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A persistent headache is often caused by stress, migraine or poor sleep, but in rare cases, it may signal a brain tumour. Experts say warning signs such as worsening morning headaches, repeated or projectile vomiting, seizures, blurred vision, personality changes, memory problems and unexplained cognitive decline should not be ignored. Many brain tumours are benign or treatable, and advances in MRI imaging, neurosurgery, brain mapping and targeted treatments have improved patient outcomes. Early diagnosis can allow treatment before tumours cause serious neurological damage. While there is no need to panic over every headache, persistent or unusual neurological symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional promptly.

A new study suggests that changes in the oral microbiome may be associated with symptomatic hand arthritis, a condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength. Researchers analyzed saliva samples from people with and without symptomatic hand arthritis and found lower microbial diversity and altered bacterial composition in those with the condition. Higher levels of Trichococcus bacteria were linked to more severe symptoms and were also associated with changes in a gut microbial pathway previously connected to hand arthritis. The study also found disrupted communication between the oral and gut microbiomes. However, the observational research cannot prove that these microbial changes cause arthritis.

Protecting brain health starts with consistent daily habits. Neurologists recommend staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, getting 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep, and keeping the mind engaged through reading, learning, or mentally challenging activities. Managing stress and maintaining strong social connections can also support cognitive and emotional wellbeing. It is equally important to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and stay adequately hydrated. Persistent memory loss, confusion, speech problems, sudden weakness, or severe headaches should not be dismissed as normal aging. Early medical evaluation can help identify potentially treatable neurological problems.

Scientists have reported encouraging results from a small clinical trial of WRSs2, an experimental oral vaccine designed to prevent shigellosis, a potentially serious bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Among adults who received two doses, only 3 of 34 developed shigellosis after exposure to live Shigella bacteria, compared with 21 of 26 people who received a placebo. Severe symptoms were also much less common among vaccinated participants. The vaccine uses a weakened strain of Shigella sonnei and could help address the growing threat of antibiotic-resistant infections. Larger trials are still needed before approval and broader use.

A new American Heart Association review suggests that moderate caffeine intake may be safer for the heart than many people think. For most adults, consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily, roughly equivalent to three to five cups of regular black coffee, is generally considered safe and may be associated with lower risks of heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and type 2 diabetes. However, the source of caffeine matters. Highly concentrated energy drinks and energy shots can deliver much larger doses, potentially raising blood pressure and triggering irregular heart rhythms. Experts emphasize that individual responses to caffeine vary based on health, genetics, medications, and metabolism.

Researchers at the Frazer Institute have uncovered how the gene GFI1 helps control two important branches of the immune system. The gene acts as a key regulator for natural killer cells, which provide rapid defense against infections and tumors, and memory T cells, which create long-lasting protection after exposure to a pathogen. When GFI1 was removed in experiments, natural killer cells failed to mature properly and lost their ability to fight viral infections and cancer effectively. By mapping how this genetic switch controls immune cells, scientists hope to develop more precise therapies that strengthen immune memory, improve vaccines, and enhance the body's ability to fight chronic infections and cancer.

Scientists have discovered four distinct populations of specialized support cells that help maintain the intestine, one of the body's fastest-renewing tissues. The intestinal lining completely rebuilds itself every few days, but researchers previously had limited understanding of how this process is coordinated. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced imaging, the team found that Foxl1-lineage mesenchymal cells form a specialized network beneath the intestinal lining. Each cell population occupies a different location and produces unique signals that influence stem cells, tissue renewal, immune responses, and intestinal structure. The discovery could eventually help guide new approaches to treating intestinal injuries and inflammatory bowel disease.

A Yale study has shed new light on how the brain creates awareness of our own actions, resolving a debate that began more than 130 years ago. Researchers found that awareness depends on multiple brain signals, including activity involved in planning movement and processing sensory feedback after an action. Neither signal worked alone, suggesting that both conscious intention and sensory perception contribute to our awareness of what we do. The study also found that reduced alertness, reflected by shrinking pupil size, was linked to declining awareness. Researchers suggest that being unaware of some actions may be a normal and useful feature that helps everyday activities run smoothly.

The largest genetic analysis of borderline personality disorder (BPD) to date has identified 11 genomic regions and nine genes potentially linked to the condition. Researchers analyzed genetic data from around 13,000 people with BPD and more than 1.1 million controls across 14 countries. The findings suggest that BPD has a complex, polygenic basis, with genetic risk factors overlapping with conditions including PTSD, depression, ADHD, suicidal behavior, COPD, and diabetes. Scientists estimate that the genetic factors studied explain about 17.3% of susceptibility to BPD. The research could improve understanding of the disorder's biology and guide future treatment strategies.

Researchers at KAIST have discovered that B cells and antibodies may play a crucial role in making immunotherapy more effective against aggressive brain tumors such as glioblastoma. The study found that anti-CTLA-4 treatment activates B-cell responses in lymph nodes that drain the brain, rather than relying only on T cells within the tumor. These B cells produce IgG antibodies that attach to glioma cells and help macrophages destroy them. In mouse models, removing B cells largely eliminated the treatment's benefits. The findings challenge the traditional T-cell-focused view of cancer immunotherapy and could guide new strategies for treating difficult-to-treat brain tumors.