Research led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) has discovered new associations between various lipid, or fat, levels in the blood and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Fluoride has been added to public water systems in the United States since 1945 to strengthen tooth enamel and fight off bacteria, ultimately reducing tooth decay. Mass General Brigham researchers developed a model to estimate dental health outcomes for children if the United States were to ban fluoridation of public water. The new study, published in JAMA Health Forum, found that banning fluoride would substantially increase dental decay and costs particularly for publicly insured and uninsured children.

A new study published in Immunity reveals that specific monoclonal antibodies can reduce tuberculosis infection by directing immune cells to better recognize and contain the bacteria. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated mechanism of antibody-mediated protection, informing future therapeutic strategies against tuberculosis.

About The Study: This cost-effectiveness analysis found that cessation of public water fluoridation would increase tooth decay and health system costs in the U.S. Despite concerns regarding toxic effects associated with high levels of fluoride, this model demonstrates the substantial ongoing benefits of water fluoridation at safe levels currently recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the National Toxicity Program, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About The Study: In this cohort study of middle-aged and older adults across 4 countries, both higher maternal and paternal education were generally associated with slower cognitive decline, and these associations were mediated by participants’ own education. These findings highlight the long-term relevance of parental education for offspring cognitive health across diverse cultural or socioeconomic contexts, and support the potential benefits of improving educational attainment to reduce intergenerational disparities in late-life cognitive health.

About The Study: In this national survey of internal medicine physicians, experiencing sacred moments —meaningful, memorable, and sometimes spiritual moments of connection— is common; discussing them with colleagues is not. These findings suggest that frequently experiencing sacred moments and discussing them with colleagues could bolster physician well-being.