Many people with depression are prescribed antidepressant medication, which affects chemical messengers in the brain.
However, around one in three patients does not experience significant improvement from treatment. As a result, researchers are searching for alternative explanations for the disorder.
Several studies indicate that inflammatory processes in the body may play a role in some patients, according to SciTechDaily.
A small trial
The new trial, published in JAMA Psychiatry, involved 30 people with moderate to severe depression.
All participants had previously tried standard treatments without sufficient benefit and also showed signs of inflammation in their blood.
Researchers gave some participants the drug tocilizumab, which is normally used to treat conditions including rheumatoid arthritis. The remaining participants received a placebo. Participants were monitored for four weeks.
The results showed that the group receiving the medication generally experienced greater improvements in depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, and quality of life than the placebo group.
Could change future treatment
The researchers emphasize that the trial was small and that larger studies are needed before the treatment can be widely used.
Existing anti-inflammatory medications may potentially help some people with treatment-resistant depression.
If future studies confirm the findings, the immune system could become a new target for the treatment of depression.
It has been difficult to gain a clear picture of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to Reuters, as reported by DR, this is partly because the most commonly used test did not detect the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the current outbreak.
As a result, some people were initially registered as possible cases without confirmation that they were infected with Ebola.
Cases under investigation
WHO stated, according to DR, that the figures may still change as more people are tested.
Reuters reports that individuals who had contact with infected persons or showed symptoms of Ebola were automatically classified as suspected cases.
While this approach provided authorities with a broad overview of the situation, it also means that some individuals may later be removed from the case count.
Number revised downward
On Friday, WHO reported 906 suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Reuters now reports that the organization estimates the number at 116.
The reason is that many of the registered individuals were found to have other illnesses or experienced only short-term fever.
As a result, the outbreak now appears to be less widespread than initially believed.
Most people focus on exercise, diet, and sleep when thinking about long-term health. Yet some of the most important factors influencing aging may be hidden deep inside the body, quietly working behind the scenes for decades.
According to new research from Mass General Brigham, published in the journal Nature, one small immune system organ may be far more important than previously believed. The findings suggest it could be linked not only to longevity but also to the risk of serious diseases and even the success of cancer treatments, reports Science Daily.
A forgotten organ returns to the spotlight
The organ in question is the thymus, a small gland located in the chest that helps train T cells, which are essential for the body’s immune defenses.
For years, scientists assumed the thymus became largely irrelevant after childhood because it gradually shrinks with age. As a result, it received relatively little attention in major health studies.
That assumption is now being challenged. Using artificial intelligence, researchers analyzed CT scans from more than 25,000 adults and developed a method to assess the health of the thymus.
Strong links to health and longevity
The study found that people with healthier thymuses were significantly less likely to develop serious health problems. They also had a lower risk of dying from any cause compared with those whose thymuses appeared less healthy.
Researchers also identified connections between poorer thymus health and factors such as smoking, chronic inflammation, and higher body weight.
The findings suggest that maintaining a resilient immune system may play a larger role in healthy aging than previously understood.
Potential impact on cancer treatment
In a separate analysis involving more than 1,200 cancer patients receiving immunotherapy, individuals with healthier thymuses generally experienced better treatment outcomes and improved survival rates.
The researchers stress that further studies are needed before the findings can be used in everyday medical practice. However, the results open the door to a new way of understanding aging, disease risk, and why some patients respond better to treatment than others.
Snacks that combine protein and fibre can help keep hunger at bay between meals.
According to Real Simple, several dietitians recommend a range of simple alternatives to protein bars that are both filling and easy to take on the go.
Chia berry jam with Greek yoghurt
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A homemade jam made from thawed mixed berries, lemon juice and chia seeds can be used as a topping for Greek yoghurt.
Adding flaxseeds, nut butter and banana provides even more protein and fibre. The combination contains approximately 13 grams of fibre and 16 grams of protein.
Turkey wraps with extra sides
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A wrap made with sliced turkey can serve as a more satisfying snack.
Hummus and red bell pepper on the side add extra nutrients and provide a crunchy texture.
Cottage cheese with berries and flaxseeds
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Half a cup of cottage cheese topped with berries and flaxseeds provides around 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre.
This option combines natural sweetness with a high nutrient content.
Roasted chickpeas
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Roasted chickpeas are highlighted as a crunchy and travel-friendly choice. They are easy to bring along and are described as a snack that people quickly find themselves reaching for again.
Dates with nut butter
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Pitted dates filled with nut butter can be served with a sprinkle of sea salt and briefly chilled in the freezer.
Three dates combined with two tablespoons of peanut butter provide approximately 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fibre.
