Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
Research found social vulnerabilities such as poverty and minority status linked to increased cardiometabolic risk during pregnancy. The study analyzed nearly 19 million pregnancies in US counties from 2016-2020 and found that four leading cardiometabolic risk factors were associated with some social vulnerability.
Researchers found a significant increase in heart disease deaths among adults in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study attributed this rise to factors such as lockdowns, lack of physical activity, increased smoking and alcohol use.
Neighborhood walkability is associated with lower cardiovascular disease burden and risk, according to two preliminary studies. The analysis found that even after considering other factors, walkability alone was linked to a 0.1% decrease in cardiovascular disease for each one-point increase in walkability score.
Researchers found that changing gloves and instruments just before closing wounds can prevent as many as 1 in 8 cases of Surgical Site Infection. A new toolkit also helps hospitals prepare for pandemics, heatwaves, and natural disasters.
Mount Sinai researchers created a cloud-based digital framework, Employee Health COVID-19 REDCap Registry, to track employee health data and mitigate COVID-19 spread. The platform reduced case follow-up times from days to hours and helped identify occupational and non-occupational risk factors.
A new experimental drug has shown promising results in treating liver cancer, with two patients experiencing a partial response to the treatment. The drug, NMS-01940153E, targets an enzyme that plays a critical role in cell division and growth, and its side effects are manageable.
Dr. Bibbins-Domingo's research focuses on racial disparities in cardiovascular disease prevention, incidence, and outcomes. She explores long-term effects of early and poorly treated high blood pressure and develops strategies to prevent and manage CVD.
Dr. Paul Muntner receives the 2022 Joseph A. Vita Award for his work on identifying cardiovascular disease risk factors and improving hypertension prevention and treatment. He is recognized for his studies on environmental factors, blood pressure measurements, and African American adults.
Researchers have developed a pioneering gene editing strategy that can repair faulty genes in immune cells, offering new hope for patients with conditions like CTLA-4 insufficiency. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 to target and correct the faulty gene, preserving important regulatory mechanisms.
Researchers found that sapanisertib can kill the malaria parasite at several stages during its life cycle, including in the liver and red blood cells. The study's findings offer new hope against a disease that kills over half a million people annually.
Researchers found a significant association between NTM infection and increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve survival. NTM can cause nonspecific symptoms like fever and weight loss, and patients with compromised immune systems are at higher risk.
Researchers developed a small peptide that can directly kill bacteria and trigger plant defense tactics to prevent diseases like almond leaf scorch. The treatment significantly reduces pathogen population and disease symptoms, making it a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.
A phase II trial suggests that radiation can reduce painful complications and hospitalizations, and possibly extend overall survival in patients with advanced cancers. The study found that treating asymptomatic lesions with radiation reduced skeletal-related events and extended overall survival compared to those who received no radiation.
Scientists have discovered a way to control Panama disease in bananas using specialized anti-fungal chemistries, providing hope for the global banana supply. The study's findings reveal that these chemistries can suppress the disease and maintain plant health, opening new avenues for efficient control strategies.
Scientists used a noninvasive tool of chewed plants to monitor mountain gorillas for human herpesviruses, finding no evidence of infection among the free-ranging gorillas. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of personalized health care for endangered mountain gorillas using this relatively new technique.
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is partnering with the Chinatown Service Center to address disparities in cervical cancer screening and treatment. The partnership aims to optimize access, shorten diagnosis-to-treatment timeframes, and enhance quality of care for Chinese and Latina women in Los Angeles.
A Rutgers University study has revealed that spice containers are a common source of cross-contamination in kitchens, with nearly half of samples showing evidence of contamination. The study's findings highlight the importance of proper handwashing and sanitizing of kitchen surfaces to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
A study found that 60% of healthcare workers tested positive for COVID with antigen tests after five days and 50% were positive after seven days. Antigen tests are a better proxy for indicating infectiousness than PCR tests.
Researchers discovered that plants can regulate their microbiome through the secretion of flavonoids, which affect beneficial and harmful microorganisms around plant roots. This delicate balance helps protect plants from parasitic nematodes, reducing susceptibility to infection.
