Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-272Shingles Vaccine May Slow Biological Aging in SeniorsNew research finds that the shingles (zoster) vaccine may slow biological aging in older adults by reducing chronic inflammation and epigenetic changes, with benefits lasting four years or more.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-262Five Common OTC Medicines That Can Carry Hidden RisksMost over-the-counter medicines are safe when used correctly, but several common remedies—including codeine, decongestants, sedating antihistamines, DXM cough syrups and stimulant laxatives—carry risks of dependence, rebound effects, or misuse.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-262How a Few Drinks Fragment Your Brain's Network and WhyMRI scans show that moderate alcohol intake fragments brain-wide communication, boosting local clustering while reducing global integration. These network shifts correlate with subjective intoxication and help explain common impairments.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-243Muscles Might Hold the Key to Beating Alzheimer’sNew research shows that boosting muscle-derived Cathepsin B preserves memory and hippocampal neurogenesis in an Alzheimer’s mouse model, suggesting muscle–brain signaling as a therapeutic avenue.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-232Hidden Dusty Galaxies Rewrite Early Cosmic TimelineAstronomers used ALMA and JWST to uncover faint, dust-rich galaxies that formed about one billion years after the Big Bang, revealing a possible transitional population that reshapes early galaxy evolution.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-232Exercise Seals the Aging Brain: Liver Enzyme Fights LeakUCSF researchers traced how exercise-triggered liver enzyme GPLD1 trims TNAP at brain vessels, sealing the aging blood-brain barrier and reducing inflammation—offering a new angle on preventing cognitive decline.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-22316-Hour Dual Transplant Gives 11-Year-Old New LifeChildren’s Hospital Colorado completed its first pediatric dual heart and liver transplant in a 16-hour operation. The surgical feat required tight logistics, advanced preservation tech and multidisciplinary teamwork.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-222Why NASA May Postpone Artemis II: Helium Flow ConcernsNASA may push back the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby after a helium flow anomaly. Teams will roll the rocket back to the assembly building to inspect systems, prioritizing crew safety over schedule.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-213Ultra-Processed Diets Raise Heart Attack and Stroke RiskA US study using NHANES data finds adults with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 47% greater likelihood of reporting a heart attack or stroke, underscoring links to inflammation and metabolic risk.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-213Gaia Finds a Hidden Swarm of Black Holes in Palomar 5Gaia's precise survey reveals Palomar 5 hosts a hidden population of over 100 stellar-mass black holes. Simulations show these black holes drive star ejection, shaping tidal streams and cluster fate.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-20Moon South-Pole Landing Will Not Compromise Astronaut SafetyA planned crewed landing near the Moon's south pole remains years away. Jared Isaacman emphasizes astronaut safety after a fueling test and a scathing review of Boeing's Starliner highlighted risks to crewed missions.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-203Lab-Grown Mini-Brains Learned to Balance a Pole in DishResearchers trained mouse-derived cortical organoids in a closed-loop system so their electrical responses improved control of a virtual cartpole. The work shows short-term plasticity and points to tools for studying neurological disease.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-20Almost Everyone Over 40 Has Shoulder AbnormalitiesA Finnish MRI study found rotator cuff abnormalities in nearly all adults over 40, even without pain. Experts urge cautious use of MRI and favor conservative care before surgery.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-193Antarctica's Growing Gravity Hole: What Lies BeneathA team of geophysicists reconstructed how a persistent gravity depression beneath Antarctica—the Antarctic Geoid Low—has evolved over 70 million years, linking mantle convection, polar wander, and possible sea-level effects that may have influenced Antarctic glaciation.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-182Common Diabetes Drug Linked to Longer Lives in WomenA long-term analysis suggests metformin, a common diabetes drug, is associated with a 30% reduced risk of death before age 90 among postmenopausal women, highlighting potential geroprotective effects and the need for randomized trials.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-172A Ring of Fire Over Antarctica: Who Will See the Eclipse?A rare annular 'ring of fire' eclipse will cross Antarctica, with partial views in southern Chile, Argentina and parts of Africa. Learn why annular eclipses occur and how to watch safely.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-172Pink Noise and Sleep: New Study Reveals Harmful EffectsA lab study finds that pink noise—a popular sleep aid—can reduce REM and deep sleep. Researchers compare pink noise with environmental noise, showing earplugs may protect sleep quality.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-163A Distant Black Hole Keeps Getting Brighter and StrangerAT2018hyz, a tidal disruption event, has shown years-long radio brightening. New observations reveal dramatic energy growth, possible delayed outflow or off-axis jet, and implications for black hole physics.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-15Unexpected Molecular Shifts in Midlife and Early SixtiesA metabolomics study found sharp molecular shifts in both men and women around the mid-40s and again in the early 60s. Researchers urge larger, more detailed studies to identify causes and health implications.
Read MoreNora Schmidt2026-02-152One Third of Dementia Cases Linked to Peripheral IllnessA global review links about one-third of dementia cases to diseases outside the brain—gum disease, liver disease, hearing and vision loss, and type 2 diabetes—suggesting new prevention pathways.
