Monthly Archives: February 2026

How Immune Hijacking Shapes Cancer Evolution

Predicting how tumours will progress remains one of the central challenges in modern oncology. Researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE), working with colleagues from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, have uncovered a mechanism showing how certain immune cells can be diverted to support, rather than suppress, cancer. Their work reveals that neutrophils — a highly abundant type of immune cell — are reprogrammed when they encounter the tumour environment and actively contribute to tumour growth. In this altered state, neutrophils begin producing the chemokine CCL3, a signalling molecule that encourages cancer progression instead of combating it. This process appears to represent a key variable in tumour biology and may serve as a valuable indicator of disease evolution. The findings have been published in the journal Cancer Cell.

Rather than being a simple mass of malignant cells, a tumour develops within a complex and dynamic ecosystem made up of many interacting cell types. Understanding which components of this environment truly influence tumour growth remains a major scientific difficulty. As Mikaël Pittet, full professor in the Department of Pathology and Immunology and at the Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology at UNIGE, explains, researchers are only beginning to decipher this intricate system. Identifying the elements that genuinely shape a tumour’s capacity to expand and evolve is essential if scientists are to predict its future behaviour.

Previous work by the same group had already demonstrated that the expression of two specific genes in macrophages is strongly associated with disease progression. This earlier discovery provided a relatively simple yet informative way to understand tumour trajectories. The new study introduces a second major variable, this time centred on neutrophils. By expanding their focus beyond macrophages, the researchers show that multiple immune cell populations can undergo changes that critically influence how cancer develops.

Neutrophils are among the most numerous cells in the immune system and normally serve as a rapid first line of defence against infections and tissue damage. In cancer, however, their presence is often linked to poorer outcomes. The researchers found that neutrophils drawn into the tumour environment experience a profound shift in their function. Instead of protecting the body, they begin producing CCL3 locally within the tumour, a molecule that actively promotes tumour growth. This reprogramming transforms neutrophils into allies of the cancer rather than its enemies.

Studying neutrophils presents substantial experimental and analytical challenges, as these cells are difficult to manipulate genetically and display low levels of gene expression. Evangelia Bolli, co-lead author of the study, describes how the team combined multiple experimental strategies to control CCL3 expression specifically in neutrophils without affecting other cell types. When CCL3 production was selectively turned off, neutrophils lost their tumour-promoting activity. Importantly, they continued to function normally in the bloodstream and were still able to accumulate within tumours, but no longer adopted the harmful reprogrammed state.

To strengthen their conclusions, the researchers revisited data from numerous independent studies using newly developed bioinformatics tools. Standard methods often fail to detect neutrophils accurately, but by refining analytical approaches, the team demonstrated that neutrophils across many cancer types follow a shared trajectory characterised by high CCL3 production. This pattern consistently correlates with pro-tumour activity. Together, these results position CCL3 as a promising prognostic marker and move researchers closer to defining a limited set of key variables that shape tumour evolution, opening the door to more precise and personalised cancer care.

More information: Evangelia Bolli et al, CCL3 is produced by aged neutrophils across cancers and promotes tumor growth, Cancer Cell. DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2026.01.006

Journal information: Cancer Cell Provided by Université de Genève

Ultra-Processed Foods Tied to Elevated Heart and Stroke Risk, FAU Reports

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Ultra-processed foods, commonly known as UPFs, are heavily industrialised products that contain added fats, sugars, starches, salt and a variety of chemical additives such as emulsifiers. Items like fizzy drinks, packaged snacks and processed meats fall squarely into this category. During processing, much of the food’s original structure and nutritional value is removed, resulting in products that are far removed from their natural origins. These foods also introduce substances that the human body has had little evolutionary exposure to. In the United States today, UPFs make up close to 60% of adults’ diets and around 70% of children’s daily food intake.

Previous research has consistently linked high consumption of UPFs with poorer metabolic health. Individuals who regularly consume large amounts of these foods are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which includes overweight and obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels and insulin resistance. Studies have also reported elevated levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein among frequent UPF consumers, signalling chronic inflammation and a heightened risk of future cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease primarily encompasses heart attacks and strokes and remains a major contributor to illness and death worldwide.

Despite this growing body of evidence, direct data examining whether higher UPF intake translates into an increased risk of cardiovascular disease itself have been limited. This knowledge gap has become more concerning as the consumption of ultra-processed foods continues to rise globally. At the same time, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality in the United States and is increasing in many parts of the world. Understanding whether and how these trends are connected has therefore become a pressing public health priority.

