Late-life mood disorders (LLMDs), such as depression and bipolar disorder, appearing after 40 years of age, may signal early neurodegenerative diseases. Using advanced PET scans and autopsy data, researchers from Japan revealed that many patients with LLMDs exhibit abnormal tau and amyloid protein accumulation—key markers of dementia—years before cognitive symptoms arise. Their findings highlight tau-PET imaging as a promising tool for detecting underlying brain pathologies, paving the way to early dementia diagnosis.

The small intestine is not only crucial for digestion but also for immune regulation and microbial balance. In a review, Chinese researchers summarize how specialized epithelial cells—Paneth and tuft cells—and associated immune cells maintain intestinal homeostasis. The review also explores how dysfunction in these cells contributes to chronic diseases such as IBD, obesity, and diabetes. The findings may guide future therapies targeting intestinal cell function to treat both gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.

In the first peer-reviewed study to examine the potential risks and benefits of teen skin-care routines posted on social media, scientists at Northwestern Medicine found girls ages 7 to 18 are using an average of six different products on their faces, with some girls using more than a dozen products. These products tend to be marketed heavily to younger consumers and carry a high risk of skin irritation and allergy, the study found.