EurekAlert! In the Spotlight

Welcome to In the Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on something exciting, timely, or simply fascinating from the world of science.

This month, we’re focusing on nutrition and the powerful role it plays in our lives. Here, we’ll share the latest research on how nutrients affect the body and brain, how scientists investigate diet and health, what these findings may mean for building healthier habits, and more.

Latest News Releases

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 9-Nov-2026 15:17 ET (9-Nov-2026 20:17 GMT/UTC)

15-Oct-2026

Iron deficiency may explain psychiatric outcomes of a rare genetic condition

Virginia Tech
Grant and Award Announcement

A rare gene deletion can lead to schizophrenia, autism, or mild developmental delays. Ryan Purcell of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute will use a new grant from the National Institutes of Health to explore whether iron deficiency might be making the difference.

15-Oct-2026

Parents of kids who need complex medical care at home tend to resolve frequent safety issues on their own, study finds

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Approximately 1 in 20 U.S. children younger than 18 years of age are medically complex, meaning they have multiorgan system conditions like cerebral palsy and depend on implanted tube-related medical technology. These children receive most of their care at home, with parents responsible for handling complicated devices and managing intricate medication and nutrition regimens. In doing so, parents commonly encounter safety challenges, and they tend to come up with creative solutions without the care team involvement, according to a study from Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago published in the journal Pediatrics.

Journal: PEDIATRICS

14-Oct-2026

FIU study finds prebiotic fiber helped girls build more bone

Florida International University

In a yearlong NIH-funded clinical trial, bone mineral content in girls ages 9 to 14 who took a soluble corn fiber supplement rose 18.8%, compared with 12.9% for girls on a placebo. Boys did not see the same benefit.

13-Oct-2026

ACLM launches two solutions to advance nutrition and lifestyle medicine education, helping meet federal and state requirements

American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Business Announcement

A new turnkey medical school curriculum and an updated food as medicine continuing education course will help medical schools meet emerging federal nutrition education requirements and help practicing physicians and other clinicians integrate evidence-based education relevant to state-level nutrition education requirements.A new turnkey medical school curriculum and an updated food as medicine continuing education course will help medical schools meet emerging federal nutrition education requirements and help practicing physicians and other clinicians integrate evidence-based education relevant to state-level nutrition education requirements.

13-Oct-2026