To explore this potential relationship, researchers from Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine analysed data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, commonly known as NHANES. Their findings, published in The American Journal of Medicine, add to mounting concerns about the long-term health effects of diets dominated by ultra-processed foods.

The study’s senior author, Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., reported that the analysis was based on a large, nationally representative sample of 4,787 U.S. adults. The results showed that participants with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods experienced a 47% higher risk of cardiovascular disease compared with those with the lowest intake. This increase was both statistically significant and clinically meaningful, with important implications for future research, patient care and public policy.

Researchers focused on NHANES data collected between 2021 and 2023 from adults aged 18 and over who provided at least one day of detailed dietary information. They reported whether they had ever experienced a heart attack or stroke. Participants recorded all foods and drinks consumed over two days, allowing researchers to calculate the proportion of total calories derived from ultra-processed foods using a validated classification system. Individuals were then divided into four groups, ranging from low to high UPF consumption.

Cardiovascular disease was defined as a self-reported history of heart attack or stroke, and the analysis accounted for factors such as age, sex, race and ethnicity, smoking status and income. The average age of participants was 55 years, and women made up nearly 56% of the sample. Even after adjusting for these potential confounders, those in the highest quartile of UPF intake had a 47% greater risk of cardiovascular disease than those in the lowest quartile. The researchers note that addressing UPF consumption will likely require long-term public awareness, policy changes and improved access to healthier foods, alongside clinical guidance encouraging reduced intake and broader lifestyle improvements.

More information: Yanna Willett et al, Consumption of ultra-processed foods and increased risks of cardiovascular disease in US adults, The American Journal of Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2026.01.012

Journal information: The American Journal of Medicine Provided by Florida Atlantic University

Low-weight resistance training enhances muscle condition and metabolism for people with type 2 diabetes

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Physical training is a key part of treating type 2 diabetes because it helps control blood glucose levels and supports healthy muscle energy use. A recent study from the German Diabetes Center shows that blood flow restriction training, known as BFRT, can be especially beneficial. BFRT allows people to train with much lighter weights while still gaining the same strength benefits as traditional strength training with heavy loads. The study also found that BFRT improves metabolism and reduces health risks linked to diabetes. The findings were published in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism.

Strength training is known to improve muscle strength, help manage blood sugar, and lower the risk of heart disease. However, lifting heavy weights can be challenging for people with low fitness levels, age-related muscle loss, obesity, or physical limitations. Many people also underestimate how heavy weights need to be to build muscle, usually around 70 per cent of their maximum strength. BFRT offers an alternative. This method uses inflatable cuffs placed around the thighs to limit blood flow during exercise. As a result, training can be done with much lighter weights, around 30 per cent of maximum strength, while still creating a strong training effect.

The reduced blood flow during BFRT triggers muscle adaptation processes that normally only occur with heavy weight training. These changes help muscles grow stronger even though the physical load is lower. BFRT is already used in rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and some sports settings, but until recently, little was known about how it works specifically in people with type 2 diabetes. This study helps fill that gap by showing that BFRT is both effective and suitable for this group.

In the study, 20 people with type 2 diabetes trained three times a week for twelve weeks. Half followed a BFRT programme, while the other half did classic strength training. Both groups improved muscle strength to a similar degree. Participants also showed improvements in resting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall body weight. The key difference was how body fat changed. Traditional strength training mainly reduced fat under the skin, while BFRT significantly reduced visceral fat, the fat stored deep in the abdomen around the organs.

Visceral fat is especially harmful because it releases fatty acids and inflammatory substances into the bloodstream. These substances worsen insulin resistance and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing this type of fat can therefore have major benefits for diabetes management and long-term health. The fact that BFRT achieves this with lower physical strain makes it particularly useful for people with type 2 diabetes who may struggle with heavy weight training.

BFRT also improves muscle metabolism at a cellular level. The training increased both the number and efficiency of mitochondria, which are responsible for producing energy in cells. More efficient mitochondria help muscles and fat tissue process glucose and fats more effectively. BFRT also promotes better blood circulation by supporting the formation of new small blood vessels in muscle tissue. This improves oxygen and nutrient delivery, making it easier for muscles to take up glucose and produce energy. Many participants reported feeling stronger in daily life, and over half continued strength training after the study ended. Overall, BFRT is a promising, low-impact alternative or complement to traditional strength training for people with type 2 diabetes.

