EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 27-May-2026 07:15 ET (27-May-2026 11:15 GMT/UTC)

8-May-2026

What lies behind hereditary heart rhythm disorders

Ruhr-University Bochum
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Short QT syndrome is a genetic disease that leads to sudden cardiac death at a young age. Mutations in the SLC4A3 gene, which regulates bicarbonate-chloride exchange, were recently described as a potential cause. An international research team including a group from Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, investigated this possibility. The researchers discovered how different variants of the gene affect heart muscle cells: Specifically, the pH level increased and the flow of ion channels was altered. This insight could aid in providing better personal care for persons affected by the disease. The study was published in European Heart Journal on March 5, 2026.

Journal: European Heart Journal
Funder: German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Hector Foundation, Else Kröner Fresenius Foundation, German Heart Foundation (DHS)

8-May-2026

AI-generated images of depression depict more stereotypes and arouse greater stigmatization

Universitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Images generated using artificial intelligence (AI) depict more stereotypes and stigmas around depression than images used by the media to illustrate the disease. This is the main conclusion of a study on the perception held by different groups –including associations of patients, young people and communication professionals– of the images used by the media when talking about depression. “The images generated by AI depict more concepts related to stigma such as marginalization or social exclusion”, warns Núria Saladié, first author of the study and a member of the Science, Communication and Society Studies Centre (CCS) at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF). According to the authors, in order to convey news about mental health responsibly, avoiding reproducing stereotypes, there is a need to understand that technology is not neutral and to take into account the recommendations issued by patient associations.

Journal: JMIR Human Factors
Funder: Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities

8-May-2026

Don't rush into braces with disc displacement: experts reveal the science of sequential therapy

KeAi Communications Co., Ltd.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Don't rush into braces if you have a jaw and crooked teeth issue. This study reveals that while proper orthodontics can help a healthy jaw joint, incorrect treatment can worsen disc displacement and even cause bone loss. Simply using splints often leads to high relapse rates. The experts recommend a "Sequential Strategy": first surgically reposition the disc, then perform orthodontic treatment. This approach aims to fix the joint first to ensure stable, long-term results for both your bite and facial appearance.

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, National Natural Science Foundation of China

8-May-2026

The 28th European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) starts tomorrow

European Society of Endocrinology
Meeting Announcement

Now in its 28th year, the European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2026 commences on Saturday 9 May and runs until Tuesday 12 May. The Congress will bring together endocrine specialists from across Europe and the rest of the world to meet, collaborate and celebrate endocrinology at the Prague Congress Centre in Prague, Czech Republic. This year’s Congress will also celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) since the formation of the Society in 2006.

Meeting: European Congress of Endocrinology (ECE) 2026

8-May-2026

Intravenous tenecteplase prior to endovascular treatment for ischemic stroke at 4.5 to 24 hours

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About The Study: In patients presenting to endovascular treatment (EVT)-capable centers 4.5 to 24 hours after stroke onset with proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion, intravenous tenecteplase before EVT did not improve clinical outcomes vs EVT alone.

Journal: JAMA

8-May-2026

Nanoparticles overcome drug-resistant cancer via sequential drug release and photothermal therapy

Tohoku University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Stubborn cancer tumors were completely (and safely) eliminated in a mouse model with a small but mighty treatment method using nanoparticles, controlled drug release in stages, and light from lasers.

Journal: Journal of Controlled Release

7-May-2026

Tomato-derived lycopene shields gut cells from fungal toxins

Research
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Fungal toxins contaminating food and animal feed pose a major threat to livestock health. In particular, deoxynivalenol (DON), a toxin produced by Fusarium fungi, can severely damage pig gut cells. A recent study in China reveals that lycopene, a natural antioxidant derived from tomatoes, helps protect these cells from DON-induced injury. It does so by blocking PGAM5, a key protein involved in cellular stress-highlighting its potential in preventing toxin-related damage.

Journal: Research
Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Outstanding Youth of Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province of China, Academic Backbone Project of Northeast Agricultural University, Heilongjiang Postdoctoral Fund, Heilongjiang Postdoctoral Special Fund, China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, Postdoctoral Special Funding of China

7-May-2026

Children in poorer countries face almost sixfold higher risk of dying after emergency surgery

University of Cambridge
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Children who need life‑saving emergency surgery after a serious injury are almost six times more likely to die if in poorer countries than in wealthier ones, according to an international study led by the University of Cambridge.

Journal: The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health

7-May-2026

Higher dietary soy and legume intake linked to lower high blood pressure risk

BMJ Group
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A higher dietary intake of soy and legumes is linked to a lower risk of high blood pressure, finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published in the open access journal BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health.

Journal: BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
Funder: Plant-Based Health Professionals UK