Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
A new DNA methylation array can assess methylation levels of genes in imprint control regions, which regulate the expression of imprinted genes. The array has 22,000 probes and can identify potential links between environmental exposures and epigenetic dysregulation in diseases.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of proper ventilation in buildings to prevent airborne infection transmission. Experts recommend developing interdisciplinary knowledge, investing in mechanical ventilation systems, and implementing equivalent ventilation methods for existing buildings.
Researchers found that personalized text messages effectively increased physical activity among patients after significant heart events, with Apple Watch users showing a 10% increase in step count. However, the benefits later tapered off as patients became accustomed to the messages.
Researchers found that most Powassan-positive bites cause nonspecific presentations without symptoms, and estimated 3,000-5,000 people in the US are exposed to ticks carrying the virus each year. The study used a new testing approach to detect the virus in ticks and linked it to human disease outcomes.
A study published in Neurology found that people with high levels of body fat stored in their belly or arms may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases than those with low levels. Those with high muscle strength were also less likely to develop these diseases.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
A new study reviewing the academic literature on indoor pest control reveals that successful mosquito treatments have unintended consequences, including the return of household pests like bed bugs and flies. This has led to community distrust and abandonment of these treatments, contributing to rising rates of malaria.
A study published in Circulation found that adults aged 50-54 with severely narrowed leg arteries had a higher risk of amputation after emergency surgery than those aged 80-84. This contradicts the traditional belief that older people are at increased risk.
The nirmatrelvir/ritonavir regimen has shown promise in reducing COVID-19 hospitalizations and potentially lowering all-cause mortality. However, the evidence is limited and varied, with real-world studies showing a high level of variability due to differences in patient characteristics and care practices.
A new genetic test has identified a mutation causing progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in English Shepherd Dogs, allowing breeders to eliminate the disease from their population. The test is available for purchase and will help prevent the disease from being passed on to puppies.
A Tulane University study found that pharmacists have the best success rates in helping patients with high blood pressure get their hypertension under control. Pharmacists achieved the greatest improvements, followed by community health workers, who also saw significant reductions in blood pressure.
This research perspective reviews the current state of chemoprevention and cancer interception progress in asbestos-induced mesothelioma. The study identifies potential targets for prevention, including inflammatory factors and novel chemoprevention agents.
The new guidelines from the Surgical Infection Society offer updated recommendations for antimicrobial agent selection, source control, and treatment of specific pathogens. These evidence-based guidelines aim to improve clinical outcomes and reduce mortality rates from intra-abdominal infections globally.
Emerging antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates found in retail chicken meat poses a significant threat to public health. The study found a dramatic increase in multidrug-resistant S. Infantis, which has been linked to high levels of antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes.
A study of nearly half a million women found that endometriosis was associated with a higher risk of ovarian cancer. The risk was particularly elevated among women with ovarian endometriomas or deep infiltrating endometriosis, with a 19-fold increased risk for certain types of ovarian cancer.
A team of Texas A&M researchers will conduct a five-year study on brucellosis in Armenia to improve detection capabilities and provide education. The project aims to better understand the disease's presence and prevalence, allowing the Armenian government to develop a control plan to stop its spread.
A recent study by the University of Exeter warns that intensive livestock farming may raise the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). The researchers highlight the need to consider social and economic factors in traditional assessments.
A new study published in Hypertension journal suggests that both 30-year and 10-year risk predictions should be considered when making high blood pressure treatment decisions. The researchers compared two risk prediction tools and found that long-term, 30-year risk may be more important than short-term, 10-year risk for informing medic...
A systematic review published in Nutrients highlights the positive health outcomes associated with pulse consumption. The study found that eating more pulses reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million patient records to find that metformin and SGLT-2 inhibitors lowered dementia and Alzheimer's disease risks compared to other antidiabetic drugs. The study suggests individualized treatment approaches considering patient-specific factors for optimal diabetes management.
Researchers discovered a new genetic cause of inherited Parkinson's disease, the CARS E795V mutation, which affects protein function and leads to neurological symptoms. The study found that this rare mutation is responsible for the condition in nine individuals from four families.