The US ranks last in vaccination rates among the world's richest countries, with a mortality rate from COVID-19 30 times higher than influenza. Boosters can reduce the risk of dying and hospitalization by over 90%. All US adults and eligible children should receive booster shots to protect against future variants.
Researchers at ITQB NOVA extract bactericidal mixtures from tomato peels using a fast, simple, and sustainable process. The extracts show effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. This breakthrough has the potential to provide antimicrobial properties to biomaterials.
Researchers analyzed 408 patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and found no increased risk of side effects from receiving both immunotherapy and the vaccine. The study supports NCCN's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in people with cancer, citing strong protection against severe COVID-19 for all variants.
Researchers identified a kinase molecule that directs microglia activity, potentially treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and MS. The molecule, called spleen tyrosine kinase, targets plaque buildup and debris accumulation in the brain.
Researchers at Mount Sinai's Tisch Cancer Institute have discovered a new gene, PDZK1IP1, essential to colon cancer growth. The study found that surrounding inflammation activates the super enhancer, promoting tumor cell survival and growth.
Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.
A new platform has been created using 214,000 microbiome samples to track antibiotic-resistant bacteria globally. The data can be used to tailor guidelines on combating resistance in different regions.
Scientists at the University of Bath have discovered a novel polyamine that destroys MRSA superbug Staphylococcus aureus by disrupting its cell membrane, rendering it susceptible to antibiotics. The compound is also effective against biofilm and has shown promise as a potential new treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at Rice University have received National Science Foundation support to speed up the analysis of wastewater for coronaviruses from hours to seconds. The team will develop bioelectric sensors that deliver immediate notice about the presence of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
The Independent Task Force Report emphasizes the need for a One Health approach to prevent or respond adequately to the next pandemic. Key findings highlight the importance of 'Smart Surveillance' to identify high-threat pathogens and invest in R&D for innovative diagnostics, antiviral strategies, and therapeutic research.
The article highlights the need for a unified approach to prevent and respond to pandemics by adopting a One Health strategy. This involves targeted preparedness, drug and vaccine research, and worldwide cooperation on surveillance and stopping disease spread.
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
A WVU biomedical engineer is working on a rapid diagnostic tool that can detect tick-borne infections such as Lyme disease via a blood sample on a single chip. The tool uses dielectrophoresis and machine-learning to detect diseases within one to two weeks after onset, reducing the risk of hospitalization and chronic conditions.
Researchers found that individuals with high allostatic load, a measure of chronic stress, were 2.4 times more likely to die from cancer than those with low loads. Adjusting for age, sex, and race, the risk increased to 28% for those with high allostatic load.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...
Rescue Biomedical's technology detects opioid overdoses and delivers naloxone to reverse them. The NIH grant will help the company complete milestones, including regulatory approval and scaling up manufacturing.
A new study found that younger women hospitalized with heart attacks had a significantly higher prevalence of cardiac risk factors and comorbidities compared to younger men. This led to higher rehospitalization rates and all-cause readmission rates, emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to improve prevention strategies.
Global liver cancer cases are estimated to rise by more than 55% by 2040 unless preventive measures are strengthened. Countries must achieve at least a 3% annual decrease in liver cancer incidence and mortality rates to avoid this increase, according to a new report.
The study found a significant need for stable and durable diagnostics to differentiate infected animals from vaccinated ones. The researchers propose five priorities: vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance, climate mitigation, digital health, and epidemic preparedness.
A Rutgers-led study statistically evaluated government data to determine if COVID-19 vaccination increases the incidence of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The results show no significant association between any COVID-19 vaccinations and the disease.
A cross-sectional study of over 70,000 Asian Americans found significant variation in obesity prevalence among subgroups, with Filipino Americans having the highest rate at 28.7% and Chinese Americans the lowest at 13.2%. The study highlights the need for tailored strategies to address obesity disparities among Asian American populations.
A nationwide U.S. study found that mRNA booster immunizations extend COVID-19 protection for four to five months, but immunity begins to wane after this period. The study recommends additional booster doses to maintain high immunity levels against severe COVID.
