Interest in medical cannabis has grown sharply in recent years, yet scientific evidence of its actual effectiveness in managing pain remains inconclusive. Physicians often face a dilemma on how to use this therapeutic option in practice.

AI companions are quickly becoming a part of teenage life. A new U.S. study shows that over half of teens use them—mostly out of curiosity or for entertainment. But the research also highlights serious risks to teens’ mental health and safety.

ENPP1 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1) deficiency is a rare but devastating genetic disorder that affects bone and vascular health. Around half of affected children die within the first six months of life, and surviving patients often suffer from skeletal abnormalities, growth impairment, and hearing loss—seen in up to 75% of cases. American researchers have now demonstrated that hearing loss caused by ENPP1 deficiency can be prevented or reversed in mice using enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).

Asthma is a widespread condition that can significantly impact quality of life, and despite advances in treatment, it remains a major public health concern. Preventing asthma remains one of the greatest research challenges. An Australian team recently evaluated whether neonatal vaccination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)—a vaccine developed for tuberculosis—could also serve as an immunomodulatory tool in preventing asthma and allergies.

Skin conditions affect up to 70% of the global population. Fast and accurate diagnosis is therefore crucial for timely treatment and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. A new multimodal artificial intelligence model, PanDerm—developed by an international team led by Monash University in Melbourne—brings a powerful support tool to everyday dermatological practice.

Behind the globally consumed condiment generating billions in sales lies a story full of radical twists. Ketchup rose to popularity thanks to the alleged medicinal properties of tomatoes, hygiene concerns over perishable foods, and the shift to industrial food production and glass-bottled preservation. Today, it's a staple of nutritionists’ least favorite fast food meals—and has even been dethroned in popularity by salsa. Here's how to advise patients who indulge in ketchup more than they should.

Ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreas remains one of the most lethal malignancies, with a global 5-year survival rate below 10% and a median recurrence-free survival of less than 14 months after resection. Despite progress in surgery and adjuvant therapies, the tumor’s aggressiveness and resistance to standard chemotherapy make it a diagnosis that continues to defy therapeutic advances. These challenges have led researchers to focus increasingly on immunotherapy—particularly the use of therapeutic vaccines.