More information: Nina Trinks et al, Blood-flow restriction resistance training improves skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetes, Cell Metabolism. DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.12.016

Journal information: Cell Metabolism Provided by Deutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD

Common eye bacteria associated with cognitive decline

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Researchers have found that Chlamydia pneumoniae, a widespread bacterium best known for causing pneumonia and sinus infections, may persist in both the eye and the brain for many years, potentially worsening Alzheimer’s disease. According to a new study from Cedars-Sinai, the bacterium appears capable of intensifying disease-related changes rather than merely coexisting with them. The research, published in Nature Communications, points towards new therapeutic possibilities, including early antibiotic intervention and treatments designed to reduce chronic inflammation.

The study demonstrates for the first time that Chlamydia pneumoniae can travel to the retina, the delicate layer of tissue at the back of the eye responsible for processing visual information. Once present there, the bacterium activates immune responses associated with sustained inflammation, nerve cell damage and progressive cognitive decline. This finding is particularly significant because the retina is closely connected to the brain, making it a valuable window into neurological health.

By observing the bacterium consistently across human tissue samples, laboratory-grown cells and animal models, the researchers were able to establish a previously unrecognised connection between bacterial infection, inflammation and neurodegeneration. The senior author of the study, Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui, emphasised that the eye can act as a surrogate for the brain. She noted that retinal infection and long-term inflammation appear to mirror changes occurring in the brain itself, suggesting that retinal imaging could one day help identify individuals at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease through a noninvasive approach.

To carry out the research, the team used advanced imaging techniques, genetic analyses and protein profiling to study retinal tissue from 104 individuals. This group included people with normal cognitive function, those with mild cognitive impairment and individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. By comparing these samples, the investigators were able to assess how bacterial presence varied across different stages of cognitive health and decline.

The analysis revealed that levels of Chlamydia pneumoniae were significantly higher in both the retinas and brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease than in those with normal cognition. Moreover, the severity of bacterial presence closely tracked the extent of brain pathology and cognitive deterioration. In other words, higher bacterial levels were associated with more pronounced neurological damage and greater loss of cognitive ability.

The researchers also observed that elevated bacterial levels were more common among individuals carrying the APOE4 gene variant, which is already recognised as a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Further experiments using human neurons in laboratory settings and mouse models of Alzheimer’s showed that infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae increased inflammation, promoted nerve cell death and accelerated cognitive decline. The infection also stimulated the production of amyloid-beta, the protein that accumulates abnormally in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.

These findings, led by co-first authors Bhakta Gaire and Yosef Koronyo, suggest that targeting chronic bacterial infection and the inflammatory processes it triggers could represent a new treatment strategy. Co-corresponding author Timothy Crother noted that the work highlights the infection–inflammation axis as a promising therapeutic target. Taken together, the results also strengthen the case for using the retina as a practical, noninvasive tool to help diagnose, track and potentially predict the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

More information: Bhakta Prasad Gaire et al, Identification of Chlamydia pneumoniae and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in Alzheimer’s disease retina, Nature Communications. DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-68580-4

Journal information: Nature Communications Provided by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

The biology of ageing and disease: A newly identified two-stage process

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David Gems and Alexander Carver of University College London, working alongside Yuan Zhao from Queen Mary University of London, introduce a fresh conceptual model for understanding how ageing contributes to the onset of chronic disease. Rather than attributing age-related illness to a single biological cause, the authors draw together insights from evolutionary theory and modern biology to argue that ageing reflects the interaction of damage incurred earlier in life and genetic processes that become detrimental in later years. Their approach offers a coherent explanation for why conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and infectious diseases disproportionately affect older people, while also pointing towards new avenues for prevention.

Ageing is widely recognised as the strongest risk factor for most chronic diseases, yet the biological basis of this relationship remains contested. To address this gap, the authors propose a two-stage model that links events across the life course. In the first stage, individuals accumulate disruptions early in life, including infections, physical injuries, and genetic mutations. Although the body is often able to repair or contain these disturbances, they are rarely eliminated completely. As a result, a hidden burden of unresolved damage persists beneath the surface of apparent health.

The second stage emerges later in life, when ordinary genetic activity begins to have harmful rather than beneficial effects. Processes that support growth, reproduction, or survival in youth may gradually undermine tissue maintenance and immune function as the body ages. According to the model, these late-life genetic effects weaken the mechanisms that previously kept early damage under control. Once this balance is lost, earlier disruptions are able to progress into overt disease, transforming long-standing vulnerabilities into clinical illness.

