Articles tagged with Alternative Medicine
A new paper highlights emerging alternatives to traditional diabetes medicines, such as continuous glucose monitors and lifestyle interventions like GEM, which can improve patient adherence and long-term health outcomes.
Four MSU researchers, Nick Haddad, Gemma Reguera, Laura McCabe, and Michael Thoennessen, were recognized as 2024 AAAS fellows for their contributions to biological sciences, medical sciences, and physics. They join a distinguished list of more than 180 Spartans who have been selected as fellows.
Researchers at Lancaster University discovered a new type of vaccine-specific scepticism, where some people perceive COVID-19 vaccines as 'not a vaccine' compared to MMR. This phenomenon may also apply to the flu vaccine, highlighting the need for clear public health messaging.
Researchers developed a transformation process to boost H₂Sₙ yield from garlic-derived compounds, achieving significant H. pylori eradication outcomes. The use of chitosan-encapsulated microreactors demonstrated enhanced efficacy and faster eradication rates compared to conventional methods.
A new type of antibody that stimulates the immune system to target cancer cells has shown promise in reducing tumor growth in treatment-resistant breast and ovarian cancers. The study found that the antibody, IgE, uniquely stimulated otherwise inactive immune cells to directly target HER2-expressing cancer cells.
Aromatic baths using essential oil scents significantly increased activity, stability, and comfort levels within 10 minutes. After four weeks, aromatherapy reduced presenteeism, indicating improved work performance and mood.
A new Cochrane review has found evidence that music-based therapy may benefit people living with dementia, particularly by improving symptoms of depression. The review suggests that music therapy probably improves depressive symptoms and may improve overall behavioural problems by the end of treatment.
A global review of 56 guidelines found inconsistencies in acupuncture and moxibustion recommendations for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV). The study highlights the importance of developing personalized antiemetic programs and integrating acupuncture and moxibustion wit...
A set of international acupuncture guidelines has been published for treating non-specific low back pain, providing seven recommendations for clinical questions. The guidelines aim to improve the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for NSLBP, with a focus on patient-centered care.
The University of Plymouth and International Osteopathic Education have formed a partnership to provide a comprehensive Master of Osteopathic Medicine program. The five-year program offers flexible study, clinical teaching in France and international partner clinics, and prepares students for an interdisciplinary practice.
A new study published in Psychedelics found that psychedelic therapy facilitators express optimism about benefits while maintaining awareness of potential risks. The research highlights the need for robust safety protocols while maintaining optimism about therapeutic potential.
A study by UCSF researchers found that language, education, and age affect someone's ability to engage with digital health tools. Young English speakers are most comfortable using digital health tools, but others face barriers due to limited education or language proficiency.
A study found that psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy significantly reduced depression among clinicians providing front-line COVID-19 care. The treatment was more effective than a placebo, with participants experiencing greater reductions in symptoms over time.
Professor Lavretsky's pioneering work integrates conventional psychiatric treatments with mind-body interventions, developing novel therapeutic combinations for treatment-resistant depression and cognitive disorders. Her research has transformed approaches to mental health and aging, emphasizing whole person health and prevention.
A new review synthesizes evidence from molecular studies, animal research, and human trials to understand how ayahuasca influences emotional processing and memory systems. Key findings include ayahuasca's dual action through serotonin receptor types 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A.
A study found that traditional paranormal beliefs are linked to increased stress and distress, while new age philosophy is not. The research used a new scale to measure paranormal belief and found that higher scores for traditional paranormal belief were associated with elevated distress and reduced coping abilities.
A study from Emory University reveals that 56-62% of individuals treated for Major Depressive Disorder and Treatment-Resistant Depression are eligible for psilocybin-assisted therapy, which could benefit around 5.1-5.6 million people in the US. The treatment has potential to reduce symptoms of depression with a single dose of 25 mg of ...
Researchers at UCSD found psilocybin therapy reduces eating disorder psychopathology and improves quality-of-life in patients with anorexia nervosa, but results vary widely among individuals. Genetic variations may influence treatment outcomes.
A new study reveals how psilocybin alters brain connectivity to alleviate symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder, potentially aiding treatment. Psilocybin strengthens neural connections between executive functions and emotionally salient stimuli, leading to improved BDD symptoms.
