Health and science stories I’ve found interesting and worth sharing, gathered in one place.
Browse the latest additions below and follow the links to read the full articles on the publishers’ websites.
Molecular Biology Reports · 10 October 2026
Researchers have identified effects of tadalafil that could help guide the development of future treatments for muscle-wasting conditions.
In a laboratory study, scientists investigated mouse-derived muscle precursor cells—the cells that can develop into muscle fibres. Tadalafil increased their multiplication and survival, while reducing expression of myostatin and TGF-beta, proteins involved in regulating muscle development.
An intriguing finding was that the cells remained in an earlier developmental state for longer. The researchers suggest this could have potential value by allowing precursor cells to multiply before maturing.
However, treatment also delayed the formation of mature muscle-like structures. Whether that balance would ultimately improve muscle repair needs further investigation.
NCC perspective: This is an interesting early step towards understanding how medicines might influence muscle regeneration. The potential deserves further research, although this cell study cannot establish benefits for muscle growth, strength or recovery in people.
Read the original research on PubMed →
Medical News Today · 5 October 2026
A 12-week study of 64 adults aged 45–65 reported gains in lean tissue among participants taking creatine, including those who did not join the structured exercise programme.
The study was small, participants chose whether to exercise, and scans measured lean tissue rather than muscle directly. The findings do not establish that creatine can replace resistance training. Read the report for the results and limitations.
Read the full article on Medical News Today →
Medical News Today · 25 July 2026
Laboratory research suggests that compounds in coffee can activate NR4A1, a protein involved in cellular stress and inflammation.
This offers a possible explanation for some reported health associations, but it does not prove that drinking coffee slows ageing in people.
Read the full article on Medical News Today →
Medical News Today · 8 September 2026
Research presented at ESC Congress 2026 linked higher blood xylitol levels with cardiovascular events in two observational cohorts.
This does not establish that consuming xylitol causes heart attacks; the body also produces xylitol. Read the report for the findings and limitations.
GB News · 13 September 2026
This report explores concerns about anticholinergic medicines, their possible link with dementia and the information patients receive about potential risks.
The research discussed reports an association; it does not establish that these medicines cause dementia. If you have concerns about your medication, speak to your prescriber before making any changes.