Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
A new study from Texas A&M University uses drone delivery to quickly distribute at-home diagnostic tests, minimizing exposure to others and reducing transmission rates. The approach can reduce transmission by a factor of 7.5 and has potential applications in other infectious diseases like influenza.
International researchers, led by UMass Amherst, discovered a mechanism that allows certain fungi to destroy grapevines using small compounds that reduce iron and produce hydrogen peroxide. Antioxidants and chelators can potentially interrupt this process and prevent grapevine damage.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that people with high genetic risk for stroke can reduce their risk by 30-45% by adopting a healthy cardiovascular lifestyle. The study followed 11,568 adults over 28 years and showed that modifying lifestyle risk factors can offset genetic risk.
A rise in severe acute hepatitis of unknown causes (SAHUC) in children has been reported worldwide, with symptoms including jaundice, vomiting, and diarrhea. Diagnostic tests such as liver enzymes and biopsy reports can help identify the disease, but its etiology remains unclear.
A study found that healthcare workers in non-COVID-19 wards during outbreaks transmitted new infections, highlighting gaps in infection control practices between different acute care wards. In contrast, those working in COVID-19 isolation wards had lower transmission rates.
A study of 980,000 people found that simultaneous administration of COVID-19 mRNA booster and seasonal influenza vaccines was associated with significant increases in reports of systemic reactions. The study suggests that the combination may lead to more severe adverse events, highlighting the need for further research.
The 2016 CDC guideline aimed to reduce opioid-related overdose deaths by encouraging clinicians to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing opioids. Researchers found a significant increase in nonopioid pain medication prescribing rates, coinciding with a drop in opioid prescribing.
Research from the University of Georgia suggests that a diet rich in bright-colored fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in lutein and zeaxanthin, can help prevent visual and cognitive loss in women. This is due to the antioxidant properties of these carotenoids, which have been shown to improve central nervous system degener...
A new study suggests that incorporating farmers' behaviors into national infection control policies can better manage livestock disease outbreaks. The research found that individual farmers may respond differently to disease control measures, and their actions could be critical in protecting animal welfare and the farming industry.
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
Researchers have created stem cell models that mimic the genetic disorder, revealing the role of WASP protein in regulating RNA splicing and finding potential therapeutic targets. These findings could lead to new treatments for Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, a devastating immune deficiency disorder.
A new study finds that climate variables like temperature, rainfall, and ocean warming predict mosquito population growth in Sri Lanka for the next one to six months. The research can inform programs to limit dengue transmission, a major public health problem in the country.
Researchers have discovered a unique biochemical profile in severe asthmatic patients, which could lead to more effective treatments. The study found a decrease in carnitine metabolism in severe asthmatics, playing an important role in cellular energy generation and immune responses.
Liu's three-year grant will pursue protein-derived cofactor studies to improve understanding of amino acids and their role in metabolism. The research aims to gain a quicker and more thorough understanding of amino acid function and purpose.
Researchers found dengue and Zika viruses increase acetophenone production in infected hosts, making them more attractive to mosquitoes. Treatment with acne medication reduces this effect, potentially mitigating virus spread.
Researchers found that infected mice and humans emit a specific molecule, acetophenone, which attracts mosquitoes. This altered scent allows the viruses to spread faster. A potential preventative, isotretinoin, was also tested and shown to reduce mosquito attraction.
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases aims to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases through research, training, and community engagement. The center will leverage applied research, public health training, and community partnerships to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
A new study found that low-income Canadians are nearly four times more likely to be hospitalized and end up in emergency departments due to opioid use. The study also shows a significant gap in opioid-related deaths between low-income and high-income Canadians, with those living in lower-income areas still at higher risk.
A study published by researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that psychiatric drugs imipramine and olanzapine can improve symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, including boosting cognition and reversing clinical diagnoses.
Researchers identify AgRP neurons as key players in regulating food intake by releasing endogenous lysophospholipids, which stimulate cerebral cortex activity. Administering autotaxin inhibitors can significantly reduce excessive food intake and obesity in animal models.
