Pet owners want quick answers when their beloved cat or dog is sick. And if these furry friends are experiencing digestive distress, lethargy and fever, it’s important to rapidly rule out serious illnesses like feline panleukopenia (also called feline parvovirus) and canine parvovirus. Now, researchers in ACS’ Analytical Chemistry report improved lateral flow assays for at-home screening. In tests on veterinary clinic samples, the assays demonstrated 100% sensitivity and reproducibility for both parvoviruses.

A new randomized controlled study funded by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation found that time-restricted feeding—a form of intermittent fasting—significantly reduced symptomatic disease activity and systematic inflammation in adults with Crohn’s disease and overweight or obesity. The University of Calgary-led trial is the first to show that eating only within an 8-hour window can reduce Crohn’s disease activity by 40% and abdominal discomfort by 50% in just 12 weeks, compared to a standard eating schedule.

Participants practicing intermittent fasting not only lost about 5.5 pounds while controls gained approximately 3.7 pounds, but also showed notable improvements in blood markers of inflammation and immune health, including lower levels of leptin and PAI-1—all without cutting calories.

"High-altitude residence increases dietary iron absorption in young women"

This prospective stable isotope study conducted in Peru investigated how long-term high-altitude residence affects dietary iron absorption. Researchers compared 80 women living at high altitude (Huancavelica, 3670m) and sea level (Lima).