EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health - News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 14-Dec-2025 11:11 ET (14-Dec-2025 16:11 GMT/UTC)

9-Dec-2025

HKU and SZBL scientists discover first human DNA-cutting enzyme that senses physical tension – a breakthrough in understanding how cells prevent genetic disorders

The University of Hong Kong
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An international research team has identified a human protein, ANKLE1, as the first DNA-cutting enzyme (nuclease) in mammals capable of detecting and responding to physical tension in DNA. This ‘tension-sensing’ mechanism plays a vital role in maintaining genetic integrity during cell division—a process that, when disrupted, can lead to cancer and other serious diseases.

Journal: Nature Communications

9-Dec-2025

Experts expose critical gap in global sustainable development agenda

Stockholm Environment Institute
Reports and Proceedings

A new report from the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the NYU Center for Environmental and Animal Protection (CEAP) warns that the current UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) systematically neglect animal welfare and health — a gap undermining progress on human health, environmental protection and social equity.

9-Dec-2025

Among psychologists, AI use is up, but so are concerns

American Psychological Association
Reports and Proceedings

More than half of psychologists experimented with artificial intelligence tools in their practices in the past year, but almost all cite concerns about how the technology may affect their patients and society, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Practitioner Pulse Survey.

9-Dec-2025

The hidden toll of substance use disorder: annual cost of lost productivity to US economy nearly $93 billion

Elsevier
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study shows that in 2023, substance use disorders led to nearly $93 billion in lost productivity in the United States from missed work, reduced job performance, inability to work, and lost household productivity. The novel analysis appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, published by Elsevier, highlights the need for prevention and treatment strategies to reduce harm and costs.

Journal: American Journal of Preventive Medicine

8-Dec-2025

Effect of Automated Closed-Loop Ventilation vs Protocolized Conventional Ventilation on Ventilator-Free Days in Critically Ill Adults

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Among critically ill adults receiving invasive mechanical ventilation, early use of an automated closed-loop ventilation system did not increase ventilator-free days at day 28 compared with protocolized conventional ventilation.

Journal: JAMA

8-Dec-2025

Bronchial fibroblasts respond to house dust mite challenge with cytokine secretion: Role in allergic airway inflammation

FAR Publishing Limited
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Schematic of the early-stage characteristics of house dust mites-induced bronchial fibroblasts, which are characterized by suppressed extracellular matrix production alongside activated inflammatory signaling.

8-Dec-2025

A dual-action strategy: Everolimus alleviates ulcerative colitis via inflammation suppression and microbiota remodeling

FAR Publishing Limited
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study published in iMetaMed reveals that the mTOR inhibitor Everolimus treats ulcerative colitis through a two-pronged approach: inhibiting the CLEC4E inflammatory pathway in macrophages and promoting beneficial gut bacteria that produce propionic acid, thereby restoring the intestinal barrier.