Medicine Research News

Umbilical cord Spirals Act as Natural Cooling System for Developing Fetuses, Study Reveals

September 24, 2025 ‍-⁤ New research published today indicates the spiral structure of ‍the umbilical ‍cord plays a crucial role in regulating fetal temperature during pregnancy, ⁣acting ‌as a natural cooling mechanism to prevent overheating. The findings, released September 24, 2025, offer a novel understanding of ⁤fetal physiology and could have implications⁤ for managing pregnancies elaborate by maternal fever or other conditions impacting​ fetal thermal regulation.

The study ‍illuminates how the twisting arrangement of⁣ blood vessels within the umbilical cord facilitates⁣ heat dissipation from the fetus to the mother’s circulation. This previously unrecognized function is notably critically important as​ fetuses generate⁢ significant heat due to their metabolic activity, and maintaining‍ a stable temperature is ‌vital for healthy growth. Researchers ⁤believe this discovery explains why​ umbilical⁢ cord coiling variations are sometimes observed, ⁤perhaps representing adaptations to ⁤differing maternal ⁢or fetal thermal needs.

The research team investigated the biomechanics of blood flow ‍within ‌coiled umbilical cord models, demonstrating that ‍the spirals promote​ turbulent flow, enhancing convective heat transfer.This process effectively carries heat away from ⁢the fetus and towards the maternal bloodstream,where it can be safely dissipated. The findings suggest that disruptions to umbilical cord ⁢coiling could potentially compromise ⁣this cooling system, increasing the risk of​ fetal hyperthermia.

“We found that⁢ the spirals aren’t just‍ about delivering nutrients and oxygen;⁢ they’re actively working to keep ⁣the baby ​cool,” explained a researcher involved in the study. “This is a fundamental aspect of fetal thermoregulation that​ we hadn’t fully⁢ appreciated before.”

Further research is planned to investigate the relationship between umbilical cord coiling patterns and fetal temperature in vivo, and also to explore potential clinical interventions⁤ for pregnancies where fetal cooling‍ may be compromised.

Poverty and ‍social disadvantage are significantly associated with reduced ⁣fecundability-a woman’s ability to conceive-according to research published September ⁣24, 2025. The findings suggest socioeconomic factors play a critical role in reproductive health,potentially exacerbating existing health‌ inequities.

the study,‌ which analyzed data from a large cohort, reveals that individuals facing financial hardship and systemic⁣ disadvantages experience a demonstrably lower probability of triumphant fertilization. ⁤This‍ has broad implications for family planning, public health initiatives, and understanding population-level fertility trends. Experts indicate that addressing these social determinants of⁢ health is crucial to improving reproductive outcomes and promoting equitable access to family-building opportunities. Further research will focus ‌on identifying specific mechanisms linking ​socioeconomic status to fecundability⁢ and developing targeted interventions.

The⁤ research underscores that reproductive ⁤health is not solely a biological matter, but is deeply intertwined with⁣ social and economic circumstances. Individuals experiencing poverty and social ⁤disadvantage may face barriers to accessing quality healthcare, experience higher levels⁢ of stress, and encounter environmental factors that negatively impact fertility.

A breakthrough‍ in CRISPR technology is now allowing scientists to conduct extensive⁣ gene⁤ screenings directly within the living⁢ brains ‍of⁣ mice,⁤ potentially accelerating research into neurological disorders ‌and brain⁤ function. The advancement, detailed in findings released September ⁤24, 2025, offers a​ considerably more precise‍ method for ‍manipulating genes *in vivo*‍ compared to ⁢previous techniques.This new platform addresses ​a critical bottleneck in neuroscience:⁢ the difficulty of studying gene function within the⁣ complex habitat of a functioning brain. Conventional gene editing methods often lacked the specificity needed ‍for large-scale screenings, and frequently relied on‍ *ex vivo* studies-removing tissue for analysis-which ‍may⁣ not accurately reflect real-time ‍brain processes. ‍The ability to systematically alter genes‌ and observe the resulting effects⁢ in a⁣ living animal model promises to unlock new insights into conditions like Alzheimer’s disease,Parkinson’s disease,and schizophrenia,and could expedite the development of targeted therapies. researchers⁢ anticipate this technology will become a cornerstone for understanding the genetic basis of brain⁤ diseases and identifying potential drug targets.The platform’s enhanced precision minimizes off-target ‍effects-unintended‌ edits ‌to the genome-a common concern ⁤with earlier CRISPR systems. This improved accuracy is crucial for reliable results in large-scale screenings, ⁣where even a small percentage⁣ of errors can skew data.Scientists can now investigate ⁤the roles of ‌numerous genes simultaneously, providing⁤ a more complete understanding⁤ of their interactions and contributions ‌to brain health and disease.

Keto‍ Diet’s Hidden Costs: Weight Loss Comes at a ‍Metabolic Price, New Study ​Finds

By Dr.‌ Michael Lee, World-Today-News.com – january 26,2025

(World-Today-News.com) – ⁢ From avocado toast “bread” made ⁢of fried ​cheese to zucchini noodles swimming in butter-bacon‌ sauce, the ketogenic, or “keto,” diet has exploded in popularity⁢ thanks ‌to social media​ and ⁢promises of rapid weight loss. But a ‍new study from the University of Utah and‌ the Utah Diabetes and Metabolism ‌research Center‌ reveals a⁤ potentially troubling downside: while keto may help with weight management, it can significantly impair metabolic health, leading to issues like glucose intolerance.

