Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
Research suggests that anemia, characterized by low levels of iron in the blood, can facilitate the colonization and multiplication of the dengue virus in mosquitoes. Iron supplementation may potentially reduce the transmission of dengue fever to mosquitoes in affected areas.
A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.
A three-year pilot study is evaluating a new opioid overdose prevention program, ROAR, specifically designed for incarcerated women. The program aims to reduce the risk of post-incarceration opioid overdose by providing treatment and recovery support prior to release.
A study published in Immunity identified a biomarker for predicting malaria infection severity, with increased p53 activation associated with enhanced protection against fever and inflammation. The findings could lead to new strategies for dampening harmful inflammatory responses and identifying at-risk individuals.
Researchers analyzed commuting patterns in San Juan, Recife, and Jakarta to model different scenarios, informing mosquito control strategies. The study found that investment in control measures affects disease risks, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
A new study has found that systematic eradication of plants contaminated with the cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) can keep passion fruit orchards producing for at least 25 months. The technique, known as roguing, involves removing weak or diseased plants to prevent the spread of the disease. In experiments conducted in Brazil, ...
A new study led by Penn State researchers found that people with restless legs syndrome (RLS) have a nearly tripled risk of suicide or self-harm. Despite controlling for factors such as depression and insomnia, the study suggests that RLS may be an independent variable contributing to these mental health issues.
A new study at the University of Kentucky reveals that mitochondrial changes, rather than glucose, drive chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. This finding challenges the long-held assumption that glucose is the primary cause of inflammation in the disease.
A recent study by the University of Warwick suggests that national livestock movement bans may be economically damaging in controlling Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and bluetongue virus (BTV). The researchers propose that a more localized movement ban could achieve similar disease control outcomes with lower economic costs.
Researchers have developed a new 'ubiquitin clipping' technique to study protein modifications, revealing branched ubiquitin chains are common and could impact diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The technique enables detailed experimentation, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential drug targets.
Intensive systolic blood pressure control was associated with a smaller increase in brain white matter lesions compared to standard treatment. There was also a greater decrease in total brain volume, although the significance of this finding is unclear.
Researchers found EV RNA in CSF of 4 out of 567 total confirmed AFM cases, but significantly higher antibodies to EV peptides in 11 of 14 AFM patients. The study suggests enterovirus infection as a cause for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children.
A new smartphone app scans plants for signs of major diseases and one common pest, detecting them with a 90% successful rate. The app aims to link farmers to extension workers and satellite images to prevent production losses and support global disease control.
Researchers identified 239 genes with altered activity in long-living fruit fly strains, including those involved in metabolism. The mutation triggers a global alteration of metabolism, affecting carbohydrate, lipid, and nucleotide metabolism, as well as immune response genes.
A team of researchers has developed a soft neural implant that can be wirelessly controlled using a smartphone, enabling chronic chemical and optical neuromodulation. The device uses replaceable drug cartridges and powerful low-energy Bluetooth for prolonged periods.
Researchers found two eco-friendly methods to combat Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Disease: using UV-blocking plastics and salicylic acid analogues. These alternative approaches could help farmers reduce damage and improve crop yields without harming the environment.
Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as greening, is a serious plant disease causing bitter and misshapen fruits. Researchers developed a low-cost staining method to identify insect feeding sites and detect the causal agent up to two days after transmission.
Scientists have successfully reduced bovine leukemia virus levels in cows by combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with an enzyme inhibitor, showing promise for controlling other diseases in cattle. The treatment also demonstrated antiviral effects in BLV-infected animals with high viral loads.
A new study reveals that a simple genetic system controls complex motor movements in fruit flies, which shares similarities with human movements such as rolling in babies. This discovery provides insights into the molecular basis of motor control and its relationship to diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's.
Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.
Researchers present a treatment program to guide effective control of sarcoptic mange disease in wombat populations, building on lessons learned from a previous outbreak at Narawntapu National Park. A longer-lasting treatment and improved delivery are proposed to improve capacity for controlling the disease.
