An international team led by the University of California San Diego has identified a potential microbial culprit behind the alarming rise in early-onset colorectal cancer: a bacterial toxin called colibactin. Scientists report that exposure to colibactin in early childhood imprints a distinct genetic signature on the DNA of colon cells—one that may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer before the age of 50.

New multidisciplinary research led by Prof. Tomás Ryan from Trinity College Dublin shows that the brain forms memories of cold experiences and uses them to control our metabolism. This newly published study is the first to show that cold memories form in the brain – and map out how they subsequently drive thermoregulation.

The discovery may have important applications in therapies designed to treat a range of disorders – from obesity to cancer – in which thermoregulation and metabolism (or a lack of control in this area) plays a role, as well as opening the door to more fundamental research, which could help us better understand how memories impact our behaviour and emotions.

Following a comprehensive national search, W. Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, former director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), has accepted the role as CEO of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James). Pending approval by the university Board of Trustees, Rathmell will start on May 27.

(WASHINGTON—April 23, 2025) — Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) who were taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications at the start of their cancer treatment had a 61% lower risk of dying from their cancer compared to similar patients who were not taking statins, according to a study published today in the journal Blood Advances.  

Advanced military technology exposes civilians to various toxic metals. New research in the field of psychology provides evidence that mothers’ and newborns’ exposure to toxic metals in wars endangers the children’s motor, cognitive and emotional development. Since breastfeeding during the first months is generally considered beneficial to infant health, the researchers were also interested in the role of breastfeeding in metal exposure and its association with child development issues.

A new study led by Prof. Haim Cohen at Bar-Ilan University, in collaboration with Dr. Sagi Snir and PhD student Sarit Feldman-Trabelsi, explores why some mammals live much longer and healthier lives than others. Using a novel computational tool called PHARAOH, the team analyzed protein modifications across 107 mammalian species and identified posttranslational modifications (PTMs) linked to longevity. These PTMs, which regulate crucial cellular functions, were consistently enriched in long-lived species and shown to play protective roles against age-related diseases like cancer. The findings offer promising insights into natural, evolution-driven mechanisms that support healthy aging and could inspire new therapies to extend human healthspan.