Ion channel TRPV4 found to regulate relief after scratching an itch
When you scratch an itch, something tells your brain when to stop. That moment of relief, when scratching feels "enough," is not accidental.
Scientists reveal how the body senses cold and menthol
When you step outside on a winter morning or pop a mint into your mouth, a tiny molecular sensor in your body springs into action, alerting your brain to the sensation of cold.
Blood test models predict when Alzheimer’s symptoms may start years in advance
Researchers developed plasma p-tau217–based clock models that estimate when cognitively unimpaired individuals with Alzheimer’s pathology may develop symptomatic disease. The models predicted symptom onset within about three to four years and may help improve clinical trial selection while remaining unsuitable for individual clinical decisions at present.
Disordered lipid nanoparticles enhance RNA delivery efficiency
The tiny fatty capsules that delivered COVID-19 mRNA vaccines into billions of arms may work better when they're a little disorganized.
Multicolor electron microscopy reveals proteins and cell architecture at nanoscale resolution
Scientists have developed a new imaging technique that uses a novel contrast mechanism in bioimaging to merge the strengths of two powerful microscopy methods, allowing researchers to see both the intricate architecture of cells and the specific locations of proteins-all in vivid color and at nanometer resolution.
Tuberculosis bacteria stiffen cell membranes to evade immune destruction
Scientists have uncovered an elegant biophysical trick that tuberculosis-causing bacteria use to survive inside human cells, a discovery that could lead to new strategies for fighting one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.
Despite more donors, barriers remain in stem cell transplantation
Healio spoke with Albert C. Yeh, MD, about a couple key themes from this year’s Tandem Meetings | Transplantation & Cellular Therapy Meetings of ASTCT and CIBMTR.
“In general, there’s an increase in the use of transplants because of the availability of donors, but at the same time we still lag behind in terms of, ‘How do we get equal access to everyone?’” Yeh, physician and research associate of translational science and therapeutics at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and acting assistant professor at University of Washington School of Medicine, said.
The postpartum experience: Recognizing complications
Postpartum experiences are as unique as the pregnancies that come before them. Because of this, it can be difficult to recognize what's normal and what could be a complication—even if you've given birth before.
Intermittent fasting doesn’t have an edge for weight loss, but might still work for some, research shows
Intermittent fasting has become a buzzword in nutrition circles, with many people looking to it as a way to lose weight or improve their health.
Watching the 2026 Winter Olympics? Here is why athletes treat danger differently
Imagine soaring more than 400 feet in the air before landing on skis, launching off a nearly 50-foot platform strapped to a snowboard, or sledding face first over 80 miles an hour down a sheet of ice—on purpose. Spectators of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games may wonder if the brains of elite athletes are wired differently than the rest of us mere mortals.