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Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 27-Jun-2026 03:15 ET (27-Jun-2026 07:15 GMT/UTC)

A study links armed conflict in Colombia with higher tuberculosis cases and mortality

Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The prolonged armed conflict in Colombia has had a significant impact on tuberculosis (TB) incidence and mortality. This is revealed by a study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), which aimed to develop a municipal-level armed conflict intensity index and analyse how it relates to inequalities in the tuberculosis burden.

Journal: BMJ Global Health

Cells under stress: chemotherapy drug damages RNA

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Peer-Reviewed Publication

LMU researchers show that the chemotherapeutic drug azacitidine damages RNA and reveal a possible approach to improve therapies.

Journal: Molecular Cell

Irregular bedtime linked to higher risk of cardiac events

University of Oulu, Finland
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study from the University of Oulu suggests that large swings in when people go to bed could double the risk of serious cardiac events—particularly among those who get less than eight hours of sleep.

Journal: BMC Cardiovascular Disorders

Food: New approach combines safety and sustainability

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A recent lead article challenges fundamental assumptions in food safety and advocates for a risk-based approach – to enhance the sustainability and resilience of food systems.

Journal: Frontiers

University of Tartu researchers discovered a new gene causing fetal developmental anomalies

Estonian Research Council
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The Human Genetics Research Group of the University of Tartu Faculty of Medicine has identified a gene whose defect may cause congenital heart malformations in the fetus. The MGRN1 gene has not previously been associated with early human development or with any disease. The discovery will help doctors better recognise similar cases in the future and improve the counselling and treatment offered to affected families.

Journal: Journal of Medical Genetics
Funder: Estonian Research Council

Choosing embryos based on genetic predictions raises new ethical and legal concerns

Hokkaido University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The article examines the emerging use of genomic testing to predict complex traits in embryos, such as intelligence or the risk of developing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or Alzheimer’s disease later in life. As embryo testing moves beyond disease prevention toward the prediction of complex human social characteristics, the author argues that stronger oversight and clearer regulations are needed.

Journal: Frontiers in Reproductive Health

Developing a new predictive model to assess chemical risks in cetaceans

Ehime University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Assessing the health impacts of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in cetaceans is challenging due to ethical constraints on live animal testing. This study developed a predictive "QIVIVE" model for finless porpoises. By calculating the "freely dissolved concentration" of POPs using a mass distribution model, we discovered that current environmental exposure levels pose a low risk to cell viability. This novel framework enables precise, ethical chemical risk assessments for marine mammals.

Journal: Environmental Science & Technology
Funder: MEXT LaMer project, JSPS KAKENHI

New brain–heart guideline takes holistic approach to chronic disease management

Canadian Medical Association Journal
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new brain–heart clinical practice guideline takes a holistic approach, integrating neurologic and mental health evidence with guidance for cardiovascular disease as many brain and heart conditions overlap and share similar risk factors. The guideline is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.251137.

Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal
Funder: Canada First Research Excellence Fund

Preparing Canada’s health system for military conflicts

Canadian Medical Association Journal
Peer-Reviewed Publication

To prepare for major armed conflict involving Canada or its North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies, the country must create a national framework for civilian–military medical integration, as the public health system would bear the burden of medical care, argue authors in a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.252067.

Journal: Canadian Medical Association Journal