Four plants eaten by western lowland gorillas in Gabon, also used by local traditional healers, show antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Researchers identify four plant species with promising targets for treating multidrug-resistant infections.
A new study suggests that psychedelics like psilocybin can suppress learned fear responses in individuals with PTSD by altering activity in the amygdala, a key brain region involved in processing fear and anxiety. The findings propose that psychedelic drugs enhance inhibitory signaling from GABAergic interneurons onto excitatory neurons.
A new study by UCLA investigators found that Manuka honey contains compounds that can help reduce tumor growth in preclinical models. The research suggests that Manuka honey could potentially be developed into a natural supplement or standalone treatment for ER-positive breast cancer, which accounts for most breast cancer cases.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the benefits of palliative care in managing symptoms and improving quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease. Palliative care complements standard cardiovascular care by reducing physical symptoms, emotional distress, and assisting patients in making decision...
Researchers at Howard University have identified a new therapeutic strategy to combat prostate cancer by depleting amino acids. This depletion induces oxidative stress and DNA damage in cancer cells, making them more susceptible to treatment with DNA repair-targeted and immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
TaVNS has shown significant effects in various body systems, reducing depression scores and treating conditions such as migraines, anxiety, cognitive disorders, Parkinson’s disease, and cognitive decline. It has also demonstrated benefits for the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure and heart rate.
Researchers explore nanoparticle-based therapies to specifically target lymphatic metastasis in breast cancer, providing a promising solution for patient treatment. Nanoparticles deliver drugs directly to tumors, targeting cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth, while also enhancing the immune response.
A new study found that adults receiving chiropractic spinal manipulation for sciatica were less likely to be prescribed tramadol over the next year compared to those receiving usual medical care. Chiropractic care may offer a safer alternative to opioids for managing chronic low back pain and sciatica.
A new study found extensive alternative splicing of messenger RNA in untreated multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy controls. Interferon-ß therapy corrected dysregulated alternative splicing, linking it to future clinical exacerbations.
Researchers have identified CAR-T cell therapy as a potential treatment for autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Early studies have shown promising results in reducing disease activity and improving patients' quality of life, but long-term data on safety and efficacy is limited.
A clinical trial found that video-only hand therapy is non-inferior to in-person therapy after thumb CMC arthroplasty, offering a more patient-driven approach with reduced travel burden. Video-administered therapy provided similar outcomes and significantly reduced travel distance and time for patients.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pain has found that CBD products are ineffective in reducing chronic pain and may pose health risks. The research, led by the University of Bath, examined existing studies on CBD and concluded that there is no quality evidence to support its use as a pain reliever.
A new study published in the World Journal of Acupuncture - Moxibustion reveals that electroacupuncture has a frequency-response specificity in regulating the endogenous opioid peptide system. The low frequency stimulates enkephalin, β-endorphin, and endomorphin release, while high frequency activates dynorphin selectively.
Researchers at Flinders University have discovered a bedtime nasal spray that can reduce the severity of sleep apnea in people and lower their blood pressure. The study found that the spray, which blocks potassium channels, improved oxygen levels and reduced markers of OSA severity in 7 out of 10 participants.
Researchers have discovered that certain volatile compounds emitted by microbes and food can alter epigenetic states in neurons and other eukaryotic cells. Exposure to these compounds can slow down neurodegeneration and cancer, while also affecting plant growth and responses to stress.
Researchers discuss recent advances in brain mapping, emphasizing the need to establish precise neuromodulation paradigms based on individual characteristics. Individualized brain mapping methods have evolved from manual labeling to staining techniques across multiple subjects.
A study reveals thyroid cancer's genetic changes contribute to resistance to BRAF inhibitors and can lead to tumor dedifferentiation. Researchers identify potential targets for new therapies, including dual-targeted treatments and immunotherapy combinations.
A clinical trial showed that an extract of Boswellia, a plant used in traditional medicine for centuries, has anti-proliferative effects against breast cancer. The study found a statistically significant reduction in tumor proliferation compared to non-treated patients, suggesting potential anti-cancer activity in humans.
Researchers found that FAAH inhibition reduced breast cancer growth in immunodeficient mice and induced apoptosis of breast cancer cells. The combination of FAAH inhibitors and endocannabinoids was the most effective treatment approach.
A new UBC study found that people who use alternative health care tend to be wealthier, more open to novelty, and distrust conventional medicine. The study suggests that better advertising regulations are needed to protect Canadians from potential harm.