The research,published‌ this week in Science Advances,challenges the narrative surrounding the long-term ⁢health ​benefits of this high-fat,low-carbohydrate‍ regimen. scientists found that prolonged ⁤adherence to‌ a ​ketogenic diet can‍ trigger metabolic disturbances, even as it appears to control weight.

[Image of mice tissue samples showing effects of keto diet. Caption: Representative images from males (top) and females (bottom) on diet for 28 and 33 weeks, respectively. Scale bars,20 μm. Credit: Molly R. Gallop]

The study meticulously tracked the effects of different diets on mice over extended periods -​ up ⁢to ⁣36 ⁢weeks for ‌males and 44 weeks for females.Researchers divided the animals‍ into four groups: a ketogenic diet (KD) consisting​ of 90% fat, a high-fat diet (HFD) with 60% fat,‌ a low-fat diet (LFD), and a low-fat moderate‍ protein diet (LFMP). All groups had ad ⁤libitum access to food, meaning‍ they⁤ could eat as much as they wanted.

the ​results ‌were stark. ⁢While the⁢ ketogenic diet ⁢did indeed support weight control, it came with significant⁢ metabolic consequences.Specifically,⁣ the study found ⁤that male mice on the KD ⁣exhibited elevated blood cholesterol levels and developed fatty ‌liver disease.

“The ‍diet⁤ forces the body‍ into a metabolic state called ketosis,” explains the study’s⁢ lead author. “This happens when the body, deprived of carbohydrates, begins​ to burn fat for fuel, producing ketone bodies.‌ While this leads‌ to weight⁤ loss, it’s not without ‍potential ⁤repercussions.”

The findings ⁢raise importent‍ questions about⁣ the long-term sustainability and health implications of the ​keto diet, particularly as⁢ its ​popularity continues to soar. ⁣ While short-term weight loss may be appealing, the study suggests that the metabolic trade-offs could⁢ outweigh the benefits. Further research is needed to determine if these findings translate to humans, but the results serve ​as ⁢a ⁣crucial warning about the⁣ potential hidden costs of this​ trendy diet.

Keywords: ‍ Keto Diet, Ketogenic Diet, Weight Loss, Metabolic Health, Glucose⁢ Intolerance, Fatty Liver, Cholesterol, Diet, Nutrition, science Advances, University of Utah, Diabetes Research.

A newly released global study reveals drug shortages are escalating into a ‌widespread, systemic crisis impacting millions worldwide, threatening healthcare systems and patient‌ care.⁢ Published September 22, 2025, the research highlights vulnerabilities in pharmaceutical supply chains and warns of perhaps long-lasting consequences for global health security.

The study underscores that⁣ sporadic, localized drug shortages are evolving ‍into persistent, international disruptions. These shortages affect a broad spectrum of medications-from essential antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs to‍ critical care pharmaceuticals-placing immense strain on hospitals, pharmacies, and, most importantly, patients. Experts predict⁣ the ​issue will require coordinated international intervention⁣ to​ mitigate further risks and ensure equitable⁣ access to vital medicines.Researchers found that a​ complex interplay of factors contributes ​to the problem, including manufacturing bottlenecks, geopolitical‌ instability, economic pressures, ‌and a lack of supply chain⁣ diversification. The⁣ report details how ‍reliance on a limited number of manufacturers, often concentrated ⁣in specific‍ geographic regions, creates single points of⁣ failure susceptible to ‌disruption.

According to the study, the consequences‍ extend beyond immediate ‍treatment delays. Healthcare providers are forced to implement workarounds-such as substituting medications or altering⁢ treatment protocols-which can compromise patient safety and efficacy. The financial burden on healthcare systems also increases as they scramble to secure alternative ⁢drug‍ sources, frequently​ enough at inflated prices.

The study was retrieved September 23,⁤ 2025, from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-global-drug-shortages-issue-millions.html.

This document is subject to‍ copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of ‌private study ⁢or research,no part might potentially be reproduced without‍ the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Lactate delivered directly into the bloodstream may mimic the cognitive benefits of exercise by prompting the release of a key hormone, according to research published September 23, 2025. The‍ finding offers a potential pathway for individuals unable to⁢ engage in regular physical activity to ​experience similar mental enhancements.

The study, detailed in findings released today, reveals that intravenous lactate infusion stimulates the production of irisin-a hormone often dubbed the “exercise ⁣hormone”-wich is linked to improved brain function and mood. This ​discovery ‌could have importent implications for those with mobility limitations, chronic illnesses, or age-related cognitive⁣ decline, potentially⁣ offering a pharmacological approach ⁢to boost brain health. Researchers retrieved the data on September⁣ 23, 2025, and published it via medicalxpress.com.

Scientists found​ that administering lactate⁣ intravenously triggered irisin release in study participants, replicating some of the neurological effects observed after a workout. While the precise mechanisms are still under ⁤investigation, ⁤the research suggests lactate acts as a‍ signaling molecule, effectively “tricking” the⁢ body into believing it is indeed exercising.

The research ​team emphasizes that this is preliminary work and further investigation is needed to‌ determine the long-term effects and optimal dosage ​of ⁢lactate infusions for cognitive enhancement. Future studies ‌will focus on exploring the potential therapeutic applications of this finding and assessing its safety and efficacy in diverse populations.