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Researchers in Singapore investigated whether dark chocolate (DC) can influence metabolic processes involved in adenosine diphosphate (ATP) resynthesis—which is critical for repeated high-intensity muscle contractions—in order to enhance sprint performance.“Athletes, sports practitioners and coaches may consider implementing DC prior to training workouts and competitions to enhance sporting performance,” the researchers concluded. Epicatechin and theobromine’s role in reducing fatigue and oxidative stressDark chocolate has attracted interest because it contains compounds such as epicatechin and theobromine, which have been shown to support cardiovascular function. Epicatechin helps reduce free radical production and increases nitric oxide to improve blood flow, and theobromine may lower…

Scientists solved the crystal structure of gastroenteritis-causing human astrovirus and its receptor on human cells, paving the way for designing vaccines and treatments for stomach flu.Image credit:© iStock.com, Pongtep ChithanMore than 200,000 children succumb to viral gastroenteritis infections, or stomach flu, all over the world every year.1 Human astroviruses are a common cause of such infections, leading to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. However, the viruses are not well-characterized, hampering strategies to prevent and treat viral infection. Now, scientists led by Rebecca DuBois, a biomolecular engineer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, uncovered the molecular interactions that…

Once a niche vegetable, spaghetti squash has exploded in popularity, becoming a staple in kitchens for health-conscious eaters, gluten-free individuals, and those on low-carb journeys. Its unique, stringy flesh, which mimics pasta strands when cooked, makes it a prime candidate for replacing traditional noodles.1 But is it just a clever substitute, or is spaghetti squash really healthy? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s not just a low-calorie pasta swap; it’s a nutrient-dense vegetable in its own right, offering tangible benefits for weight management, blood sugar control, and overall nutrition. (Is Spaghetti Squash Healthy?) Yes — spaghetti squash is healthy.2…

A course in disruptive innovation helped to cement João Paulo Longo’s science-entrepreneur ambitions.Credit: Victor Carlos Mello Da SilvaWhile earning his dentistry degree at the University of Brasilia, João Paulo Longo joined Brazil’s Institutional Scientific Initiation Scholarship Programme (PIBIC), which gives undergraduates the opportunity to join research projects. The experience ignited a passion for research that led him to quit dentistry and pursue a PhD, during which a cosmetics company director sought his help in product development.These early career experiences, alongside a course on disruptive innovation at Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts, cemented his ambition to be a science entrepreneur.Longo…

Stanley Tucci uses fresh and canned tomatoes for extra depth in his red sauce.The sauce is simple, versatile and ready in under an hour.Tucci recommends using it with pasta, pizza, seafood, or even eggs. Actor and cookbook author Stanley Tucci is very good at making online content that makes your mouth water and motivates you to get into the kitchen and try out some Italian recipes. The star, currently filming the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, just shared his easy red sauce recipe on Instagram and, folks, he’s done it again. With simple fresh ingredients and double the tomatoes,…

Fiber supports digestion, heart health and blood sugar control, yet most Americans fall short of daily goals.Chia seeds, flaxseeds and almonds are top sources, delivering 3–10g of fiber per serving.Nuts and seeds also offer plenty of protein, minerals and antioxidants to support overall health. Maybe you’ve been feeling sluggish lately, or your digestion isn’t quite right. At your checkup, your healthcare provider brings up fiber—so you do what any health-conscious person would do: start choking down bowls of high-fiber cereal and forcing yourself to eat Brussels sprouts with every meal. A few days in, you’re already dreading breakfast and wondering…

David Oliver, consultant in geriatrics and acute general medicineBerkshiredavidoliver372{at}googlemail.comFollow David on Twitter @mancunianmedicOn 24 October NHS England published the first phase of a review of the state of UK medical training.1 This “diagnostic” report has been badged as the starting point for a programme of reform in postgraduate medical education, training, and career structures.Although the report offers 11 key recommendations for change, it provides no plan, resources, or timeline to achieve them. It also tries to balance the priorities and needs of doctors in postgraduate training posts with the change required to meet the needs of a modern patient population…

Bringing a new therapy to market takes years and costs billions, leaving biopharma under increasing pressure to compress development timelines. Overcoming that inertia requires rethinking traditional approaches to identifying biomarkers, generating evidence, and scaling trials, which remain slow and fragmented. Pathology—long the foundation of diagnosis—is emerging as a critical and underutilized source of data and insight that can fuel every stage of therapeutic development and delivery.In this GEN webinar, Nathan Buchbinder and Ritida Nanda will discuss how Proscia Aperture™, powered by the Concentriq® enterprise pathology platform and global network of diagnostic labs, transforms routine clinical data into a real-time intelligence…

Future antibody therapies could target H5N1 avian influenza virus (green).Credit: Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo LibraryResearchers are increasingly developing antibody therapies to treat infectious diseases. Therapies are being designed to reduce the severity of infections such as bird flu, and cure chronic conditions such as HIV. Synthetic antibodies could also make vaccines for diseases such as COVID-19 more effective.Antibodies are part of the immune system’s defence against infection. Scientists produce synthetic versions by combining B cells from mice and human cell lines. Most approved antibody drugs are for cancers and autoimmune diseases. Monoclonal antibodies are also widely used in antiviral therapies to…

Credit: gorodenkoff/Getty Images Results from a European study predict steep increases in both blood stream infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 2050, especially among men and older adults. There was also substantial variation in rates of AMR between different countries, with some countries like Poland facing up to 15-fold rises in resistant infections compared with others. “Our study shows that the future burden of drug-resistant infections won’t be uniform—there will be substantial differences between countries, as well as across age groups and between sexes,” said Gwenan Knight, PhD, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine who…