Health & Medicine - Sci-Tech Bulletin

Wheatgrass Juice Benefits for Anaemia, Immunity, Digestion, and Overall Health

Wheatgrass juice (WGJ), derived from young Triticum aestivum, is a nutrient-rich functional food containing chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and enzymes. Studies suggests that WGJ may help reduce oxidative stress, support haemoglobin levels, and promote gastrointestinal health. It has also shown potential benefits for cardiovascular health, diabetes management, immune support, and supportive cancer care. The findings thus highlight WGJ as a promising natural dietary intervention with diverse health applications.

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Early Antibiotic use increases Antibiotic Resistance in Preterm Infants

Study found that early antibiotic exposure affects antibiotic resistance in preterm infants. Analysis of meconium and stool samples from 30 preterm neonates, using metagenomic sequencing identified 175 antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) across 15 drug classes. Beta-lactam, tetracycline, and aminoglycoside resistance are the most prevalent antibiotic resistance discovered. As found, ARG diversity increases as infants grow, while treated infants show greater beta-lactam and tetracycline resistance. Antibiotic exposure also alter bacterial metabolic pathways linked to survival, adaptation, and stress tolerance, highlighting the importance of responsible antibiotic use and stewardship in neonatal care.

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Bilberry Pomace Shows Promising Anticancer Effects Against Breast Cancer

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) peel-enriched pomace has recently been explored as a potential natural anticancer agent in breast cancer models. A preclinical study demonstrated the extract’s antitumor potential, reducing tumor volume by up to 91% in a mouse model of triple-negative breast cancer and decreasing tumor-cell proliferation. The extract also promoted apoptosis, reduced oxidative stress & expression of cancer stem-cell marker CD133, and altered epigenetic and microRNA profiles. A hexane-based bilberry extract showed anticancer activity and synergized with cisplatin in 3D breast cancer models.

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Epigenetic changes explain why we regain weight after weight loss

Fat cells retain persistent obesity-related gene expression and epigenetic changes even after body weight returns to normal. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed that adipose tissue continues to exhibit obesity-induced transcriptional changes despite significant weight loss. These lasting epigenetic alterations impair adipocyte function and prime the body for accelerated weight regain when re-exposed to a high-fat diet. The findings suggest that obesity leaves a durable cellular imprint, offering a biological explanation for the common “yo-yo” effect and identifying epigenetic memory as a promising target for improving long-term weight management and metabolic health.

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Social isolation is linked to higher risk of complications in patients with Type 2 Diabetes

A cohort study finds that social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of diabetic microvascular complications. It is found that socially isolated individuals have a higher risk of developing diabetic kidney disease, neuropathy, and overall microvascular complications, while loneliness is particularly associated with kidney disease. Importantly, these social factors are as influential as traditional risk factors like smoking, physical inactivity, and high blood pressure. The findings suggest that screening for and addressing social isolation and loneliness should become an important component of comprehensive diabetes care.

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Vaccinium-Rich Berries May Support Diabetes and Kidney Health

Vaccinium berries, including blueberries, bilberries, cranberries, and lingonberries have been studied to be effective in managing diabetes, preventing diabetic kidney disease and diabetic retinopathy. Evidences from animal and human studies suggests that these berries, rich in anthocyanins and other polyphenols, may improve blood glucose control, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and protect kidney and retinal tissues. Vaccinium berries may thus serve as valuable dietary complements to conventional diabetes management strategies.

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Managing Diabetes Could Help Reduce Antibiotic Resistance

Diabetes significantly accelerates the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus during skin infections. Researchers found that hyperglycemia is the primary driver of microbial resistance. Elevated glucose enables resistant bacteria to rapidly expand under antibiotic pressure, while immune suppression plays a smaller role. The study also shows that vancomycin-resistant strains become more virulent in diabetic conditions and that insulin therapy markedly reduces the emergence of resistant bacteria. Thus, it becomes increasingly important for diabetic patients to control their glycemic index to combat antimicrobial resistance.

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The Healing Benefits of Nature for Cancer Patients’ Well-Being

Nature plays a meaningful role in the lives of people living with cancer by providing restorative physical and psychological spaces enriched with personal significance. The natural environments help patients reconnect with life, find respite from clinical settings, reflect on their experiences, gain comfort, reinterpret their illness, remain physically active, and appreciate everyday moments. These benefits contribute to improved emotional well-being, resilience, and overall quality of life. These findings support integrating nature-based interventions and healing environments into cancer care as valuable, evidence-informed complements to conventional medical treatment and supportive care.

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Plant-Made Proteins: The Future of Sustainable Biopharmaceutical Production

Plant-made proteins are emerging as a transformative platform for producing vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, and other biopharmaceuticals, offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to conventional protein production systems. Advances in plant-based expression systems, genetic engineering, process optimization, and downstream manufacturing have significantly improved protein yield, quality, and scalability. Commercial successes such as Elelyso® and the Ebola therapy ZMapp demonstrate the growing maturity of molecular farming. Plant-made proteins have promising applications in rapid pandemic response, oral drug delivery through bioencapsulation, veterinary medicine, and affordable pharmaceutical production for developing countries.

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Green Nanotechnology using plants for Cancer and Inflammation treatment

Green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are developed using the medicinal plant Taxus wallichiana, whose phytochemicals served as natural reducing and stabilizing agents. Characterization by UV–Vis spectroscopy, SEM, FTIR, and GC–MS confirmed the formation of stable spherical and oval nanoparticles measuring 10–20 nm. Biological evaluation demonstrated enhanced cytotoxicity against U87 glioblastoma cells (up to 85.45%) and superior anti-inflammatory activity compared with the crude plant extract, while acute toxicity studies showed no adverse effects at doses up to 2000 mg/kg. These findings underscore the potential of Taxus wallichiana-derived AgNPs as sustainable nanotherapeutics for cancer and inflammatory diseases.

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