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Category: health – Page 3

Why some brains switch gears more efficiently than others

The human brain is constantly processing information that unfolds at different speeds—from split-second reactions to sudden environmental changes to slower, more reflective processes such as understanding context or meaning.

A new study from Rutgers Health, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on how the brain integrates these fast and slow signals across its complex web of white matter connectivity pathways to support cognition and behavior.

Different regions of the brain are specialized for processing information over specific time windows, a property known as intrinsic neural timescales, or INTs for short.

Five ways microplastics may harm your brain

Microplastics could be fueling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, with a new study highlighting five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain.

More than 57 million people live with dementia, and cases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are projected to rise sharply. The possibility that microplastics could aggravate or accelerate these brain diseases is a major public health concern.

Pharmaceutical scientist Associate Professor Kamal Dua, from the University of Technology Sydney, said it is estimated that adults are consuming 250 grams of microplastics every year—enough to cover a dinner plate.

Thrombolysis With Tenecteplase for Minor Disabling Stroke: Secondary Analysis of the TEMPO-2 Randomized Clinical Trial

A secondary analysis of the TEMPO-2 RCT found no significant improvement in outcomes for minor ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tenecteplase, regardless of the presence of disabling deficits.

Question Did outcomes following intravenous tenecteplase for minor ischemic stroke vary based on the presence of disabling deficits?

Findings In this secondary analysis of the TEMPO-2 randomized clinical trial including 884 patients with minor ischemic stroke and proven intracranial occlusion, both patients with and without disabling deficits defined according to US National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)–based criteria showed a neutral treatment effect from intravenous tenecteplase, with no significant effect modification.

Meaning Current definitions of disabling stroke did not modify the neutral treatment effect of intravenous tenecteplase in patients with minor stroke and intracranial occlusion.

Molecular basis of DNA cross-linking by bacteria

The relevance of the gut microbiome, the community of microorganisms living in the digestive tract, to human health is a topic of intense interest. However, among the numerous benevolent bacteria living in the gut, there are some species that are harmful to humans.

For example, certain strains of Escherichia coli produce the genotoxin colibactin, which causes DNA damage and is linked with colon cancer. However, the colibactin molecule is complex and unstable, which has made it challenging to elucidate its chemical structure and the mechanism by which it damages DNA. In the culmination of years of research from multiple laboratories, researchers in a new Science study reveal the structure of the active form of colibactin bound to DNA.

The findings go a long way toward explaining the mutation signatures associated with colibactin exposure and provide substantial insight into how colibactin contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis.

Learn more in a new Science Perspective.

The structure of the bacterial genotoxin colibactin bound to DNA shows how it might contribute to cancer risk.

Orlando D. Schärer Authors Info & Affiliations

Continue reading “Molecular basis of DNA cross-linking by bacteria” | >

MXene-based e-tattoos harvest energy and monitor health in real time

Researchers at Boise State University have developed a breakthrough in wearable electronics: a multifunctional electronic tattoo (e‑tattoo) that integrates energy harvesting, energy storage, and real‑time biometric sensing into a single, skin‑conformal platform.

The innovation leverages electrospun poly(vinyl butyral‑co‑vinyl alcohol‑co‑vinyl acetate) (PVBVA) fibers coated with titanium carbide (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) MXenes, offering a scalable, biocompatible, and durable alternative to conventional wearable devices that often rely on rigid substrates or external gels.

The work is published in the journal Advanced Science.

Brain implant helps man with paralysis regain movement

A brain implant used for the first time is helping a patient with paralysis regain use of his limbs. The use of artificial intelligence is helping in the process, also making it possible for the man to feel objects again. NBC News’ Sam Brock reports.

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Association Between Choroid Plexus Morphological Alterations, Alzheimer Pathologies, and Cognitive ImpairmentA Longitudinal Study

Question What are the main predictors for high health care costs among patients with head and neck cancer?

Findings In this population-based cohort study, advanced cancer stage and receiving multiple treatment modalities were the strongest predictors of high health care costs. Female sex, older age, and lower socioeconomic status were associated with an increased likelihood for high health care costs, although with a weaker effect size.

Meaning Future research should focus on evaluating screening strategies and early diagnosis to assess their potential effects on cost reduction and improved outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.

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