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Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Jun-2026 11:16 ET (2-Jun-2026 15:16 GMT/UTC)

Protection for newborns: New treatment aims to prevent meningitis without antibiotics

ETH Zurich
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The pathogen E. coli K1 is part of many people’s normal intestinal flora and generally keeps a low profile. At birth, however, it can be transmitted to the newborn baby and cause dangerous cases of meningitis. Developing a vaccine against this pathogen is difficult because its outer membrane resembles that of human cells. Researchers have now achieved a breakthrough by harnessing one of its natural enemies: a special virus that they isolated from waste water. This virus forces E. coli K1 to cast off its protective outer shell, making it easier to fight.

Journal: Nature Communications

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sufficient sleep protect mental health in middle age

University of Oulu, Finland
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is more important for mental health in middle age than light physical activity, according to a new study by the University of Oulu and ODL Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine. The more time people spent each day engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity relative to sedentary behaviour and light activity, the fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety they experienced.

Journal: Depression and Anxiety

New 3D map of the heart’s electrical wiring to help patients with congenital heart disease

European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers from UCL (University College London) and the ESRF (The European Synchrotron) have produced the first three-dimensional map of the heart’s electrical wiring in Tetralogy of Fallot, one of the most common congenital heart problems, revealing anatomical features that may explain why many patients develop heart conduction disorders in this condition. The research, part of the Human Organ Atlas international collaboration, can be used for surgical training and lead to even better outcomes for patients. The research is out in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Journal: Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery

Largest study of prostate cancer in Brazil’s public health system reveals racial inequalities in diagnosis and treatment

D'Or Institute for Research and Education
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The largest real-world study ever conducted on prostate cancer in Brazil analyzed data from 670,205 patients treated through the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) over a 16-year period, between 2008 and 2023. Published in the Journal of Global Oncology (JCO), the official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the study included researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) and investigated patterns of diagnosis, treatment, and healthcare costs related to the disease across the country. The results revealed significant racial inequalities, including a higher frequency of advanced disease at diagnosis among non-white men and differences in therapeutic investment.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology

PET suggests potential CTE biomarker in living humans

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A first-in-class PET imaging approach can accurately detect a biomarker for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a devastating neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head impact. Rather than waiting until after death for definitive diagnosis, this imaging biomarker has the potential to diagnose patients while they are still alive and could play a critical role in supporting clinical trials to develop CTE treatments. This research was presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting.

Journal: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Meeting: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting

New SPECT imaging approach distinguishes inflammation from fibrosis to optimize treatment for lung disease

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new SPECT/CT imaging approach can accurately differentiate inflammation from fibrosis in interstitial lung disease (ILD) patients, according to new research presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting. This molecular imaging technique has the potential to determine which patients would benefit from anti-inflammatory treatments and which would likely only experience harmful side effects.

Journal: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Meeting: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting

Novel radiopharmaceutical therapy offers powerful treatment option for aggressive neuroendocrine tumors

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new type of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) appears to be safe in metastatic neuroendocrine tumor patients who have exhausted conventional treatment options. This novel approach, presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting, resulted in partial remission of the disease in the majority of patients with advanced cases of neuroendocrine tumors.

Journal: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Meeting: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting

TikTok content supports “illicit vape subculture” among teens

University of East Anglia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

TikTok content normalises illegal vaping among young people – according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA).

A new study shows that young people are far more likely to encounter illicit vaping content portrayed as normal, humorous and harmless on TikTok.

Meanwhile evidence-based health advice on official health and education websites may fail to cut through the digital noise.

That gap may be putting young audiences at risk, just weeks after The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received royal assent, the team say.

Journal: Addiction

Dual PET imaging detects tumor progression and heart inflammation during cancer treatment

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A novel PET imaging approach enables simultaneous visualization of tumor progression and cardiac inflammatory responses during cancer treatment. Using this strategy, researchers demonstrated the effectiveness of a new combination therapy that enhances tumor response while reducing cardiac inflammation. This new paradigm, presented at the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting, offers a more comprehensive assessment of therapeutic impact, supporting more personalized clinical decision‑making.

Journal: Journal of Nuclear Medicine
Meeting: Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 2026 Annual Meeting

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