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MSU researchers discovered that microbes begin shaping the brain while still in the womb, influencing neurons in a region critical for stress and social behavior. Their findings suggest modern birth practices that alter the microbiome may have hidden impacts on brain development.

Proof-of-concept trial shows significant effect on obstructive sleep apnea symptomsKey Takeaways: *Blowing a conch shell improved moderate obstructive sleep apnea symptoms in a small randomized trial. *Sleep quality and apnea-hypopnea index also improved with conch blowing. *A larger, more diverse trial is needed to confirm the benefits observed. The forceful breathing involved in the traditional Hindu practice of blowing a conch shell, or shankh, improved moderate obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms, a small randomized trial showed. Regular practice of the yogic breathing exercise over 6 months cut daytime sleepiness by 34% compared with baseline, as measured by the Epworth Sleepiness...

A groundbreaking study published in PNAS has identified two gut bacteria as triggers for Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”).The study involved 81 pairs of identical twins, where only one sibling had MS, and found that these bacteria were consistently linked to MS.The researchers transplanted gut microbes from MS-affected twins into germ-free mice, which developed MS-like symptoms, establishing a causal link between the bacteria and the disease.A New Multiple Sclerosis Study Is Actually Ground-BreakingBy Dr. Jessica Rose, 29 July 2025A study was published on 21 April 2025 in PNAS entitled ‘Multiple sclerosis and gut microbiota: Lachnospiraceae from the ileum of MS twins trigger...

Lab-dish study using brain cells from elderly mice yields promising results for a potential anti-aging recipe, but more research is necessary. In A Nutshell * Aging brain cells in mice restored youthful energy balance (GTP levels) within 16 hours using vitamin B3 and green tea extract * The treatment cleared toxic protein buildup and improved survival by 22% in Alzheimer’s-model neurons * It also restored waste-clearing vesicle function by reducing the buildup of Rab7- and Arl8b-tagged vesicles * Findings are based on in vitro studies and will require confirmation in living animals and humans ================================================================================= IRVINE, Calif. — Can brain...

In A Nutshell * Two FDA-approved cancer drugs — letrozole and irinotecan — significantly improved memory and reduced brain damage in mice with Alzheimer’s. * The combination therapy targets multiple brain cell types by reversing gene disruptions in neurons and glia. *Real-world medical records of 1.4 million patients show lower Alzheimer’s rates in people treated with these drugs for cancer. * The findings offer a new multi-target strategy that may outperform existing single-drug treatments, but human trials are still needed. SAN FRANCISCO — Two cancer medications already on pharmacy shelves might hold the key to treating Alzheimer’s disease, and early...

A study published in July 2024 investigated how often 1,425 people went number two, and compared those stats to their demographic, genetic, and health data. Pooping too often or too rarely were both associated with different underlying health issues, while the healthiest participants reported pooping once or twice a day – a 'Goldilocks zone' of bowel movement frequency. The study, led by a team from the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), investigated the bathroom habits of people who were "generally healthy" – that is, with no history of kidney or gut issues like kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or Crohn's...

Studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have lower levels of vitamin D compared to their peers — the so-called “sunshine vitamin” is crucial for fetal brain development. Unfortunately, research exploring the effects of traditional vitamin D supplementation on autism symptoms has produced mixed results. Now, a new study out of Egypt suggests that a form of vitamin D3 known as nanoemulsion shows promise in improving symptoms. “The vitamin D3-loaded nanoemulsion provided an effective and true influence on the adaptive behavior and language abilities of children with ASD, not only on the rise of vitamin D3...

A study found that a diet rich in turmeric, garlic, green tea, and similar foods reduced biological age by an average of two years, with some losing up to nine. The eight-week plan included exercise, sleep, and meditation, and excluded alcohol, grains, legumes, and dairy to support gut health and methylation. Researchers believe the diet works by enhancing DNA methylation, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and possibly preserving telomeres. New research suggests that certain foods not only have the power to help you live healthier years, but they could also help turn back your body's internal clock. In April, researchers...

Caffeine sparks an ancient enzyme that helps cells survive stress and repair damage, revealing a new link between your coffee and long-term health. Credit: Shutterstock Scientists have discovered that caffeine doesn’t just perk up your brain—it energizes your cells in a way that could slow aging. By flipping on an ancient fuel-sensing enzyme called AMPK, caffeine indirectly taps into a powerful longevity pathway that helps cells manage stress, repair damage, and live longer. Caffeine’s Cellular Anti-Aging Mystery Uncovered A new study from the Cellular Ageing and Senescence laboratory at Queen Mary University of London’s Center for Molecular Cell Biology reveals...

In a study conducted at São Paulo State University involving 80 women over the age of 45, low-dose vitamin D supplementation nearly doubled the rate of treatment response. A study conducted at the Botucatu School of Medicine at São Paulo State University (FMB-UNESP) in Brazil found that low-dose vitamin D supplementation can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in women with breast cancer. The findings suggest that vitamin D may serve as an alternative to other drugs designed to boost chemotherapy response, especially those that are difficult to access. The research, supported by FAPESP, included 80 women over the age of...

