Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
New research confirms a concerning trend erasing a decade of progress in reducing mortalities from heart disease and stroke. The US cardiovascular disease death rate rose by 9.3% from 2020 to 2022, with over 228,000 more CVD deaths than expected if pre-2020 trends continued.
A Phase 3 clinical trial found that combining testosterone-blocking drugs prevents cancer spread and extends treatment time in patients with relapsed prostate cancer. The approach is more effective than single-drug treatment in delaying cancer progression.
A new study using an animal model has identified a window of opportunity for early treatment to promote long-term control and remission of HIV infection. Starting treatment four weeks after infection promotes viral control after discontinuation of treatment, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Mikhail V. Blagosklonny, a renowned oncologist, shares his personal journey with metastatic brain cancer and challenges conventional treatment approaches. He argues that targeted drugs alone cannot cure lung cancer, but preemptive combinations may offer hope.
A new epidemiological study reveals that bacterial meningitis can cause significant and lasting neurological disabilities in children. The infection can be cured with antibiotics, but it often leads to permanent impairment. Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 people who contracted bacterial meningitis as children and found a high...
Research reveals memory T cells formed after Omicron breakthrough infection provide enhanced immunity against future variants. The study suggests the immune system adapts to combat emerging strains, leading to higher chances of inducing memory T cell defenses.
Researchers have discovered that wastewater monitoring can detect norovirus outbreaks earlier than traditional surveillance methods, depending on the level of reporting. This novel approach has significant implications for public health strategies, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly and effectively to emerging outbreaks.
A team of researchers identified a CTP-dependent transcription factor controlling Shigella virulence gene expression, providing new avenues for combating this and related bacterial pathogens. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis.
Researchers used the 2022 FIFA World Cup to study COVID-19 spread and hospitalizations at mass gatherings. They found that pre-travel screenings did little to prevent infections, but pre-match testing with rapid antigen or reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests was more effective.
A new study reveals that genotyping technology detects Covid variants almost a week faster than traditional whole genome sequencing methods. This technique allowed for the rapid detection of Covid variant information, enabling local control measures such as contact tracing to be implemented more quickly.
Researchers analyzed over 770,000 cases of chikungunya and zika in Brazil, finding a decline in spatial variations for both diseases but an increase in case numbers in 85% and 57% of clusters. High-risk areas are linked to higher temperatures, low rainfall, urbanization, and social inequality.
A University of Alberta-led international network is studying very rare adverse events after vaccination, using cutting-edge techniques and unprecedented data from around the world. The goal is to enhance vaccine safety assessment and inform health authorities on the most appropriate type of vaccine for specific outbreak settings.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients who underwent a single session of aerobic exercise experienced temporary reductions in blood pressure at rest and under stress. The study, conducted at the University of São Paulo, demonstrates the benefits of moderate-intensity walking for cardiovascular management and blood pressure control.
Researchers analyzed electronic health records and contact tracing data to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention measures implemented during the pandemic. Universal masking was found to be a crucial factor in preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmissions in healthcare settings, with airborne negative pressure rooms and N95 respirator masks no...
A special Journal of Intensive Medicine issue explores the latest research findings on ICU infections, prevention strategies, and innovative approaches to sepsis management. The studies shed light on key challenges and advancements in critical care, highlighting the need for personalized treatment methods.
A new study published in Nature Communications found that AI-driven eye exams can close care gaps among racial and ethnic minority youth with diabetes, populations with historically higher rates of diabetic retinopathy. The technology uses cameras to take pictures of the back of the eye without dilation and provides immediate results.
Researchers found microbial contamination on high-touch hospital surfaces, including pathogenic and potentially pathogenic bacteria, in a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control. The study highlights the need for more effective disinfection protocols to reduce healthcare-associated infections.
A Swedish study found that up to 7% of blood donors had a history of TBE virus infection, affecting over 160,000 people. Vaccination coverage was estimated at 8-57% across different regions.
A comprehensive study reveals repeated incursions of Foot-and-Mouth Disease virus in Israel and neighboring areas, emphasizing the importance of improved surveillance, vaccination efforts, and cross-border cooperation. The research underscores the necessity for unified strategies to effectively combat FMD and reduce its economic and ag...
