to your life, research shows

Living near the ocean may actually help you live longer. A new nationwide study found that people in coastal regions enjoy life expectancies a year or more above the U.S. average, while city dwellers near inland rivers and lakes may face shorter lifespans. Researchers suggest the difference comes from environmental and social factors—cleaner air, cooler summers, recreation opportunities, and higher incomes near the coasts versus pollution, poverty, and flood risks inland. The findings reveal that not all “blue spaces” are equal, challenging assumptions that any water view brings health benefits.

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A hidden sugar source in ketchup, salad dressing, and toothpaste

UBC researchers revealed that gut bacteria can digest cellulose-based food thickeners, once thought indigestible, by using enzymes activated by natural dietary fibers. This discovery suggests these common additives may play a more active role in our nutrition than previously believed.

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Your brain works overtime at night to burn fat and prevent sugar crashes

Researchers uncovered that hypothalamic neurons safeguard blood sugar overnight by directing fat breakdown, preventing hypoglycemia during early sleep. This subtle control system may explain abnormal metabolism in prediabetes.

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Why irregular sleep puts heart failure patients in danger

Researchers discovered that heart failure patients with inconsistent sleep patterns were more than twice as likely to experience serious setbacks within six months. The risk remained high even when accounting for sleep disorders and other conditions. The team believes improving sleep regularity could be a simple, effective way to boost survival and recovery.

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Stopping time in cells exposes life’s fastest secrets

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking cryo-optical microscopy technique that freezes living cells mid-action, capturing ultra-detailed snapshots of fast biological processes. By rapidly immobilizing cells at precise moments, researchers can overcome the limitations of traditional live-cell imaging and gain sharper insights into fleeting events like calcium ion waves in heart cells.

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Tiny green tea beads trap fat and melt away pounds without side effects

Researchers have created plant-based microbeads that trap fat in the gut, helping rats lose weight without side effects. Unlike current drugs, the beads are safe, tasteless, and easy to mix into everyday foods. Human trials are now underway.

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Too much salt can hijack your brain

Too much salt may inflame the brain, triggering hormones that push blood pressure higher. Scientists found this pathway could explain why many patients resist current hypertension drugs, pointing toward the brain as a new treatment target.

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Tiny protein dismantles the toxic clumps behind Alzheimer’s

St. Jude researchers revealed that midkine blocks amyloid beta from forming harmful clumps linked to Alzheimer’s. Without it, the damaging assemblies accelerate, but with it, growth halts. The finding could inspire new drugs that harness midkine’s protective power.

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Mysterious “little red dots” could reveal how the first black holes formed

Astronomers may have uncovered the origins of the mysterious “little red dots,” some of the strangest galaxies seen in the early universe. These tiny but brilliant objects, discovered by the James Webb Space Telescope, appear far too compact and bright to fit existing models of galaxy and black hole formation. A new study suggests they may have formed within rare dark matter halos that spin unusually slowly, creating conditions that squeeze matter into incredibly dense structures. If true, these galaxies could provide vital clues about how the first black holes and galaxies came into being.

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Why some people age faster. And the 400 genes behind it

Researchers identified over 400 genes tied to various forms of frailty, offering fresh insight into why people age differently. The study highlights six distinct pathways of unhealthy aging, opening the door to more precise, targeted anti-aging interventions.

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A safe painkiller? New research raises concerns about Tylenol’s safety in pregnancy

A large-scale review finds that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism and ADHD in children. The strongest studies showed the clearest links, pointing to biological pathways like oxidative stress and hormone disruption. Experts call for caution, updated guidelines, and safer alternatives.

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Scientists solve 30-year mystery of a hidden nutrient that shields the brain and fights cancer

Scientists have finally uncovered the missing link in how our bodies absorb queuosine, a rare micronutrient crucial for brain health, memory, stress response, and cancer defense. For decades, researchers suspected a transporter had to exist, but it remained elusive—until now.

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Stunning galaxy blooms with pink nebulae in Hubble’s new image

Hubble’s newest view of the spiral galaxy NGC 2835 adds a stunning twist to a familiar sight. By capturing light in a special wavelength called H-alpha, astronomers have revealed glowing pink nebulae that mark where stars are born and where they fade away.

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How low should blood pressure go? New study has the answer

An aggressive blood pressure target of under 120 mm Hg can significantly reduce heart disease risk, researchers found. Despite more side effects and higher costs, the approach proved cost-effective and beneficial for many patients.

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Scientists just found the brain’s secret GPS system

Researchers discovered two brain regions that work as a “neural compass,” keeping people oriented in virtual city navigation. These areas tracked direction consistently, hinting at new ways to detect and monitor neurological disorders that cause disorientation.

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Scientists uncover sugar pathway driving aggressive childhood cancer

Scientists have uncovered a hidden weakness in one of the deadliest childhood cancers. The tumors, which spread quickly and are notoriously hard to treat, rely on a sugar-processing pathway to survive and grow. By blocking this pathway, researchers were able to slow down the cancer and make it more vulnerable to treatment. This breakthrough opens the door to new therapies for children and young adults facing a disease with very few options today.