A team of researchers has discovered a mechanism by which the liver's immune cells are suppressed in chronic hepatitis B, leading to organ damage. The 'sleep timer' function allows immune cells to weaken their activity over time, preventing them from proliferating excessively and causing further damage.
Researchers identified a fundamental imbalance in immune responses that patients with lupus make, leading to insufficient activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway. This imbalance can be corrected by reprogramming disease-causing cells into Th22 cells promoting wound healing, offering a potential cure for lupus.
A new study has found that women with a family history of endocrine diseases, including type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome, are at a higher risk of experiencing pregnancy loss. The study, which examined over 366,000 women in Denmark, found a significant association between endocrine disease and pregnancy loss.
A scientific team has identified pentamidine as an active substance that can prevent chlamydial infections, even at low concentrations. The compound suppresses the growth of intracellular bacteria by inhibiting host cell metabolism, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
Researchers found GLP-1 receptor agonists lower risks of certain obesity-associated cancers in patients with type 2 diabetes, suggesting potential benefits for cancer prevention in high-risk populations. The study provides preliminary evidence supporting further preclinical and clinical studies to prevent specific obesity-linked cancers.
Researchers found that disease transmission between farms persists despite movement restrictions, with cattle movement activities being the strongest predictor of farm infections. The study calls for a multifaceted approach to managing Salmonella Dublin, including closer monitoring and targeted interventions.
Researchers discovered that male mosquitoes listen for specific sound frequencies made by females of their own species to avoid mating with the wrong species. This finding has implications for developing innovative mosquito control strategies using artificial flight sounds. The study aims to prevent mosquito populations from reaching u...
The study reveals a functional hierarchy of beta cells, with a small group acting as 'first responders' to initiate the glucose response. These cells produce and supply Vitamin B6 to regulate the activity of other beta cells, offering new insights into diabetes pathology and potential treatments.
A Swedish researchers have created a questionnaire test that quickly identifies individuals at high risk of heart attack. The test has been shown to be as accurate as blood tests and blood pressure measurements, detecting 65% of those at the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers analyzed genomic data and human travel patterns to understand the spread and evolution of Streptococcus pneumoniae. The study found that a pneumococcal vaccine reduced antibiotic resistance but allowed non-targeted strains to gain a competitive advantage, suggesting short-lived protection.
A team of Nordic researchers developed a predictive model to analyze the spread of infections across borders from spring 2020 to end of that year. The study revealed that cross-border closures were unlikely to have significant impact in specific scenarios, and restrictions may be more effective when targeting travelers.
Researchers have identified two highly soluble molecules with superior antioxidant benefits for cells, which could help prevent and manage certain degenerative diseases by maintaining lower levels of harmful free radicals. The study suggests that these molecules can transfer and accumulate in membranes, reducing the risk of cell damage.
A new study reconstructs the global migration history of Phytophthora infestans, challenging the common theory of its Mexican origin. The research found that P. infestans likely originated in the South American Andes and then spread globally.
Extravasation of newborn intravenous infusions can lead to severe complications. Chemical stimulation, infusion rates, and nurse expertise are key factors influencing this risk. Improving understanding and addressing these factors can help prevent extravasation and improve outcomes for neonates.
Research by a University of Virginia undergraduate may help explain recurrent Crohn’s disease in children and open the door to new ways to treat or even cure the devastating condition. Children with relapsing Crohn’s had persistent disruptions of their microbiomes even after inflammation was successfully controlled.
A new approach to testing for Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) has been shown to reduce unnecessary testing by 20%. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, introduces a clearly defined, evidence-based test ordering process that targets specific patient groups and reduces inappropriate testing.
The Midwest Developmental Center for AIDS Research will unite scientists and public health experts to fight the HIV epidemic in the region. The center aims to create a platform for collaboration and coordinate efforts to address the disease, with a focus on improving healthcare equity and outcomes.
Researchers found that H5N1 virus particles in unpasteurized milk can remain stable on metal and rubber components of commercial milking equipment for over an hour. This increases the potential for bird flu exposure among dairy farm workers and animal-to-animal transmission.
Researchers found that people who achieved weight loss and prediabetes remission had a 76% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who only lost weight. This suggests that normalization of blood sugar levels should be included as a therapeutic goal in guidelines to improve diabetes prevention.