A key strength of the review is its emphasis on ageing as a multifactorial process shaped by interacting causes rather than a single underlying mechanism. The authors illustrate how early-life damage and late-life genetic activity act together to produce age-related disease. For instance, viruses acquired earlier in life may remain dormant for decades, only to re-emerge as conditions such as shingles when immune function declines. Likewise, joint injuries sustained in youth can set the stage for osteoarthritis later on, as ageing tissues lose their ability to compensate for past damage. Genetic mutations may also lie dormant for many years before contributing to cancer or fibrotic disease in older age.

The proposed framework is firmly grounded in evolutionary biology, particularly the idea that natural selection becomes less effective at shaping traits expressed later in life. Because survival and reproduction typically occur earlier, there is weaker evolutionary pressure to prevent harmful effects that arise in old age. The authors reinforce this perspective with evidence from studies of the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, where early mechanical damage can lead to lethal infections in later life, suggesting that similar principles may apply across species, including humans.

Overall, the review offers a unifying framework for understanding how diverse biological processes converge to drive age-related disease. By distinguishing between early-life damage and late-life genetic activity, the two-stage model clarifies how health trajectories are shaped over time. Importantly, it also highlights opportunities for promoting healthier ageing, suggesting that preventing or limiting early damage, as well as targeting harmful late-life processes, could reduce the burden of chronic disease and extend the period of life spent in good health.

More information: David Gems et al, Aging as a multifactorial disorder with two stages, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206339

Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC

Older adults are more heavily exposed to online medical misinformation

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Even as misleading and false claims continue to circulate widely across the internet, websites that host low-credibility health information remain relatively rare and attract limited attention overall. For most users, encounters with dubious medical content are infrequent and marginal compared with the vast amount of reliable information available online. This general pattern suggests that, despite frequent public concern about health misinformation, it does not dominate people’s everyday online experiences. However, this reassuring headline masks a more troubling underlying dynamic in how such content is actually consumed.

New research by communication scholars at the University of Utah sheds light on this imbalance by examining the real web-browsing behaviour of more than 1,000 adults in the United States over four weeks. Published in Nature Aging, the study combined survey responses with detailed tracking of participants’ online activity. While overall exposure to low-credibility health websites was low, the researchers found that traffic to these sites was highly uneven. Older adults, particularly those with right-leaning political orientations, accounted for a disproportionate share of visits.

This concentration raises particular concern because older adults are also the group most likely to seek out health information in general. As people age, they typically face more medical conditions and must make more frequent healthcare decisions, increasing their reliance on online sources. According to lead author Ben Lyons, this creates a troubling overlap between vulnerability and exposure. Although most older adults do not regularly engage with dubious medical content, those who do are clustered at the end of the distribution, meaning a small number of individuals bear most of the potential risk.

Lyons describes the findings as “good news with a catch”. On the positive side, only a small minority of participants visited even a single low-credibility health website during the study period, and such visits accounted for just a tiny fraction of all health-related browsing. This indicates that medical misinformation does not permeate the online environment as thoroughly as is sometimes assumed. At the same time, the heavy concentration of exposure among a narrow segment of users suggests that the problem, while limited in scale, may be intense in its effects for those affected.

The researchers also compared patterns of engagement with health misinformation to earlier findings on political misinformation. While older adults are significantly more likely to interact with and share misleading political content, the age effect for health information was noticeably smaller. Lyons suggests this difference reflects the social and emotional dynamics of online behaviour. Political content is often entertaining and tied to identity, making it more attractive to share, whereas health information lacks the same sense of group affiliation or competitive motivation.

To understand how users arrive at low-credibility health websites, the team examined referral data and browsing pathways. Surprisingly, they found little evidence that search engines, social media platforms, or partisan news outlets were driving this traffic. Instead, exposure appeared to be largely self-reinforcing. Users who visited one questionable site were likely to move on to others, often by navigating directly rather than being redirected. Combined with the finding that people holding conspiratorial or false health beliefs were more likely to encounter such content, the study suggests that health misinformation is embedded within broader patterns of online behaviour, making simple solutions difficult but targeted interventions increasingly important.

