EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 23-May-2026 00:16 ET (23-May-2026 04:16 GMT/UTC)

27-Nov-2025

The world's smallest fully wireless neural implant achieved

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The human brain contains about 100 billion brain cells, and the chemical and electrical signals they exchange create most mental functions. Neural implant technology for precisely reading these signals is essential for the research and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. A research team from KAIST and international collaborators has successfully implemented a fully wireless, ultra-small implant, which was previously only a theoretical possibility, going beyond simple miniaturization and weight reduction of neural implants.

Journal: Nature Electronics
Funder: US National Institutes of Health, Nanyang Technological University, the Singapore National Research Foundation, the Singapore Ministry of Education, ASPIRE League Partnership Seed Fund

27-Nov-2025

First quantitative assessment of fracture risk after nursing home admission among wheelchair users

University of Tsukuba
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The transition to institutional care for individuals who rely on wheelchairs often necessitates a change in the type of wheelchair they use. This change may inadvertently increase the risk of falls and subsequent fractures. In a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Tsukuba, data from residents admitted to nursing homes were analyzed to investigate this issue. The study found that fractures occurred in five residents who had likely transitioned to a different wheelchair after admission, whereas no fractures were reported among those who were likely to have continued using the same type of wheelchair.

Journal: JMA Journal

27-Nov-2025

Social support predicts longevity and improved quality of life among older adults

University of Eastern Finland
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Two recent studies from the University of Eastern Finland show that social support plays an important role in health and well-being in later life. Having access to adequate social support is associated with longevity among older adults, and with better quality of life among home care recipients.

Journal: Home Health Care Management & Practice

27-Nov-2025

Individuals with diabetes are more likely to suffer complications after stent surgery

Karolinska Institutet
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of complications after stent implantation, according to a study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden published in Diabetes Care. The study, which includes over 160,000 patients, emphasises the importance of tailoring treatment strategies for this specific patient group.

Journal: Diabetes Care

26-Nov-2025

Synergistic innovation in organ-on-a-chip and organoid technologies: reshaping the future of disease modeling, drug development, and precision medicine

Higher Education Press
Peer-Reviewed Publication

FDA issued guidance on April 10, 2025 to phase out animal trials in favor of organoids and organ-on-a-chip systems. This pivotal move was swiftly followed by National Institutes of Health (NIH) on April 29, when it inaugurated the Office of Research Innovation, Validation, and Application (ORIVA).

Journal: Protein & Cell

26-Nov-2025

Waste-to-health: eggshell for precision bone regeneration

Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An interdisciplinary research team lead by Harbin Institute of Technology has developed a multifunctional biphasic bone scaffold featuring a "steel-cement" structure using eggshells waste. This scaffold integrates a rigid lattice (biosteel) with a bioactive hydrogel (biocement) loaded with composite drug-releasing particles, facilitating anti-infective and osteogenic functions. With adjustable mechanical properties, biodegradability, and intelligent responsiveness, this scaffold demonstrates significant potential for precise, sustainable, and dynamic bone regeneration.

This study not only demonstrates the high-value transformation of waste biological resources but also provides new ideas for advancing bone regeneration toward intelligent and personalized therapeutic paradigms.

Journal: Materials Futures

26-Nov-2025

Polyphenol-rich diets linked to better long-term heart health

King's College London
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Compounds found in tea, coffee, berries and nuts linked to better long-term heart health.

Journal: BMC Medicine

26-Nov-2025

Tai chi as good as talking therapy for managing chronic insomnia

BMJ Group
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Tai chi, a form of mind-body exercise widely practiced in Chinese communities, has similar benefits to talking therapy for middle aged and older people with chronic insomnia, finds a trial from Hong Kong published by The BMJ today.

Journal: The BMJ
Funder: General Research Fund of Research Grants Council, Hong Kong University Grants Committee, Seed Fund for Basic Research of the University of Hong Kong

26-Nov-2025

Monthly injection helps severe asthma patients safely stop or reduce daily steroids

King's College London
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A monthly injection has helped 90% of severe asthma patients reduce daily steroid tablets, which are associated with long-term side effects.

Journal: The Lancet Respiratory Medicine