Homemade energy balls
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Energy balls made from oats, nut butter and chopped dried fruit are well suited as a quick snack.
Each ball contains roughly 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of fibre.
Frozen yoghurt bites
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Greek yoghurt topped with berries, chia seeds and nuts can be frozen and served as a refreshing cold snack.
A typical serving of Greek yoghurt contains around 16 grams of protein, while the fibre content depends on the toppings used.
Lentils as a dip or salad
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Pre-cooked lentils can be mixed with feta cheese and tomatoes and used as a dip with wholegrain crackers. Edamame beans and cucumber can also be added to create a salad.
A 100-gram serving of cooked lentils contains 9 grams of protein and nearly 8 grams of fibre.
Protein-packed hummus
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Hummus can be made higher in protein by blending chickpeas, reduced-fat cottage cheese, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, parsley and salt.
Served with carrots, it provides around 6 grams of fibre and 7 grams of protein.
Roasted edamame beans
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Roasted edamame beans are mentioned as an easy snack that is high in both protein and fibre.
A 100-gram serving contains approximately 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fibre.
Cottage cheese with cucumber and tomato
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For those who prefer savoury snacks, cottage cheese can be topped with cucumber and tomatoes.
The combination is highlighted as a simple protein-focused alternative.
Roasted broad beans
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Roasted broad beans are recommended as another excellent snack option.
Legumes are generally praised for their content of protein, fibre and antioxidants.
Cardiomyopathy is a heart condition that weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure or other serious cardiac problems, according to HealthDay.
People with a family history of the disease often face a higher risk of developing it themselves.
Researchers analyzed data from more than 15,000 individuals. Among them, 831 had a genetic predisposition to developing cardiomyopathy. The study was published in theAmerican Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
150 minutes of exercise
Instead of asking participants about their exercise habits, researchers used data from activity trackers.
This provided a more accurate picture of how much physical activity participants actually engaged in.
Health authorities in the United States recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity.
Moderate exercise may include brisk walking or cycling, while more intense activities can include running or swimming.
Heart-related problems
People with a genetic risk who exercised less than the recommended amount had the highest incidence of heart-related problems.
However, researchers found that individuals with the same genetic risk who met the recommended exercise levels had nearly the same risk of heart problems as people without a genetic risk who did not exercise.
The study therefore suggests that regular physical activity may reduce the risk of heart attacks and heart failure in people with an inherited predisposition to cardiomyopathy.
Energy drinks have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are often marketed as products that can increase energy and improve performance through ingredients such as caffeine, sugar, and taurine, according to DR.
A risk to dental health
Dental experts warn that frequent consumption of energy drinks can increase the risk of acid erosion, a condition that gradually wears away tooth enamel.
Acid erosion can lead to tooth sensitivity and long-term damage that may be difficult and costly to repair. Experts also caution against sipping energy drinks over extended periods, as prolonged exposure to acidic beverages can further increase the risk of dental problems.
What works best?
Nutrition experts say that caffeine is the primary ingredient responsible for the stimulating effects of energy drinks. By contrast, there is limited evidence that sugar and taurine significantly contribute to increased alertness.
According to nutrition researchers, a typical serving of black filter coffee can contain substantially more caffeine than an equivalent amount of energy drink, often resulting in a stronger energy boost.
For that reason, both nutrition and dental experts point to coffee as a preferable alternative. In addition to providing more caffeine, coffee is generally less harmful to teeth, provided it is consumed without added sugar.
Almond butter has become a popular addition to many meals and snacks.
According to dietitians cited by Real Simple, it can provide several important nutrients, but daily consumption also requires some attention.
Important nutrients
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Almond butter provides healthy fats, dietary fiber, plant-based protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, all of which can support overall health, according to a study published in Advances in Nutrition.
Heart health
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The monounsaturated fats found in almond butter have been linked to improvements in cholesterol levels by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol.
Plant sterols
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Almonds contain plant sterols, which may help reduce the body’s absorption of some dietary cholesterol, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant
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The vitamin E content contributes antioxidant properties that are an important part of almond butter’s nutritional profile.
Blood sugar is affected gradually
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Almond butter is digested slowly and does not typically cause major spikes in blood sugar levels on its own.
May help reduce blood sugar spikes
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When eaten alongside carbohydrate-rich foods, the fat and fiber in almond butter can help slow the absorption of glucose.
May increase feelings of fullness
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Almonds may help promote satiety, which can contribute to lower overall calorie intake when consumed in appropriate portion sizes.
Two tablespoons
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A 32-gram serving contains approximately 206 calories, 6.7 grams of protein, 6.8 grams of carbohydrates, and 17 grams of fat.
Minerals and vitamins
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The same serving also provides calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, as well as smaller amounts of zinc and folate.