More information: Benjamin Lyons et al, Exposure to low-credibility online health content is limited and is concentrated among older adults, Nature Aging. DOI: 10.1038/s43587-025-01059-x

Journal information: Nature Aging Provided by University of Utah

Falls Remain a Major Risk, Affecting One in Eight Older People in Ireland Every Year

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New findings from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) at Trinity College Dublin underline that falls among older people are a serious and expanding challenge for Ireland’s health system. The research shows that while very large numbers of older adults require medical care every year because of falls, the services needed to prevent repeat incidents and manage risk are often unavailable or difficult to access. This mismatch between need and provision is placing growing pressure on hospitals, emergency departments and community services.

The study, titled The DEFINED Study: Determining the burden of falls amongst community-dwelling older people in Ireland to inform falls care delivery, is published today in the international journal BMJ Open. Drawing on nationally representative data, the researchers found that falls are not isolated or rare events but a routine cause of injury and healthcare use among older adults. Each year, one in eight people aged 70 and over in Ireland requires medical attention following a fall, and one in sixteen attends an emergency department as a result. In practical terms, this translates to almost 62,000 older people needing medical care annually because of falls, with more than 32,000 presenting to emergency departments.

Beyond the immediate injury, the consequences of falls are often long-lasting. Falls are the leading cause of fractures in older people and a major factor in reduced mobility, loss of confidence and declining independence. Once a fall has occurred, the likelihood of further falls increases significantly if underlying risk factors are not addressed. Despite this well-established pattern, the research highlights substantial weaknesses in both prevention strategies and follow-up care. Many older adults who experience a fall are treated for the immediate injury but do not receive a comprehensive assessment or intervention to reduce the chance of recurrence.

A particularly concerning finding relates to medication use. More than half of older people who attended an emergency department because of a fall were prescribed medicines known to increase falls risk, including drugs that affect balance, alertness or blood pressure. This suggests that opportunities to review and modify treatment are frequently missed, even in acute care settings where falls risk should be a clear concern. In addition, over one in five older people who required medical attention for a fall reported having no access to a specialist falls assessment clinic, further limiting the possibility of effective prevention.

Ireland’s demographic trends make these findings especially significant. The country has the fastest ageing population in the European Union, and falls are already the most common reason for hospital admission among older people. As the population continues to age, the number of falls and related injuries is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades. Yet evidence consistently shows that most falls can be prevented through relatively straightforward measures, such as structured medication review, cardiovascular assessment, and targeted strength and balance exercise programmes delivered in the community.

Commenting on the findings, lead author Dr Robert Briggs, Consultant Geriatrician at St James’s Hospital and a TILDA investigator, emphasised that falls should not be dismissed as an unavoidable part of ageing. He noted that many older people are presenting repeatedly to emergency departments while taking medications that heighten their risk. Yet, only a minority can access specialist services designed to address the problem. Professor Rose Anne Kenny, Principal Investigator of TILDA, added that although prevention and treatment approaches remain inadequate, ongoing regional reorganisation of health services presents a critical opportunity. A coordinated national strategy focusing on prevention, multidisciplinary care and improved access to falls clinics could significantly reduce avoidable injuries, hospital admissions and loss of independence among older people.

More information: Robert Briggs et al, Determining the burden of falls amongst community-dwelling older people in Ireland to inform falls care delivery: secondary data analysis from the Irish longitudinal study on ageing – the defined study, BMJ Open. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2025-107647

Journal information: BMJ Open Provided by Trinity College Dublin

From Textbooks to Living Rooms: Study Reveals Deeper Learning for Medical Students

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A new study shows that year-long home visits with older adults can play a significant role in shaping first-year medical students’ development, helping them strengthen communication skills, reconsider assumptions about ageing, and understand patient care beyond the boundaries of clinics and hospitals. Rather than focusing solely on technical knowledge, the research highlights how sustained personal contact allows students to encounter the human realities of ageing, vulnerability, and long-term health in ways that early medical training often overlooks.

For many medical students, the first years of education are dominated by lectures, textbooks, and examinations, with limited opportunities for meaningful interaction with patients. The study suggests that this imbalance can be addressed much earlier than is traditionally assumed. Instead of waiting for clinical rotations, students began learning through repeated visits to older adults in their own homes, where health is inseparable from daily routines, personal histories, and social circumstances. These encounters offered a form of learning rooted in lived experience rather than abstract cases.

