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Allergic conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye conditions. A new large-scale genetic study shows that susceptibility to the disease is strongly linked to genes that regulate inflammation and immune defense.

Studies have demonstrated a link between alcohol consumption and an elevated risk of colorectal cancer. New research now reveals that higher lifetime alcohol consumption is also associated with a higher risk,

Higher intake of virgin and total olive oil was associated with modest but significant improvements in cognitive performance over two years in older adults with metabolic syndrome. These associations were partly linked to gut microbiota composition, with specific taxa such as Adlercreutzia contributing a small mediating effect.

This randomized controlled trial shows that structured moderate-to-vigorous exercise, alone or combined with liraglutide, improves physical function and cardiorespiratory fitness after diet-induced weight loss in adults with obesity. In contrast, liraglutide alone sustains weight loss but does not significantly improve measured physical fitness outcomes.

Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly detected in human tissues, including the brain, and experimental evidence suggests they can interact with biological pathways central to Parkinson’s disease pathology. This review synthesises mechanistic data indicating that plastic particles may influence protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the gut–brain axis, while emphasising the need for prospective human studies.

This randomized 12-week trial examined whether adding three daily servings of full-fat dairy to diets aligned with Canada’s Food Guide affects body weight, cardiometabolic markers, and nutrient intake in adults with overweight or obesity. Full-fat dairy intake did not adversely affect weight, body composition, or metabolic health and increased calcium and protein intake, supporting dietary compatibility rather than therapeutic benefit.

Research shows that iron-rich conditions boost Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and biofilm formation, yet reduce virulence, complicating chronic lung infections.

This editorial argues that GLP-1 receptor agonists could substantially improve healthspan and reduce premature mortality in people with serious mental illnesses by targeting cardiometabolic risk rather than psychiatric symptoms alone. It highlights emerging evidence, safety considerations, and equity challenges that position GLP-1 RAs as a promising public health strategy for this high-risk population.

Human studies consistently report gut microbiome differences in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease, but findings vary widely by cohort, methods, and taxa. Heterogeneity and limited longitudinal data prevent causal inference, highlighting the need for functional profiling and well-designed intervention trials.

Starting smoking at a younger age is associated with substantially higher risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, and death, even after accounting for cumulative smoking exposure. Early initiation also amplifies the cardiovascular harm of heavier smoking, indicating increased vulnerability when smoking begins in adolescence.

This experimental study used life-sized and screen-based 3D male avatars to test how penis size, height, and body shape influence female mate choice and male assessments of rivals. The findings show non-linear female preferences for size and demonstrate that penis size functions as a modest but significant cue in male perceptions of fighting ability, alongside stronger traits such as height and torso shape.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, particularly in regions with high hepatitis B virus prevalence.

Microbiome differences distinguish preterm infants with parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis

Recognizing the sight of blood in urine, the most common first sign of bladder cancer, is often the impetus that leads people to a diagnosis.

When firefighters respond to an emergency, the gear they wear to protect themselves can also create challenges that could jeopardize their performance and safety.

A multidisciplinary USC research team has identified new compounds that may target a key driver of brain inflammation linked to Alzheimer's disease. Their research just published in the Nature publication npj Drug Discovery.

A landmark study led by researchers with the Department of Veterans Affairs has uncovered new genetic insights into schizophrenia by analyzing data from ancestrally diverse populations, including African Americans, through the Million Veteran Program (MVP) and Cooperative Studies Program (CSP).

Two recent studies from the University of California, Riverside, published in the same issue of Gut Microbes highlight the role of a gene called PTPN2 in protecting the gut from harmful bacteria linked to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In a new study Indiana University researchers observed episodic memory in rats to a degree never documented before, suggesting that rats can serve as a model for complex cognitive processes often considered exclusively human.

Familial Hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL), caused by variants in the apolipoprotein B (APOB) gene, is a rare autosomal co-dominant monogenic disorder characterized by lifelong low plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and APOB.