November 14, 2026
Scientists have uncovered a surprising difference in how male and female skin repairs and renews itself. By tracking individual skin stem cells in living mice for five months, researchers discovered that female cells work together in a highly coordinated way, while male cells operate more independently. This synchronization, driven by sex hormones, helps explain why wounds heal faster in female mice, especially during the first few days.
Scientists discover that male and female skin play by different rules
November 5, 2026
Women with higher blood levels of two common per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also familiarly known as PFAS, were more likely to develop estrogen receptor-negative, or ER-negative, breast cancer, according to a new study by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). PFAS are a large group of chemicals used in common consumer products. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down easily in the environment and can remain in the body for years. The study found that women with higher blood plasma levels of two of these substances, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), were associated with a higher incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. No clear association was observed between the two chemicals and breast cancer risk overall.
Common forever chemicals linked to nearly double the rate of aggressive breast cancer
October 27, 2026
Researchers found that many speech features such as pitch, timing, and word choice can help detect accelerated aging and dementia. With further development, this approach could be a less expensive and easier way to measure how aging affects the body and brain.
October 22, 2026
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed an implantable system that clears excess glucose from the blood. The method has proved successful in the lab.
New diabetes implant uses electricity to lower blood sugar and promote weight loss
October 19, 2026
President Donald J. Trump, with the leadership and support of First Lady Melania Trump, today signed an executive order, Advancing Women’s Health to Improve Outcomes in All Phases of Life, which directs the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a new Women’s Health Division within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to strengthen scientific research, accelerate medical breakthroughs, and improve health outcomes for American women and girls.
Executive order to establish a new Women's Health Division within NIH
October 14, 2026
Scientists have uncovered a surprising difference in how male and female skin repairs and renews itself. By tracking individual skin stem cells in living mice for five months, researchers discovered that female cells work together in a highly coordinated way, while male cells operate more independently. This synchronization, driven by sex hormones, helps explain why wounds heal faster in female mice, especially during the first few days.
Scientists discover that male and female skin play by different rules
October 7, 2026
New mothers paired with patient navigators were much more likely to receive postpartum care, depression screening, preventive testing, and ongoing primary care. By helping with barriers such as transportation, childcare, scheduling, and confusing medical information, navigators may provide a powerful way to improve women’s long-term health.
One simple addition to postpartum care made a major difference
September 30, 2026
A surprising study of more than 4,500 older adults found that people who were overweight or obese when diagnosed with dementia had a 16% to 27% lower risk of death than those at a normal weight. Researchers suspect that extra energy and muscle reserves may help patients survive the disease's toll on the body, although the reason for the survival advantage remains unclear.
September 21, 2026
A major Swedish study of 3.7 million people has found that rare TORCH infections passed from a pregnant woman to the fetus are linked to much higher risks of autism and intellectual disability later in life. Children with a congenital TORCH infection were about three times more likely to be diagnosed with autism, more than seven times more likely to have an intellectual disability, and up to 30 times more likely to have severe to profound intellectual disability.
September 14, 2026
Depression may not be one biological condition, but several distinct patterns of brain activity hiding under the same diagnosis. Researchers studying 263 people with depression identified five brain profiles, each showing different patterns of communication between brain regions and associations with symptoms such as anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
Scientists discover 5 hidden brain patterns behind depression