Published in Medical Education Online, the study examines an eight-year Service-Learning initiative involving first-year medical students and older adults living in the community. Over the course of an academic year, students visited the same individuals regularly, allowing relationships to develop gradually. The programme was designed to expose students to ageing as an ongoing process rather than a medical problem to be solved, encouraging reflection on how health, independence, and dignity intersect over time.

Students typically visited in pairs, completing around ten visits during the year. Each session lasted between one hour and ninety minutes and centred on gentle, personalised physical activity combined with open conversation. Discussions ranged from everyday challenges and health concerns to broader reflections on ageing and identity. The programme was supported by an introductory workshop and continued mentoring from volunteer physicians and physiotherapists, ensuring that students were guided but not overly directed in their interactions.

Analysis of interviews, focus groups, and reflective writing revealed that students experienced profound changes in how they viewed patients and their future professional roles. They reported learning to build trust through attentive listening and consistent presence, to communicate with greater sensitivity around autonomy, and to tolerate uncertainty rather than rushing to provide solutions. Many gained a broader understanding of health that included loneliness, disability, and social support, while also confronting difficult subjects such as vulnerability, mortality, and end-of-life care.

The study followed three consecutive cohorts, involving 313 volunteers out of 555 pre-clinical students. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with 60 participants and analysed 128 reflective assignments using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings suggest that early, relationship-based service learning can foster empathy and reduce age-related stereotypes. As populations continue to age globally, the researchers argue that programmes grounded in sustained human connection may help future doctors develop a more patient-centred, compassionate approach to care from the very beginning of their training.

More information: Adi Finkelstein et al, Beyond the classroom: a qualitative study of voluntary home visits to older adults as a tool for empathy and professional growth in medical students, Medical Education Online. DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2025.2605378

Journal information: Medical Education Online Provided by The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Rising global burden of pancreatitis among older adults

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One of the most significant achievements of the twentieth century has been the steady rise in life expectancy, driven by major improvements in living standards, nutrition, sanitation, and medical care across the globe. This demographic shift, while representing remarkable progress, has also introduced new public health challenges. As populations age, a growing proportion of individuals live with chronic and acute conditions that impair the function of vital organs. These age-related health problems increasingly strain caregivers, healthcare systems, and broader economic development, particularly in countries experiencing rapid population ageing.

Pancreatitis, an inflammatory disorder of the pancreas, exemplifies the type of condition that disproportionately affects older adults. It commonly presents with acute abdominal pain, nausea, jaundice, and, in severe cases, haemodynamic instability or shock. In elderly patients, pancreatitis is frequently complicated by coexisting illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. These comorbidities make clinical management more complex, limit treatment options, and often prolong recovery, increasing both healthcare utilisation and the risk of poor outcomes.

Understanding how the burden of pancreatitis among older adults has changed over time is, therefore, essential for effective health planning. To address this need, researchers from the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, conducted a comprehensive analysis of global trends in pancreatitis incidence and mortality. Led by Professor Dechang Chen and Professor Jiao Liu, the team used data from the 2021 edition of the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study. Their findings were published online in the Journal of Intensive Medicine on 24 December 2025.

Professor Chen explained that the study was motivated by limitations in earlier research, which has largely focused on national or regional patterns. Such approaches may fail to capture global trends and can be influenced by complex interactions between age, time period, and birth cohort. By drawing on the GBD 2021 dataset, the researchers aimed to provide a more reliable global perspective and to establish a stronger evidence base for the development of scientifically grounded prevention and intervention strategies tailored to ageing populations.

The study examined individuals aged 65 years and older across 204 territories, spanning six evenly spaced periods between 1992 and 2021. Additional analyses explored variation across 21 geographical regions and five sociodemographic index quintiles. The results revealed that, although the absolute number of pancreatitis-related deaths among older adults increased, the total number of cases declined over time. The age-standardised incidence rate fell from 100.21 per 100,000 population in 1992 to 85.20 in 2021, while the age-standardised death rate decreased from 9.01 to 7.97 per 100,000.

However, these overall trends concealed substantial socioeconomic and demographic differences. High-SDI countries experienced marked reductions in incidence, whereas the lowest SDI quintile showed a significant increase. Middle-SDI regions exhibited relatively low rates until the mid-2000s, followed by gradual rises thereafter. Gender differences were also evident in certain settings. Looking ahead, Professor Chen noted that while age-standardised rates are expected to decline, the absolute number of cases and deaths will continue to rise due to population growth and ageing. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies, improved diagnostic capacity, and equitable access to care to manage the growing burden of pancreatitis among older adults.

