Researchers investigated the effects of temperature on sleep quality via wearable sleep-tracking devices. They found that higher nighttime temperatures are linked to poorer sleep quality globally. The study concluded that climate change is projected to erode sleep and widen global inequalities.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin are widely used to treat pain and inflammation. But even at similar doses, different NSAIDs can have unexpected and unexplained effects on many diseases, including heart disease and cancer.

A recent type 2 diabetes study looked at the genetic profiles of more than 180,000 people. Unlike previous studies that focused primarily on people with European ancestry, nearly half of the people in this study had non-European ancestries. By the end of the study, the scientists discovered 40 previously unreported genes that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes.

Since early May 2022, many countries in Europe, as well as Australia, and the U.S. have reported an increasing number of monkeypox cases. As a viral disease native to Africa, monkeypox is usually transmitted by animal-to-human contact, producing skin lesions, fever, and body aches in people the virus infects. Some recent cases of monkeypox have involved men who have had sex with men, however, experts say the disease is not a sexually transmitted infection but can spread via direct contact during sex.

Researchers have discovered that Type I interferon (IFN) plays a key role in helping the immune system effectively target viruses, while stopping white blood cells from 'going rogue' and attacking the body's own organs. This opens the way to potential new treatments that can save many lives.

Healthcare workers rely on N95 respirator masks to keep them safe while treating patients with illnesses caused by airborne viruses, such as COVID-19. New research says the combination of a fit-tested N95 mask and portable HEPA filtration system offers the best protection from viral particles. Researchers believe their study validates a layered approach when it comes to protecting healthcare workers.

Researchers investigated how acute pain transitions to chronic pain in mice and humans. They found that levels of certain immune cells during acute pain predict pain resolution 3 months later. They also found that using anti-inflammatory drugs to treat acute pain may increase chronic pain risk. The researchers note that clinical trials are needed to confirm their results.

Researchers investigated whether stressing certain parts of cells leads to the misfolding of the proteins characteristic of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia. They found that rather than increasing misfolding, certain amounts of stress can cause protein aggregates to unfold. The researchers hope that their findings may one day provide a basis for new treatments for neurodegenerative conditions.

Apart from affecting psychological well-being, mental health conditions can also interfere with the body’s autonomic functions, creating physiological problems. Previous studies have found that people with mental health conditions commonly experience reduced heart rate variation (HRV), which can indicate a poor stress response. A new systematic review draws a link between mental illness and widely fluctuating blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Fiber is an essential component of a healthy diet, and researchers are still discovering more about its importance. Antibiotic resistance has become a growing issue in recent years, increasing people’s risks for severe illness and limiting treatment options. A recent study found that increasing fiber in diet from diverse food sources could help decrease antibiotic resistance in the gut.