Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
Endocrinology and MetabolismMicrobiota & Alcohol: toward a new treatment?
By Ana Espino | Published on January 13, 2026 | 3 min readAlcohol dependence (or alcohol use disorder – AUD) is a major public health problem, responsible for millions of deaths each year. It is frequently comorbid with psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression) and physical conditions (notably alcoholic liver disease). Despite the availability of medical treatments (disulfiram, naltrexone, acamp
AddictologyAlzheimer’s disease & alcohol: a toxic duo for the brain?
By Ana Espino | Published on January 12, 2026 | 3 min readAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the leading cause of dementia worldwide. Among modifiable risk factors, excessive alcohol consumption has drawn increasing attention. High-dose alcohol exposure is well known for its neurotoxic effects; however, its precise role in the development or worsening of AD re
AddictologyCross-addictions: when drugs and alcohol reinforce each other
By Ana Espino | Published on January 8, 2026 | 3 min readAlcohol and drug dependence represent a major public health issue and are frequently observed as comorbid conditions. When a substance use disorder (SUD) co-occurs with problematic alcohol consumption, clinical outcomes are more severe: increased risk of relapse, worsening of psychiatric disorders, and reduced response to treatment. One of t
OncologyCancer vaccines: a revolution underway?
By Ana Espino | Published on January 7, 2026 | 3 min readCancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite major therapeutic advances (immunotherapy, targeted therapies), many cancers resist treatment or relapse. One key limitation of current approaches is their inability to induce durable immune memory against tumor cells, which can evade immune surveillance. Therapeutic cancer
PsychiatrySeasonality and mental health: how winter and summer shape our minds
By Carolina Lima | Published on January 6, 2026 | 3 min readSeasonal changes have long been suspected to influence mood and psychiatric disorders. Clinical observations confirm that symptoms fluctuate throughout the year, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. A recent review published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025) by Modzelewski and colleagues introduces the immunoseasonal the
PsychiatryWinter depression: can vitamin d shed light on mood?
By Ana Espino | Published on January 5, 2026 | 3 min readSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent form of major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, characterized by depressive episodes occurring at specific times of the year, predominantly in winter. Despite the partial effectiveness of light therapy, antidepressants, or cognitive therapy, a substantial proportion of patients remain i
Endocrinology and MetabolismHoliday weight gain: small indulgences, big effects?
By Ana Espino | Published on January 2, 2026 | 3 min readEvery year, holiday periods—particularly Christmas, New Year’s, Thanksgiving, or Golden Week—are associated with social gatherings, rest… and often dietary excess. Many adults report slight weight gain during these festive periods. Although this phenomenon is widely acknowledged anecdotally, it has rarely been quantified rigorously. Yet even
OncologyAromatherapy in patients with cancer: hope for anxiety, but not for depression?
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 31, 2025 | 3 min readAnxiety and depression affect a substantial proportion of people with cancer, severely impacting quality of life and adherence to treatment. Although psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed, their side effects (drowsiness, dependence, headaches) justify the growing interest in complementary therapies, including aromatherapy. Thi
InfectiologyEmerging influenza threat: the rapid rise of A(H3N2) subclade k in Europe
By Carolina Lima | Published on Décember 30, 2025 | 3 min readThe European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published a Threat Assessment Brief on 20 November 2025 addressing the growing circulation of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K across Europe. This K variant has spread quickly across Europe and other regions over the past months accounting for a significant proportion of influenz
OncologyCombined exercise: a winning strategy for post–breast cancer cardiorespiratory fitness
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 29, 2025 | 3 min readBreast cancer, although increasingly well treated, still exposes patients to a higher risk of treatment-related cardiovascular toxicity. This toxicity can lead to a significant decline in cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), a core component of overall health that is closely linked to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Despite growing i
InfectiologyZinc: a natural weapon against viruses?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 26, 2025 | 3 min readAcute viral respiratory tract infections (AVRTIs), such as the common cold or influenza, impose a substantial burden at both individual and societal levels. They account for millions of medical consultations, widespread use of symptomatic treatments, productivity losses, and, in some cases, severe complications. Conventional management is
General MedicineTherapeutic cocoa: myth or medicine?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 23, 2025 | 3 min read Dark chocolate, when rich in cocoa (≥70%), contains high concentrations of flavonoids, polyphenols, and methylxanthines—bioactive compounds that have been associated for several years with potential health benefits. Numerous studies suggest that it may play a protective role in several chronic conditions, including cardiovascular, metabol