Health & Fitness

Scientists at Kyoto University have developed a groundbreaking "lung-on-a-chip" that can mimic the distinct regions of human lungs—airways and alveoli—to study how viruses like COVID-19 affect them differently. Powered by isogenic induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the system offers a high-fidelity way to model personalized immune responses and test drug effectiveness. This innovation opens the door to precision medicine, deeper understanding of emerging viruses, and even modeling of other organs in the future.

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Scientists at Columbia Engineering have developed an injectable hydrogel made from yogurt-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) that could revolutionize regenerative medicine. These EVs serve both as healing agents and as structural components, eliminating the need for added chemicals. The innovation leverages everyday dairy products like yogurt to create a biocompatible material that mimics natural tissue and enhances healing.

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A mysterious gut hormone may be behind many cases of chronic diarrhea, especially in people with undiagnosed bile acid malabsorption, a condition often mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers from the University of Cambridge identified that the hormone INSL5 spikes when bile acid reaches the colon, triggering intense diarrhea. Their discovery not only sheds light on the biological cause of symptoms but opens the door to a diagnostic blood test and new treatment options, including a surprising existing drug that blocks this hormone’s effects.

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Between 2020 and 2024, COVID-19 vaccines saved 2.5 million lives globally, preventing one death for every 5,400 doses. A groundbreaking worldwide study led by researchers from Università Cattolica and Stanford University reveals that most lives were saved before individuals were exposed to the virus, particularly during the Omicron period and among those aged 60+. The researchers also calculated 14.8 million years of life saved, with the elderly gaining the majority of these benefits.

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Scientists at the University of Toronto have developed a new non-stick material that rivals the performance of traditional PFAS-based coatings while using only minimal amounts of these controversial "forever chemicals." Through an inventive process called "nanoscale fletching," they modified silicone-based polymers to repel both water and oil effectively. This breakthrough could pave the way for safer cookware, fabrics, and other products without the environmental and health risks linked to long-chain PFAS.

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Walking 7000 steps a day may be just as powerful as hitting the much-hyped 10,000-step goal when it comes to reducing the risk of early death and disease. A sweeping global review of 57 studies shows that 7000 steps per day slashes the risk of dying early by nearly half—and brings major benefits across heart health, dementia, depression, and more. The bonus? Even walking from 2000 to 4000 steps per day brings measurable improvements. For millions of people, this study redefines what it means to "move enough."

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A groundbreaking study has revealed that the mass administration of ivermectin—a drug once known for treating river blindness and scabies—can significantly reduce malaria transmission when used in conjunction with bed nets.

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