Pharmacology
Reptile urine crystals may inform future approaches to gout and kidney stones
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
Scientists reporting in the Journal of the American Chemical Society examined solid urine from more than 20 reptile species and found tiny uric‑acid spheres that package waste while conserving water. The study, highlighted by the American Chemical Society and ScienceDaily, also suggests uric acid helps convert toxic ammonia into a less harmful solid, a mechanism that could guide future strategies against gout and kidney stones.
Stevia compound enhances minoxidil for treating hair loss
Reported by AI
Researchers have found that stevioside, a natural sweetener from the Stevia plant, improves the skin absorption of minoxidil, a common treatment for pattern baldness. In mouse tests, a patch combining the two stimulated hair growth by reactivating follicles. This approach could lead to more effective natural therapies for millions affected by androgenetic alopecia.
Fentanyl overdoses with stimulants surge 9,000% among seniors
Reported by AI
Fatal overdoses involving fentanyl mixed with stimulants among adults aged 65 and older have increased by 9,000% over the past eight years, according to new research. This trend mirrors patterns in younger adults and highlights the opioid crisis's fourth wave affecting older populations. The findings, presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2025 annual meeting, urge better prevention and education for seniors.
Two common drugs show promise against fatty liver disease
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered that combining two existing medications, pemafibrate and telmisartan, significantly reduces liver fat in animal models of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This approach could offer a safer treatment option for the condition, which affects about one in three adults worldwide. The findings highlight the potential of drug repurposing to address a disease with limited current therapies.
New compounds halt cancer growth without damaging healthy cells
October 16, 2025 00:30Scientists create mini human livers to predict drug toxicities
October 05, 2025 15:52Cellular switch discovery offers hope for Parkinson's treatment
October 05, 2025 15:52Higher semaglutide dose boosts weight loss in obesity trials
October 05, 2025 15:52Scientists discover protein that switches off hunger
Genetic study links lower cholesterol to reduced dementia risk
Heather Vogel Image generated by AI Fact checked
A large-scale genetic analysis of about 1.09 million people suggests that lifelong, genetically lower cholesterol—specifically non‑HDL cholesterol—is associated with substantially reduced dementia risk. Using Mendelian randomization to emulate the effects of cholesterol‑lowering drug targets such as those for statins (HMGCR) and ezetimibe (NPC1L1), the study found up to an approximately 80% lower risk per 1 mmol/L reduction for some targets. ([research-information.bris.ac.uk](https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/publications/cholesterollowering-drug-targets-reduce-risk-of-dementia-mendelia?utm_source=openai))
Scientists uncover brain circuit that overrides chronic pain
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified a group of brainstem neurons that can suppress chronic pain signals when survival needs like hunger or fear arise. These Y1 receptor neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus act as a neural switchboard, prioritizing urgent biological demands over persistent discomfort. The discovery, published in Nature, offers potential new avenues for pain treatments.
Scientists uncover hidden antibiotic intermediate 100-fold more active than methylenomycin A
Heather Vogel Fact checked
Researchers from the University of Warwick and Monash University report that pre-methylenomycin C lactone—an overlooked biosynthetic intermediate from Streptomyces coelicolor—shows more than a 100-fold increase in activity over methylenomycin A against Gram‑positive pathogens, including those behind MRSA and VRE. The finding adds momentum to efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance, which was directly linked to an estimated 1.27 million deaths in 2019.
Colorado audit finds many cannabis flower THC labels overstated; concentrates largely accurate
Heather Vogel Fact checked
A statewide analysis led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that about 43% of cannabis flower products sold in Colorado listed THC levels outside the state’s ±15% accuracy threshold—most overstating potency—while 96% of concentrates matched their labels. The results point to a need for tighter testing and clearer packaging to bolster consumer trust.