A new JAMA commentary says the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans give undue prominence to meat, dairy, and “bad” fat and risk the public’s health.

A new study suggests that our genetics plays a role in determining the microbial community living in our mouths, and scientists discovered 11 regions of the human genome that influence the abundances of dozens of bacterial species in the mouth. The authors found a relationship between a human gene and oral bacteria that plays a role in dental health.

About The Study: This cross-sectional analysis estimated that in 1990, 19.3% of the U.S. adult population were living with obesity; by 2022, this had increased to 42.5%. By 2035, this was forecasted to increase to 46.9%. There was substantial variation by state and race and ethnicity group, indicating large disparities in obesity prevalence. Differences in the prevalence of obesity by population group may be used to develop health policy and interventions to reduce inequities and the large burden of obesity in the U.S.

UBC researchers have engineered a gut-friendly bacterium, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, to act as a living biosensor that glows brightly under normal conditions and dims when it detects gut disruptions such as osmotic stress—a common feature of conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Unlike current invasive diagnostic tools that offer only momentary snapshots, this engineered bacterium can provide continuous, non-invasive monitoring through stool samples. Tested in mice, the sensor detected even subtle, symptom-free changes and remained stable for weeks, suggesting potential for early disease detection and long-term gut‑health tracking. The team envisions future versions that detect multiple signals—such as oxygen, temperature, and pH—or even deliver targeted treatments when illness‑related changes arise.

About The Study: In this nationwide cohort study of patients with diabetes and prior major adverse limb events, treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) was associated with significantly lower risks of recurrent limb events, cardiovascular events, all-cause mortality, and kidney disease progression compared with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. These findings support the preferential use of GLP-1 RAs for secondary prevention in this high-risk population.

About The Study: In this cohort study, exposure to adverse experiences throughout life was associated with increased risks of dementia and stroke, with depression mediating these associations. These findings highlight the importance of implementing life-course interventions that address both psychological trauma and mental health to reduce the burden of neurovascular diseases.

New research uncovers how medically complex conditions that begin in childhood affect care in adult hospitals.