Chronic stress contributes to cognitive decline and dementia risk – 2 healthy-aging experts explain what you can do about it

Even small lifestyle changes – such as more social interaction and a better diet – can help reduce stress.

Martin J. Sliwinski, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies, Penn State • conversation
May 28, 2025 ~10 min

Billy Joel has excess fluid in his brain – a neurologist explains what happens when this protective liquid gets out of balance

Cerebrospinal fluid can sometimes leak or collect in the brain without an identifiable cause, leading to symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.

Danielle Wilhour, Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
May 28, 2025 ~10 min


MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research

The majority of children’s diets in the US consist of ultraprocessed foods, which a growing body of research suggests can lead to metabolic diseases and other conditions.

Paul Dawson, Professor of Food Science, Clemson University • conversation
May 26, 2025 ~7 min

Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients – new research

Patients with chest pain who have a sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk for more heart problems and death within the year following hospitalization.

Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Columbia University • conversation
May 21, 2025 ~5 min

Scientists discover potential new targets for Alzheimer’s drugs

Pathways involved in DNA repair and other cellular functions could contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 20, 2025 ~7 min

Cutting HIV aid means undercutting US foreign and economic interests − Nigeria shows the human costs

Withdrawing or reducing aid has immediate and often fatal effects − not only for the countries receiving aid but for people around the globe.

Kathryn Rhine, Associate Professor of General Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
May 19, 2025 ~12 min

With AI, researchers predict the location of virtually any protein within a human cell

Trained with a joint understanding of protein and cell behavior, the model could help with diagnosing disease and developing new drugs.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
May 15, 2025 ~8 min

‘Grit’ and relentless perseverance can take a toll on brain health − particularly for people facing social stresses like racism

Perseverance helps people achieve goals and is linked with well-being. But combined with chronic societal stressors, it can lead to cognitive overload that puts a strain on brain health.

Darlingtina Esiaka, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky • conversation
May 8, 2025 ~8 min


Measles could again become widespread as cases surge worldwide

The US eliminated measles in 2000, but the number of cases at home and abroad has experts worried.

Rebecca Schein, Assistant Professor of Infectious Disease Pediatrics, Michigan State University • conversation
May 7, 2025 ~10 min

New molecular label could lead to simpler, faster tuberculosis tests

MIT chemists found a way to identify a complex sugar molecule in the cell walls of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the world’s deadliest pathogen.

Anne Trafton | MIT News • mit
May 5, 2025 ~8 min

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