Hospice care is underused in the US, with most patients enrolling too late to benefit from it. Short stays can lessen the effectiveness of hospice care, leaving little time for caregivers to learn about the patient's needs and arrange optimal care.
Researchers at Duke University successfully demonstrate that placental blood can be used as a reliable alternative to traditional bone marrow donors for transplantation. The study's findings pave the way for innovative treatments in hematology and immunology.
A University of Massachusetts study warns that Olympians may experience performance issues due to extreme heat and humidity. The study suggests that some remedies, such as blowing air over water with fans, may not be effective in cooling athletes down.
Researchers have identified the gene responsible for Chediak-Higashi syndrome, a fatal childhood disease that weakens the immune system and increases cancer risk. The discovery could lead to new treatments and diagnostic tests for patients with cancer or autoimmune disorders like lupus.
A clinical trial found that Modafinil improved wakefulness in narcoleptic patients by at least 50% compared to placebo, with fewer side effects than current treatments. The drug also showed potential as an anti-fatigue agent for truck drivers and airline pilots.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends federal guidelines to ensure the safe use of xenotransplantation. The guidelines address four major areas: source animal screening, patient surveillance, tissue banking, and national registries.