Latest news with #NatureScientificReports


Korea Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Korea Herald
Peer-Reviewed Study in Nature Scientific Reports Demonstrates Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Using Alma's Energy-Based Technology
CAESAREA, Israel, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly published, peer-reviewed study in Nature Scientific Reports, part of the prestigious Nature Portfolio, presents compelling clinical evidence on the effectiveness of non-invasive energy-based technology for abdominal fat reduction. The study demonstrated statistically significant decreases in abdominal fat layer thickness in Korean women with abdominal obesity, following a series of ultrasound and radiofrequency treatments using Alma's Accent Prime platform. Conducted at Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital by Dr. Yeo Ju Sohn and Dr. Hyejin Chun of the Department of Family Medicine at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, the research confirmed measurable fat layer reduction through ultrasound imaging and waist circumference assessments. Patients reported high satisfaction and consistently strong tolerance throughout the treatment protocol, with no adverse events observed. This publication comes at a time when abdominal obesity is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, both in South Korea and globally. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity—a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. As obesity rates continue to rise, so does the urgency for safe, effective, and accessible treatment options beyond surgical intervention. "This study highlights the evolving role of non-invasive modalities in body shaping and reinforces their potential significance in the broader context of health and wellness," said Lior Dayan, CEO of Alma. "This new publication strengthens the scientific foundation supporting Alma's technologies and showcases our commitment to advancing innovation that prioritizes patient safety, enhances the treatment experience, and keeps pace with the evolving needs of modern patients." Accent Prime combines proprietary ultrasound and radiofrequency technologies to deliver personalized, non-invasive treatments for body contouring, skin tightening, and facial rejuvenation. The platform is CE marked and approved for the treatment of various different indications, including facial and body contouring, skin tightening, cellulite reduction, and skin rejuvenation. Widely adopted by leading clinics worldwide, Accent Prime offers flexible, combination-based protocols that support tailored treatment strategies across diverse skin types and body areas—without the need for surgery or downtime. These proprietary ultrasound and radiofrequency technologies have also been clinically validated in other products from Alma's Body Contouring series, such as Alma PrimeX. Alma is a global leader in medical aesthetic solutions, with over 25 years of innovation. We empower practitioners to deliver safe, effective, and life-transforming treatments to their patients, utilizing state-of-the-art, clinically proven solutions such as energy-based device lasers, diagnostics, injectables, and advanced skincare. Alma's multiple award-winning products have set a new benchmark in the medical aesthetic industry, both in terms of clinical excellence and groundbreaking innovations.


The Wire
3 days ago
- Health
- The Wire
Peer-Reviewed Study in Nature Scientific Reports Demonstrates Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Using Alma's Energy-Based Technology
CAESAREA, Israel, June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A newly published, peer-reviewed study in Nature Scientific Reports, part of the prestigious Nature Portfolio, presents compelling clinical evidence on the effectiveness of non-invasive energy-based technology for abdominal fat reduction. The study demonstrated statistically significant decreases in abdominal fat layer thickness in Korean women with abdominal obesity, following … Continue reading "Peer-Reviewed Study in Nature Scientific Reports Demonstrates Non-Invasive Fat Reduction Using Alma's Energy-Based Technology"


