Ambassador Mark Dybul has been appointed as the new executive director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, succeeding his previous term from 2013 to 2017. Dybul is a Georgetown University professor and alumnus who has dedicated his career to improving global health.
A recent study by UCSF researchers found that while over-the-counter hearing aids have lowered costs, many consumers struggle to navigate their options, find expert help, and secure coverage. The study suggests that consumers need trustworthy information, professional guidance, and coverage policies that reflect the new market.
A new study from OIST found that children with ADHD retell less complete stories than their peers, but visual aids help reduce the gap. The study highlights the importance of visual aids in creating inclusive learning and social environments for school-aged children with ADHD.
The HIV/AIDS response program in Brazil has lost momentum as the social movement becomes depoliticized, with activists focusing on basic issues like access to food and housing. The study suggests that technological advances and medicalization of policies have contributed to this trend.
Adults with both epilepsy and hearing loss who use hearing aids have a 23% lower risk of developing dementia. The association was observed consistently across all analyses, suggesting that correcting hearing impairment may have a greater impact on dementia risk in people with reduced cognitive reserve.
The University of Hong Kong study found that effective use of hearing aids is associated with a lower risk of probable dementia among older adults with hearing loss. The association appeared stronger in middle-income countries where hearing aid adoption was lower.
A new study published in Neurology found that using hearing aids was associated with a lower risk of dementia but little impact on cognitive test scores among older adults with moderate hearing loss. The study suggests that hearing aid use may support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
Experts emphasize powerful therapeutics and successful programs like Global Fund and PEPFAR have saved millions of lives. However, funding pauses led to thousands of deaths, and further action is needed to avoid millions more HIV infections and deaths.
Experts Gregory Folkers and Anthony Fauci highlight promising therapeutic developments in antiretroviral treatments for HIV/AIDS. The authors emphasize the need for continued research to end the AIDS epidemic, citing recent advances as unfinished business.
Over half (54%) of all HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2024 were made too late for optimal treatment, according to new data from ECDC and WHO/Europe. This critical testing failure is severely jeopardizing the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.
A team of researchers and students interviewed 120 former GMHC volunteers, gaining insight into the organization's work at the height of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. The project broke rules of traditional oral history by conducting group interviews, which worked surprisingly well due to the intergenerational connection.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine-led study predicts that ending federal funding for the Ryan White Program could lead to a 49% increase in new HIV infections across US cities by 2030. The program provides comprehensive medical care and treatment services for approximately 500,000 people annually.
The study found that the programme reduced AIDS incidence by up to 47% and AIDS-related mortality by up to 55%, particularly among brown or black mothers living in extreme poverty and with higher education. The BFP's integrated social and health policy approach also supports HIV prevention and treatment.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have made a breakthrough in developing a gene therapy that can permanently put HIV into a dormant state. The therapy uses human immune system cells and amplifies a molecule within HIV that induces long-term dormancy.
A randomized clinical trial found that over-the-counter and audiologist-assisted services yielded similar outcomes to prescription hearing aids. High-end and low-end hearing aids showed comparable results, challenging the need for higher-cost high-end models.
Expert policy analysis estimates nearly 500,000 children could die from AIDS-related causes by 2030 if PEPFAR programmes are not stable. The authors call for urgent action to ensure the continuation of life-saving interventions and support for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.
A new IHME study reveals significant progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way in cutting new HIV infections and deaths. However, the world is not on track to meet UNAIDS 2030 targets, with a quarter of people living with HIV not receiving treatment.
The Center for Global Health Practice and Impact (CGHPI) at Georgetown University Medical Center has been awarded $27.5 million by the CDC/PEPFAR to expand its work in Haiti addressing HIV/AIDS. The new program, TIDE Plus, will strengthen care delivery models and support patient-led organizations to sustain the HIV response.
The Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research will unite scientists and public health experts to fight the HIV epidemic in the region. The center aims to create a platform for collaboration and coordinate efforts to address the disease, with a focus on improving healthcare equity and outcomes.
A study by Åsa Winzell Juhlin from the University of Gothenburg found that all participants over 90 had hearing loss, with 80% requiring hearing aids. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health in this age group for physical and mental well-being.
Research suggests that using hearing aids can help mitigate the acceleration of brain metabolism decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study found significant annual metabolic decline in frontal cortical regions among those with untreated hearing loss, whereas those with treated hearing aids experienced no such dec...
