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Scientists have developed a promising experimental drug that may help slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by protecting nerve cells from damage. In a new study, researchers identified a small harmful region within the TDP-43 protein, which forms toxic clumps in nearly all ALS cases. The experimental drug, XL20, targets this region without disrupting the protein's normal function. In mouse models, XL20 improved survival, reduced muscle weakness, and protected nerve cells. It also reversed key signs of damage in human motor neurons grown in the lab. While more research and clinical trials are needed, this discovery could pave the way for new treatments for ALS and other TDP-43-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Researchers have developed an innovative synthetic bone graft that could transform the treatment of bone cancer. By adding gallium oxide to a bioactive glass material, the new graft not only helps regenerate lost bone but also destroys remaining cancer cells and prevents bacterial infections after surgery. Cancer cells absorb much more gallium than healthy cells, triggering processes that lead to their self-destruction while leaving normal bone cells largely unharmed. The material also completely blocked the growth of the dangerous bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in laboratory tests. Although further clinical studies are needed, this multifunctional graft could improve limb-sparing surgery outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and infection.

A new study suggests that a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood test could help identify colorectal cancer patients who are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. Researchers found that patients whose cancer had spread to the liver and who tested positive for ctDNA after surgery experienced significantly better survival when they received adjuvant chemotherapy compared with those who did not. In contrast, patients with no detectable ctDNA had good long-term outcomes regardless of chemotherapy, raising the possibility of avoiding unnecessary treatment and its side effects. While these findings are promising, experts stress that larger randomized clinical trials are still needed before ctDNA-guided treatment becomes routine clinical practice.

Norovirus is one of the world's most contagious stomach viruses and can spread quickly through contaminated food, water, surfaces, and close contact with infected people. Symptoms usually appear within 12–48 hours and include sudden vomiting, watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, headache, and mild fever. While most people recover within a few days, dehydration can be dangerous for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. To reduce your risk while traveling, wash your hands with soap and water, drink safe bottled water, eat freshly cooked food, avoid raw seafood, and don't share utensils. If severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, or bloody stools develop, seek medical care immediately.

Forgetting appointments or misplacing everyday items doesn't always mean dementia. It could be mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—a condition where memory and thinking changes are greater than expected with aging but don't significantly interfere with daily life. Importantly, MCI does not always progress to dementia. Studies suggest many people remain stable, and some even regain normal cognitive function. Regular health checkups, managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, staying physically active, eating a balanced diet, and keeping the brain engaged through learning and social activities can help reduce the risk of further decline. Early evaluation also allows doctors to identify and treat reversible causes of memory problems.

Researchers have discovered that people with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) have impaired glymphatic function—the brain's natural waste clearance system. Using MRI scans, the study found that reduced waste removal may allow harmful metabolic byproducts to accumulate, potentially triggering neuroinflammation linked to brain fog and other symptoms. The researchers also found that poorer sleep was associated with reduced glymphatic function, highlighting the vital role of sleep in maintaining brain health. While further research is needed, these findings provide a possible biological explanation for cognitive symptoms in ME/CFS and may help guide future diagnostic tools and targeted treatments.

A short daytime nap can boost energy and improve focus, but sleeping for more than 30 minutes may have the opposite effect, experts say. According to sleep specialists, the brain enters deeper sleep after about half an hour, making it harder to wake up. This can trigger "sleep inertia"—a groggy, sluggish feeling that reduces alertness and concentration for minutes or even an hour. Longer naps may also interfere with nighttime sleep by reducing your natural sleep drive. For the best results, experts recommend limiting naps to 10–20 minutes, allowing you to wake up refreshed without disrupting your regular sleep schedule.

The monsoon season increases the risk of food-borne infections due to higher humidity and faster food spoilage. Nutrition experts recommend eating freshly prepared, home-cooked meals such as dal, khichdi, vegetable soups, whole grains, and well-cooked protein sources like pulses, paneer, eggs, chicken, or fish. Choose fruits with protective peels, including bananas, oranges, pears, and pomegranates, and drink only boiled or purified water. Avoid street food, raw salads, cut fruits, undercooked meat, seafood, unpasteurized dairy, and leftovers left at room temperature. Experts emphasize that strong immunity comes from consistent healthy eating, proper hydration, and good food hygiene—not from any single superfood or supplement.

Researchers have identified a protein called "Mitch" that could become a promising new target for obesity treatment. In laboratory studies, disabling Mitch in human cells increased fat burning, boosted energy expenditure, and prevented immature cells from developing into fat-storing cells. Supporting these findings, mice lacking the protein remained lean, showed greater athletic performance, and were resistant to obesity despite conditions that normally promote weight gain. The discovery suggests Mitch acts as a key regulator of fat metabolism and storage. While the research is still in its early stages, it opens the door to future therapies aimed at treating obesity by increasing the body's natural ability to burn fat.

A new study suggests that a common type of stroke may not be caused primarily by fatty plaque buildup in the arteries, as long believed. Instead, researchers found a stronger connection with enlarged and damaged small blood vessels deep within the brain. This discovery could explain why standard treatments, such as aspirin, are often less effective for these patients. The findings also point toward a new treatment strategy focused on protecting and repairing the brain's tiny blood vessels rather than simply preventing blood clots. While more research is needed, this breakthrough could pave the way for more targeted and effective stroke therapies in the future.