A new study found that specific gene mutations, such as LRRK2 and PRKN, may prolong survival time in Parkinson's patients, while SNCA and GBA mutations may shorten it. This could lead to more personalized treatment plans for patients with these genetic variants.
Researchers from Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine found a significant rate of new TB infections among Tanzanian adolescents. The study used serial testing and identified transient, persistent, and irregular conversions between positive and negative IGRA test results.
Researchers have designed a new anaerobic reactor using polyurethane foam, reducing nitrogen removal costs in Brazil. The system achieves high nitrogen removal efficiency by creating an environment that optimizes denitrification.
The article discusses how big data can improve non-communicable disease (NCD) surveillance by providing real-time information and reducing costs. This new approach uses electronic health records, national administrative data, and other datasets to track NCDs more effectively.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet describe a new way of generating insulin-producing cells using a molecule that stimulates protein synthesis and boosts insulin production. The study shows promise for treating type 1 and 2 diabetes, potentially increasing the number of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells.
Healthcare workers must be vigilant in detecting and managing suspected monkeypox cases while avoiding stigmatization of affected communities. The authors stress the importance of careful infection control practices and community allyship with men who have sex with men to combat the outbreak.
A UVA researcher is using a harmless amoeba to develop an innovative treatment for deadly C. difficile infections in young children. The approach has the potential to deliver specific antibodies directly to the gut, reducing the need for antibiotics and addressing a growing public health threat.
Researchers used bacteriophage therapy to treat 20 complex, antibiotic-resistant lung infections in a clinical trial, resulting in no adverse reactions. More than half of treated patients experienced symptom improvement or reduced bacterial presence. The study's findings advance the promise of phage therapy as an alternative to traditi...
Researchers reviewed literature from 2000 to find only one reported case of monkeypox transmission following exposure in non-endemic areas. The study suggests a low risk of nosocomial transmission, but highlights the need for more data on exposure definitions and personal protective equipment use.
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
A comprehensive register study at the University of Gothenburg shows individuals with diabetes have a substantially increased risk of left-sided heart valve disease. Lowering blood pressure and reducing other risk factors may even reduce this risk more than current treatment targets suggest.
Deep nerve stimulation using custom-wired electrodes and wireless implantable systems significantly lowers systolic blood pressure by up to 16% in two hours. The technology targets hypertension, a leading cause of death globally, affecting over 1 billion people.
A study by WVU researcher Ednilson Bernardes found that supplier pool pressure contributed to the oversupply of prescription opioids like oxycodone and hydrocodone. The researchers analyzed transactions from 2006-2012, revealing that over 90% of supply came from just three generics manufacturers.
A secondary analysis of the MOVe-OUT trial found molnupiravir-treated participants had a decreased need for respiratory interventions and fewer COVID-19-related acute care visits. Additionally, they showed faster normalization of biomarkers and were discharged earlier than placebo-treated patients.
A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine may be essential for kidney transplant patients in Japan to prevent severe disease and infection. Researchers found that only a third of patients developed sufficient antibodies after two doses, highlighting the need for additional protection.
A team of researchers has found a way to block the replication of one strain of the influenza virus in human cells by inhibiting a specific protein modification process called SUMOylation. This breakthrough could lead to highly effective treatments for the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Researchers are assessing cognitive decline in aging Latinos, exploring the long-term impact of COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease on brain function and impairment. The study will gather data to develop real-world therapies and potentially lessen the disease burden of dementia affecting Latinos.
A retrospective analysis of 7,000 patients found pulse oximeter devices overestimated blood oxygen levels in non-White patients, delaying treatment eligibility recognition. The study suggests that biases in pulse oximeter accuracy disproportionately affect minority communities.
Biologists at the University of Rochester have identified two key systems controlling gene expression related to longevity: circadian networks regulating negative lifespan genes and the pluripotency network controlling positive lifespan genes. This research provides new insights into understanding how longevity evolves and may lead to ...
A new Cornell University-led study found that low-income residents near new public transit stations in Medellin, Colombia experienced higher dengue fever rates. The researchers discovered that the proximity to these stations and socioeconomic status are significant factors in determining dengue incidence rates.
