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

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 30-Dec-2025 03:11 ET (30-Dec-2025 08:11 GMT/UTC)

ALS appears to be an autoimmune disease

La Jolla Institute for Immunology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The researchers discovered that inflammatory immune cells, called CD4+ T cells, mistakenly target certain proteins that are part of the nervous system in people with ALS. This kind of "self-attack" is the defining feature of autoimmune disease.

Journal: Nature
Funder: LJI & Kyowa Kirin, Inc. (KKNA- Kyowa Kirin North America), Swedish Research Council, Freedom Together Foundation, NIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

A middle-ground framework for US vaccine policy

University of Rochester Medical Center
Reports and Proceedings

A new JAMA Viewpoint urges a middle-ground vaccine policy: acknowledge shared blame, move beyond absolutist tactics, and rebuild public trust through education, clinician communication, and community-based outreach.

Journal: JAMA

Study reveals genetic and developmental differences in people with earlier versus later autism diagnosis

University of Cambridge
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers find different genetic profiles related to two trajectories that autistic children tend to follow. One linked to early diagnosis, and communication difficulties in infancy. The other linked to later diagnosis, increased social and behavioural difficulties in adolescence, and higher rates of conditions like ADHD, depression, and PTSD.

Journal: Nature

Clinical characteristics of adults at risk of Medicaid disenrollment due to HR 1 work requirements

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: Approximately 5 million adults are at risk of Medicaid disenrollment due to HR 1’s work requirements. This population, particularly those ages 50 to 64, has high prevalences of chronic and potentially function-limiting conditions.

Journal: JAMA

MIT study suggests a cysteine-rich diet may promote regeneration of the intestinal lining

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A diet rich in cysteine has rejuvenating effects in the small intestine, according to a new study. The amino acid can turn on an immune signaling pathway that helps stem cells regrow new intestinal tissue, which could help heal injuries from radiation or chemotherapy.

Journal: Nature
Funder: National Institutes of Health, The V Foundation, Kathy and Curt Marble Cancer Research Award, Koch Institute-Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Bridge Project, American Federation for Aging Research, MIT Stem Cell Initiative, Koch Institute Support (core) Grant from the National Cancer Institute

Cumulative cardiovascular health score through young adulthood and cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in midlife

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: The findings of this study suggest that a higher cumulative cardiovascular health score from 30 to 40 years of age was associated with markedly lower risks of cardiovascular disease and kidney events in midlife, highlighting the importance of sustained primordial prevention efforts throughout early life.

Journal: JAMA Cardiology

October Issue of Journal of Counseling & Development released today

American Counseling Association
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The October print issue of the Journal of Counseling & Development (JCD), the quarterly flagship journal of the American Counseling Association (ACA), published today. The issue features new research alongside best practices and assessment and diagnosis content.

Journal: Journal of Counseling & Development