General Healthcare

Ultra-processed foods (UPF) share more characteristics with cigarettes than with minimally processed foods, a 2026 review has submitted.

An AI analysis finds nearly 10% of cancer studies show paper mill patterns, raising serious concerns about research quality.

Study of 8,320 adults finds higher dietary melatonin linked to lower obesity and depression risk, with no clear effects on other chronic conditions.

A single intraperitoneal dose of DMT (30 mg/kg) administered after UCMS exposure reversed depressive-like behaviours and restored cognitive performance, outperforming chronic fluoxetine treatment.

A new trial shows acupuncture for migraine eases pain and disability, and brain connectivity imaging may predict who benefits most.

Using polygenic score analyses, researchers found that atypical depression was associated with higher genetic risk for several psychiatric traits…

A multicentre study shows AI-enabled ECG screening can be integrated into clinical workflows to detect previously undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and accelerate follow-up.

The study found sustained improvements across all exploratory measures, including anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Elevated pallidal beta power may serve as a biomarker for depression in Parkinson’s disease, paving the way for targeted DBS therapies. Learn more.

New research suggests shingles vaccination may slow biological ageing and reduce inflammation, supporting healthier ageing beyond infection prevention.

Doctors warn that screen use and harmful online content may be damaging children’s health, as the UK considers restricting social media access for under-16s.

Randomised trial shows chiropractic care alters stress, immune, and neuroplasticity biomarkers in adults with spinal pain.

Statistical analysis using Cox proportional hazards models demonstrated a significantly increased hazard of colorectal cancer associated with psychiatric disorders (hazard ratio: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.64–2.27).

Cytokine profiling demonstrated that a dose of 2,000 mg/kg/day elicited the most robust protective response, significantly reducing markers of neuroinflammation.

Tirzepatide initiation in type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a significantly lower risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and need for glaucoma treatment compared with selective glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists.

A large genomic study shows that most psychiatric disorders share common genetic factors, questioning traditional diagnoses and pointing towards a more neurobiologically grounded approach to mental illness.

Across these trials, anti-inflammatory treatment significantly reduced anhedonia, defined as reduced capacity to experience pleasure, with a moderate effect size.

In 2026, the beleaguered, aging National Health Service (NHS) of England is on the precipice of major changes in staffing models and digital implementations.

Telling women they have dense breasts increased anxiety and confusion without improving understanding or screening intentions.

After the first embryo transfer, 48.4% of couples in the preimplantation genetic testing group and 46.2% in the no testing group achieved a live birth, a difference that was not statistically significant.

The NHS has introduced routine chickenpox vaccination using the combined MMRV jab, protecting young children from varicella and reducing illness, hospitalisations, and family disruption across the UK.

Elevated serum lipoprotein(a) levels are linked to poorer survival outcomes in pancreatic cancer, highlighting its potential as a stable prognostic biomarker.

Tai chi may improve long-term sleep in middle-aged and older adults with chronic insomnia, providing a safe and accessible alternative to CBT-I.

Canadian patients with hereditary angioedema report reduced anxiety, fewer attacks, and improved quality of life with long-term subcutaneous C1 inhibitor therapy.

New real-world data suggest 5:2 intermittent fasting may offer modest cardiovascular benefits over calorie restriction in adults with overweight or obesity.

A large study found fewer mental health and cardiovascular events following the autumn daylight saving time clock change in England.

Most adolescents maintained stable mental health through the COVID-19 pandemic, despite widespread concerns about rising depression, according to a large US cohort study.

New research shows resilience partially offsets financial toxicity and improves quality of life in patients with primary liver cancer, highlighting the importance of psychosocial support.

Emerging evidence highlights psilocybin as a potential therapy for treatment-resistant OCD, while cannabinoids show limited efficacy.

Survey study shows COVID-19-related behavioral changes led to delayed colorectal cancer diagnosis and more advanced disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining screening during health crises.

New research suggests flavanol-rich foods, such as cocoa, may help protect blood vessel function during prolonged sitting.

A targeted physiotherapy approach has been shown to deliver sustained improvements in people with chronic disabling low back pain.

Researchers uncover combined energy, immune, and vascular disruptions that help explain the complex biology of ME/CFS.

Global meta-analysis highlights nutrient differences and growth patterns in vegetarian and vegan versus omnivorous diets.

A randomized controlled trial shows that the TNF inhibitor etanercept improves cerebral blood flow, vascular reactivity, and endothelial function in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Discover how magnesium supplements showed no measurable arrhythmia benefit in a major ICU study using causal methods.

A large USA study finds social media use is linked to increasing inattention symptoms in school-aged children over 4 years.

Researchers emphasize that these results, together with previous evidence, point to a growing need for stricter controls on synthetic phenols.