A survey of over 5,000 smokers found that mental health conditions do not affect the effectiveness of smoking cessation aids. The most effective aids were vaping products, varenicline, and heated tobacco products, with no differences in efficacy between people with mental health conditions.
Researchers at HKUMed developed a PD-1-enhanced DNA vaccine that induces sustained virus-specific CD8+ T cell immunity in an AIDS monkey model. The vaccinated monkeys remained free of AIDS for six years without cART, demonstrating the potential of this strategy as a third-generation DNA vaccine for AIDS prevention and immunotherapy.
A review paper highlights N-AIDS as a key determinant and comorbidity of TB, emphasizing the need for action on malnutrition to detect, prevent, and eliminate TB. The study found that nutritional interventions can significantly reduce TB incidence among household contacts.
A new study from USC Health Sciences shows that hearing aid use is associated with a lower risk of death, with regular users having a 24% lower risk than never-users. The study suggests that improved mental health and cognition through better hearing may promote overall health and longevity.
A study of over 50 babies with HIV found that starting antiretroviral therapy within hours of birth can safely suppress HIV in the blood to undetectable levels. The treatment regimen was shown to halt the formation of hard-to-treat viral reservoirs, potentially leading to ART-free remission.
A recent study found that most cannabis users (80%) have stopped using over-the-counter or prescription sleep aids and instead prefer inhaling high-THC cannabis to help with falling asleep. The study also showed that cannabis users experienced fewer headaches, nausea, and dry mouth compared to traditional sleep aids.
A retrospective study of 28.3 million people in Brazil found that social determinants like poverty, education, and racism significantly increase the risk of contracting and succumbing to AIDS. Lower wealth and education levels were strongly associated with higher AIDS incidence and mortality rates.
Provision of over-the-counter hearing aids associated with greater uptake of hearing intervention and improved patient quality of life. The study found that OTC hearing aids are cost-effective when prices exceed $55 per device.
Researchers have found that hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of music when using their hearing aids. However, some manufacturers' music programs have improved significantly. The team tested 200 recordings and found that two brands stood out in terms of music quality.
A donation of nearly 120 rechargeable hearing aids has been made to address the hearing health care crisis among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The Heart of Hearing team, led by King Chung, PhD, conducted a successful otoscopy exam and fitting session for approximately 66 individuals who needed hearing aids for the first time.
A Rutgers study found that older people living with HIV/AIDS face unmet mental health needs and are more likely to experience PTSD, substance dependence, and suicidal thoughts. Resilience may play a crucial role in increasing adherence to antiretroviral therapy, which is essential to ending the AIDS epidemic.
Inequalities in sex and gender, access to antiretroviral drugs, and inadequate funding hinder global efforts to combat AIDS and other pandemics. UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima and Deputy Director Matthew Kavanagh emphasize these disparities as critical obstacles to effective pandemic response
Researchers found that AirPods Pro performed similarly well as premium hearing aids in quiet environments and helped participants hear more clearly compared to no hearing aids. However, AirPods failed to improve hearing in noisy environments with sound coming from the front.
Dr. Anthony Fauci shares insights on the impact of COVID-19 on vaccine literacy and the progress made in treating HIV/AIDS through innovative therapies. He also discusses his legacy as Director of NIAID, transforming the institute into a global leader in infectious diseases.
The Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center at UIC will expand its services nationwide, using the $3 million grant to train medical professionals in patient care. The center aims to increase access to care and end the HIV epidemic by 2030.
A multi-year initiative aimed at improving HIV health outcomes for Black men who have sex with men found improvements in retention in care, receipt of HIV prescriptions, and viral suppression. The project used evidence-based approaches to link, engage, and retain Black MSM with HIV in medical care and supportive services.
The recent surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the US is being linked to the new monkeypox outbreak, with experts warning of a potential pandemic. Dr. Jeffrey Laurence presents a primer on monkeypox and reviews available vaccines and therapeutics.
New research by UC San Diego's School of Global Policy and Strategy finds that 3D printing technology has a positive impact on global trade. The study reveals that production processes changed but supply chains remained intact, leading to a doubling or near-doubling in producers' exports after five years.
A study found that older men, especially dog owners, coped better during the COVID-19 pandemic than those who experienced the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Pet companionship reduced feelings of loneliness and provided a sense of purpose.
