IntroductionNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common complication in preterm infants and is associated with significant mortality and long-term morbidity, including gastrointestinal sequelae, brain injury, and developmental delays. This systematic review and meta-analysis examines long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation who survive NEC and identifies specific developmental domains most vulnerable to neurodevelopmental impairment.MethodsThe systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched Pubmed (including MEDLINE), Embase and Web of Science for relevant articles. Studies were graded for quality using the GRADE system and bias was assessed using the ROBINS-E Risk of Bias tool. We performed gestational-age stratified subgroup analyses (22–28 weeks versus 29–34 weeks) and evaluated the risk of impairment in different neurodevelopmental domains.ResultsSurvivors of NEC are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.32–1.53). Several neurodevelopmental domains are negatively impacted, such as motor skills (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.86–2.32), cognition (RR 1.75, 95% CI 1.57–1.96), vision (RR 4.36, 95% CI 2.91–6.55), hearing (RR 4.09, 95% CI 2.91–5.77) and cerebral palsy (RR 2.48, 95% CI 2.15–2.86). The risk of epilepsy and behavioral problems does not differ between NEC survivors and age-matched controls. This increased risk of impairment after NEC persists after stratification for gestational age and extends into school-age.ConclusionNEC Survivors face an elevated risk of neurodevelopmental impairment, irrespective of gestational age, with deficits spanning multiple developmental domains. These findings highlight the need for targeted, long-term follow-up to enable timely detection and individualized interventions for developmental delays throughout childhood.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42022322564.
Application of neuromodulation techniques in irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gut-brain interaction disorder characterized by abdominal pain/abdominal discomfort accompanied by changes in bowel motility. Its pathogenesis involves the interaction of multiple factors, including abnormalities of the brain-gut axis, intestinal microbiota dysbiosis, and visceral hypersensitivity. Traditional treatment strategies mainly focus on symptomatic relief, which have limitations such as insufficient targeting and significant side effects. Neuromodulation techniques, as an emerging treatment modality, modulate the central or peripheral nervous system through electrical and electromagnetic means, targeting key pathways of the brain-gut axis. These techniques can regulate gut motility and suppress inflammatory responses, thereby alleviating IBS symptoms. Currently, several techniques are widely applied, including electroacupuncture (EA), Sacral Nerve Stimulation (SNS), transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Multiple clinical trials have confirmed their effectiveness in relieving abdominal pain, improving bowel dysfunction, and enhancing quality of life. However, there are still issues such as significant individual differences and insufficient long-term efficacy data. Future research should focus on the development of personalized treatment plans, exploration of combination therapy strategies, and technological innovation to further enhance their clinical value.
Association between childhood ADHD problems and premature mortality: identifying modifiable cardiovascular mechanisms in a UK population cohort
BackgroundIndividuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk of premature mortality, but the mechanisms that underlie this association after young adulthood are unknown. As ADHD is associated with cardiovascular disease, modifiable cardiovascular risk factors could contribute to links between ADHD and premature mortality.AimsThis study aims to investigate whether specific cardiovascular risk factors explain the association between childhood ADHD problems and a higher risk of premature mortality.MethodsWe used the UK 1958 birth cohort, the National Child Development study (NCDS), and linked death register data to examine whether children with ADHD problems at age 7 years were at higher risk of premature mortality by age 58 and if specific modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, measured at midlife (age 44 years), mediated this association using path analysis.ResultsA total of 8,016 individuals completed both the age 7 ADHD assessment and the age 44/45 biomedical assessment. Of these individuals, 231 (3.1%) were grouped as likely having ADHD. The odds ratio (OR) for deaths (n = 251) in the ADHD group versus the non-ADHD group was 1.86 (95% CI 1.08–3.17). The risk was largely explained by cigarette smoking status at midlife and by a higher waist–hip ratio (a measure of obesity).ConclusionsChildhood ADHD problems are associated with a higher risk of premature mortality by age 58. This risk seems to be mainly explained by two potentially modifiable cardiovascular risk factors: obesity and smoking. These risks should be prioritized for preventative interventions to reduce the risk of premature mortality in those with a history of ADHD.
Erratum
Erratum to: “The Link Between Weight Gain and Hippocampal Atrophy in Bipolar Disorder: A Longitudinal Investigation in 934 Participants,” by Fraiha-Pegado et al. (Biol Psychiatry 2026); https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2026.01.020.
Dysfunctional brain circuits overlap in lesional and idiopathic obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may develop following brain lesions, but lesion distribution and connectivity patterns are unknown.
Real-time brain-controlled selective hearing enhances speech perception in multi-talker environments
Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 11 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02281-5
This study shows that brain signals can identify and amplify the voice a person wants to hear in a crowded scene. Choudhari et al. provide evidence that brain-controlled hearing can improve speech perception and clarity in noisy environments.
Genewiz Launches Gene Synthesis 2.0
Genewiz, Azenta Life Sciences’ genomics services provider, launched Gene Synthesis 2.0, an updated platform designed to simplify how researchers design and order genes.
Built around three packages, Sprint, Flex, and Flex+, Gene Synthesis 2.0 introduces a streamlined, intuitive ordering experience, according to Trey Martin, president of Genewiz, who adds that researchers can design cloning strategies, select vectors, assess sequence complexity, and place orders in minutes.
The product also introduces an upgraded codon optimization capability that combines established heuristic approaches with machine‑learning models trained on a high‑expression dataset, continues Martin. This approach can improve expression reliability across a wide range of organisms and sequence architectures while maintaining customer control over design choices, he points out.
“Gene Synthesis 2.0 reflects how researchers work today—where speed, clarity, and reliability matter at every step,” says Martin, “By simplifying the path from sequence design to execution, this offering helps scientists move faster in rapidly evolving fields such as antibody discovery, AI-enabled biology, and gene and cell therapy.”
