Scientists

A study in mice found that a molecule called TDI-11861 works as an oral male contraceptive, temporarily blocking sperm function. The paper, published in Nature Communications, presents the research as a step towards an on-demand male contraceptive drug: the user could take a birth control pill before sex and become fertile again the next day. Four co-authors of the study have founded a company in the US to develop such products. 

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza have been increasing since 2021, but in recent months have evolved into what is known as a 'global panzootic' affecting all types of wild birds and new continents, but also mammals such as mink and sea lions. At a briefing organised by SMC Germany, in collaboration with SMC UK and SMC Spain, three experts discussed the situation, the level of risk and possible next steps.

Research analysing data from more than 100,000 people in the UK followed for nearly a decade concludes that a higher intake of free sugars - added sugars or those naturally present in honey and fruit juice - is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The study is published in BMC Medicine.

A study published in the journal PLOS Digital Health has analysed ChatGPT's performance on the US Medical Licensing Exams (USMLE). The results indicate that it could pass or come close to passing the exam.   

A phase 2 clinical trial has tested a type of immunotherapy based on oncolytic viruses in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of triple-negative breast tumours. The results are published in the journal Nature Medicine.

A study in California has found that 41% of deaths in the first year of life are due to genetic diseases. This percentage is higher than previously thought. According to the authors, strategies to improve neonatal genetic diagnosis may reduce infant mortality, as this diagnosis is sometimes missed or arrives late. The research is published in JAMA Network Open.

People who have a parent, sibling, or step-sibling with major depression have a higher risk of major depression themselves, according to research based on data from 2.9 million people in Denmark. This risk increases with the number of affected relatives and when exposure to depression occurs in childhood and adolescence, but does not vary by sex or kinship, says the study published in JAMA Psychiatry.

Two studies have found changes in the microbiome of patients affected by chronic fatigue syndrome. In particular, they have found a decrease in both butyrate and certain bacteria that produce butyrate. Butyrate is a factor related to the protection of the intestinal barrier and appears to play a role in the regulation of the immune system. Both papers are published in the journal Cell Host and Microbe.

Faults can generate the most devastating earthquakes. The East Anatolian fault, where the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria occurred on 6 February, has been rupturing quite frequently - every few decades to hundreds of years. Seismic hazard maps are used to design buildings and infrastructure to withstand strong shaking during an earthquake. Reinforced concrete buildings with earthquake-resistant designs are the most appropriate, but often unaffordable for certain regions.

A series on breastfeeding published today in The Lancet highlights the economic and political power of formula companies, examines their marketing practices and the impact this has on the health of mothers and children.