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a nasal spray with IgA antibodies that can protect mice from SARS-CoV-2 infection. The treatment significantly diminished virus load in infected mice and showed stronger binding to the spike protein compared to original IgG antibodies.
Researchers have successfully used mRNA technology to correct a rare genetic disease in mice, demonstrating its potential therapeutic use. The treatment corrected the lethal consequences of the disease and restored glutathione metabolism.
Researchers discovered that fruit bats have a genetic system controlling blood sugar levels, allowing them to consume up to twice their body weight in sugary fruit daily. The study's findings may lead to the development of better insulin- or sugar-sensing therapies for people with diabetes.
The American Heart Association has made significant medical advancements over the past 100 years, including the development of artificial heart valves and implantable pacemakers. The organization continues to work towards health equity, with a focus on removing barriers to healthcare for diverse populations.
Scientists have identified two fungi, Beauveria pseudobassiana and Metarhizium brunneum, with high insecticidal activity against the Eucalyptus snout beetle. These naturally occurring pathogenic fungi could be used to develop a bio-pesticide for controlling the beetle in forest plantations.
A real-world study found that COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in protecting children and adolescents from infection, with 98% reduced risk during the delta variant phase. Vaccine effectiveness slightly declined during the omicron wave, but still provided strong protection against severe illness and cardiac complications.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering have made a breakthrough in understanding the
A Cochrane review found that e-cigarettes lead to better chances of quitting smoking than patches, gums, lozenges, or other traditional NRT. Eight to 10 out of 100 people using nicotine e-cigarettes quit compared to six out of 100 using traditional NRT.
The ADAPT project is a new initiative to prevent antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. By analyzing biological-medical and socio-cultural factors, the network aims to enhance policy-makers' technical expertise and increase efficiency in disease prevention.
A recent study in Uganda found that asymptomatic individuals with low-level malaria infections had highly variable parasite dynamics and species present. Frequent sampling every other day or daily was sufficient to detect a proportion of infections similar to daily testing, but less frequent tests may miss up to one-third of cases.
Researchers found that Angelica gigas extract improves vascular function in high-fat diet rats, reversing endothelial dysfunction and increasing NO bioavailability. The extract regulates IRE1α sulfonation and RIDD signaling, promoting NO production via the SIRT1-eNOS axis.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System discovered that tau proteins damage brain cells by warping their nuclei, altering gene function and increasing tau production. This finding could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.
The AGA releases its first comprehensive evidence-based guideline for managing pouchitis, a complication of ulcerative colitis surgery. The guideline recommends treatment with antibiotics and multi-strain probiotics to prevent recurrent pouchitis.
Researchers found local rivers and streams to be the source of Salmonella enterica contamination after Hurricane Florence, contradicting assumptions about pig farms. The study has critical implications for disease control and prevention in coastal regions affected by tropical storms.
A new study found that daily toothbrushing among hospitalized patients is associated with lower rates of hospital-acquired pneumonia and ICU mortality. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, also showed that toothbrushing was linked to shorter durations of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.
Researchers have solved the molecular structure of a complete tailed virus with a flexible tail at unprecedented detail. This discovery has significant implications for phage therapies and the development of alternative treatments to antibiotics.
The Canadian Cardiovascular Society has updated its guidelines to no longer recommend routine daily aspirin use for primary prevention of heart attacks or death. However, daily aspirin may be considered for people with high risk factors for heart attack, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking. The new guidelines emphasize the ...
The Mount Sinai Hospital has received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to expand its New York City Virus Hunters program. The program engages high school students in virus surveillance and mapping, tracking circulating avian influenza and paramyxoviruses in wild birds.
A study found childhood cancer survivors have twice the risk of developing prediabetes as the general public, increasing their risk of life-threatening diseases. Lifestyle interventions may help reduce this risk and improve their life expectancy.
Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
A new study finds that most US parents intend to vaccinate their infants and young children against COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with 40% planning to vaccinate against COVID-19. The study also highlights the growing concern of vaccine hesitancy and its potential impact on public health.
