Led by scientists from the University of São Paulo, the studies help clarify the roles of STIP1 and Maspin in vital cell processes and pave the way for advances related to cancer and applications in regenerative medicine.

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) plays essential roles in industrial processing, food production, and biological systems, but excessive residues pose health and safety concerns.

Scientists report that garlic-based mouthwash may provide longer-lasting residual effects compared to conventional chemical compounds. They demonstrate that garlic extract possesses antimicrobial efficacy comparable to other widely used antiseptics and disinfectants, such as chlorhexidine. Their findings are based on a systematic review of the literature, which evaluates garlic extract’s potential as a herbal alternative by comparing its clinical performance with that of chlorhexidine in oral care applications.

A new meta-analysis led by researchers in Japan investigates whether lithium (LIT) supplementation can slow cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Building on preclinical evidence of LIT’s neuroprotective effects, the study systematically evaluates data from six randomized controlled trials to clarify its clinical potential. The findings aim to shed light on whether LIT, long used in psychiatry, could play a future role in MCI or AD prevention or treatment.

Cannabis smoke and processed-food diets weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to repair heart damage caused by inhaled cannabis. Cannabis compounds rapidly accumulate in major organs, including the heart, lungs and brain, where they can intensify inflammation. The risks are greatest for individuals already eating seed-oil–rich processed foods, a pattern common among populations with high rates of obesity and chronic illness.

Scientists developed an automated, high-throughput system that relies on imaging biofluid droplets for disease diagnosis, reducing the number of consumables and equipment needed for biomedical testing. In the workflow, images of a drying droplet are analyzed by machine-learning algorithms to diagnose abnormalities in blood. Differences in the drying process of biofluid droplets are used to distinguish between normal and disease samples. This technology can also be used with other bodily fluids, including saliva and urine, and may provide a fast, cost-efficient diagnostic testing means in underserved communities and developing countries.