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Is ketamine the answer for chronic pain? New findings cast doubt

A sweeping review of 67 trials has cast doubt on the use of ketamine and similar NMDA receptor antagonists for chronic pain relief. While ketamine is frequently prescribed off-label for conditions like fibromyalgia and nerve pain, researchers found little convincing evidence of real benefit and flagged serious side effects such as delusions and nausea. The lack of data on whether it reduces depression or opioid use adds to the uncertainty.

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Forget LASIK: Safer, cheaper vision correction could be coming soon

Scientists are developing a surgery-free alternative to LASIK that reshapes the cornea using electricity instead of lasers. In rabbit tests, the method corrected vision in minutes without incisions.

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Trojan horse bacteria sneak cancer-killing viruses into tumors

Scientists have engineered a groundbreaking cancer treatment that uses bacteria to smuggle viruses directly into tumors, bypassing the immune system and delivering a powerful one-two punch against cancer cells. The bacteria act like Trojan horses, carrying viral payloads to cancer’s core, where the virus can spread and destroy malignant cells. Built-in safety features ensure the virus can’t multiply outside the tumor, offering a promising pathway for safe, targeted therapy.

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One small walking adjustment could delay knee surgery for years

A groundbreaking study has found that a simple change in walking style can ease osteoarthritis pain as effectively as medication—without the side effects. By adjusting foot angle, participants reduced knee stress, slowed cartilage damage, and maintained the change for over a year.

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Scientists may have found the tiny DNA switch that made us human

Scientists at UC San Diego have discovered a small but powerful section of DNA, called HAR123, that could help explain what makes the human brain so unique. Instead of being a gene, HAR123 acts like a “volume control” for brain development, guiding how brain cells form and in what proportions. The human version of HAR123 behaves differently from the chimpanzee version, possibly giving us greater flexibility in how we think and learn. This finding could also help researchers understand the roots of certain brain-related conditions, including autism.

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Injectable “skin in a syringe” could heal burns without scars

Scientists in Sweden have developed a groundbreaking “skin in a syringe” — a gel packed with live cells that can be applied directly to wounds or even 3D-printed into skin grafts. Designed to help the body build functional dermis rather than scar tissue, the innovation combines fibroblast cells on gelatin beads with a hyaluronic acid gel, held together using click chemistry. In a parallel advance, the team also created elastic hydrogel threads that can form tiny, fluid-carrying channels, paving the way for artificial tissues and organoid development.

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The surprising brain chemistry behind instant friendships

UC Berkeley scientists found oxytocin is key for quickly forming strong friendships, but less critical for mate bonds. In prairie voles, a lack of oxytocin receptors delayed bonding and reduced partner selectivity, changing how the brain releases oxytocin and affecting social behavior.

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Blood pressure cuff errors may be missing 30% of hypertension cases

Cambridge scientists have cracked the mystery of why cuff-based blood pressure monitors often give inaccurate readings, missing up to 30% of high blood pressure cases. By building a physical model that replicates real artery behavior, they discovered that low pressure below the cuff delays artery reopening, leading to underestimated systolic readings. Their work suggests that simple tweaks, like raising the arm before testing, could dramatically improve accuracy without the need for expensive new devices.

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Global study reveals the surprising habit behind tough decisions

A sweeping international study has revealed that when faced with complex decisions, people across cultures—from bustling megacities to remote Amazon communities—tend to rely on their own judgment rather than seeking advice. The research, spanning over 3,500 participants in 12 countries, challenges the long-held belief that self-reliance is primarily a Western trait. While cultural values influence how strongly individuals lean on their inner voice, the preference for private reflection remains a shared human tendency.

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Scientists discover brain layers that get stronger with age

Researchers have discovered that parts of the human brain age more slowly than previously thought—particularly in the region that processes touch. By using ultra-high-resolution brain scans, they found that while some layers of the cerebral cortex thin with age, others remain stable or even grow thicker, suggesting remarkable adaptability. This layered resilience could explain why certain skills endure into old age, while others fade, and even reveals built-in compensatory mechanisms that help preserve function.

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Scientists reversed memory loss by powering the brain’s tiny engines

Scientists have discovered a direct cause-and-effect link between faulty mitochondria and the memory loss seen in neurodegenerative diseases. By creating a novel tool to boost mitochondrial activity in mouse models, researchers restored memory performance, suggesting mitochondria could be a powerful new target for treatments. The findings not only shed light on the early drivers of brain cell degeneration but also open possibilities for slowing or even preventing diseases like Alzheimer’s.

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Trapped in guilt and shame? Science explains why you can’t let go

Flinders University researchers found that forgiving yourself isn’t just about letting go. People stuck in guilt and shame often feel trapped in the past, and true healing comes from addressing deeper moral injuries and restoring a sense of control.

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What scientists discovered about french fries and diabetes

French fries may be more than just a guilty pleasure—they could raise your risk of type 2 diabetes by 20% if eaten three times a week, while the same amount of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes doesn’t appear to have the same effect.