A study of 1 million people in 44 low- and middle-income countries found that more than two-thirds have high blood pressure without treatment. Only 30% receive proper diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the need for population-level prevention strategies.
Researchers developed a stable cobalt(III)-nitrosyl complex, enabling controlled nitric oxide delivery to cells. This discovery has the potential to greatly impact treatment development for cardiovascular diseases, including vasodilation and enhanced neuroplasticity.
Scientists propose alternative biological concepts to combat fungal disease in aquatic organisms, including increasing host diversity, vaccination, probiotics, hyperparasitism, and using 'parasite eaters'. These methods aim to reduce environmental harm and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.
A 25-year study of US data found declining average health and worsening income disparities, but some progress in closing the racial gap. The study calls for new approaches to address health equity challenges.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
Researchers found that dirty sinks and faucets can splash contaminated water onto patients and healthcare workers, highlighting the importance of faucet design in infection control. The study introduced sink guards as a solution to limit splashing, improving hand hygiene practices.
The introduction of new female external catheter technology at NYC Health + Hospitals/Coney Island significantly reduced CAUTIs by 51.7%, while also decreasing the number of Foley days. This innovation provides a safer alternative to indwelling catheters, reducing the risk of infection.
Researchers developed video games to test disease control and prevention strategies, finding that a small shift in risk attitudes can significantly impact disease incidence. The model suggests that changing farmer behavior could make dramatic impacts on avoiding devastating outbreaks.
A healthcare system implemented chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing to reduce infections, achieving a 65% reduction in CLABSI, 30% reduction in CAUTI, and 100% reduction in MRSA. Estimated total cost savings were $515,000 between April 2017 and March 2018.
Researchers found that patients with high skin concentrations of C. auris can shed the fungus and contaminate their surroundings, leading to outbreaks in healthcare facilities. The study provides an explanation for the extensive contamination often seen during C. auris outbreaks.
Researchers and health organizations are urging a coordinated effort to develop operational procedures, including methods for identifying scabies prevalence in impacted countries. The goal is to reduce the burden of scabies-related illnesses such as rheumatic heart disease through mass drug administration strategies.
A new study estimates that half of all Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected since the virus was discovered in 1976. The research highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent future epidemics.
Researchers have discovered a previously unreported strategy employed by the virus responsible for chickenpox and shingles to powerfully inhibit natural killer cell function. This impairment enables the virus to paralyze natural killer cells, rendering them unable to respond to target cells, thereby evading the immune response.
Citrus greening has devastated Florida's citrus farms and threatens California groves. Researchers are exploring strategies to control the disease, including creating resistant crops and delivering anti-microbe peptides.
A randomized controlled trial demonstrated that approximately two-thirds of patients achieving disease control on tocilizumab experience successful treatment outcomes following glucocorticoid tapering. Most patients in both groups achieved treatment success, with a small loss of disease control observed at the total study population le...
A NIOSH-funded study is assessing how dental professionals come into contact with vapors, gases, and airborne dusts in clinics. The researchers will measure the size and concentration of particulates in real-time during common dental procedures.
Researchers review aspects of RA detection and intervention, highlighting potential for early screening and prevention. Studies discuss the development of effective preventive measures, which could significantly alter disease course and quality of life.
Researchers successfully control virus replication in mosquitoes using Wolbachia, which reduces the risk of human disease. The study shows promise for long-term efficacy of Wolbachia as a control option for mosquito-transmitted diseases.
Scientists have developed a new gene-targeted approach to study chronic wasting disease in mice, allowing for the detection of distinct prion strain properties in deer and elk. This breakthrough enables researchers to better understand the ability of prions to transmit disease between species.
A research team from Osaka University has developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets α-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. By using amido-bridged nucleic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotides, the treatment effectively decreases α-synuclein production and reduces disease severity in mice models.