May reduce energy crashes during the day
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According to dietitians, some people experience more stable energy levels and less afternoon fatigue after consuming almond butter regularly.
May reduce snacking
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The combination of fat, fiber, and protein may help keep hunger under control between meals.
Excessive amounts may cause digestive discomfort
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A high intake can lead to bloating, gas, nausea, or stomach discomfort, particularly when fiber intake increases significantly.
It is easy to consume more calories than planned
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Almond butter is calorie-dense, and large portions can make it easy to exceed daily energy needs.
Long-term intake may improve blood markers
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After a longer period of daily consumption, some individuals may experience improvements in LDL cholesterol and overall lipid profiles.
May affect other cardiometabolic markers
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Regular consumption has also been associated with potential improvements in factors such as blood pressure and post-meal blood sugar levels.
May displace other nutrients in the diet
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Its strong satiety effect may lead some people to eat less of other foods, potentially reducing dietary variety and nutrient intake.
Balance and portion size are essential
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Dietitians emphasize that almond butter can be part of a daily diet, but the amount consumed should be adjusted according to individual energy needs and the rest of the diet.
The study, which is set to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting, involved 102 patients with head and neck cancer.
All participants had either recurrent or metastatic disease, and neither chemotherapy nor immunotherapy was working for them anymore.
The patients received a new treatment called amivantamab. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection, making it simpler than many other cancer treatments, which often require intravenous infusions in a hospital.
Multiple ways of attacking cancer
According to the researchers, the treatment works in three different ways. It blocks signals that help cancer cells grow, inhibits mechanisms that can make cancer resistant to treatment, and helps the body’s own immune system fight the disease.
The treatment is currently being investigated in around 60 clinical trials. The primary focus is on lung cancer, but other types of cancer are also being studied, according to The Guardian.
Results draw attention
The trial focused on a type of head and neck cancer that is typically difficult to treat. As a result, the findings have attracted significant attention among researchers.
In 43 of the 102 patients, tumors shrank or disappeared. Of these, 28 patients experienced substantial tumor reduction.
In 15 patients, doctors could no longer detect any signs of tumors following treatment.
According to The Guardian, researchers have described the results as unusually strong for a group of patients with very limited treatment options.
Sources: The Guardian and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Smoking is well known to increase the risk of a range of serious diseases. According to the NHS, as cited by LADbible, these include cancers of the mouth, throat, and lungs, as well as chronic lung diseases and frequent respiratory infections.
Researchers from University College London have now re-examined data from earlier studies to gain a more accurate understanding of the consequences of smoking. Their findings have been published in the journal Addiction.
Significant consequences
The study is based in part on data from the British Doctors Study and the Million Women Study. Researchers found that people who continue smoking throughout their lives lose an average of around 10 years of life for men and 11 years for women.
The researchers also believe the findings remain relevant today, even though smokers tend to consume fewer cigarettes on average than in the past.
How many minutes does it cost you?
Previous research published in the BMJ and cited by LADbible suggested that each cigarette reduced life expectancy by an average of around 11 minutes.
The new analysis points to a significantly higher figure.
Researchers estimate that each cigarette reduces life expectancy by approximately 20 minutes on average. This corresponds to around 17 minutes for men and 22 minutes for women.
For decades, the health of American presidents has been closely scrutinized by both voters and political observers. Even minor physical changes can become the subject of intense discussion when they involve the person occupying the White House.
That pattern has once again played out following the release of Donald Trump’s latest medical report. While the overall findings painted a positive picture of the president’s health, one recurring detail quickly became the focus of public attention, reports Unilad.
A detail people couldn’t ignore
Photographs from public appearances over the past year repeatedly showed visible bruising on Trump’s hands, prompting widespread speculation online and among political commentators.
The marks became a frequent topic of discussion, with some observers questioning whether they could be linked to an underlying health issue or medical treatment.
As fresh images continued to emerge, interest in the bruising only grew.
Doctors offer an explanation
According to the medical report released by the White House, Trump’s physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, believes the bruising is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking while taking aspirin as part of cardiovascular prevention.
Medical experts have long noted that aspirin can make bruises appear more easily because it affects the blood’s clotting process. The report states that the findings are consistent with that explanation.
Doctors also reported that no suspicious skin abnormalities or concerning growths were identified during the examination.
Why the story matters
The report attracted additional attention because Trump has undergone several medical evaluations over the past year. However, according to Jacob Appel of the Icahn School of Medicine, that is not necessarily unusual for someone of the president’s age.
Appel told McClatchy News that multiple checkups for a 79-year-old serving as president would not be considered unreasonable and do not automatically indicate a specific medical concern.
