Resist the Itch? Maybe Not
When it comes to pox, rashes, and even scabs, common sense is to resist the itch. But a new study published in Science found that skin scratching isn’t just a reflex—it’s a direct line to immune activation. Mast cells spark inflammation, causing hives and itching, but they also call in reinforcements against Staphylococcus aureus. Depending on how they’re triggered—by allergens or nerve signals—mast cells can either worsen allergic reactions or help fight infections, making scratching both a troublemaker and a defender.
Tomatoes: The Juicy Mood Booster?
A compound that makes tomatoes red might also have antidepressant properties. In a study published in Food Science & Nutrition, the effects of lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and grapefruit, were tested on mice subjected to chronic social defeat stress. Researchers found administering 20 mg/kg of lycopene improved depressive-like behaviors by enhancing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. The treatment also upregulated brain-derived neurotrophic factors and activated the tropomyosin receptor kinase B signaling pathway, both crucial for neuronal function and resilience. While this doesn’t mean eating tomatoes is a cure for depression, the study highlights a potential natural approach to mental health support.
Selenoproteins Help Keep Blood Young
Selenoproteins are the unsung heroes of immune health, acting as tiny antioxidant warriors that protect hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and B-cells from aging-related damage. In a study published in Blood, Osaka University researchers knocked out the tRNASec gene in mice, halting selenoprotein production and triggering major immune dysfunction—HSCs struggled to renew, B-cells dwindled (B lymphocytopenia), and some pre-B cells bizarrely took on myeloid traits. Meanwhile, myeloid cells remained unaffected, revealing a lineage-specific vulnerability. The culprit? Lipid peroxidation, a process that accelerates aging and disrupts blood cell formation. But there’s good news—feeding the knockout mice vitamin E restored B-cell differentiation, suggesting a potential dietary fix for aging-related immune decline. So, take care of your selenoproteins—they might be the key to keeping the immune system young.
Birth Isn’t a Solo Effort—And Science Proves It
Human birth has always been a team effort, with emotional support from partners, family, and doulas helping ease the stress of labor. But when COVID-19 restrictions limited who could be in the delivery room, researchers from Dartmouth and other institutions found childbirth stress skyrocketed. In a study published in Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, they surveyed 1,082 people who gave birth during the pandemic and found that those who wanted but could not have a partner or doula present reported significantly higher stress—comparable to the stress of a C-section. Even worse, having a distracted or unavailable health care provider made things even more stressful. While some tried virtual support, it didn’t help. The results highlight an “evolutionary mismatch”—our species evolved to give birth with emotional support, and when that’s taken away, stress levels surge. The takeaway? Ensuring continuous labor support could be a simple, low-cost way to improve birth experiences and outcomes.
Cold Water, Cool Benefits
You don’t have to be an athlete or a Polar Bear Club member to explore the potential benefits of cold-water immersion (CWI). A meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE by researchers from the University of South Australia found that CWI triggers an immediate inflammatory response and significantly reduces stress levels 12 hours later. Although the analysis did not find substantial improvements in mood or immunity, a narrative review suggested possible long-term benefits, including a 29% reduction in sickness absences and improved sleep quality. Participants who took 20-, 60-, or 90-second cold showers reported slightly higher quality of life scores. However, these effects were no longer reported in a 3-month follow-up, noted lead researcher Tara Cain. If you can brave the chill, it might be worth a try!
The intersection of medicine and the unexpected reminds us how wild, weird, and wonderful science can be. The world of health care continues to surprise and astonish.
