Exercise Tied to Slower Alzheimer’s Pathology in At-Risk Adults

A new study in Nature Medicine links higher daily physical activity to slower biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease in people at risk. Researchers followed adults with preclinical or prodromal Alzheimer’s and found that greater activity tracked with lower tau accumulation in key brain regions and better cognitive performance over time. While the work is observational and doesn’t prove causation, it adds mechanistic weight to exercise guidelines as a low-risk, widely accessible strategy to delay symptomatic decline. The authors call for randomized trials to verify dose and timing—particularly whether moderate walking or structured aerobic routines confer the strongest protection. For clinicians, the findings support prescribing activity alongside risk-factor control and sleep hygiene for patients with early biomarker evidence of Alzheimer’s. (Nature)

Change in Albuminuria Validated as Surrogate Outcome for CKD Progression

A large meta-analysis in Nature Medicine strengthens the case for using reductions in albuminuria (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) as a surrogate endpoint for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression. Pooling trial and cohort datasets across common CKD etiologies (including diabetes), investigators show that specified short-term declines in albuminuria reliably forecast fewer long-term kidney outcomes (eGFR decline, kidney failure). Regulatory and payer interest has grown as new kidney-protective drugs (e.g., SGLT2 inhibitors) rapidly lower albuminuria; having a validated surrogate could accelerate evaluation of additional therapies and combinations. The authors emphasize standardized measurement and prespecified thresholds to minimize noise. For clinicians, the study reinforces albuminuria reduction as a tangible treatment target alongside blood pressure and glycemic control. (Nature)

Nasal Antihistamine Cut COVID-19 Infections in Phase 2 RCT

A phase 2 randomized clinical trial in JAMA Internal Medicine reports that pre-exposure prophylaxis with azelastine nasal spray reduced PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections compared with placebo. Among 450+ vaccinated adults, 2.2% on azelastine versus 6.7% on placebo tested positive (odds ratio ~0.31), with fewer symptomatic cases and shorter antigen-test positivity. Adverse events were similar between arms. While earlier pandemic antivirals focused on post-exposure or treatment, this trial explores an accessible intranasal prevention approach targeting the upper airway. The findings warrant larger, variant-era studies and head-to-head comparisons with other mucosal interventions. Clinically, azelastine remains over-the-counter for allergies; off-label prophylaxis is premature pending confirmatory phase 3 evidence and guidance. (JAMA Network)

CBT-I Improves Sleep in Chronic Disease, With Broader Benefits

A systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine finds cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) significantly improves sleep outcomes among people living with chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic pain). Across trials, CBT-I reduced insomnia severity and boosted sleep efficiency and total sleep time, with signals that better sleep modestly improved mood and daytime function. Benefits persisted beyond the active treatment window, underscoring CBT-I’s durability compared with sedative-hypnotics. The authors highlight telehealth and brief digital formats as scalable pathways for systems strained by limited behavioral sleep specialists. For clinicians, the data support integrating CBT-I into routine chronic-disease care—particularly where poor sleep exacerbates symptoms, adherence, and cardiometabolic risk. (JAMA Network)

COVID Is Ticking Up Again—Variants, Symptoms, and What’s Unclear

Scientific American reports a global uptick in COVID-19 amid sparse surveillance data, complicating vaccine strategy and variant tracking. WHO experts note two lineages—XFG (“Stratus”) and NB.1.8.1 (“Nimbus”)—dominate reporting regions, with symptoms resembling prior waves; Nimbus often includes a distinctive “razor blade” sore throat. With fewer countries submitting hospitalization and sequencing data, situational awareness is patchy. Researchers stress wastewater, hospital admissions, and targeted sequencing as stopgaps, and argue for broader eligibility in booster campaigns given year-round transmission. The piece also flags hopes for combo flu/COVID shots, though timelines remain uncertain. The takeaway: keep vaccinations current, use high-quality masks in riskier settings, and monitor local signals. (Scientific American)

H5N1 Hits US Poultry: Big Turkey and Egg Operations Affected

CIDRAP details fresh H5N1 avian influenza detections in US poultry, including four outbreaks on commercial turkey farms in the Dakotas and a table-egg facility in California affecting 231,000 birds. Additional events in Michigan and Indiana underscore continued spread in commercial settings as migratory seasons shift. While human risk from properly handled poultry remains low, farm-level impacts are significant, with culls, biosecurity tightening, and market disruptions. Public health messaging reiterates avoiding contact with sick/dead birds and reporting die-offs. The pattern tracks with broader concerns over sustained H5N1 circulation in birds and mammals, maintaining pandemic watchlists and vaccine stockpile planning. (CIDRAP)

Blood Tests for Alzheimer’s Arrive—Promise and Pitfalls

WIRED reports on new Alzheimer’s blood tests entering primary care, including FDA-cleared Elecsys pTau181 for aiding diagnosis. These assays measure phosphorylated tau and related biomarkers to triage patients for confirmatory PET or CSF testing, potentially speeding access to disease-modifying monoclonal antibodies. The tests boast strong negative predictive value—useful for ruling out amyloid pathology—but positive predictive value remains limited, especially in asymptomatic people. Experts warn against direct-to-consumer use and emphasize clinical context to avoid false positives, anxiety, and unnecessary imaging. Bottom line: blood tests could streamline care pathways, but they won’t replace gold-standard diagnostics and carry cost, access, and counseling considerations. (WIRED)

LED-Powered Nanoflakes Target Tumors While Sparing Healthy Tissue

A team from UT Austin and University of Porto developed tin-oxide (SnOₓ) nanoflakes that convert near-infrared light to heat, precisely ablating cancer cells in lab models while minimizing collateral damage. As WIRED explains, the approach—photothermal therapy—relies on nanoparticles that accumulate in tumors and are activated by external light, ideally avoiding chemo/radiation toxicities. The group touts efficiency and biocompatibility advantages versus prior materials, and pairing with LEDs could lower cost and widen access. The findings, published in ACS Nano, are preclinical; key next steps include biodistribution, safety, and tumor-targeting in animals. If validated, the platform could complement surgery and systemic therapies for hard-to-treat cancers. (WIRED)

Gentle Heart Repair: Stem-Cell Patch Shows Early Promise

Mayo Clinic researchers report a bioengineered stem-cell patch that may mend damaged heart tissue without open-heart surgery. In early preclinical and translational work, the patch—designed to integrate with cardiac muscle and release reparative cues—improved measures associated with healing and function. The team envisions catheter or minimally invasive delivery as a future pathway, which could be transformative for post-MI patients who are poor surgical candidates. It’s preliminary science rather than a therapy ready for clinics, but it reflects the growing push toward regenerative cardiology that couples biomaterials with cell therapies. Larger animal studies, durability testing, and human trials will determine real-world potential. (Mayo Clinic News Network)

Tooth Enamel Regrowth in Weeks? Protein Gel Points the Way

New Atlas covers an experimental protein-based gel that rebuilds tooth enamel by attracting calcium and phosphate ions from saliva, forming a mineralized layer over worn surfaces. Current dentistry can patch or protect enamel but cannot truly regenerate it; this lab-tested gel aims to trigger biomimetic remineralization within weeks. The approach—if proven durable and safe in clinical studies—could change management of early caries and sensitivity, potentially reducing drilling and crowns. Experts will watch for adhesion strength, resistance to acid challenge, and long-term wear. For now, it’s a promising proof-of-concept that aligns with a broader shift toward regenerative materials in oral health. (newatlas.com)