Fresh Science Trends

A new kind of cholesterol treatment is emerging from the lab—and it does not rely on statins. Researchers from the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon have developed a DNA‑based therapy that switches off a key cholesterol‑controlling gene, cutting “bad” LDL cholesterol by nearly 50% in animal models without the muscle pain and other side effects that drive many patients to abandon traditional drugs. Turning down cholesterol at the gene level At the heart of this breakthrough is PCSK9, a protein that tells the body to remove LDL receptors from the surface of liver cells. When PCSK9 is overactive, fewer receptors are available to clear LDL from the blood, and cholesterol levels climb, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and heart attack. The new strategy uses tiny DNA molecules called polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins—PPRHs for short—to silence the PCSK9 gene before it can make this protein. ​ Crystal Structure of PCSK9 Source: PDB Two specially designed PPRHs, ...

A new global study led by   La Trobe University   uncovers a devastating reality that often goes unnoticed: men’s heavy drinking is not just a personal issue but it’s also a   silent public health crisis   affecting millions of women and children around the world. Beyond the bars and bottles lies a story of suffering within families. The report, titled  “Harms to Women and Children from Men’s Alcohol Use: An Evidence Review and Directions for Policy” , draws on 78 studies across three major systematic reviews. Its conclusion is stark— when men drink heavily, it’s women and children who pay the highest price . When men drink, the wives and children pay the price.        Photo by Danny Lines on Unsplash              A Hidden Epidemic Globally, as many as  one in three women  in some countries live with a partner who drinks to excess. Within these households, children grow up facing violence, neglect...

Constipation advice usually starts with the same tired line: “just eat more fiber.” Yet millions of people follow that guidance and still feel bloated, uncomfortable, and stuck. New research from King’s College London suggests it is time to rethink the standard script—and look instead at some surprisingly specific foods and supplements that actually move the needle on chronic constipation. Before reaching for laxatives, take a closer look at your mineral water. Kiwi, rye, and mineral water to the rescue For the first time, scientists have pulled together rigorous, evidence‑based dietary guidelines focused solely on adults with long‑term constipation. After analyzing more than 75 clinical trials, the team found that three everyday options consistently stood out: kiwifruit, rye bread, and mineral‑rich water . People who added 2–3 kiwis a day, swapped white bread for rye, or drank high‑mineral waters—especially those rich in magnesium and sulfates—often reported more frequent, softer, and...