Cancer-Causing Habits, Poop Transplants, And More! : ScienceAlert

Science Alert: This Week’s Biggest Breakthroughs in Tech & Health

In a whirlwind of discovery, scientists have uncovered game-changing insights across medicine, space exploration, and even the hidden world inside our bodies. From lifestyle habits that fuel cancer to groundbreaking pills that slash cholesterol, here’s everything you need to know.

Most Preventable Cancers Are Linked to Just Two Lifestyle Habits
A sweeping WHO analysis has revealed that 38% of cancer cases are tied to preventable factors—and the culprits are shockingly simple. Smoking tops the list, linked to 15% of all cases, while alcohol consumption follows closely behind, accounting for 3.2% (roughly 700,000 cases annually). The message is clear: small lifestyle changes could save millions of lives.

Painful Side Effect of Statins Explained After Decades of Mystery
For years, patients have reported muscle pain from statins, but the cause remained elusive. Now, scientists have cracked the code: statins trigger calcium ions to flood muscle cells, causing weakness and discomfort. The good news? Researchers are exploring two solutions—redesigning statins to avoid this side effect or using experimental drugs like Rycal to block the calcium leak.

Poop From Young Donors Reverses Age-Related Decline in The Guts of Older Mice
In a bizarre yet brilliant study, scientists found that transplanting gut bacteria from young mice into older ones rejuvenated their intestines. Stem cell activity surged, reversing age-related decline and boosting gut health. “Younger microbiota can prompt older intestines to heal faster and function more like younger ones,” says molecular biologist Hartmut Geiger. Could this be the future of anti-aging treatments?

Confirmed: NASA’s Crewed Moon Mission Delayed After Fuel Leaks
NASA’s Artemis II mission, set to send four astronauts (three from the U.S., one from Canada) on a lunar fly-around, has been pushed back to March. A fuel leak during a dress rehearsal forced the delay, giving engineers time to conduct another fueling test. While the setback is frustrating, it’s a necessary step to ensure the safety of the crew.

Cholesterol Levels Slashed by 60% in Promising New Pill Trial
A year-long clinical trial has delivered stunning results: a new pill called enlicitide reduced “bad” cholesterol by up to 60% in high-risk patients. The FDA has fast-tracked the drug for review, potentially bringing it to market sooner than expected. For millions at risk of heart disease, this could be a life-saving breakthrough.

Surprising Find Inside Kidney Stones Suggests We Were Wrong About How They Form
Bacteria have been discovered inside kidney stones for the first time, upending decades of assumptions. “This breakthrough challenges the long-held belief that stones form solely through chemical and physical processes,” says urologist Kymora Scotland. Instead, bacteria may play an active role in their formation, opening new avenues for prevention and treatment.

Tags:
Cancer prevention, lifestyle habits, statins, muscle pain, gut health, poop transplant, stem cells, NASA, Artemis II, Moon mission, cholesterol, enlicitide, kidney stones, bacteria, medical breakthroughs

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