eznews.inA recent study published in JAMA Network OPEN has revealed a significant link between muscle strength and lower all-cause mortality among older females, highlighting the importance of physical fitness in promoting longevity. The research, which followed nearly 2,000 women aged 63 to 99 over an average of 8.3 years, found that those with higher grip strength had a 33% lower risk of death compared to their weaker counterparts. Notably, this association persisted regardless of adherence to recommended aerobic exercise guidelines. The findings underscore the potential for muscle strength, particularly grip strength, to serve as a key indicator of healthy aging. While the study was observational and cannot definitively establish causation, it supports current health recommendations advocating for muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week. Experts suggest that maintaining muscle strength is crucial for overall health, independence, and reducing inflammation as individuals age. 
Published: Feb 17 2026, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *Gut* highlights the potential of routine stool tests to predict inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flares, even when patients are symptom-free. The research, involving over 2,600 participants with IBD from 47 NHS centres in the UK, found that elevated levels of fecal calprotectin—a marker for gut inflammation—were strongly associated with future flares, particularly in ulcerative colitis. Notably, those with high meat consumption had nearly double the risk of experiencing a flare compared to those with lower intake, a correlation not observed in Crohn’s disease. While the study offers insights into the relationship between diet and IBD management, researchers caution that it is observational, meaning direct causation cannot be established. The findings support a proactive approach to IBD management, combining biomarker monitoring with dietary adjustments to potentially mitigate flare risks.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 5 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *eNeuro* has identified a potential biological link between age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, and cognitive decline. Researchers found that specific structural and functional changes in the brain, particularly in areas associated with sound processing and memory, correlate with worsening hearing abilities and cognitive impairment. The study introduced a new measurement called the functional-structural ratio (FSR), which may serve as a biomarker for assessing dementia risk in individuals with hearing loss. With presbycusis affecting approximately two-thirds of Americans aged 70 and older, the findings suggest that preserving hearing health could be vital for maintaining cognitive integrity. Experts not involved in the study emphasized the importance of early intervention for hearing loss, noting that it could enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of social isolation and depression, ultimately contributing to better dementia care.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 3 ameznews.inA new AI-based tool, known as BIOPREVENT, has shown promise in predicting the risk of developing chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and transplant-related mortality in patients undergoing stem cell or bone marrow transplants. Developed by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, the tool combines biomarkers and clinical factors to categorize patients into low- and high-risk groups, enhancing prediction accuracy compared to clinical data alone. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, analyzed data from over 1,300 transplant recipients and found that the model could identify risk up to eight months before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention. Available as a free web-based application, BIOPREVENT aims to facilitate personalized monitoring and decision-making in transplant care. While further validation is needed, the tool represents a significant step toward preemptive care, potentially improving outcomes for high-risk patients.
Published: Feb 17 2026, 1 ameznews.inA recent review published in the Cochrane Library has cast doubt on the effectiveness of intermittent fasting for weight loss, suggesting that it may not provide significant benefits compared to traditional dietary approaches. The analysis, which included data from 22 studies with nearly 2,000 participants, found that intermittent fasting had little to no impact on weight loss, quality of life, or adverse health events. While some variations in cholesterol levels were noted, the overall findings indicated a low certainty regarding these outcomes. Experts stress that intermittent fasting should not be viewed as a superior metabolic therapy but rather as a dietary structure that may aid in calorie reduction for some individuals. They emphasize that sustainable weight loss and improved metabolic health are best achieved through a combination of balanced nutrition, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors, rather than relying solely on meal timing strategies.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 11 pmeznews.inAs people age, maintaining physical activity is crucial for health, and experts suggest that traditional exercise isn't the only way to combat a sedentary lifestyle. Daily activities such as gardening, housework, and even light movement can provide significant health benefits, according to three medical professionals. Dr. Bert Mandelbaum, Dr. David Cutler, and Dr. Steven Allder emphasize that regular movement, whether through structured exercise or incidental activities like walking or tidying up, can enhance physical and cognitive health. They advise that staying active should be enjoyable and integrated into daily routines, with a focus on consistency rather than intensity. For those with limited mobility, seated exercises and gentle movements are recommended. Ultimately, tracking progress, setting realistic goals, and celebrating small achievements can foster motivation and ensure a sustainable active lifestyle, contributing to long-term well-being.
Published: Feb 16 2026, 5 pmeznews.inResearchers from the German Center for Diabetes Research have developed a promising blood test that utilizes artificial intelligence to identify epigenetic markers associated with prediabetes, potentially allowing for earlier detection of individuals at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, published in *Biomarker Research*, highlights how these epigenetic markers reflect biological pathways linked to diabetes and other health complications. By analyzing DNA methylation patterns in blood samples, the AI model accurately classified participants into high- and moderate-risk groups with about 90% accuracy. This innovative approach could replace complex clinical assessments, offering a cost-effective and accessible method for risk stratification. The researchers emphasize that early identification of prediabetes can facilitate timely interventions, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of diabetes and its related health issues. Future research aims to translate these findings into practical diagnostic tools for routine healthcare settings.
Published: Feb 14 2026, 2 pmeznews.inRecent studies have shown that AI-assisted stethoscopes significantly outperform traditional models in detecting valvular heart disease, a condition that affects many older adults. One study from the University of Cambridge revealed that an AI system accurately identified 98% of patients with severe aortic stenosis and 94% with severe mitral regurgitation by analyzing short heart sound recordings. Another U.S. study indicated that the AI stethoscope achieved a sensitivity of 92.3%, compared to just 46.2% for conventional stethoscopes, effectively doubling detection rates. This advancement could streamline initial screenings in primary care, allowing for earlier interventions and reducing unnecessary referrals. While the AI technology shows promise, experts emphasize the need for further research across diverse populations to enhance its efficacy in detecting moderate cases. The development of such tools may help healthcare systems manage the increasing burden of heart disease among aging populations.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 8 pmeznews.inA recent study published in *BMJ Medicine* highlights the significance of both the timing and duration of eating windows in the context of time-restricted eating (TRE), a popular form of intermittent fasting. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 participants across 41 randomized controlled trials, concluding that earlier eating windows yield greater metabolic health benefits compared to late-day eating. The study found that late eating, particularly when combined with longer eating windows, was the least effective for metabolic advantages, potentially conflicting with circadian rhythms. Ling-Wei Chen, the study's senior author, emphasized the need for practical dietary strategies amid rising metabolic diseases, noting that aligning food intake with the body's natural rhythms can enhance health outcomes. Experts suggest individuals should consider their natural hunger cues and choose a consistent eating window that fits their lifestyle, advocating for flexibility and quality in food choices to support metabolic regulation.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 6 pmeznews.inA recent study published in the journal *Neurology* suggests that engaging in lifelong learning activities, such as reading and learning new languages, may significantly reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. With around 32 million people worldwide currently living with the condition, researchers observed nearly 2,000 participants, averaging 80 years old, over an average of eight years. Those who actively pursued cognitive enrichment throughout their lives were found to develop Alzheimer’s five years later and mild cognitive impairment seven years later than those with less engagement. Specifically, individuals with higher lifetime enrichment scores exhibited a 38% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and a 36% lower risk of cognitive impairment. Experts emphasize the importance of sustained cognitive engagement from an early age, highlighting that even modest lifestyle changes can greatly enhance quality of life and delay the onset of cognitive decline. Future research is needed to explore causal relationships and the effectiveness of different enrichment components across diverse populations.
Published: Feb 13 2026, 5 pmFor the fastest, latest, not so wokest news, 'experts say' you need to visit Eznews
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