More information: Hang Qian et al, Global, regional, and national burdens of pancreatitis in adults aged ≥65 years from 1992 to 2021: A trends analysis using data from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease Study, Journal of Intensive Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.jointm.2025.08.010

Research shows brain stimulation could help evaluate Alzheimer’s disease

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As people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progress from mild cognitive impairment to moderate and severe dementia, higher-order forms of awareness gradually decline. In contrast, more basic sensory awareness tends to remain comparatively preserved. As the disease advances, many conscious mental processes become increasingly disrupted, including attention, working memory, episodic memory, and executive functioning. In contrast, several unconscious or implicit processes—such as procedural or so-called “muscle” memory, operant conditioning (behaviour shaped by consequences), and priming, in which prior exposure to a stimulus influences the processing of a related one—are relatively spared. Nevertheless, as neurodegeneration spreads across multiple cortical regions in dementias such as AD, specific components of conscious awareness are progressively weakened and ultimately lost.

One way of quantifying brain complexity is through the perturbation complexity index–state transitions (PCI-ST), which is derived from electroencephalography (EEG) recordings taken after a pulse of transcranial magnetic stimulation. This metric has previously been used to distinguish between different levels of consciousness, such as coma and minimally conscious states. A recent study investigated whether this same measure could be applied to assess the integrity of conscious processing in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Researchers from Boston University’s Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine report that it can. Their findings show that brain complexity in response to magnetic stimulation was significantly lower in people with AD compared with those undergoing typical ageing, indicating a measurable reduction in the brain’s capacity for integrated conscious activity.

As senior author Andrew Budson, MD, professor of neurology at the institution, explains, individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may retain the ability to rely on intact implicit forms of memory, such as procedural memory, to manage familiar daily activities at home, despite marked impairments in conscious memory. However, when removed from familiar environments, these preserved routines offer little support, and deficits in conscious memory can result in confusion, disorientation, and distress.

In the study, the researchers evaluated 28 participants diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease alongside 27 healthy control participants. They assessed cognitive function and disease severity, while also measuring PCI-ST following stimulation of both motor and parietal cortical regions. Across both sites, individuals with AD exhibited lower PCI-ST values than controls, suggesting that this measure captures aspects of the impaired conscious cognition and reduced functional capacity characteristic of the disease.

According to Budson, these findings open new directions for research in cortical dementias. Future studies may use PCI-ST to explore further the links between conscious processes, global measures of consciousness, and their underlying neuroanatomical foundations. In doing so, this line of work may deepen understanding of dementia and contribute to the development of potential therapeutic approaches.

More information: Brenna Hagan et al, Evaluating Alzheimer’s disease with the TMS-EEG perturbation complexity index, Neuroscience of Consciousness. DOI: 10.1093/nc/niaf062

Journal information: Neuroscience of Consciousness Provided by Boston University School of Medicine

How Black Ginseng Extract Attenuates Inflammatory Processes Associated with Ageing

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Skin ageing is a natural process, but it does not happen for just one reason. It is shaped by factors inside the body, such as genetics and changes in hormones over time, as well as outside influences like sunlight, air pollution, and other environmental stressors. Although these triggers may be different, many studies now agree on one key point: long-lasting, low-level inflammation plays an important role in speeding up skin ageing. This ongoing inflammation creates a constant state of irritation in the skin, which gradually weakens its structure and reduces its ability to repair itself. Over time, this leads to visible signs of ageing, including wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of firmness.

This type of ageing is often described as inflammatory ageing, a condition in which the skin is continuously exposed to substances that promote inflammation. These substances encourage the breakdown of collagen, a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity. When collagen levels fall, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient. As a result, lines and wrinkles appear more easily, and the skin struggles to maintain its smooth and youthful appearance. Preventing or reducing this persistent inflammation is therefore seen as an important strategy for slowing down the ageing process and preserving healthy skin.

With this background in mind, the present study focused on black ginseng extract and its ability to reduce inflammation-related skin ageing. Black ginseng is made from ginseng roots that have gone through several rounds of steaming and drying. This traditional processing method changes the natural components of the plant, producing unique compounds that are thought to be more active than those found in ordinary ginseng. Because of these changes, black ginseng has gained attention in health products and supplements. However, despite its growing popularity, its role in protecting the skin from inflammation-related ageing had not been clearly explained before this research.