New data show that 28% of UK GPs are using AI tools to streamline admin tasks, reduce burnout, and improve patient care.

Discover how the brain’s structural networks evolve in five distinct phases across the human lifespan, from childhood to late ageing.

A world-first personalised CRISPR base-editing therapy has shown promising early results in an infant with CPS1 deficiency, demonstrating the potential of rapid, bespoke gene-editing treatments for ultra-rare genetic diseases.

NHS England has issued a national alert after penicillin allergies were mistakenly recorded as penicillamine allergies, putting patients at risk of severe anaphylaxis.

Research shows moderate coffee consumption may help slow biological ageing in people with severe mental disorders.

Polyphenols in fruits, vegetables, and tea may reduce cardiovascular risk, according to 11-year TwinsUK study with urine metabolite data.

A large USA study found hundreds of undiagnosed familial hypercholesterolemia cases through genetic sequencing, showing clinical tests often miss this treatable risk.

UK Biobank metabolomic data on 500,000 people could detect disease years early and guide prevention and personalised care.

Ultra-processed foods harm health and raise chronic disease risk. Experts call for regulation, warning labels, and support for minimally processed foods.

A study of over 86,000 adults across Europe finds that speaking multiple languages is associated with healthier ageing and lower risk of accelerated ageing.

The latest UKHSA winter surveillance bulletin shows flu activity rising unusually early, while COVID-19 remains low and RSV begins to increase.

Importantly, the study highlighted that individual responses to orange juice can vary according to body mass index.

Childhood hypertension affects millions worldwide, with prevalence nearly doubling from 2000 to 2020, new analysis shows.

Large umbrella review finds no clear link between maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children.

A new meta-analysis shows chocolate milk significantly lowers serum lactate after exercise, outperforming other recovery drinks, especially in endurance athletes.

Mediterranean diet eased irritable bowel syndrome symptoms more effectively than standard dietary guidance in a new UK clinical trial.

Study finds persistent socioeconomic and ethnic inequalities in neonatal mortality across England and Wales between 2012 and 2022.

A new study reveals how environmental stress drives pigment stem cells toward either hair greying or melanoma, uncovering a powerful link between aging and cancer protection

NHS England rolls out free morning-after pill at nearly 10,000 pharmacies, widening access to emergency contraception and community care.

Sertraline improves core depression and anxiety symptoms within 2 weeks, though somatic effects may mask early benefits.

NHS hospitals are trialling a 15-minute blood test that quickly distinguishes viral and bacterial infections in children, allowing clinicians to detect sepsis or meningitis much faster.

AI-driven lifestyle coaching proved as effective as human-led programs in helping adults with prediabetes lose weight and reduce diabetes risk.

Large analysis finds major differences in physiological side-effects among antidepressants, including impacts on weight, blood pressure, and metabolism.

Older women walking 4,000+ steps even 1–2 days a week had lower mortality and heart disease risk, showing small amounts of movement boost longevity.

ROAR-DNA merges genetics and clinical data to predict, prevent, and personalize treatment for brain aneurysms.

New neuroscience research shows handwriting activates more brain regions than typing, improving memory, learning, and creativity, especially in students.

Cancer rates are rising globally among younger adults, especially thyroid and colorectal cancers.

A new study highlights ChatGPT’s growing impact on healthcare, revealing its potential to enhance diagnosis, decision-making, and medical education.

Children with ADHD often display timing and attentional deficits, including difficulty tracking rhythms and impulsive behaviours.

A new study shows paternal SARS-CoV-2 infection changes sperm RNA and increases anxiety-like behaviour in offspring, revealing intergenerational effects.

Calcium supplements do not increase risk of dementia over nearly 15 years, reassuring older women about bone and brain health.

A new WHO report reveals that one in five adults remains addicted despite global drop in tobacco use. E-cigarette use is rising fast, especially among teenagers, threatening to reverse hard-won gains in public health.

A new nanomedicine targeting the blood–brain barrier clears amyloid-β by 45% and restores memory in Alzheimer’s models, paving the way for next-generation therapies.

New Mendelian randomisation study confirms a causal link between gut microbiota and childhood asthma.

A large cohort study of >16,000 adults found that regular extra-virgin olive oil consumption is independently linked to reduced waist circumference and lower BMI.

Poor sleep is linked to faster brain ageing, with systemic inflammation playing a partial role, according to new findings from the UK Biobank.

The study examined how attendance at the first invited mammography screening influenced future screening behaviour, tumour characteristics, and breast cancer mortality.

Research in adolescents shows that screen use, physical activity, and pre-bedtime food have little impact on youth sleep outcomes, though screens delay sleep onset. Guidelines for bedtime behaviors may need updating.