Gene Synthesis 2.0 is being highlighted at ASGCT this week at booth 915.
The post Genewiz Launches Gene Synthesis 2.0 appeared first on GEN – Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News.
Validity and Reliability of the Track-UL Algorithm Compared With Kinovea Software for Measuring Upper-Limb Functional Range of Motion in People After Stroke: Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Background: Approximately 70% of survivors of stroke have problems with arm function. Physiotherapists assess arm functional range of motion (ROM) using either a goniometer or functional questionnaires, which lack objective accuracy and require a skilled physiotherapist. We developed the Track-UL algorithm based on a markerless motion capture system to measure arm ROM. Objective: This study aimed to measure the agreement between our novel Track-UL algorithm and Kinovea software in assessing arm ROM during functional tasks in the laboratory and home settings. Methods: Videos were recorded while 27 survivors of chronic stroke performed 4 functional tasks (forward reaching, arm abduction, moving the hand toward the mouth, and moving the hand toward the head) in the laboratory and at home. The videos were analyzed by 2 independent raters using the Track-UL algorithm and Kinovea software. The limits of agreement and intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: We found no clinically significant systematic bias in shoulder and elbow angle, with good agreement between the Track-UL algorithm and Kinovea software (assessed via Bland-Altman plots). The 95% limits of agreement were –3.18 to 6.41 degrees for the shoulder joint and −5.35 to 8.78 degrees for the elbow joint in the laboratory setting, and –6.21 to 3.62 degrees for the shoulder joint and −4.06 to 2.53 degrees for the elbow joint in the home setting. There was excellent absolute agreement between the measurement tools across all tasks and joints; intraclass correlation coefficient values ranged from 0.97 (95% CI 0.97-0.99) to 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-0.99; <.001 for both laboratory and home measurements). Conclusions: The novel Track-UL algorithm is an accurate, valid, and easy tool that can be used to assess upper-limb ROM in survivors of stroke at clinics and potentially at home. This will support physiotherapists in remotely monitoring and adapting rehabilitation programs.
Smartphone App–Delivered Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Concussion in Adolescents (MBI-4-mTBI): Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Background: Persisting symptoms affect about one-third of youth following concussion. Mental health history, distress, and coping style are key predictors of prolonged recovery. Early and scalable psychological interventions, such as mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) delivered via smartphones, may improve patients’ ability to regulate their emotions and neurophysiologically recover, reducing overall symptom burden. However, no digital therapeutic (DTx) trials in adolescents experiencing concussion exist. Objective: This study primarily aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a DTx-MBI in adolescents with a concussion compared with an attention-matched sham intervention. Methods: This was a Health Canada-regulated, parallel-group, blinded, single-crossover feasibility RCT. Adolescents aged 12 to <18 years presenting to a Pediatric Emergency Department or interdisciplinary concussion clinic within 7 days of a physician-diagnosed concussion were approached for participation from November 2022 to June 2024. After providing consent, participants were randomized (1:1), stratified by sex, to either the experimental group (DTx-MBI) or the control group (sham, attention-matched math puzzle game). The DTx-MBI was delivered via the AmDTx platform (Mobio Interactive Pte Ltd, Singapore) as a custom-designed 4-to-8-week program of 8 standardized modules for adolescents with concussion, including audio-recorded guided mindfulness exercises, goal setting, journaling, and psychoeducation. The control intervention, delivered through the same interface, excluded mindfulness content and instead featured the open-source game “2048”. Participants in both groups were encouraged to engage with the app for at least 10 minutes/day, at least 4 days/week. Feasibility criteria to support progression to a full-scale RCT included: eligibility rate >40% of those screened; recruitment rate >50% of eligible participants randomized; intervention credibility >70% scoring above the midpoint on the credibility and expectancy questionnaire (CEQ) at 1 week; retention >75% of randomized participants completing 4-week outcomes; and adherence >70% completing 10 minutes of intervention on at least 4 days/week for 4 weeks. Results: A total of 124 out of 195 (63.6%) screened youth met eligibility criteria. Of these, 99/124 (79.8%) consented and were randomized to either the DTx-MBI group (n=49, median [IQR] age=15.28 [13.66‐16.19] years, 30 [61.2%] female) or the Sham group (n=50, median [IQR] age=14.92 [13.32‐16.71] years, 30 [60.0%] female). Credibility was high, with 62/83 (74.7%) of participants scoring above the credibility midpoint (DTx-MBI: 75.0%; Sham: 74.4%). Retention was strong, with 89/99 (89.9%) of participants completing the 4-week outcomes (DTx-MBI: 89.8%; control: 90.0%). Overall adherence was moderate (54/99 [54.5%]; DTx-MBI: 59.2%; control: 50.0%), and a little higher among outcome assessment completers (53/89 [59.6%]; DTx-MBI: 63.6%; Sham: 55.6%). Feasibility indicators were similar between groups. Conclusions: This feasibility trial supports the implementation of a larger RCT, with modifications to enhance adherence, to rigorously evaluate the clinical efficacy of the DTx-MBI. By targeting modifiable psychological risk factors through a scalable digital platform, DTx-MBI could be a low-burden, cost-effective adjunct to pediatric concussion care. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov NCT05105802; International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.2196/57226
Supreme Court temporarily extends women’s access to a widely used abortion pill
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is leaving women’s access to a widely used abortion pill untouched until at least Thursday, while the justices consider whether to allow restrictions on the drug, mifepristone, to take effect.
Justice Samuel Alito’s order Monday allows women seeking abortions to continue obtaining the pill at pharmacies or through the mail, without an in-person visit to a doctor. It prevents restrictions on mifepristone imposed by a federal appeals court from taking effect for the time being.