To explore this, the study first examined how black ginseng extract affected human skin cells grown in the laboratory. These cells are responsible for producing collagen and supporting the structure of the skin. The results showed that even a small amount of the extract helped reduce substances that break down collagen under inflammatory conditions. This suggests that black ginseng extract may help protect the skin’s supportive framework, allowing it to remain stronger and more elastic even when exposed to stress.

The researchers then moved on to a more advanced skin model designed to closely resemble real human skin. In this model, chemical stress was used to trigger inflammation, mimicking damage that might occur from harsh environmental exposure. This damage caused the skin model to release higher levels of inflammatory signals. When black ginseng extract was applied, these inflammatory signals were noticeably reduced. At the same time, the extract increased the levels of natural protective substances that help slow down collagen breakdown. Together, these effects showed that black ginseng extract helped restore balance in the skin, supporting its ability to maintain normal structure and function.

Finally, the study also looked at the natural components within black ginseng extract to better understand how it works. By analysing its composition and examining how its key compounds interact with targets linked to inflammation, the researchers found further evidence supporting its beneficial effects. Overall, the findings suggest that black ginseng extract works in several ways to calm inflammation and protect the skin from ageing-related damage. This makes it a promising ingredient for skincare and dermatological products aimed at maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin through gentle and long-term support.

More information: Shaowei Yan et al, The mechanism of black ginseng extract in alleviating inflammatory aging, Journal of Dermatologic Science and Cosmetic Technology. DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsct.2025.100124

New research finds an invisible RNA ageing timer in human sperm

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Research has increasingly shown that as fathers grow older, the risk of health problems in their children rises, including higher chances of obesity and stillbirth. Although this association has been documented for years, the biological reasons behind it have remained largely unresolved. Most studies have concentrated on age-related damage to DNA within sperm, assuming this to be the primary driver of risk. Yet sperm cells contain far more than genetic code alone, and scientists are now turning their attention to other molecular components that may influence development in the next generation.

Among these components are RNAs, a diverse group of molecules that help regulate how genes function. New research from the University of Utah Health has revealed that the RNA carried by sperm changes steadily as males age, both in mice and in humans. Rather than shifting gradually in a smooth, linear fashion, these changes appear to build up quietly before reaching a dramatic turning point around midlife. This pattern suggests that sperm carry an internal biological timer, one that records the passage of time at the molecular level.

Qi Chen, MD, PhD, associate professor of urology and human genetics and a senior author of the study, describes this phenomenon as a conserved molecular clock shared across species. According to Chen, subtle changes in RNA accumulate over many years until they eventually trigger a sudden transition, comparable to stepping off a cliff. This discovery implies that sperm ageing is not merely a slow decline but involves a critical threshold beyond which molecular characteristics shift rapidly. The findings were reported in The EMBO Journal.

Previous research from Chen’s laboratory had already demonstrated that sperm RNA can be influenced by a father’s environment, including dietary factors, and that these changes can affect offspring’s health. However, many of the most influential RNA molecules are difficult to detect using conventional sequencing methods. To address this challenge, the research team developed a specialised technique known as PANDORA-seq, which allows scientists to detect RNA species that were previously invisible. Using this approach in mice, they identified a striking change in sperm RNA composition between 50 and 70 weeks of age, alongside a steady increase in the length of specific RNA fragments over time.

This finding was unexpected, as ageing sperm DNA is known to become increasingly fragmented and damaged. Researchers had assumed RNA would follow a similar pattern of breakdown. Instead, they observed the opposite trend: certain RNA molecules actually became longer with age. When these “old” RNAs were introduced into mouse embryonic stem cells, the cells showed altered gene expression linked to metabolism and neurodegeneration. These changes hint at a potential mechanism through which ageing sperm RNA could influence early development and long-term health outcomes in offspring.

Importantly, the researchers found that these RNA patterns were only clearly visible when analysing RNA from the sperm head alone, the part of the cell that delivers its contents to the egg. RNA from the sperm tail obscured the signal, masking the ageing pattern until now. Using clinical and research resources, the team confirmed that the same RNA shifts seen in mice also occur in humans. Future work will focus on identifying the enzymes responsible for driving these changes, with the hope that they could one day become targets for interventions aimed at improving sperm quality in ageing males.

More information: Junchao Shi et al, Conserved shifts in sperm small non-coding RNA profiles during mouse and human aging, The EMBO Journal. DOI: 10.1038/s44318-025-00687-8

Journal information: The EMBO Journal Provided by University of Utah Health