Loneliness and social isolation significantly increase the risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to a study published in Health Data Science. Researchers from Central South University, Army Medical University, and Karolinska Institutet analyzed data from over 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank. The study revealed that loneliness and social isolation independently raised NAFLD risk by 22% and 13%, respectively, even after adjusting for factors such as obesity, diabetes, and lifestyle behaviors. Mediation analysis identified unhealthy lifestyle habits, depression, and inflammation as partial contributors to these associations.

These findings highlight the crucial role of psychosocial factors in the prevention of metabolic diseases. The researchers call for integrated strategies that address social and psychological determinants alongside lifestyle improvements. Their work underscores the importance of fostering social connections and mental health support to mitigate the growing public health burden of NAFLD.

Mount SInai researchers identified the cortical amygdala – an olfactory cortical structure – as a key brain region in promoting aggression. 

Center for BrainHealth®, a leader in advancing the science and practice of brain health and part of The University of Texas at Dallas, announces the third annual BrainHealth Week, February 24-March 1, 2025. Events and community activities throughout the week will celebrate the brain’s lifelong potential to get stronger. “Enhancing brain health stands as a pivotal force propelling our society forward,” said the center’s founder and chief director, Sandra Bond Chapman, PhD. “We are on a mission to provide simple tools and effective measurements for everyone – no matter their age – to proactively increase their brain’s fitness and performance and discover how strong it can be

Healing severe wounds requires strong, safe, and effective dressings to prevent infections. Researchers at the University of Lincoln and Shibaura Institute of Technology have developed a new type of wound patch by adding magnesium chloride to polyurethane nanofibers. These enhanced patches are stronger, more blood-compatible, and exhibit superior antibacterial properties than conventional ones, making them a game-changer for wound care. This innovative approach could improve healing outcomes and care for patients with serious injuries.

People have been recording local climates for centuries, chronicling hot and cold periods as well as resulting floods, famines, and fatal diseases. Now, researchers have examined a wealth of historic documents to learn how climate impacted 16th century Transylvania, a region that today is part of Romania. They found that after several decades of uncharacteristically high temperatures, the climate changed in favor of excessive rain – and that both climates shaped human lives and societies in their own way.