Cleveland researchers reveal a new strategy to prevent blood clots by targeting overactive neutrophils, reducing clotting risk while minimizing bleeding risk. The findings may be especially impactful for cancer patients who experience blood clot complications.
Researchers identified a specific gut bacterium responsible for antibiotic-induced GVHD after stem cell transplants. A sugar supplement was found to improve gut health by distracting the bacteria from attacking mucin in the intestinal lining, reducing complications such as GVHD.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that COVID-19 booster shots are essential for maintaining long-term immunity against infection, particularly among older adults. The results support the CDC vaccination guidelines recommending COVID-19 boosters and highlight the importance of continued research on factors affecting immunity.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified a protein called Ait1 that regulates cell growth in yeasts. This discovery presents new targets for developing antifungal drugs that can attack disease-causing yeasts while sparing human immune cells.
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
A new study led by Erika Pearce at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the shape and function of mitochondria in Th17 cells play a crucial role in controlling their autoimmune activity. The researchers identified several molecules, including LKB1, that can influence this process, paving the way for potential therapeutic modifications.
A new method, EPISENS-S, has been developed to measure SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater with high sensitivity. This allows for the estimation of COVID-19 prevalence, including asymptomatic cases. The method was found to be approximately 100 times more sensitive than existing methods.
Researchers have isolated a new fungus, Beauveria caledonica, that can be used for biological control of banana borers and Fusarium wilt, two major threats to tropical and subtropical crops. The fungus produces a secondary compound called oosporein, which intensifies its action against the disease.
The use of voice control smart devices in children may impede critical thinking, empathy, and compassion. Devices can't teach children how to behave politely and lack non-verbal communication skills.
The USPSTF recommends screening for syphilis in asymptomatic, nonpregnant individuals who have ever been sexually active. Syphilis cases increased from a record low in 2000 to 11.9 cases per 100,000 population in 2019.
The TTUHSC team will provide no-cost colorectal cancer screening and colonoscopies to underinsured and uninsured people living in South Plains region counties. The FIT-STOP program aims to find signs of early-stage colorectal cancer to prevent treatment needs, leveraging existing relationships with partners.
Researchers are studying the interaction between obesity and nitric oxide synthase in triple-negative breast cancer, aiming to develop a new treatment strategy. Another team is investigating the role of NHE6 protein in multiple myeloma resistance to daratumumab treatment, with the goal of improving therapy outcomes for patients.
A cohort study of nearly 200,000 people found that intentional weight loss reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes for those who are overweight or obese. However, for lean individuals, weight loss attempts are associated with longer-term weight gain and higher risks of type 2 diabetes.
Mathematical models suggest that only 1 in 5 COVID-19 cases were counted worldwide, resulting in an estimated 600 million to 2.4 billion actual cases globally. The wide range of estimated cases highlights the problems with accuracy of reported numbers due to data tampering, inconsistent reporting, and lack of uniformity.
The University of Exeter team identified a 'master regulator' that controls the formation of invasive hyphae in the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. This discovery provides a crucial target for developing new control strategies against Septoria tritici blotch, a destructive fungal disease affecting wheat yields worldwide.
Researchers found that symbiotic fungi in reared ambrosia beetles differed from those in wild beetles, potentially leading to a new biocontrol method for preventing wilt disease. The study identified nine filamentous fungi and one yeast as symbionts, including previously undescribed species.
A new study found that only around half of older adults with hypertension regularly check their blood pressure at home. Those who received a healthcare provider's recommendation to do so were three and a half times more likely to monitor their blood pressure regularly.
A study found that the 2021/22 influenza vaccine had only 36% effectiveness against A(H3N2) in Canada, with a mismatch between the vaccine strain and the circulating virus. This suggests that the replacement of the vaccine strain for the upcoming season is necessary.
Researchers at Georgia State University have discovered a way to prevent and treat gonorrhea by generating a mutation in a key molecule. The study found that inhibiting the bacterial pathogen's ability to hijack human immunity proteins could block gonorrhea infection.