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How NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer was lost before reaching the Moon

NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer, a mission designed to create high-resolution maps of water on the Moon, ended after losing contact with the spacecraft just one day after its February 26 launch. Despite extensive global efforts to reestablish communication, the small satellite’s misaligned solar arrays prevented its batteries from charging, leaving it powerless and drifting in a slow spin into deep space.

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Scientists uncover hidden brain shortcut to weight loss without the nausea

Scientists have uncovered a way to promote weight loss and improve blood sugar control without the unpleasant side effects of current GLP-1 drugs. By shifting focus from neurons to brain support cells that produce appetite-suppressing molecules, they developed a modified compound, TDN, that worked in animal tests without causing nausea or vomiting.

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How much damage are ultraprocessed foods really doing to your health?

Many foods we consume today are ultraprocessed, packed with unhealthy ingredients, and linked to major health risks. As consumption of these foods rises, so do chronic health issues, especially among lower-income groups. Experts are calling for clearer guidelines, better research, and systemic changes to reduce the impact of ultraprocessed foods on public health.

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Losing weight but gaining weakness? What Ozempic might be doing to your muscles

Ozempic’s weight loss benefits might come at the cost of muscle strength, even if muscle size remains relatively stable. This raises significant concerns for older adults, who are already at risk for muscle loss and reduced mobility. Researchers stress the urgent need for human clinical trials to understand these effects fully.

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Scientists just found a tiny molecule that could change how we lose weight

Researchers at the Salk Institute have used CRISPR to uncover hidden microproteins that control fat cell growth and lipid storage, identifying one confirmed target, Adipocyte-smORF-1183. This breakthrough could lead to more effective obesity treatments, surpassing the limitations of current drugs like GLP-1.

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The hidden ways light at night damages your brain, mood, and metabolism

Neuroscientist Dr. Randy J. Nelson explores how artificial light at night disrupts our bodies, from immune health to mood. His work bridges lab research, clinical trials, and everyday solutions while mentoring future scientists.

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Nature’s anti-aging hack? Jewel wasp larvae slow their biological clock

Scientists discovered that jewel wasp larvae that undergo a developmental "pause" live longer and age more slowly at the molecular level by nearly 30%. This slowdown is tied to conserved biological pathways, hinting at possible applications for human aging.

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Brain fog, falls, and fatigue? This app helps seniors cut risky meds

McGill's MedSafer tool helps doctors identify and eliminate risky or unneeded medications in seniors, significantly improving patient outcomes. It aims to prevent harmful "prescribing cascades" and could redefine standard care.

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This diet helped people lose twice as much weight, without eating less

People eating minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those on ultra-processed diets, even though both diets were nutritionally balanced and participants could eat freely. This real-world, long-term study revealed that food processing itself—not just nutrients—plays a significant role in shaping body weight and health outcomes.

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Johns Hopkins scientists grow a mini human brain that lights up and connects like the real thing

Scientists at Johns Hopkins have grown a first-of-its-kind organoid mimicking an entire human brain, complete with rudimentary blood vessels and neural activity. This new "multi-region brain organoid" connects different brain parts, producing electrical signals and simulating early brain development. By watching these mini-brains evolve, researchers hope to uncover how conditions like autism or schizophrenia arise, and even test treatments in ways never before possible with animal models.

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Alzheimer’s risk may start at the brain’s border, not inside it

Your brain has its own elite defense team — and new research shows these "guardian" cells might be the real battleground for neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and stroke. Scientists discovered that most genetic risks linked to these diseases act not in neurons, but in the blood vessels and immune cells that form the blood-brain barrier.

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Perfectly timed cancer combo wipes out tumors by supercharging the immune system

Head and neck cancer, notoriously hard to treat, might have a new weakness—timing. Researchers discovered that syncing radiation and immunotherapy in just the right way can make tumors disappear in mice. By protecting the body’s immune system hubs, they’ve unlocked a potentially powerful method to fight aggressive cancers more effectively. Clinical trials are already underway, hinting at a new era in cancer treatment.

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Weight loss drug Ozempic could protect the brain from stroke

Could popular diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic actually protect your brain from stroke damage, or prevent strokes altogether? Three new studies presented at a major neurosurgery conference suggest they might.

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This sugar molecule could stop type 1 diabetes, by fooling the immune system

In a fascinating twist, Mayo Clinic researchers discovered that a sugar molecule cancer cells use to hide from the immune system might also protect insulin-producing beta cells in type 1 diabetes. By engineering these cells with the same sugar molecule—sialic acid—they prevented immune attacks in lab models. This approach could lead to better transplant options without broad immune suppression, offering hope for millions living with the autoimmune disease.

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4,000-year-old teeth reveal the earliest human high — Hidden in plaque

Scientists have discovered the oldest direct evidence of betel nut chewing in Southeast Asia by analyzing 4,000-year-old dental plaque from a burial in Thailand. This breakthrough method reveals invisible traces of ancient plant use, suggesting psychoactive rituals were part of daily life long before written records.

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