Chronic stress, obesity linked to pancreatic cancer; HHS requests CDC study vaccines and autism; same-site vaccine doses boost immune response – Morning Medical Update

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Chronic stress, obesity linked to accelerated growth of pancreatic cancer

UCLA researchers have identified how chronic stress and obesity work together to fuel the development of pancreatic cancer. The study, published in Molecular Cancer Research, found that stress hormones and obesity-related signals activate a cancer-promoting protein called CREB through different biological pathways. In preclinical models, mice exposed to both a high-fat diet and social isolation developed more advanced precancerous lesions than those with diet alone. Researchers believe that beta-blockers could be repurposed to help mitigate stress-related cancer risks.

HHS requests CDC study on vaccines and autism, despite decades of evidence finding no connection

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to investigate a potential link between vaccines and autism, despite extensive research showing no connection. The study will utilize the Vaccine Safety Datalink, a system that monitors vaccine safety and rare adverse events. Experts and autism advocates warn that revisiting the debunked theory could fuel vaccine hesitancy and divert resources from critical autism research. CNN Health has more.

Same-site vaccine doses boost early immune response

A study published in The Journal of Immunology suggests that receiving multiple vaccine doses in the same limb may accelerate antibody development. Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that mice given both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine in the same site had a faster initial immune response than those vaccinated in different limbs. While long-term immunity remained similar, the findings highlight a potential strategy to enhance rapid protection during outbreaks.