Medical Bulletin 02/July/2026

Here are the top medical news for today:

Scientists Develop New Tool for Early Autism Detection Beyond Blood-Brain Barrier Challenges

A new study published in NeuroMarkers suggests that measuring nitric oxide (NO) production in patient-derived stem cells could help distinguish autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from intellectual disability (ID), even when both conditions share the same genetic mutation.

Researchers from Ohio University used a highly sensitive carbon-fiber nanosensor to measure real-time NO production in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are created by reprogramming adult cells into an early developmental state. Because the technique analyzes patient-derived cells directly, it avoids challenges associated with blood-based biomarkers, which often fail to accurately reflect changes occurring in the brain due to the blood-brain barrier.

The study found clear differences in NO levels among the groups. Stem cells derived from individuals with ASD produced approximately 6 nanomoles (nM) of nitric oxide, while cells from patients with intellectual disability produced about 11 nM. In contrast, stem cells from healthy individuals generated around 65 nM, creating a distinct biochemical pattern that allowed researchers to differentiate the conditions.

The scientists selected undifferentiated iPSCs because they represent the earliest stages of human development and are not influenced by factors such as age, diet, medication use, or disease progression.

Currently, autism is diagnosed primarily through behavioral assessments, which often delay diagnosis until later in childhood. The researchers believe this nanosensor-based approach could eventually support much earlier detection, potentially within the first few months of life using easily obtained somatic cells.

Although the study involved a limited number of patient samples, the findings demonstrate the potential of real-time nitric oxide measurements as a biomarker for differentiating neurodevelopmental disorders. Larger studies will be needed to validate the results before the technique can be considered for clinical use.

REFERENCE: Khan, A. A., & Dewald, H. D. (2026). Nanosensor-based method for autism diagnosis using nitric oxide from patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells as a biomarker. NeuroMarkers. DOI:10.1016/j.neumar.2026.100166. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950588726000145?via=ihub.

Study Identifies Exercise That Helps Older Adults Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) may help older adults lose body fat while preserving muscle mass, according to a study led by researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast and published in Maturitas. The findings suggest that exercise intensity plays an important role in maintaining healthy body composition during aging.

The study involved more than 120 healthy adults from the Greater Brisbane region, with an average age of 72 years. Participants attended three supervised gym-based exercise sessions each week for six months. Researchers compared the effects of high-, moderate-, and low-intensity exercise on body fat and lean muscle mass.

All exercise programs resulted in modest reductions in body fat. However, only participants in the HIIT group maintained their lean muscle mass while losing fat. In contrast, those performing moderate-intensity exercise also lost fat but experienced a small decline in muscle mass. Both high- and moderate-intensity exercise improved fat distribution around the abdomen, although further analysis is needed to fully assess the effects of low-intensity training.

Researchers noted that preserving muscle is especially important for older adults because age-related muscle loss can reduce strength, mobility, and independence while increasing the risk of chronic diseases and falls.

In this study, HIIT consisted of repeated short bursts of very vigorous exercise, during which breathing became heavy and conversation was difficult, followed by lower-intensity recovery periods.

While all forms of regular exercise offer health benefits, HIIT may provide a particular advantage for older adults seeking to reduce fat without compromising muscle mass. They note that further research is needed to evaluate long-term outcomes and determine the most suitable exercise programs for different populations.

REFERENCE: Grace Rose, Emily Hume, Daniel Blackmore, Jules Mitchell, Samuel Belford, Tina Skinner, Maryam Ziaei, Stephan Riek, Perry Bartlett, Mia Schaumberg. Exercise intensity influences body composition: a 6-month comparison of high-intensity interval, moderate- and low-intensity training among healthy older adults. Maturitas, 2025; 203: 108763 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2025.108763

Researchers Link Vitamins A and D to Healthier Lungs in Asthma

Higher blood levels of vitamins A and D may be associated with better lung function in people with asthma, according to a study published in Thorax. Researchers also found that higher vitamin D levels in adults were linked to slower biological aging, highlighting a possible role for these nutrients in long-term respiratory health.

The study included 1,165 children from the Genetic Epidemiology of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (GACRS) and 1,041 adults from the Omic Determinants of Longitudinal Lung Function in Asthma (ODOLLFA) study.

Researchers measured blood levels of vitamins A and D, along with epigenetic markers such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and DNA methylation, which influence gene activity. Lung function was assessed using forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio.

Children and adults with higher vitamin A levels consistently showed better lung function, including higher FEV1 and FVC values, than those with lower levels. Among adults, vitamin D levels of at least 30 ng/mL were also associated with better lung function and reduced signs of epigenetic aging, suggesting that adequate vitamin D may help slow biological aging in people with asthma.

Further analysis identified miRNAs regulating 248 genes linked to vitamins A and D. These genes appear to play important roles in inflammation, lung function, and aging, indicating that epigenetic mechanisms may partly explain how these vitamins influence respiratory health.

The researchers note that this is the first study to integrate vitamin A and D levels with lung function and epigenetic markers in both children and adults with asthma. However, because the study was observational, it cannot establish cause and effect.

Experts say further research is needed to determine whether improving vitamin status can directly enhance lung function or slow biological aging in people with asthma.

REFERENCE: Sharma R, Kachroo P, Mendez KM, et al.; The impact of vitamins A and D on lung function and regulatory epigenetics in adult and childhood asthma; Thorax Published Online First: 30 June 2026; doi: 10.1136/thorax-2025-223756