Health & Fitness

New research suggests the astringent sensation caused by flavanols could act as a direct signal to the brain, triggering effects similar to a mild workout for the nervous system. In mouse experiments, flavanol intake boosted activity, curiosity, learning, and memory—despite these compounds barely entering the bloodstream. The key appears to be sensory stimulation: the taste itself activates brain pathways linked to attention, motivation, and stress response, lighting up regions involved in arousal and memory.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/J1yRMEx

New research suggests that Epstein-Barr virus may actively provoke the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis. Scientists found large buildups of virus-targeting immune cells in the nervous systems of MS patients, far more than in their blood. One viral gene was active only in people with MS, hinting at a direct role in the disease. The findings could help guide new approaches to treatment.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/eDrZul9

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown enzyme that plays a crucial role in fat production. By blocking it, they stopped weight gain, reduced liver damage, and lowered harmful cholesterol levels in animal studies. The finding opens the door to a new kind of medication that could tackle obesity, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease all at once.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/g2ltmYy

Scientists at Keck Medicine of USC are testing an experimental stem cell therapy that aims to restore the brain’s ability to produce dopamine, the chemical whose loss drives Parkinson’s disease. The early-stage clinical trial involves implanting lab-grown dopamine-producing cells directly into a key movement-control region of the brain, with the hope of slowing disease progression and improving motor function.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/H1TwOSE

Researchers have figured out how psoriasis can quietly turn into joint disease for some patients. Immune cells formed in inflamed skin can travel through the blood and reach the joints, where they sometimes trigger inflammation. The key difference lies in the joint’s ability to keep those cells in check. This insight could help doctors identify warning signs early and prevent lasting joint damage.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/y1HFTqG

Researchers have created the first complete map showing how hundreds of mutations in a key cancer gene affect tumor growth. By testing every possible mutation in a critical hotspot, they found that some changes barely boost cancer signals, while others supercharge them. When matched against real patient data, the map accurately predicted cancer behavior across tissues.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/CPunXmv

At just two months old, babies are already organizing the world in their minds. Brain scans revealed distinct patterns as infants looked at pictures of animals, toys, and everyday objects, showing early category recognition. Scientists used AI to help decode these patterns, offering a rare glimpse into infant thinking. The results suggest babies begin learning and understanding far sooner than expected.

from Top Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/YSmV4Qb