Alzheimer's Risk Knowledge: Anxiety Reduced, Motivation Wanes, Studies Show
Recent studies investigate the effects of informing individuals about their Alzheimer's risk based on amyloid PET scans. Results indicate that knowing one's risk, whether high or low, doesn't necessarily increase emotional distress. However, both groups showed a decline in motivation to maintain healthy habits. This has significant implications as preventive Alzheimer's therapies become more likely.





Parkwest Surgery Center Faces Lawsuits Over 2023 Infections; Patients Allege Negligence
Parkwest Surgery Center in Knoxville is facing multiple lawsuits after patients developed Mycobacterium fortuitum infections following knee surgeries in 2023. The lawsuits allege negligence and failure to follow proper infection control procedures. Patients claim significant health complications and financial burdens. The center changed management in 2024 and states it is now in compliance with health standards, with no new infections reported since April 2024.


Micropipette Precisely Controls Brain Ion Signals, Enabling New Neuroscience Research
Researchers at Linköping University have created an iontronic micropipette capable of delivering ions directly to individual neurons. This allows for observation of how local ion changes affect neurons and glial cells, revealing complex cell dynamics. Early experiments showed astrocytes reacting rapidly to ion shifts, with neuron activation occurring after astrocyte saturation. This could lead to precise treatments for neurological diseases like epilepsy.


Algae Microrobots Deliver Medicine Directly to Lungs, Improving Pneumonia Treatment
UC San Diego researchers are developing algae-based microrobots to deliver medication directly to the lungs, overcoming natural barriers like mucus and macrophages. The microrobots, coated with cell membranes to avoid immune responses, showed promising results in treating MRSA-infected mice with pneumonia and delivering chemotherapy drugs to mice with metastatic lung tumors, potentially leading to human trials.


Algae Microrobots Deliver Lung Medicine, Bypassing Defenses: Study
UC San Diego researchers are exploring the use of algae-based microrobots to deliver medication directly to the lungs, bypassing the body's natural defenses. These microrobots, coated with cell membranes to avoid immune responses, have shown promising results in treating MRSA-infected mice and delivering chemotherapy drugs to mice with metastatic lung tumors. Human trials are anticipated.


Midlife Hearing Loss Linked to Faster Cognitive Decline, Brazilian Study Finds
A Brazilian study of 805 adults in their 50s found that hearing loss is associated with faster cognitive decline, affecting memory, language, and executive function. The study suggests reduced brain stimulation and social isolation as potential mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of early hearing intervention to reduce dementia risk, especially in low- and middle-income countries.


Midlife Hearing Loss Linked to Faster Brain Aging, Dementia Risk: Study
A study of 805 Brazilian adults in their 50s found that hearing loss is linked to faster cognitive decline over eight years, impacting memory, language, and executive function. The research identifies reduced brain stimulation and social isolation as key mechanisms. Early hearing intervention is emphasized to potentially reduce dementia risk, especially in developing countries.


Woman Misdiagnosed with Eating Disorder Before Achalasia Diagnosis and Treatment
Jessica Herrala's 14-year journey to an achalasia diagnosis reveals the difficulties of diagnosing rare conditions. Initially misdiagnosed with bulimia, Herrala suffered debilitating symptoms, including regurgitation and difficulty swallowing. After multiple doctors and misdiagnoses, a motility specialist identified her achalasia. Herrala underwent multiple surgeries, including an esophagectomy, and now advocates for patient self-advocacy in healthcare.


Ultraprocessed Food Consumption Linked to Increased Risk of Early Parkinson's Symptoms
A new study published in Neurology indicates a correlation between the consumption of ultraprocessed foods and the early onset of Parkinson's disease symptoms. Individuals consuming more than 11 servings of UPFs daily were 2.5 times more likely to exhibit early signs of the disease. While the study identifies a link, it does not establish causation and calls for further research.