Researchers at UTSA are studying the bioactive properties of Sweet Annie, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years. The study reveals that arteannuin B from the plant has anti-COVID and anti-glioblastoma properties, offering new avenues for targeted therapy.
A Canadian woman's high blood lead level was diagnosed after multiple hospital visits for abdominal pain, constipation, and nausea. The patient had taken Ayurvedic medicines daily for over a year, leading to the seizure of hundreds of contaminated pills.
A team of scientists at Harvard Medical School has identified six chemical cocktails that can restore cellular aging and rejuvenate human cells. The study builds upon the discovery of Yamanaka factors, which can convert adult cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, raising hopes for treating age-related diseases and injuries. The im...
The use of psychedelics in mental health treatment is gaining traction, but concerns about patient safety and regulation need to be addressed. Psychedelic-assisted therapy shows promise in treating conditions like depression and PTSD, but more research is needed on dosages, settings, and guidelines.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
Researchers developed a novel hybrid protein complex by binding lysozyme to copper for enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) removal. The CuST@lysozyme hybrid protein showed high SOD activity and stability in biological fluids, paving the way for its therapeutic applications.
Researchers have discovered that HER3 plays a crucial role in promoting cell survival in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The surrounding liver microenvironment activates HER3, making it an emerging therapeutic target for these types of cancer.
UVA scientists have discovered a new contributor to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, which could lead to new treatments for macular degeneration and other vision loss conditions. The discovery identifies a key protein that determines VEGF levels, blocking it has reduced VEGF levels significantly without unwanted side effects.
Researchers highlight CD200's role in regulating immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and propose alternative strategies for its neutralization. Unbiased genomic- and proteomic-based approaches may help clarify CD200 expression regulation across various human cancers.
Researchers successfully treated a young man with recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium using chloramphenicol. The patient showed improvement after 14 days of treatment, despite initial failure with first and second-line antibiotics.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in precision oncology for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, identifying that certain cell surface molecules decrease or are absent in these patients, making them resistant to the new drug enfortumab vedotin.
Researchers have discovered the positive impact of icaros on men's recovery from drug and alcohol addictions during ayahuasca healing ceremonies. The study, led by UC Riverside doctoral student Owain J. Graham, found that 86% of patients showed statistically significant improvements on the Addictions Severity Index.
A study published in The BMJ found that people who believe in conspiracies and reject the covid-19 vaccine are more likely to endorse mythical causes of cancer than non-conspiracists. However, awareness of actual causes of cancer is generally higher among these groups.
A national US study found that people with disabilities who misuse opioid drugs are 73% more likely to attempt suicide. The study, which looked at over 38,000 adults, also found that those with disabilities were more likely to have serious thoughts of suicide and make a plan or attempt to take their own life.
A new American Heart Association scientific statement highlights the potential benefits and risks of complementary and alternative therapies for heart failure. The statement advises healthcare professionals to discuss CAM use with patients, monitor medication interactions, and consider pharmacists' consultations.
A new study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that 70% of ayahuasca users experienced physical health adverse effects, while 55% reported mental health concerns. Most adverse events were reported as mild and temporary, with only 2.3% requiring medical attention.
Researchers uncover the origins of Kampo, tracing it back to 8th century Chinese monk Jianzhen's herbal medicines and prescriptions. These findings show that Kampo has been integrated into Japan's healthcare system for centuries, influencing traditional Japanese medicine.
A new study found that hormone therapy experiences differ significantly by race among women experiencing menopause symptoms. White women reported higher rates of hormone therapy use and better quality of life compared to women of other ethnicities.
A new study found that medical cannabis users reported significant improvements in pain management, social functioning, and overall health. The majority of participants were able to stop or reduce their opioid use, with some experiencing a five-fold decrease in hydrocodone prescriptions.
According to a new poll, nearly 40% of older adults (50-80) use at least one integrative medicine strategy to alleviate symptoms or relax. However, only 18% discuss these strategies with their healthcare providers. The poll highlights the importance of primary care clinicians discussing integrative approaches with patients.
Researchers from the Journal of Internal Medicine outline a strategy for analyzing traditional Chinese medicine's effectiveness against rheumatoid arthritis. The approach involves isolating active components of individual plants and testing them in animal models of the disease.