In a clinical trial, researchers studied how aerobic exercise shapes the biology of stress. The study showed that adults who engaged in the American Heart Association’s recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week for a year significantly reduced cortisol, which is a major stress hormone. Lowering cortisol may help protect against heart disease, as well as improve sleep and mood. Results from this clinical trial highlight the importance of physical activity for stress and health.

Acoustic metamaterials can shape sound well, but most rely on rigid structures that are hard to reconcile with transparency, broadband performance and flexibility. Researchers have now developed a hydrogel metapad that brings these properties together in one platform, improving ultrasound imaging of blood vessels and the heart while suggesting new opportunities for underwater acoustics.

According to new research, the US-Israel-Iran War is striking at the heart of global food production, pushing tens of millions of people into abject poverty. Although a fragile ceasefire has temporarily halted the intense hostilities that erupted on February 28, the core problem remains unresolved: Iran’s move to disrupt the passage of trade and oil through the Strait of Hormuz, followed by the United States’ blockade of Iranian ports.

Researchers at the Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB) have developed MitoCatch, a system that enables targeted delivery of healthy mitochondria to specific cell types. By overcoming a long-standing challenge in mitochondrial transplantation, the approach allows efficient and selective transfer of functional mitochondria to specific cell types in multiple tissues. The technology opens new avenues for research and potential therapies for diseases linked to mitochondrial dysfunction, including neurodegenerative disorders, optic nerve diseases, and heart failure.

When health risks become visible in black and white, perspectives often shift. A study from Umeå University shows that when ultrasound images of atherosclerosis in subjects’ carotid arteries, combined with a motivational dialogue, they are more likely to be motivated to improve their lifestyle habits and take preventive medication.