The Citizen
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
UJ scientists discover anticancer potential in common invasive plant
In a discovery that could reshape cancer treatment, researchers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have identified promising medical properties in an unlikely source: the common woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum), a plant often dismissed as an invasive weed. Their findings, published in Nature Scientific Reports, reveal that extracts from the plant's ripe fruit exhibit potent activity against aggressive brain cancer cells and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ALSO READ: Local learners do Maths and Science in a fun way Led by Dr Abraham Goodness Ogofure, alongside Dr Tendani Sebola and Professor Ezekiel Green of the Molecular Pathogenic and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group (MPMERG), the study found the ripe fruit contains 15 distinct bioactive compounds—three times more than the unripe fruit. Among these, alkaloids and terpenoids account for over 50%, both known for their therapeutic potential. 'Through advanced LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, we detected – but have not yet isolated – these compounds,' clarifies Ogofure. 'While our findings show strong anticancer activity in the extracts against glioblastoma cells, we do not yet know which specific compounds are responsible for this effect. Encouragingly, the extracts had minimal impact on healthy lung cells, suggesting potential selectivity.' The antibacterial results were equally significant, with the plant extract demonstrating activity against 11 harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. 'These findings come at a crucial time, as antibiotic resistance contributes to an estimated 5 million deaths globally each year,' notes Ogofure. ALSO READ: Community gets empowered with citizen science Sebola highlighted the broader implications: 'It is fascinating that a plant often removed as a nuisance may offer tools to tackle two of the most pressing global health threats: cancer and antimicrobial resistance.' Looking ahead, the research team plans to isolate individual compounds from the extract, evaluate them against glioblastoma and other pathogens, and explore the effects of using consortia of these compounds in combination. 'This is just the beginning,' adds Green. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
UJ researchers unlock cancer-fighting potential in common weed
In a discovery that could reshape cancer treatment, researchers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have identified promising medical properties in an unlikely source — the common woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum). The Witness reports that the plant, often dismissed as an invasive weed, through the doctors' findings published in Nature Scientific Reports, revealed that extracts from the plant's ripe fruit exhibit potent activity against both aggressive brain cancer cells and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Led by Dr Abraham Goodness Ogofure, alongside Dr Tendani Sebola and Professor Ezekiel Green (leader) of the Molecular Pathogenic and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, the study found that the ripe fruit contains 15 distinct bioactive compounds, three times more than the unripe fruit. Among these, alkaloids and terpenoids account for over 50%, both known for their therapeutic potential. 'Through advanced LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, we detected — but have not yet isolated — these compounds,' said Ogofure. 'While our findings show strong anticancer activity in the extracts against glioblastoma cells, we do not yet know which specific compounds are responsible for this effect. Encouragingly, the extracts had minimal impact on healthy lung cells, suggesting potential selectivity.' The antibacterial results were equally significant, with the plant extract demonstrating activity against 11 harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and 'These findings come at a crucial time, as antibiotic resistance is estimated to contribute to five million deaths globally each year,' said Ogofure. Sebola highlighted the broader implications. 'It's fascinating that a plant often removed as a nuisance may offer tools to tackle two of the most pressing global health threats: cancer and antimicrobial resistance,' Sebola said. Looking ahead, the research team plans to isolate individual compounds from the extract, evaluate them against glioblastoma and other pathogens, and explore the effects of using consortia of these compounds in combination. 'This is just the beginning,' said Green. 'This work is about more than just a plant — it's about rethinking how we perceive biodiversity. Sometimes, what we consider weeds may hold the key to transformative medical breakthroughs.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!


The Star
26-04-2025
- Science
- The Star
We tend to like the smell of our friends, and potential friends
Just like animals, humans too tend to sniff out who they are likely to befriend, albeit without being aware of it. — AFP It is often believed that friendship is sparked with a good feeling, an exchange of glances, or a few well-chosen words. But behind these first impressions lies a more complex genuine chemistry. An American study published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports reveals that our sense of smell could be the real driver of our affinity for one person over another. Cornell University professor of psychology Dr Vivian Zayas and Tennessee State University assistant professor of psychology Dr Jessica Gaby conducted a study on a group of heterosexual women with a surprising purpose. Their goal was to explore how our sense of smell influences our feelings of friendship. The researchers devised an original experimental protocol for a 'speed-friending' event organised between the women. Volunteers first wore a t-shirt for around 12 hours, during which they conducted their normal daily routine. These garments were then presented to other participants, who were asked to sniff them and say whether the smell evoked a sensation that the wearer was trustworthy and sympathetic, without knowing anything about the individual. At the same time, they were shown photos of faces for a very short time (just 0.1 seconds) and asked to say whether they thought they would get along with the person in the photo. Finally, everyone took part in a series of four-minute face-to-face conversations, followed by a new evaluation. And the results suggested that the nose does more than just smell scents: it picks up much more subtle signals. When a participant liked the smell of a t-shirt, she was much more likely to feel a connection with its owner during conversation. Even more surprising, just a quick glance at a face could reflect a pre-existing olfactory attraction. This magic lies in what researchers call 'diplomatic odour', a personal signature resulting from a combination of everyday factors. 'It's not just about perfume. It's your dietary choices. Are you a cat person or a dog person? What laundry detergent do you use? 'All these judgements come together,' explains Asst Prof Gaby in a press release. But that's not all. The nose appears to have impressive predictive ability. The study shows a strong correlation between the participants' initial olfactory preferences, their impressions after face-to-face exchanges, and their final stated affinities. 'All participants in the study had a consistent olfactory profile in terms of their preferences. 'But this consistency did not mean that some smelled good and others smelled bad. 'No, the preferences were very personal. 'For example, you could prefer the smell of person A to that of B, then to that of C, without it being a question of 'good' or 'bad' smell,' says Prof Zayas. 'Everybody showed they had a consistent signature of what they liked. 'And the consistency was not that in the group one person smelled really bad and one person smelled really good. 'No, it was idiosyncratic. 'I might like person A over B over C based on scent, and this pattern predicts who I end up liking in the chat,' she adds. Even more fascinating, our olfactory judgments are not fixed. A pleasant interaction can transform an unappealing smell into a pleasant scent. In short, if the chemistry is right, the nose follows. The findings of this study broaden our understanding of the subtle mechanisms of human encounters. Our sense of smell, often relegated to the background, may play a key role in the formation of friendships. So, the next time you instinctively feel comfortable with a stranger, listen to your nose: it may be guiding you toward a beautiful friendship. – AFP Relaxnews