Hormones affect human physical functions, behaviour and mental well-being, with testosterone, a primary androgen hormone, playing a vital role in shaping male social cognition and behaviour. A research team of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has conducted interdisciplinary research to uncover the neurocognitive correlates of testosterone in the brain function of young men, and their impact on social behaviour. The findings provide valuable insights into potential applications of testosterone therapy in clinical and mental healthcare. 

In this regard, Zohour Ibrahim Rashwan et al. from the University of Bahrain, Zarak Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain, published an article entitled "Effect of empowerment-based interventions on self-efficacy" in the International Journal of Nursing Sciences. interventions on self-efficacy and self care capacity among patients with sickle cell disease: a randomized controlled trial" in the International Journal of Nursing Sciences. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to systematically investigate the effectiveness of empowerment-based interventions in this population and to provide new ideas and rationale for nursing practice for patients with SCD.

This study investigated the efficacy of a novel oral formulation combining golden tomato extract, niacinamide, yeast extract (glutathione), and astaxanthin in improving skin hydration, pigmentation, and overall appearance. A randomized, double-blind, parallel-controlled trial was conducted with 62 healthy female participants over eight weeks. The treatment group consumed the WONDERLAB® Tomato Niacinamide Beverage, while the placebo group received no active ingredients. After eight weeks, significant improvements were observed in the treatment group. Stratum corneum hydration increased by 35.63%, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) decreased by 29.39%, reflecting enhanced skin barrier function. Skin gloss improved by 18.59%, color uniformity by 15.03%, and overall skin tone lightened, as shown by a 6.36% increase in ITA value. Moreover, systemic antioxidant markers demonstrated positive changes, with elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, indicating lower oxidative stress. The findings confirm that continuous intake of this tomato extract formulation not only visibly improves skin hydration and whitening but also enhances internal antioxidant defense, providing dual protection against skin aging and pigmentation.

Rather than focusing solely on carbon emissions, chemical engineers at Texas A&M are emphasizing the idea of circularity, where CO2 becomes a resource.

New research from Aalborg University reveals that poor sleep can increase pain sensitivity in the nervous system. Women react particularly strongly to sleep disturbances, and this might open up a new path in the treatment of chronic pain.

Could robots help those with mobility issues make a pizza? With support from the National Science Foundation, a team of Virginia Tech mechanical engineers are using robotic grippers and artificial intelligence to make that idea a reality.

Glioma is an aggressive and malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis, accounting for nearly half of all primary malignant brain tumors. Current treatments have limited efficacy and are often accompanied by side effects. Furthermore, the genetic diversity within glioma complicates the development of targeted therapies, warranting more research on the topic.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a multifactorial disease that encompasses a spectrum of pathological conditions, ranging from simple steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and fibrosis/cirrhosis, is associated with increased mortality. However, there are currently no standard diagnostic markers or effective treatments. Hence, there is an urgent need to elucidate the pathogenesis of MASLD to identify viable therapeutic targets.