Researchers found that CD8+ T cells retain protective functions despite sustained inhibitory receptor expression during Epstein-Barr virus infection. Blocking the PD-1 pathway leads to specific defects in controlling the virus and increases tumor formation.
A new statistical framework has been developed to evaluate the effectiveness of mosquito control programs across various time and space scales. The model, applied to a citywide intervention in Iquitos, Peru, found that insecticide spraying reduced Ae. aegypti populations by an average of 67%.
Research at North Carolina State University found that people with substance-use problems are less likely to report wanting effective therapies if they read a message describing addiction as a disease. In contrast, those who received a growth mindset message reported stronger intentions to seek counseling or cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Researchers used an interactive model, Tangible Landscape, to engage forest stakeholders in managing sudden oak death. The model allows participants to explore scenarios and factor in budgets for disease management, providing valuable insights for sustainable solutions.
Researchers discovered that bedbugs have been parasitic companions with other species aside from humans for more than 100 million years. The team found that bedbugs are 50 million years older than bats and were already specialized on a single host type, even though the host was unknown at the time of T. rex.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention has received a five-year, $3.75 million grant from the CDC to expand its Med-South Lifestyle Program, which aims to reduce chronic disease risk in rural and minority populations.
A review panel led by Regenstrief Institute Research Scientist Kurt Kroenke found that clinicians, policymakers, and payers are misapplying CDC opioid guidelines, negatively affecting patients. The panel identified challenges with implementing the guidelines, including overly restrictive prescribing policies and burdens on clinicians.
A 14-year investigation in Bangladesh found that older male patients and those with respiratory issues are at higher risk of transmitting the Nipah virus. The study analyzed 248 cases and identified key factors associated with transmission, recommending public health measures to prevent outbreaks.
Research finds that adult cases with respiratory symptoms are more likely to transmit the virus, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions. Contacts exposed to respiratory secretions are also at higher risk, emphasizing the need for protective measures among spouses and caregivers.
A year-long randomized controlled study is being conducted to evaluate the impact of switching from cigarettes to glo on markers of smoking-related disease development. The study aims to observe any favorable changes and determine if THPs may provide a less risky alternative to cigarette smoking.
A new study reveals a wide variation in global malaria spending across 106 countries, with development assistance plateauing since 2010. The World Health Organization's annual funding target of $6.6 billion is still not met, and more resources are needed to bridge the $2.3 billion gap.
Researchers reviewed 60 years of dengue literature to identify trends and knowledge gaps in the Philippines. The study found that the number of dengue publications increased, but there are still gaps in basic laboratory research and newer intervention measures.
A new study reveals that soft bedding is responsible for almost 70% of sleep-related infant deaths. The most common causes of suffocation in babies under one year old are overlay, soft bedding, and wedging.
An international team of researchers discovered a pair of residues acting as a gate in the archaeal Na+/H+ antiporter PaNhaP. The gate's mutation speeds up the transporter twice as much as the wild type, suggesting a balance between fidelity and efficiency.
A new study found that 40% of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions were unnecessary, with urinary tract infections, bronchitis, skin structure infections, and sinusitis being common causes. Real-time alerts and patient education may help reduce misuse by targeting these factors in the outpatient setting.
A European study finds associations between antibiotic resistance and seasonal temperature, with significant contributions to MRSA variance. Climate change may increase AMR transmission, particularly carbapenem resistance, in various healthcare systems.
Vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Lyme borreliosis are expanding rapidly across Europe due to climate change and international travel. The geographical range of these diseases is expected to increase, with hotter temperatures favouring the spread of mosquitoes and ticks.
Research found that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes before age 40 have a significantly increased risk of death, stroke, heart attack, and other cardiovascular conditions. Women under 40 are at higher risk than men, while the risk decreases with increasing age of diagnosis.
Researchers at Yale University tested a text message intervention aimed at improving heart health in Chinese patients with heart disease. The study found that although the texts did not produce the desired outcome, patients liked the messages and wanted them to continue.