Harvard Medical School

Boston hospitals in the Longwood Medical Area rely on the fossil-fuel-powered Medical Area Total Energy Plant (MATEP), which is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions linked to respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Despite Boston's Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, hospitals face challenges due to limited control over MATEP's operations.

Researchers from LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center and collaborators studied nearly 400 female athletes to identify modifiable factors influencing psychological resilience, such as emotion regulation, sleep quality, and social support. The study found higher resilience correlates with lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress, emphasizing resilience as a trainable set of skills rather than a fixed trait.

Singaporean Joel Tan's Harvard Medical School speech discusses how the country's education system might better support 'late bloomers,' highlighting his personal journey of overcoming past academic limitations to pursue biology.

GLP-1 medications improved testosterone levels, sperm count, and sperm morphology in men after 24 weeks, according to a study led by Dr. Pratibha Natesh. However, experts caution more research is needed before prescribing these drugs for male infertility, noting potential risks from sudden weight loss and metabolic changes.

A study suggests that adhering to the 'five a day' fruit and vegetable guideline may not provide sufficient flavanols—plant compounds linked to cardiovascular benefits. Researchers found that fewer than 25% of adults meeting dietary guidelines achieved the 500mg daily flavanol intake associated with reduced heart disease mortality.

Christopher Medina-Kirchner, a Harvard Medical School researcher, returned to the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility where he was incarcerated to deliver a graduation speech to 29 inmates. He emphasized the importance of education and self-belief, sharing his journey from earning a high school equivalency in prison to achieving academic success.

David Sinclair, a longevity scientist, plans to test an oral reprogramming drug in human trials as part of a $101 million XPrize competition aimed at restoring apparent age through improvements in immune, cognitive, and muscle function. His Harvard-affiliated work involves epigenetic reprogramming, which resets molecular DNA controls, and his company Life Biosciences has already initiated gene therapy trials for eye conditions.

Alkaline water, marketed by celebrities, is claimed to offer health benefits like neutralizing body acidity and preventing conditions like cancer. However, experts note limited scientific evidence, with studies suggesting temporary effects on stomach pH and potential risks for those with kidney disease.

Harvard Medical School graduate Leen Ezzeddine dedicated her graduation speech to Palestine and Lebanon.

Grapefruit contains a chemical that may slow caffeine metabolism, potentially extending its energizing effects, but experts warn this interaction is inconclusive and could pose risks for those taking medications. A Florida coffee chain is testing this theory with a menu item combining espresso, grapefruit juice, and salt, though studies show mixed results and individual variability in caffeine processing.

President Donald Trump has announced initiatives to reduce prescription drug costs, but the impact is uncertain and many prices have increased. Americans pay about three times as much as people in other countries for the same drugs. The effectiveness of Trump's efforts remains to be seen.

A Harvard Medical School study analyzing 16,000 ancient genomes found evidence that natural selection has favored the red hair gene over 10,000 years, potentially increasing its prevalence. Researchers identified directional selection linked to the shift to farming and northern climates, suggesting red hair may have provided survival advantages like improved vitamin D synthesis.

A study using ancient DNA analysis reveals that directional selection was widespread across West Eurasia, indicating significant evolutionary pressures over time. The research, led by Harvard Medical School, provides insights into genetic adaptation in human populations.

Dr. Aleksandra Stankovic from Harvard Medical School discusses the physiological and psychological challenges astronauts face during the first few days after returning to Earth from space travel. The focus is on the Artemis II crew's readjustment process.