The findings demonstrated that GLP-1 RAs were effective in significantly improving several clinical outcomes.

Eating a Mediterranean-style diet rich in plant foods may protect against severe gum disease, while frequent red meat consumption could increase risk.

Watching television for four or more hours daily is linked to increased risk of cognitive decline in adults and older adults, according to a large new meta-analysis.

Eating a more plant-based, sustainable diet may cut diabetes risk and reduce greenhouse emissions, large UK study finds.

Evidence shows that early GP intervention and continuity of care are linked with fewer hospital admissions and reduced demand for out-of-hours services.

Find out how a new blood test could revolutionise Alzheimer’s diagnosis and care. Keep reading for the latest updates.

Over half of all births in Britain now involve medical intervention, with caesarean deliveries driving the trend, new NHS data show.

New UKHSA data show pre-school booster coverage has fallen to 81.4% in England, below herd immunity thresholds, leaving children vulnerable to outbreaks.

Discover how high-intensity exercise offers small but meaningful improvements in depression, especially for older individuals.

A study of over 235,000 colonoscopies found that people aged 45–49 had similar polyp and carcinoma detection rates as those aged 50–54, supporting earlier colorectal cancer screening.

The introduction of the jab is intended to cut cases of chickenpox and reduce the disruption it causes for families.

Hormonal birth control may affect how women regulate emotions and remember negative events, new research suggests.

A large UK study links certain additives in ultra-processed foods, such as flavourings and sweeteners, to increased risk of death.

Players completed a battery of computerised and pen-and-paper tests spanning visual perception, visuomotor vigilance, visuospatial short-term memory and executive functions.

Understand familial and autoimmune risk patterns in alopecia areata, supporting genetic counselling and family screening.

A new study shows women with Alzheimer’s disease have lower levels of omega fatty acids in their blood, pointing to a potential protective role for these fats.

Intermittent fasting decreased symptoms of long COVID-19 in a randomised crossover trial that compared the efficacy and safety of 4 weeks of 1–2-day fasting plus a restricted diet versus 4 weeks of mild time-restricted eating and a restricted diet

Discover how stopping smoking may improve recovery from other addictions and why treatment programmes should integrate both.

A large-scale study in Guangzhou has found that irregular sleep patterns, insufficient rest, and late bedtimes may reduce a woman’s chances of conceiving.

New research highlights how outdated cervical cancer screening guidelines in the U.S. fail to meet the needs of sexual and gender minoritized (SGM) people assigned female at birth.

SuperAgers defy expectations, retaining youthful memory and brain structure well into their eighties and beyond.

Discover how fewer melanoma cases with more severe features were seen during COVID, highlighting need for robust skin cancer pathways.

A Swedish study finds anti-inflammatory diets slow chronic disease accumulation in older adults, supporting diet as a key tool in multimorbidity prevention.

A landmark study using UK Biobank data has shown that endometriosis is linked to a higher risk of several autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

UK health officials urge parents to catch up on MMR vaccines as measles cases rise, warning of a possible surge when school resumes in September.

The study examined six key outcomes: muscle strength, standing long jump, vertical jump (Sargent test), cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility (sit-and-reach), and VO₂max.

Discover how sleep fragmentation accelerates cognitive decline via vascular changes and what this means for dementia prevention. Keep reading.

Going to bed earlier than usual could help increase physical activity the next day, new data from two large-scale sleep studies suggest.

New obesity criteria would slash global prevalence rates, raising concerns for early detection and prevention in clinical care.

Japanese researchers have developed an AI system that estimates lumbar and femoral bone mineral density from routine X-rays, offering a new tool for early osteoporosis detection.

A new international study finds that AI-powered models can more accurately predict in-hospital mortality for patients with cirrhosis, improving care across global settings.

The study also highlighted the challenges of using custom apps on study tablets, with participants preferring access through their own devices.

Discover a study exploring effective strategies to improve cardiovascular health and promote long-term well-being.

Hundreds of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now have access to a new once-daily triple therapy, expanding treatment to rare genetic types for the first time.

Hundreds of people with cystic fibrosis in England will now have access to a new once-daily triple therapy, expanding treatment to rare genetic types for the first time.

UK Biobank’s massive imaging project scans 100,000 people to reveal early disease signs, transforming diagnosis and prevention worldwide.

Learn how metformin may enhance cognitive function in schizophrenia by regulating energy metabolism and brain connectivity.

WHO has endorsed injectable lenacapavir as a twice-yearly HIV prevention tool, offering new hope for communities facing high infection risks and adherence barriers.

Large UK studies show no increased liver cancer risk with oral contraceptives, though longer use may slightly raise risk.

A UK-wide study finds that women with children’s social care involvement face significantly higher maternal mortality risks, especially from psychiatric causes.