Researchers at U of T have harnessed CRISPR to efficiently and precisely control RNA splicing, enabling the systematic interrogation of gene functions and correction of splicing deficiencies in diseases. This new tool allows for targeted activation or repression of alternative exons with high specificity.
Marilyn Rantz's Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) improves care quality in nursing homes, reducing avoidable hospitalizations. The program is now being emulated nationwide for its proven track record of success.
A new study by UCL researchers found that people with anxiety over the age of 50 are at least twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The study, published in the British Journal of General Practice, also identified symptoms such as depression, sleep disturbance, and fatigue as risk factors for developing the condition.
A study found that mosquitoes in Greater Paris can transmit five arboviruses within different time frames, with West Nile virus transmitted in as little as three days. The results highlight the importance of increased surveillance and control measures to prevent disease outbreaks during the Olympic Games.
Researchers found a causal link between cerebral small-vessel disease and increased risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. The study highlights the importance of white matter hyperintensity burden as a surrogate marker for clinical trials to prevent dementia.
Researchers are exploring inflammation caused by COVID-19 as a trigger for Long Covid, a condition characterized by persistent symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. The study aims to identify potential causes and treatments for Long Covid, with findings that could lead to enhanced immune function in patients.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a small molecule compound that restores physiological levels of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), reducing cellular senescence and tissue inflammation. TERT restoration also spurred new neuron formation with improved memory and enhanced neuromuscular function.
Researchers have discovered a new source of resistance to the devastating wheat blast disease, leveraging a gene that also protects against powdery mildew. The Pm4 gene, found in European wheat varieties, confers dual protection against the pathogen and its effector molecule AVR-Rmg8.
A recent outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in Finnish fur farms resulted in severe disease and widespread inflammation in infected animals. The virus caused significant adaptations to mammalian hosts, increasing the risk of potential human infection.
A new study reveals that micro- and nanoplastics may boost the risk of non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The tiny particles are absorbed into the human body through food, air, and other sources, potentially leading to increased inflammation and severity of these conditions.
A wearable health monitor developed by Washington State University researchers can accurately measure levels of important biochemicals in sweat during physical exercise. The device has the potential to track health conditions and diagnose common diseases, including diabetes, gout, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Researchers used single-cell sequencing technology to study immune responses in healthy adult volunteers exposed to SARS-CoV-2. They discovered unique immune responses associated with resisting sustained viral infection and disease, including activation of specialized mucosal immune cells and a reduction in inflammatory white blood cells.
The USPSTF recommends providing or referring children and adolescents with a high body mass index (BMI) to comprehensive behavioral interventions. Approximately 19.7% of US children aged 2-19 have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile, with higher prevalence among Hispanic/Latino, Native American/Alaska Native, and lower-income families.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough discovery about the mysterious condition known as 'happy hypoxia,' which affects some COVID-19 patients despite critically low blood-oxygen saturation. Elevated hemoglobin levels in certain patients' blood may play a key role in enabling the respiratory system to sustain low oxygen levels w...
A new University of Houston study reveals that residents in neighborhoods with higher crime rates and lower police presence are more likely to smoke. The research found that these areas amplify feelings of powerlessness, leading to maladaptive coping behaviors like smoking.
Researchers have developed a model to enrich sub-populations of cancer cells with high basal levels of mitophagy, promoting CSC features such as self-renewal, proliferation, and drug-resistance. This study highlights the importance of BNIP3/BNIP3L in maintaining cancer stem cell properties.
Researchers found a link between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease, revealing reduced B vitamins and intestinal barrier issues. Treatment with B vitamins could alleviate PD symptoms and slow disease progression.
The WISEWOMAN program, funded by the CDC, improved blood pressure, diet, and physical activity among low-income, uninsured women in Nebraska. Lifestyle interventions led to significant weight loss, increased fruit and vegetable consumption, and improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers found TIMP-1 enhances antitumor immunity through self-stimulation and activates immune cells. Increasing TIMP-1 expression could improve cancer immunotherapies in patients with deficient immune responses.
Past-year Papanicolaou testing rates dropped in 2022 compared to 2019, highlighting the need to increase access to screenings. Rural-vs-urban differences indicate a focus on rural females requires attention.