The US healthcare system faces a significant challenge in providing high-quality, personalized obesity care due to lack of insurance coverage for effective medications and societal stigma. Recent efforts aim to address this issue through framework development and policy changes, which may lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savi...
A study found that COVID-19 disrupted RSV's seasonal pattern, leading to a 'collapse' of existing strains and emergence of new ones. The pandemic also accelerated the spread and evolution of other viruses like influenza.
Children previously infected with COVID-19 or MIS-C are not protected against the newer Omicron variant. However, vaccination shows protective effects, according to a study published in Nature Communications.
A global survey of 51 healthcare facilities from 35 countries found that 98% lacked key components of World Health Organization's multimodal improvement strategies for infection prevention and control. The study results will inform refinement of a self-assessment tool to enhance HEH practices globally, reducing healthcare-associated in...
A new method measures individually measurable aerosol values during exercise, revealing moderate aerosol emissions at medium exertion and exponential increases above that point. The study suggests special protective measures are needed for high-intensity training to reduce infection risk.
A new retrospective study analyzed seven patients with monkeypox in the UK between 2018 and 2021, suggesting potential benefits of antiviral medications like tecovirimat. However, brincidofovir showed little clinical benefit and raised concerns about liver toxicity.
A population-scale study found COVID-19 vaccination is effective in most cancer patients but offers lower protection and wanes quickly. Vaccine effectiveness was lower (65.5%) in cancer patients compared to the general population (69.8%), with higher hospitalization and death risks despite vaccination.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and four medical societies release recommendations for preventing ventilator-associated events and nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. Evidence-based practices include oral care, managing dysphagia, and multimodal approaches to prevent viral infections.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Pathogenic Trypanosomatids will bring together experts from different fields to discuss the fight against leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Researchers will share state-of-the-art science and results of new research on epigenetics, drug discovery, and molecular biology.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
A community-focused approach led by Boston Medical Center significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination uptake in historically disinvested Black and Latino communities. The initiative administered over 100,000 first doses, with a focus on mobile vaccination events and community-based clinics.
Researchers discovered that adaptive immune response against TB matures over time, with key players in immunity becoming activated by three months after infection. The emergence of these activated T cells is inversely correlated with the number of granuloma-contained live bacteria, suggesting they play critical roles in bacterial control.
A new study found that deaths from alcohol use disorder increased dramatically during the pandemic, with a 25% higher rate in 2020 and 22% higher in 2021 compared to projected rates. Young adults aged 25-44 experienced the steepest upward trend in alcohol use disorder mortality.
A new system allows for fast and accurate detection of gluten in food using a cell phone, reducing analysis time from hours to minutes. The test can also help prevent fraud in meat products by detecting added grains.
A new analysis of nationally representative data reveals a significant increase in the impact of HPV vaccination efforts, leading to decreased prevalence of cancer-causing HPV infections among both vaccinated and unvaccinated females. The study found that vaccination has directly protected individuals and generated herd effects, reduci...
Two projects aim to vaccinate 40,000 and 60,000 people in Ethiopia against cholera, using the OCV vaccine developed by IVI. The mass vaccination campaign will also establish a disease monitoring system to strengthen local public health capabilities.
Researchers at University of Missouri, Georgia Tech and Harvard University have successfully demonstrated a new Type 1 diabetes treatment in large animal models. By transplanting pancreatic islet cells with a molecule called FasL, they prevent rogue immune cells from destroying the transplanted cells.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife have identified a novel species of pathogenic bacteria in onions, which can significantly impact marketable yield and quality. The discovery provides crucial information about the distribution and potential disease outbreaks of this newly documented pathogen, Pseudomonas uvaldensis sp. nov.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that interprofessional teams implementing evidence-based infection-prevention interventions can significantly reduce hospital-onset C. difficile infections. The team's selected interventions included diagnostic stewardship, enhanced environmental cleaning, and educati...
Researchers investigate how enzymes regulate metabolism, weight gain, and liver disease, revealing diet's significant role in obesity and altered lipid profiles. The study also shows that age affects metabolic processes, leading to weight gain, increased fat storage, and unhealthy liver changes.