Scientists uncover nanoplastics in brain tissue and question their role in neurological disease

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260217/Scientists-uncover-nanoplastics-in-brain-tissue-and-question-their-role-in-neurological-disease.aspx?utm_source=news_medical_newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=neurology_and_neuroscience_newsletter_24_february_2026 Scientists are detecting nanoplastics in human brain tissue and exploring how these particles may influence the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, but major questions about exposure, causation, and prevention remain unresolved.

Muscles retain molecular memory of repeated inactivity

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260225/Muscles-retain-molecular-memory-of-repeated-inactivity.aspx Muscle loss, or atrophy, due to inactivity is common after illness, injury, hospitalization or falls, and becomes increasingly frequent with aging. New research published in Advanced Science shows that skeletal muscle retains a "molecular memory" of repeated disuse-and that this memory differs markedly between young and old muscles.

Opioids offer limited short-term relief for acute pain

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260225/Opioids-offer-limited-short-term-relief-for-acute-pain.aspx The world's largest review of opioid pain relievers prescribed for acute pain found these medicines provide only small, short-term relief for some acute conditions and are ineffective for some others.

No evidence connects tick bites to chronic health problems

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20260225/No-evidence-connects-tick-bites-to-chronic-health-problems.aspx When researchers studied Norwegians who thought tick bites caused their chronic health problems, they found no objective evidence linking the symptoms to ticks.

Duckweed Protein Benefits: Is This Aquatic Plant a Sustainable Superfood?

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Duckweed-Protein-Benefits-Is-This-Aquatic-Plant-a-Sustainable-Superfood.aspx A fast-growing aquatic plant may offer a high-quality, bioavailable protein alternative, yet its safety profile and mineral variability could determine whether duckweed becomes a future staple or remains a niche innovation.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Chronic Disease Through Diet and Multi-Omics Data

https://www.news-medical.net/health/Using-Artificial-Intelligence-to-Predict-Chronic-Disease-Through-Diet-and-Multi-Omics-Data.aspx This article explains how artificial intelligence integrates nutritional data, machine learning, and multi-omics to improve the prediction of diet–disease relationships while emphasizing the need for validation, transparency, and clinical oversight. It highlights emerging clinical applications in chronic disease alongside methodological limits in measurement, causality, and ethical implementation.

NIH-supported trial reduces HIV incidence by 70% in rural populations Study used technology to extend reach of existing infrastructure, linking people to care.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-supported-trial-reduces-hiv-incidence-70-rural-populations A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reduced new HIV cases by 70% in rural Kenya and Uganda by pairing digital tools with tailored HIV services delivered by community health workers and clinicians. This successful strategic implementation of existing healthcare infrastructure and available HIV prevention and treatment options could become a model for reducing HIV incidence in other countries, including the United States. The findings were presented today at the 33rd Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026) in Denver.