Adenotonsillectomy improves sleep apnoea in children, effective regardless of positional dependency, study finds.

A UKHSA survey finds strong vaccine confidence among UK parents, with 87% trusting vaccine effectiveness and satisfaction high in NHS delivery and communication.

The study aimed to understand whether financial incentives impacted screening, diagnosis, and treatment for maternal mental health conditions.

Chronic exposure to systemic inflammation may be associated to a greater risk of affective disorders.

The findings suggest that shorter sleep and reduced white matter organisation in the brain together explained over a third of the association between screen time and depressive symptoms.

NHS England data reveal an alarming rise in common mental health conditions, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.

Recent studies have shown that exercise interventions can improve ADHD symptoms and enhance executive functions.

Although GLP-1 medicines are generally well tolerated, there have been reports of rare but serious cases of acute pancreatitis.

Significant regional disparities in HPV vaccine uptake threaten cervical cancer prevention goals, UKHSA warns.

Despite the setback, hope remains, with 138 dementia drugs currently in trials, experts say more effective, safer options may soon emerge.

Learn how P-CAB fexuprazan matches PPI effectiveness in managing GERD-related chronic cough in an 8-week clinical trial.

THC, the main psychoactive compound, can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, potentially causing tachycardia, vasoconstriction, and increased oxygen demand.

Flavan-3-ols in cocoa and tea lower blood pressure and boost vascular function, supporting their use in heart disease prevention.

Eating more healthful plant-based foods may help protect eye and nerve health, new research shows, with retinal imaging revealing early signs of neuroprotection.

Understand how short-term use of elobixibat significantly boosts bowel movements in chronic constipation.

New research reveals that depression following stroke has a significant long-term impact on survival, recovery, and quality of life.

A novel blood-based assay could transform coeliac disease diagnosis, particularly for patients already on a gluten-free diet.

A new study finds some non-alcoholic beers raise blood sugar and triglycerides, but pilsener appears metabolically safer.

GLP-1 RAs may significantly increase the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration in older adults with diabetes.

A new patient-led weight maintenance programme outperforms standard care, offering scalable, effective obesity management.

A structured parenting programme based on acceptance and commitment therapy has shown clinical benefits in managing asthma and ADHD symptoms in children.

The UKHSA has released its annual STI data, with continuing concern over rising syphilis and drug-resistant gonorrhoea.

Following a successful pilot involving around 10,000 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, NHS England is now rolling out the test nationally.

Once inhaled or ingested, these plastics can lodge in human tissues, including the lungs, blood, and even vascular tissues.

Flu vaccination prevented up to 120,000 hospital admissions in England during the 2024/25 season, despite concerning declines in uptake among some vulnerable groups.

Discover a study that found that social engagement seems to slow biological ageing, a marker believed to better predict mortality than chronological age

England is set to become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against gonorrhoea, aiming to curb record-high infection rates and growing antibiotic resistance.

Abbreviated MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography are more effective than ultrasound for cancer detection in women with dense breasts.

Interestingly, the study found that both obesity and ADHD scale sublinearly with city population.

Air pollution may weaken bones in postmenopausal women by disrupting key metabolic pathways involving phospholipids, according to a new metabolomic study in the Women’s Health Initiative cohort.

Children attending NHS excess weight clinics are overwhelmingly from deprived backgrounds, and often face complex health and developmental challenges.

Excessive anxiety surrounding food allergies is common and can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.

Each year, up to 138,000 people die and around 400,000 more are left permanently disabled from snakebites.

Cannabis use during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm birth, and other poor neonatal outcomes, even after adjusting for tobacco use, a major meta-analysis finds.

A new study has revealed a potential link between live zoster vaccination and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

A revolutionary test saved a young doctor’s eyesight by uncovering a rare infection after years of unanswered questions.

A large study of over 6,500 CKD patients has found that having a first-degree relative with diabetes significantly increases the risk of kidney disease progression, regardless of whether the patient has diabetes or a genetic predisposition.

Discover a recent study that debunks the myth that obesity is always to blame in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Discover which treatments for abdominal pain-related disorders of gut-brain interaction are effective in this meta-analysis.

New research finds that low-carb diets, even without calorie cuts, can mimic fasting’s metabolic effects — pointing to potential new strategies for improving heart and metabolic health.

AI-driven bone tumour classification model rivals expert radiologists, introducing BTI-RADS 2.0 for structured malignancy risk.

Short bursts of daily movement can slash cardiovascular risk, even without formal exercise.

After 25 years of pioneering research, the UK celebrates its first birth following a womb transplant, offering new hope to women without a functioning uterus.

New study links early-life air pollution and night-time light exposure to increased risk of paediatric thyroid cancer.