The Medical News

1. Prebiotic sodas may contain less fiber and more sugar

   Prebiotic sodas have become more popular in recent years, with a wave of new products promising gut health benefits and low-calorie enjoyment.

2. Planetary Health Diet lowers cardiovascular risk in older women

   A 20-year study of more than 65,000 postmenopausal women found that higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a lower risk of overall cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure.

3. FDA-issued sodium targets appear to have minimal impact

   In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Phase I voluntary sodium reduction targets to encourage manufacturers to lower the amount of sodium in packaged food products by 2024.

4. Expert consensus advances evidence-based orthodontic care for adult patients

   Alveolar bone defects and protrusive facial deformities affect a considerable portion of the population and may increase the risk of other complications.

5. Experts review evidence behind updated protein intake recommendations

   A new Perspective published today in The Journal of Nutrition, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Society for Nutrition (ASN), reviews the evidence supporting protein recommendations in the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and identifies areas where additional research could strengthen future dietary guidance.

6. Engineered probiotic bacteria boost immune attack against pancreatic cancer

   Cancer immunotherapies have transformed treatment for many cancers, but pancreatic cancer remains especially difficult to treat. One major reason is that pancreatic tumors often create a "cold" tumor microenvironment, where the tumor prevents immune cells from mounting a strong attack.

7. Better bait may help stop New World screwworm infestations

   Jessica Metcalf's work stinks. Literally. But the Colorado State University professor's research may be key to protecting livestock and wildlife from a flesh-eating parasite.

8. CRISPR directs layered immune response against invading bacteriophages

   The main function of CRISPR-Cas systems, the revolutionary tool scientists now employ to edit genes, is to defend bacteria against threats such as viruses called bacteriophages.