The Collaborative Research Centre Hearing Acoustics is developing smart hearing aids that use artificial intelligence to adjust to different environments. The project, which aims to create more adaptable hearing devices, has received $8.1 million in funding for another four years.
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine has received a $11.3 million NIH grant to expand its efforts in preventing, treating and curing HIV infection. The center will support research initiatives identifying more effective approaches to expand PrEP uptake and increase ART adherence among marginalized populations.
Research suggests that e-cigarettes are less effective in helping people quit smoking compared to other methods, with no reduction in the risk of relapse among former smokers. E-cigarette users were found to have a lower success rate in quitting smoking than those using other aids.
A new study published in AIDS Patient Care and STDs found that people living with HIV were less likely to die from COVID-19 during the early months of the pandemic. However, a longer study period revealed higher levels of hospitalization and mortality among HIV patients compared to those without the virus.
A new study links the composition of gut microbiome before infection to HIV susceptibility and progression. Men who contracted HIV in the early days of the pandemic had a greater relative abundance of pro-inflammatory vs. anti-inflammatory gut microbes, which contributed to their increased risk of developing AIDS.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of training nurses to deliver cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people with depression and uncontrolled HIV adhere to their medication regimen. Patients who completed CBT-AD sessions were more than 2.5 times more likely to achieve undetectable viral loads.
Researchers identified three new human genes influencing HIV acquisition and progression in sub-Saharan Africa. The study provides valuable insights into genetic variants associated with HIV-1C infection and AIDS progression, potentially paving the way for new therapies.
A study published in Urology Practice found that online patient decision aids for common urologic conditions are often of poor readability and quality, failing to meet recommended standards. The researchers recommend simplifying language and ensuring thoroughness to improve the effectiveness of these tools.
Scientists from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science create a novel approach to synthesizing silver nanoparticles and reduced graphene oxide composite material using plasma technology. The resulting AgNPs@rGO nanomaterial shows excellent disinfection effects and bio-compatibility, making it suitable for wound healing band-aids.
A new epidemiology study reveals crucial trends in HIV/AIDS progression in China from 1990 to 2017. The study highlights the need for effective strategies to reduce mortality rates, especially among men, by intensifying targeted efforts including early identification and diagnosis, high-quality treatment services, and patient retention.
A University of Miami researcher has discovered a polymer chain nanoparticle that can deliver antiretroviral drugs to the brain, reducing HIV/AIDS viral reservoirs. The breakthrough could improve the treatment of brain cancers and other diseases, particularly in HIV-positive individuals with neurological problems.
A new study by Penn State College of Medicine reveals that people living with HIV/AIDS are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and die from suicide than the general population. The researchers found that despite medical advancements, the risk of suicide in this population is high.
The AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) is commemorating its 40th anniversary by convening a virtual annual meeting. The group has played a critical role in HIV research for nearly four decades, conducting landmark studies that have changed the treatment and care of people living with HIV around the world.
A new study by Flinders University researchers found that people living with HIV/AIDS face significant discrimination in their families, communities, and even among healthcare providers. This stigma can lead to concealment of the condition, self-isolation, and poor access to healthcare services.
The article commemorates the 40th anniversary of the AIDS epidemic with a paper in the New England Journal of Medicine. The piece explores the experiences of American physicians who were central to the epidemic, describing their work as
A new study found that combining interleukin-21 and interferon alpha with antiviral therapy boosts natural killer cell activity to combat HIV. This innovative approach could lead to additional treatment options to control HIV/AIDS, reducing reliance on current treatments.
Research published in Scientific Reports reveals that individuals with HIV are at a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fatal outcomes from COVID-19. The study found a 24% increased risk of infection and a 78% higher risk of death among people living with HIV compared to those without the virus.
The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC) marks 40 years of nursing science in HIV/AIDS, highlighting lessons learned and ways forward. Nurse researchers lead the way in improving HIV prevention and patient care, particularly for women and minority populations.
The University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work research center has received $5 million in funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. to continue its work combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South. Led by Assistant Professor Samira Ali, the SUSTAIN Center focuses on improving frontline care and access for marginalized communities.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have successfully tested a new peptide therapy that reduces fever, protects the lungs, improves heart function, and reverses cytokine storm in mouse models with COVID-19. The treatment also prevents disease progression and has potential as a post-vaccine measure to manage severe symptoms.