This bluegill collected during the study contained 16,973 H. pumilio and 8 C. formosanus infectious trematode parasite larval stages. (CREDIT: Emma Palmer) ========================================================================= In a nutshell Researchers found human-infecting parasitic worms in 93% of freshwater fish sampled from popular fishing spots in southern California, including bluegill and largemouth bass. A review of 125 YouTube videos revealed widespread raw consumption of freshwater fish across the U.S., often without proper freezing or cooking, ideal conditions for parasite transmission. These parasites are likely more widespread than reported, and public health experts warn that eating raw, unfrozen freshwater fish could pose an emerging health...

Maybe coffee doesn't need to be the very first step in our morning routines. While it's often associated with wakefulness, experts claim there may be benefits to holding off on that cup of joe for a different time of day. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is highest in our body right as we wake up, according to Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Human Nutrition. From there, she said, it begins to decline naturally throughout the day. Caffeine is a stimulant, so if it's consumed (by drinking coffee, for example) when cortisol is high, that can...

Vitamin D supplements may help prevent the loss of telomeres, DNA sequences that shrink with aging, a large study shows. But the health effects aren’t yet clear Vitamin D supplements might slow cellular aging by preventing the loss of telomeres, DNA sequences at the ends of chromosomes that shorten in old age, a new study suggests. The health effects of these findings aren’t yet clear. Vitamin D had been touted as a panacea for a number of health conditions, from cardiovascular disease to bone loss. In 2020 a large randomized controlled trial of supplementation instead found benefits only in a...

In a nutshell * Dark chocolate, tea, apples, and grapes can significantly lower blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension, with effects comparable in size to standard medications. * These flavan-3-ol-rich foods also improve blood vessel function, offering heart health benefits beyond just blood pressure reduction. * Whole foods work better than supplements, and they come with minimal side effects, making them a safe, affordable addition to a heart-healthy lifestyle. ================================================================ GUILDFORD, England — Instead of buying the next trendy expensive supplement or exotic superfood, a morning cup of tea could do more for your blood pressure than you realize....

The list of potential benefits of the shingles vaccine continues to grow. Beyond protecting against the viral infection and resulting painful rash, the shot has also been linked to a reduced risk of dementia, as Fox News Digital previously reported. And now, a new study has found that the vaccine could lower the risk of heart disease for up to eight years. DEMENTIA RISK COULD DIP WITH COMMON VACCINE, STUDY SUGGESTS In the long-running study, researchers analyzed up to 12 years of data for more than 1.2 million people aged 50 or older in South Korea, focusing on shingles vaccination...

I'm sitting here reading about "Circular Breathwork" posted by ConservativeMind (another one of his/her great articles about health). It's fascinating how continuous, deep breathing without pauses between inhalation and exhalation may alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD, while enhancing self-awareness and life satisfaction - things we can all use. (See Circular breathwork induces altered states of consciousness linked to improved mental health, Medical Xpress / Communications Psychology ^ | April 28, 2025 | Justin Jackson / Martha N. Havenith et al, Posted on 5/16/2025, 8:50:47 AM by ConservativeMind) Anyway, the article discusses reducing etCO2 (end-tidal CO2) levels from 34.3 mmHg...

Deer ticks, like the one photographed, can carry Lyme disease/ (KPixMining/Shutterstock) In a nutshell * The antibiotic piperacillin has shown remarkable effectiveness against Lyme disease-causing bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, at doses 100 times lower than doxycycline, the current standard treatment. * Unlike doxycycline, which affects beneficial gut bacteria, piperacillin targets only the Lyme bacteria without disrupting the microbiome, making it a safer option, especially for children and pregnant women. * The discovery opens the door for piperacillin to be repurposed as a highly effective treatment for Lyme disease, potentially even as a single-dose preventive therapy after a tick bite. Further research...

In a nutshell * Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon supplements can potentially interact with medications by affecting drug-processing systems in your body, which may alter how effectively your medications work. * While sprinkling cinnamon on food is likely safe, concentrated supplements might pose risks, especially for people taking blood thinners, NSAIDs, antidepressants, or diabetes medications. * Always discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider before adding them to your regimen, particularly if you take prescription medications. ************************************************************************ OXFORD, Miss. — You might want to think twice before adding that cinnamon supplement to your daily routine. Researchers have found that while a dash...

In a nutshell Vegan diets support muscle protein synthesis at the same rate as omnivorous diets when protein intake is matched (1.1-1.2g per kg of body weight). How you distribute protein throughout the day (evenly across meals vs. mostly at dinner) doesn’t significantly impact muscle growth. Vegan dieters reported higher energy levels and less fatigue, while omnivorous dieters reported greater meal satisfaction. ******************************************************************* CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Forget what you’ve heard at the gym about needing chicken breasts and steaks to build muscle. Science just delivered a win for plant-based eaters everywhere. Researchers found that vegan diets support muscle growth just...

A new UC Davis study shows that having fermented food like sauerkraut could be good for gut health. Credit: Hector Amezcua / UC Davis **************************************************************** Sauerkraut might be doing more than just adding zing to your hot dog — it could be actively defending your gut. New research from UC Davis reveals that fermented cabbage helps protect intestinal cells from inflammation-related damage, unlike raw cabbage or brine alone. The researchers found no difference between homemade and store-bought sauerkraut, suggesting it’s an accessible option for better gut health. By identifying hundreds of fermentation-related metabolites, they’ve opened the door to understanding how...