Broadband Contractor Cuts Flagler Beach Water Line, City Issues Boil Water Notice
A Metronet contractor in Flagler Beach, Florida, accidentally cut the city's main water line while laying broadband cables. This resulted in a water shut-off for mainland residents, prompting a boil water advisory. City crews completed repairs, but residents are urged to conserve water. The incident raises questions about utility mapping and preventative measures.


Dopamine Receptors in Hippocampus Key to Anxiety, Mood Regulation: Study
Mount Sinai researchers discovered that D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in the ventral hippocampus regulate approach and avoidance behaviors in mice, impacting emotional responses under stress. Activating D2 receptors reduced fear, suggesting potential treatments for anxiety, depression, and addiction by targeting dopamine circuits. The study highlights dopamine's overlooked role in emotional regulation.


H5N1 Bird Flu: Animal Cases Slow, Human Risk Remains Low, Vigilance Urged
Recent reports indicate a decline in H5N1 bird flu cases among animals and humans in the US. While the CDC and experts acknowledge this positive trend, they stress the importance of maintaining robust surveillance to detect potential resurgences or mutations. Concerns remain about the virus's ongoing spread and the possibility of increased transmissibility or severity.





Prenatal SSRI Exposure Linked to Altered Brain Circuits, Increased Anxiety Risk
A new study using both mice and human data suggests that exposure to SSRIs in the womb can lead to long-term changes in brain circuitry related to fear and anxiety. These changes, observed in both mice and adolescents, may increase the risk of developing depression and anxiety later in life. The research emphasizes the need for further investigation into the impact of SSRIs on fetal brain development.




Prenatal SSRI Exposure Linked to Altered Brain Circuits and Increased Anxiety Risk
A new study using both mouse models and human data suggests that prenatal SSRI exposure can alter brain circuitry, specifically in fear circuits, leading to increased anxiety and depression risk during adolescence. The research highlights a serotonin-specific mechanism and emphasizes the need for further investigation before changing clinical guidelines for SSRI use in pregnancy.




Wellness Budgets Unveiled: Americans Spend Thousands on Health and Wellbeing
The article delves into the wellness spending of five individuals from the US and the UK, highlighting expenses across categories like food, healthcare, fitness, cosmetic care, and miscellaneous items. It reveals the considerable financial investment people make in their health and wellbeing, often influenced by factors like income, location, and health conditions.


Wellness Budgets Unveiled: Americans Spend Thousands on Health and Wellbeing
This article explores the expenses associated with wellness by examining the monthly budgets of five individuals in the US and UK. It highlights the significant costs related to food, healthcare, fitness, cosmetic care, and other health-related items, demonstrating that maintaining good health can be financially demanding.


Massive Solar Filament Eruption Observed; Earth Dodges Direct Impact
On May 7, 2025, a substantial solar filament erupted from the sun, creating a visually striking event. While the eruption did produce a CME, its trajectory was directed away from Earth, preventing any direct impact. Forecasters continue monitoring solar activity for potential auroral displays at high latitudes.


Diabetes and Vision: Diet, Hypoglycemia, and Emerging Therapies for Retinopathy
This article consolidates information regarding diabetic retinopathy, addressing the impact of diet on eye health for diabetics, the unexpected risks of hypoglycemia, and novel treatment approaches. It summarizes the discussions at ARVO 2025 concerning unmet needs in retinopathy treatment and presents new research on hypoglycemia's role in retinal damage.





Low Blood Sugar May Worsen Diabetic Retinopathy, Blocking HIF Shows Promise
A study on diabetic mice reveals that low blood sugar can worsen diabetic retinopathy by increasing HIF levels, leading to blood-retinal barrier breakdown. An experimental drug, 32-134D, successfully blocked HIF and prevented retinal damage, offering potential therapeutic benefits for patients with diabetes experiencing fluctuating blood sugar levels and diabetic retinopathy.





Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health in Older Adults, Even in Small Increments
A recent study published in Age and Ageing indicates that even 5 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity can significantly improve cognitive functions like processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. The research analyzed data from the IGNITE study and highlights the importance of incorporating physical activity into daily routines for brain health.




