Press review
The essentials of recent medical publications, unpacked by our newsroom into a clear, sourced digest, specialty by specialty.
RhumatologyTherapeutic sauna and rheumatic diseases: can heat benefit chronic inflammation?
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 22, 2025 | 3 min readRheumatic diseases (RDs) represent a major public health challenge, exacerbated by population aging. These conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and systemic sclerosis, are characterized by chronic inflammation, joint pain, and long-term functional impairment. Given the limitations of conventional tr
PsychiatryWinter blues: what if lifestyle were the key?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 19, 2025 | 3 min readSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurrent form of depression, primarily triggered by reduced daylight in autumn and winter. It affects mood, sleep, energy, appetite, and social functioning. Although often considered mild, it can have a substantial impact on quality of life, particularly in northern regions or among at-risk individua
General MedicineCinnamon and the heart: simple spice or health ally?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 18, 2025 | 3 min readCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, largely driven by metabolic risk factors such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and overweight. Although pharmacological treatments are well established, they may be associated with side effects or poor tolerance, particularly in patients with chronic c
General MedicineCold at home: an underestimated risk
By Ana Espino | Published on December 17, 2025 | 3 min readCold indoor temperatures—often below 18 °C—represent a health risk that remains underestimated, despite official recommendations, notably from the WHO. Such environments are common in situations of energy poverty, particularly in temperate or cold countries, and mainly affect older adults, frail individuals, or those with low incomes. The
General MedicineDark chocolate: guilty pleasure or a renal ally?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 16, 2025 | 3 min readControlling blood pressure and renal perfusion is essential in nephrology, since these two parameters play a key role in preventing cardiovascular and kidney disease. Good blood flow to the kidneys helps preserve their function, whereas high or poorly regulated blood pressure can accelerate renal deterioration. Improving renal vasodilation
Physical Medicine and RehabilitationA post-exercise infrared sauna session: a booster for neuromuscular recovery or just comfort?
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 15, 2025 | 3 min readInfrared sauna (IRS) therapy is increasingly used as a post-exercise recovery method in athletic settings, although scientific evidence supporting its benefits remains limited. Unlike traditional saunas, IRS operates via thermal radiation (wavelength 1–12 µm) and heats the air to moderate temperatures (43 ± 5°C). It is hypothesized to pr
General MedicineCinnamon: more than just a spice?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 12, 2025 | 3 min readCinnamon essential oil, extracted mainly from Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cinnamomum cassia, has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This substance is rich in bioactive compounds, notably cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, and linalool, which give it antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic properties. However, de
PneumonologyPneumothorax: surgery or patience?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 11, 2025 | 3 min readPneumothorax is a common thoracic condition caused by the presence of air in the pleural cavity. It can be primary—occurring in individuals without underlying lung disease—or secondary, linked to conditions such as COPD. Treatment mainly relies on two approaches: conservative management (oxygen therapy, aspiration) and minimally invasive s
GynecologyCabotegravir and pregnancy: a winning combination or a risky gamble?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 10, 2025 | 3 min readHIV remains a major global health crisis, affecting 39 million people in 2022. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), primarily administered orally, is highly effective in reducing viral transmission. However, its success largely depends on daily adherence—an obstacle in many high-prevalence regions. Among emerging strategies, cabotegravir, a lo
GeriatricsCan cocoa help preserve memory in older adults?
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 9, 2025 | 3 min readAging is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s-related dementia. These disorders often begin with subtle impairments in cognitive functions long before clinical symptoms emerge. Early intervention to slow this progression represents a major public health challenge. Cocoa flavanols, particularly (-)-epicate
Allergology and ImmunologyTurner syndrome and autoimmunity: an underestimated association?
By Ana Espino | Published on December 8, 2025 | 3 min readTurner syndrome (TS) is a rare chromosomal disorder affecting only girls, characterized by the total or partial loss of one X chromosome. Beyond the classic somatic manifestations—cardiac, endocrine, or bone-related—TS is associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, which represent a significant source of morbidity throughout l
Endocrinology and MetabolismCould cinnamon become a natural treatment for metabolic syndrome?
By Lila Rouland | Published on December 5, 2025 | 3 min readMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is an increasingly prevalent public health concern worldwide. It encompasses a cluster of conditions including hypertension, visceral obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. These abnormalities—often linked to sedentary lifestyles and unbalanced diets—substantially increase the risk of cardi