The herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) is a cunning foe that has been infecting humans for centuries. While it’s well-known for causing cold sores, what’s less understood is how this virus hijacks our cells to reproduce itself. A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals the shocking truth: HSV-1 reshapes our genome in three-dimensional space, rearranging its structure to access host genes that help it multiply.

This “opportunistic interior designer” uses its precision to manipulate the human genome, choosing which bits to interact with and exploiting host resources. Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona made this groundbreaking discovery using super-resolution microscopy and Hi-C techniques, which allowed them to visualize structures as small as 20 nanometers.

Within the first hour of infection, HSV-1 hijacks the human RNA-polymerase II enzyme to synthesize its own proteins. This is followed by the recruitment of topoisomerase I, an enzyme that snips DNA to release torsional stress, and cohesin, a structural protein. Three hours after infection, most polymerase and a sizeable fraction of the other two factors have abandoned human genes.

The consequences are devastating: transcription collapses across the host genome, causing chromatin to compact into a dense shell just 30% of its original volume. This was an unexpected finding, as the structure of chromatin is thought to dictate transcription. The relationship between activity and structure might be a two-way street.

This study has significant implications for public health, especially given the prevalence of HSV-1 worldwide. With nearly four billion people infected, treatments are available only to manage symptoms, while drug-resistant strains are on the rise. There is no cure.

The discovery of topoisomerase I as a potential target for therapy brings new hope. Inhibiting this enzyme stopped infection in cell culture before the virus could make a single new particle. This finding offers a potential new strategy to control HSV-1, which infects nearly four billion people worldwide.

The cold sore virus’ secret is out: it’s not just a harmless nuisance, but a cunning manipulator of our cells that’s been hijacking the human genome in 3D for centuries. The consequences are real, and the time to act is now.

A groundbreaking study presented at the European Academy of Neurology Congress 2025 has revealed that a commonly used diabetes medication can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in people with chronic migraine. The research, conducted by neurologists at the Headache Center of the University of Naples “Federico II,” involved administering liraglutide to 26 adults with obesity and chronic migraine.

Results showed that patients experienced an average reduction of 11 headache days per month, while their disability scores on the Migraine Disability Assessment Test dropped by 35 points. This improvement in work, study, and social functioning was observed even though participants’ body-mass index declined slightly, and this change was not statistically significant.

The researchers hypothesized that the pressure-modulating effects of liraglutide, rather than its weight-loss properties, were responsible for the benefits. As GLP-1-receptor agonists have already been shown to reduce cerebrospinal fluid secretion and effectively treat idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), it is thought that exploiting this mechanism might ultimately dampen cortical and trigeminal sensitization that underlie migraine.

According to Dr Simone Braca, lead researcher, “Most patients felt better within the first two weeks and reported quality of life improved significantly. The benefit lasted for the full three-month observation period.” Mild gastrointestinal side effects were experienced by 38% of participants but did not lead to treatment discontinuation.

The findings suggest that GLP-1-receptor agonists could offer a new treatment option for people with migraine, particularly those who do not respond to current preventives. Given liraglutide’s established use in type 2 diabetes and obesity, it may represent a promising case of drug repurposing in neurology.

Follow-up studies are being planned by the research team to investigate whether other GLP-1 drugs can deliver similar relief and with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. If confirmed, these findings could provide hope for millions of people worldwide who live with migraine.

The study, presented at the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, has made a groundbreaking discovery about the profound impact of weight-loss surgery on patients’ self-esteem. Researchers from Geisinger Medical Center found that within one year of undergoing bariatric surgery, participants experienced a staggering 131% increase in their self-esteem scores.

The study involved a database of 5,749 patients aged 18 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 or more who had undergone metabolic and bariatric surgery between 2006 and 2019. The participants completed the Impact of Weight Quality of Life (iwQOL) survey before and 12 months after their operation to assess weight stigma and quality of life.

The results showed that self-esteem scores rose from an average of 33.6 to 77.5, a more than 40-point increase on a scale from 0 to 100. The study also found that the amount of weight loss was directly correlated with the increase in self-esteem, regardless of demographics such as gender, age, and race or type of bariatric procedure.

Justin Dhyani, MD, a co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding weight stigma and psychosocial factors associated with obesity. “While these factors should not dictate the decision to have bariatric surgery, they should be an important part of the conversation,” he said.

Ann M. Rogers, MD, FACS, FASMBS, President of ASMBS, added that weight stigma is a serious issue that places an extra psychological burden on patients struggling with obesity. “This study shows we need to understand what patients are going through and be supportive and empowering of them as they navigate their health and make decisions about treatment,” she said.

The findings of this study have significant implications for the holistic care of patients with obesity, highlighting the importance of addressing weight stigma and psychosocial factors in conjunction with medical treatment. By providing supportive and empowering care, healthcare professionals can help patients achieve a better quality of life and overcome the challenges associated with obesity.