Health & Fitness News

Iron supplementation shows promise for treating facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Researchers found that iron accumulation disrupts muscle function in a mouse model of FSHD. Supplementing with iron restored muscle strength and structure by correcting this imbalance and suppressing inflammatory pathways. This discovery offers a new potential treatment avenue for FSHD.

Montreal public health officials have identified a new measles case with potential exposures at Montreal-Trudeau International Airport on January 17 and the Montreal Children's Hospital on January 19-20. Individuals who were present during these times are advised to monitor for symptoms. This marks another instance of measles detection in the region, emphasizing the importance of up-to-date vaccinations.

A new analysis reveals over one million people in the UK have glaucoma, nearly 50% more than previously estimated. This substantial increase, driven by an aging population, highlights a significant number of undiagnosed cases and potential for preventable vision loss. The findings necessitate adjustments in service capacity, monitoring, and workforce planning to address future demand.

Japan is implementing nationwide hearing loss detection to prevent dementia, based on research linking the two. Easy testing at community centers aims to identify at-risk individuals early, potentially reducing future healthcare costs. Akita Prefecture is piloting a program, recognizing hearing loss as a significant dementia risk factor. Subsidies and awareness initiatives are also being introduced to address this growing concern.

Two new measles exposure sites have been identified in Metro Winnipeg. Public health officials are urging individuals who visited Horrocks Insurance and the East St. Paul Curling Club on specific dates to monitor for symptoms and check immunization records. Vaccination is recommended for those exposed and unvaccinated.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may trigger multiple sclerosis (MS) by activating self-reactive B-cells in the brain. These infected B-cells, carrying an EBV protein that mimics immune signals, evade normal safety mechanisms. They then target myelin, causing inflammation and nerve damage similar to MS lesions. This research suggests targeting EBV-infected B-cells could prevent or treat MS.

New Kaiser Permanente research indicates that delayed antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, particularly with a low CD4 count at treatment initiation, significantly increases the risk of dementia later in life. This finding highlights the crucial role of prompt ART in mitigating long-term cognitive health issues for individuals living with HIV.

The UK government plans to end the cancer care postcode lottery by increasing cancer specialists in underserved areas and standardizing diagnostic technology. New training places will target trusts with workforce gaps, particularly in rural and coastal regions. The forthcoming National Cancer Plan will introduce national standards and invest in AI for earlier detection, aiming for equitable access to world-class cancer care across England.

Cell and gene therapies show promise for treating glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. These approaches aim to prevent vision loss by protecting retinal ganglion cells or restore vision by replacing degenerated cells and rebuilding the optic nerve. While gene therapy is progressing toward human trials, cell therapy faces challenges in cell integration and axon regrowth, requiring further research.

Nine early- and mid-career researchers received the 2026 Thomas Davies Research Grant for their work in marine, soil, and plant biology. Projects include studying Eucalyptus resilience to climate change, understanding ocean algae-bacteria interactions, managing PFAS pollution, microplastics in plants, plant drought tolerance, Antarctic ice melt using octopus DNA, boosting crop microbiomes, juvenile reef fish habitat needs, and enhancing plant disease resistance genes.

Hospitals in rural and coastal England will receive more cancer doctors to address disparities in care. This government initiative aims to improve early diagnosis and survival rates by increasing specialist training posts in underserved areas. The plan seeks to ensure equitable access to cancer treatment, regardless of location, and is part of a broader national cancer plan.

A UK trial suggests an FDA-cleared external trigeminal nerve stimulation device for ADHD may not be effective. In 150 children, the Monarch eTNS system showed no significant improvement in ADHD symptoms compared to sham treatment. While a secondary outcome showed some benefit, researchers concluded the findings do not support eTNS as an effective ADHD treatment.

A new tool called PRIME is helping people with dementia communicate their medical needs, particularly regarding medications, to healthcare professionals. Co-designed with consumers and caregivers, it aims to increase confidence in these discussions. The resource can lead to comprehensive medicine reviews and potential reduction in prescribed drugs, improving health and well-being.

Northwestern Medicine scientists identified RAD23, a protein involved in protein disposal, as a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. Reducing RAD23 levels in mouse models of ALS extended lifespan and reduced toxic protein accumulation. This discovery suggests a novel strategy to enhance the cell's natural ability to clear harmful protein aggregates.

Exercise and enriched environments protect the blood-brain barrier from stress-induced depression. Research shows these factors maintain barrier integrity by preserving the claudin-5 protein. Increased Fgf2 protein levels correlate with resilience, suggesting Fgf2's potential as a depression biomarker.

NICE has recommended a new combination treatment for lupus nephritis, featuring a twice-yearly obinutuzumab infusion with mycophenolate mofetil. This regimen significantly outperforms existing treatments, restoring normal kidney function in 46% of patients compared to 33% with current options. The approval is expected to benefit nearly 12,000 people in England, potentially preventing long-term kidney damage and reducing the need for dialysis.

A new computational brain model, based on biology, matched animal learning capabilities. It enabled discovery of previously unnoticed neural activity predictive of errors. The model, built from fundamental neural principles, accurately simulated animal learning progress and revealed counterintuitive "incongruent" neurons, suggesting a role in adapting to changing rules.

Apollo Hospitals Chennai celebrated a milestone in its heart and lung transplantation program, performing over 600 such procedures. This success, highlighted by a patient's recovery, is driving a national expansion through a hub-and-spoke model. The hospital aims to address a significant unmet demand for transplants in India, emphasizing early referrals and public awareness for better patient outcomes.

A one-dose gene editing treatment targets the ANGPTL3 protein in the liver, significantly reducing harmful cholesterol and triglycerides. Early trials show substantial drops in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. If proven safe and durable, this therapy could offer a long-term alternative to daily medications for millions at risk of heart disease.

A two-year-old girl's life was saved by advanced medical research and technology. Following a severe seizure where her heart stopped for two minutes, a heart monitor implanted due to research linking epilepsy and heart conditions detected the critical event. This led to the urgent implantation of a pacemaker, preventing further life-threatening cardiac arrests and significantly improving her health and energy levels.