Research Desk
Health
Verified reporting on clinical research, emerging treatments, and health evidence, assessed against primary sources and regulatory guidance.
Does Ozempic Cause Muscle Loss? What the 2026 Research on GLP-1 Drugs and Lean Mass Actually Shows
Semaglutide, tirzepatide and other incretin-based weight-loss treatments can reduce lean mass along with fat. However, lean mass is not the same thing as skeletal muscle, most of the weight lost is still fat, and new 2026 research shows that strength and muscle health can behave differently from a DXA lean-mass measurement.
Can Ozempic or Semaglutide Reduce Alcohol Cravings? What the New 2026 GLP-1 Research Actually Shows
A major 2026 clinical trial found that semaglutide reduced heavy drinking, alcohol consumption, and craving in adults with alcohol use disorder and obesity. The Department of Veterans Affairs is now testing semaglutide in a large Phase 3 trial. The findings are promising, but semaglutide is not currently FDA approved to treat alcohol use disorder.
Plasmalogens, APOE4 and Alzheimer's: What the New 2026 Brain Lipid Research Actually Shows
Plasmalogens are important membrane lipids that are depleted in Alzheimer's-affected brain tissue, and new 2026 research has linked lower plasmalogen carriage directly to the APOE4 genetic risk variant. However, evidence that oral supplements can rebuild brain white matter, prevent Alzheimer's disease, or reverse neurodegeneration in humans has not yet been established.
Can Scientists Really Rejuvenate Zombie Cells? What the AP2A1 and IU1 Anti-Aging Studies Actually Found
Scientists have discovered new ways to change features associated with cellular aging and improve cellular cleanup systems, but no study has shown that humans can currently rejuvenate zombie cells or dramatically extend lifespan. Two discoveries involving AP2A1 and IU1 are real. The viral story created by combining them is not.