Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Spike mutations help SARS-CoV-2 infect the brain

Researchers found a specific deletion in the spike protein that enhances the virus' ability to infect brains of mice, which could help understand 'long COVID' and develop treatments. The study suggests viruses with this deletion can traffic from the lung to the brain, leading to neurological symptoms.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 23, 2024

Research spotlight: evaluating hybrid and virtual treatments for children with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Researchers found that intensive outpatient group- and family-based CBT that integrates telehealth can lead to significant improvements in pediatric anxiety and OCD symptoms. The hybrid model showed lasting gains for children even after treatment ended, with most families continuing to meet with clinicians after discharge.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·TypeObservational study·DateAug 23, 2024

Chronic cough may be hereditary

A study published at Uppsala University found that chronic cough is hereditary, with a 50% increased risk for offspring if one parent has the condition. The research also revealed differences in care between regions and highlights the need for better guidelines.

SourceUppsala University·JournalERJ Open Research·TypeObservational study·DateAug 22, 2024

UVA engineers design lookalike drug carrier to evade lung’s lines of defense

Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have designed a drug-carrying molecule that can slip past the lung's natural defenses. The nanocarrier, called PEG-BB, is shaped like a bottlebrush and mimics the properties of mucus, allowing it to move quickly through the airway.

USAMMDA commercial partner receives FDA emergency use authorization for plasma powder

Octapharma USA, a US Army Medical Materiel Development Activity commercial partner, has received FDA emergency use authorization for octaplasLG Powder, a potentially lifesaving treatment option for blood replacement therapies in certain operational circumstances. The EUA authorizes military medical commands to procuring and administeri...

Higher glucose levels worsen prognosis in ischemic stroke patients

A study published in Cardiovascular Diabetology found that higher blood glucose levels at admission significantly increase the risk of a poor functional prognosis or death within three months of an ischemic stroke. The study revealed that even a 10% increase in glucose levels raises the risk by 7%, and mortality risk by 88%.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalCardiovascular Diabetology·DateAug 7, 2024

Lettuce may be just as good as dock leaf for easing nettle sting symptoms

A small comparative study found that rubbing a lettuce leaf on a nettle sting may provide similar relief to using a dock leaf. The cooling and soothing effect of sap evaporation from the crushed leaf is thought to be responsible for this effect, which may work just as well without any treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 29, 2024

Are AI-chatbots suitable for hospitals?

A study found that large language models, despite accuracy in medical exams, fail to consistently request necessary examinations and often deviate from treatment guidelines. In comparison to human doctors, AI diagnoses achieved lower accuracy rates, highlighting concerns about their suitability for everyday clinical practice.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2024

New training program facilitates home-based transcranial electrical stimulation

A new training program enables older adults to receive Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES) in their homes, with high satisfaction rates and adherence. The program's remote nature is expected to increase accessibility among underrepresented populations, accelerating tES intervention discoveries.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalNeuromodulation Technology at the Neural Interface·DateJul 17, 2024

​​Racial and ethnic differences emerge in rates of inpatient care ​following psychiatric emergencies among minority youths, according to new study

A new study found that Asian American/Pacific Islander youths experience lower rates of inpatient care, while American Indian/Alaska Native youths experience higher rates compared to other racial groups. The researchers suggest that this may be linked to historical trauma and call for further research on care pathways to advance equity.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2024

Breakthrough in tremor treatment: Robotic therapy developed by GIST researchers improves daily activities

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Hope for long-term antidepressant users as study shows half can taper off drugs with simple support

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that nearly half of long-term antidepressant users can successfully taper off their medication with the help of general practitioner support and internet or telephone helplines. The study found lower rates of depression, fewer withdrawal symptoms, and improved mental wellbeing among...

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 26, 2024

Gastroenterologists generally trust and accept use of AI medical tools in clinics and hospitals, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by Nanyang Technological University found that eight in 10 gastroenterologists in the Asia-Pacific region accept and trust AI-powered tools for diagnosing colorectal polyps. The study also highlights the need for more research into what influences doctors' acceptance of AI in their medical practice.

Clear stress patterns among children in dental care

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have identified clear stress patterns among children undergoing dental treatment, particularly during anesthetic injections. The study used a sensor tool to monitor hand movements and sweating, revealing that invasive treatments were significantly more stressful for longer periods.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·TypeObservational study·DateJun 13, 2024

Use of WhatsApp messages by public health service to treat depression in older people produces results, study shows

A new WhatsApp-based program has shown significant improvements in treating depression among older adults in Brazil. The Viva Vida program used simple audio messages and images to provide education on depression and behavioral activation, with a 10-point improvement in symptom reduction between intervention and control groups.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 11, 2024

Treating rare skin diseases by transplanting healthy skin

Researchers from Nagoya University have successfully treated rare genetic skin disorders epidermolytic ichthyosis (EI) and ichthyosis with confetti (IWC) by transplanting genetically healthy skin to inflamed areas. Transplantation of healthy skin has been used as a treatment option for severe burn injuries.

SourceNagoya University·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateJun 10, 2024