Preterm birth is a major cause of neonatal illness and death, especially among women with a history of premature delivery. Researchers in Japan explored whether taking probiotics early in pregnancy could help reduce the risk of spontaneous preterm delivery (sPTD). In a multicenter clinical trial, women who consumed probiotics containing Clostridium butyricum showed lower recurrence rates compared with national averages, suggesting that probiotic therapy may offer a simple strategy to help prevent premature births.

Treatment-resistant depression affects a large proportion of people with major depressive disorder, and while ketamine offers rapid relief, its antidepressant effects fade within a few weeks. Now, researchers from Japan have identified the enzyme NOX-1 as a key molecular target to prolong ketamine’s antidepressant effects. Their findings shed light on key molecular and brain circuit mechanisms and point to new research directions for developing longer-lasting treatments for depression.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy results from the accumulation of IgA-containing immune complexes (IgA-ICs) and aberrant IgA antibodies in the glomerular mesangium. Now, researchers have found that complement pathway proteins are involved in the formation of these complexes. One such protein, complement factor H-related protein 1, is overexpressed in the glomeruli and IgA-ICs isolated from patients and could serve as a biomarker for disease susceptibility and progression, as well as a possible target for new therapies.

Dentists are exposed to intense lighting for long hours, but its long-term impact on eye health is often overlooked. This study evaluates whether chronic exposure to dental lighting, especially blue and white LEDs, can damage the retina and disrupt its normal function. By combining human data with advanced imaging and animal models, the research uncovers hidden occupational risks and highlights the need for safer lighting practices to help protect dentists’ vision.    

A doctoral thesis by Amal D. Premarathna shows that polysaccharides derived from algae have strong wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and skin-protective properties. These findings highlight algae as a promising, sustainable alternative to synthetic treatments for chronic wounds and related health applications.