Category Health/Medical

Gut microbe molecule reveals molecular link between microbiome and whole body metabolism

Gut microbe molecule reveals molecular link between microbiome and whole-body metabolism
Credit: EMBO Molecular Medicine (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s44321-026-00516-3

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have demonstrated at a molecular level how bacteria in the human gut influence the entire body. Among other things, they can lower blood sugar levels and reduce fatty liver disease. The work is published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.

For several years, a wide range of over-the-counter products designed to have a positive effect on the gut microbiome have been available. They promise greater bacterial diversity in the digestive tract and, as a result, better overall health. For the same purpose, doctors prescribe medications aimed at restoring gut microbial balance, for instance, following antibiotic treatment.

But why does the gut microbiota have such a prof...

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Experimental cancer vaccine makes its own oxygen and gives T cells a boost

This cancer vaccine makes its own oxygen and gives T-cells a boost
This sponge-like cryogel cancer vaccine does double duty: training immune cells while generating oxygen to help them fight tumors. Credit: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

When it comes to priorities in life, oxygen tops the list. Humans can go weeks without food and days without water. Take away the ability to breathe, however, and the clock starts ticking within minutes as the brain begins shutting down. But the life-giving gas does even more heavy lifting than you might think.

The immune system, which battles cancer with the help of specialized fighters, such as T cells, relies on oxygen to mount its attack.

Now, Bouvé College of Health Sciences professor and director of the pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences graduate program Stephen Hatfield and his colleagues are ...

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Smartphone-controlled microneedle patch could offer drug-free pain care from afar

KAIST and KIOM develop a wearable microneedle electroceutical for personalized pain management
Configuration and characteristics of the thermoresponsive, conductive, and adhesive microneedle electroceutical. Schematic (a) and photograph (b) of the wireless microneedle electroceutical patch. Photograph of the thermoresponsive, conductive, and adhesive microneedle electrode (c) and schematic illustrating enhanced current delivery efficiency (d). Low skin-contact impedance (e) and temperature-dependent variable adhesion (f) of the conductive, adhesive microneedle electrode. Credit: KAIST

A “wearable electroceutical” has been developed that could reduce the need to visit a hospital or rely on painkillers every time pain occurs...

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Caffeine may flip an ancient cellular switch linked to slower aging

Caffeine May Slow Cellular Aging
Caffeine could have surprising effects on cellular aging by activating AMPK, a system that helps cells manage energy and stress. Credit: Shutterstock

Caffeine may help cells age more slowly by switching on a powerful energy and stress-response system. Scientists found that caffeine activates an ancient cellular energy system involved in stress resistance, DNA repair, and growth. The discovery could help explain caffeine’s links to healthier aging and may point toward new ways to target the same pathway.

Your morning coffee may be doing more than helping you wake up.

Research from Queen Mary University of London suggests that caffeine can activate an ancient cellular energy system involved in growth, stress resistance, and DNA repair...

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