Largest-ever atlas of normal breast cells brings unprecedented insights into mammary biology

A new study has created the world's largest and most comprehensive map of normal breast tissue, providing an unprecedented understanding of mammary biology that may help identify therapeutic targets for diseases such as breast cancer. The Human Breast Cell Atlas used single-cell and spatial genomic methods to profile more than 714,000 cells from 126 women. The breast atlas highlights 12 major cell types and 58 biological cell states, and identifies differences based on ethnicity, age and the menopause status of healthy women.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/MWiKDhB

Helping 'good' gut bacteria and clearing out the 'bad' -- all in one treatment

Probiotics can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome or restore populations of 'good bacteria' after a heavy course of antibiotics. But now, they could also be used as an effective treatment strategy for certain intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease. Researchers have developed a microgel delivery system for probiotics that keeps 'good' bacteria safe while actively clearing out 'bad' ones. In mice, the system treated intestinal inflammation without side effects.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/s9NrtSA

A 'pinch' of mineral salts helps the noncaloric sweeteners go down

Perfect noncaloric replacements for sugar and high fructose corn syrup just don't exist yet. For example, some alternatives have a lingering sweet aftertaste and lack a sugar-like mouthfeel, leaving some consumers unsatisfied. Now, researchers propose adding blends of nutritionally important mineral salts to make noncaloric sweeteners seem more like the real thing. Taste-testers indicated that these blends gave zero- and low-calorie drinks a better flavor.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/eOZ0zXW

New study links contraceptive pills and depression

Women who used combined contraceptive pills were at greater risk of developing depression than women who did not, according to a new study. Contraceptive pills increased women's risk by 73 per cent during the first two years of use.

from Women's Health News -- ScienceDaily https://ift.tt/SwUj1lC