Health

Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian have developed a new, practical approach to help NHS Health Boards plan and implement innovation more effectively—in spite of increasing pressures on time, workforce and finances.

Research behind the skin cancer prevention campaign "If You Could See UV" has found that evoking fear of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure—through a visually striking metaphor—helped motivate young adults to protect their skin. By visualizing UV as something immediate and ever-present, the campaign aimed to prompt young adults to think and feel differently about everyday sun exposure, and to take practical steps to protect themselves.

Researchers at the University of Kentucky (UK) are helping lead a national effort to strengthen the prevention of child sex trafficking. Ginny Sprang, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Psychiatry and executive director for the UK Center on Trauma and Children, co-authored a published study that outlines critical gaps in research and calls for a more coordinated, evidence-based approach to prevention. The findings are published in the Journal of Family Violence.

A multidisciplinary research team has identified a faster way to determine which airborne chemicals pose a threat to human lungs. Led by an environmental health researcher with the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, the study in Inhalation Toxicology shows that lab-grown lung cells that behave like those inside the human body can reliably screen chemicals for respiratory toxicity.

A study of young adults treated in emergency departments found that the SaFETy (Serious fighting, Friend weapon carrying, community Environment, and firearm Threats) score, a firearm-specific risk screening tool, can meaningfully predict the risk of interpersonal firearm violence within 12 months.

Neuroendocrine cells are unique in their ability to act both as nerve cells and hormone-making cells. They're scattered throughout the body, including the stomach, intestines, pancreas and lungs. Tumors that arise from these cells are called neuroendocrine tumors and are often rare and slow growing.

A new sexual health survey reveals a mix of progress and persistent gaps. Overall, many Americans report positive experiences—interest in having sex, sexual pleasure, and good communication with partners—yet women and gender-diverse individuals still face higher rates of sexual violence, lower sexual pleasure, and discomfort discussing sexual health. The study was led by Jessie Ford, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, and the findings are published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy.

Scientists at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Society for Hematology (ASH) and the Munich Leukemia Laboratory have developed a data-sharing platform that unites genomics, gene expression and clinical information from nearly 6,000 patients with blood cancers. By integrating large pediatric and adult datasets, the ASH HematOmics Program (ASHOP) provides one of the most comprehensive blood cancer data collections to date, with built-in analysis tools.

Ixekizumab plus tirzepatide (IXE+TZP) shows significant benefits for outcomes in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) versus IXE alone in adults with overweight or obesity, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, held from March 27 to 31 in Denver.

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed a new method to identify which proteins are most likely to trigger an immune response—a discovery that could help improve transplant care, regenerative medicine and other areas where the immune system plays a critical role. The results, published in Biomaterials, challenge a common assumption in the field that all proteins are equally likely to provoke immune reactions.

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine have found that electroacupuncture may help improve cognitive function and reduce psychological distress among breast cancer survivors experiencing persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Scientists have discovered how two transcription factors form a reciprocal regulatory circuit that controls T-cell exhaustion and migration during viral infection, which may inform future therapeutic strategies for managing infections and cancer, according to a recent Northwestern Medicine study published in Immunity.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are now stepping into the spotlight as weight loss drugs. A recent umbrella review draws attention to safety concerns regarding the use of this GLP medication, alongside a mix of potential benefits.

A new article in the News and Perspectives section of the Journal of Medical Internet Research showcases the transformative potential of precision oncology. The article, "Further Promise and Potential for Precision Medicine in Oncology," details how shifting from a "one-size-fits-all" approach to individualized, multi-drug regimens can significantly improve outcomes for patients with aggressive, advanced cancers.

A new study has found that metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may mimic one of exercise's core biological effects in men with prostate cancer, raising levels of a molecule tied to energy balance and weight control even when patients are inactive. The findings suggest that metformin could help counter the metabolic strain of hormone therapy, when fatigue and other side effects often limit physical activity.