Researchers at UVA Health System created an 'atlas of atherosclerosis' revealing critical processes that form harmful plaque buildup. The study provides unprecedented insights into atherosclerosis and its impact on coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Research from the University of Georgia found that Black patients are significantly less likely to receive tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), leading to longer hospital stays and potentially poorer health outcomes. The study highlights racial disparities in stroke care and calls for increased educat...
A new study found that HSP10 treatment improved exploratory preferences, object contacts, and swimming time in aged mice, while also increasing proliferating cells and differentiated neuroblasts. The protein also mitigated age-related gene reductions and increased sirtuin 3 levels.
Researchers are shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV replication and viral integration, opening new avenues for tackling the virus. Discoveries suggest that targeting the cell nucleus and harnessing innate immunity may be key to blocking viral replication and persistence.
Researchers found lower levels of serotonin transporter and higher levels of amyloid-beta protein in brains of people with mild cognitive impairment, a potential target for treatments to slow or stop disease progression. Further research is needed to study the role of serotonin in disease progression.
The University of Texas at Arlington is awarded a $1.1 million grant to train and mentor researchers in mathematical techniques for addressing cancer biology, neurology, and vector-borne diseases. The program aims to increase diversity in science research by recruiting underrepresented scholars.
A new study found that healthcare personnel who had the highest risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 were also more likely to report errors in their own adherence to infection prevention measures. The researchers recommend improvements to training and strategy to better protect healthcare workers.
A study from the University of Tokyo found that the World Health Organization's 24-hour recall method overestimates exclusive breastfeeding by six times. The researchers suggest that in-hospital breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates. To improve breastfeeding outcomes, experts recomm...
The American Heart Association offers a new individual certification for healthcare professionals in tobacco cessation, aiming to standardize training and improve patient outcomes. The certification is based on evidence-based therapies and will help reduce the nation's dependence on tobacco.
Researchers found that probiotics can limit CRC-promoting bacteria, rebalance the microbial profile, and induce targeted cancer cell death. Postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have also been shown to prevent CRC by limiting tumor proliferation and modulating the balance of anti-apoptotic and pro-apoptotic factors.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that many couples around the world share high blood pressure. The research analyzed data from over 50,000 couples in four countries and found a strong association between partners' blood pressure status.
Researchers at West Virginia University are using artificial intelligence to analyze habanero peppers and develop new methods for predicting genetic traits. The goal is to improve crop yields and prevent genetic diseases, with potential applications in human health.
Anopheles stephensi, a malaria-carrying mosquito, has been found to exploit construction sites and brick-making facilities in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, during the dry season. Targeted control measures, such as stocking construction pits with larvae-eating fish, may help mitigate malarial outbreaks in the city.
A study by UCLA researchers found that nearly 20% of patients with serious illnesses listed as alive in their medical records were actually deceased according to California data. This discrepancy led to hundreds of wasteful follow-up outreach efforts, straining resources and healthcare workers' time.
A team of researchers at UMass Amherst has discovered a crucial role played by the enzyme UGGT in protein folding. The study reveals how UGGT 'tags' misfolded proteins with specific sugars, enabling chaperones to identify and correct errors.
According to a new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, most adults who qualify for statin use for primary prevention are not receiving them. The study found that despite increased overall statin use over time, only 35% of eligible adults were taking statins between 2013 and 2018. The researchers suggest that innovative effo...
Researchers Haval Shirwan and Esma Yolcu design a molecule, SA-4-1BBL, that mobilizes immune cells to target cancer cells. The molecule shows promising results in preventing lung cancer by triggering the immune system's defense mechanism.
The new guideline emphasizes the importance of disease prevention, risk factor modification, and optimized therapies to manage atrial fibrillation. It also updates guidelines for catheter ablation, anticoagulants, and heart rate management, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce stroke risk.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that SARS-CoV-2 entry varies among different species and tissue types, highlighting the need for thorough investigations into viral entry mechanisms. The study's findings suggest that targeting TMPRSS2 may not be effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in mink.
A new study discovered microplastics in the placentas of Hawaiʻi mothers between 2006 and 2021, with increasing presence found each year. The researchers believe microplastics may be ingested through food or inhaling dust particles, raising concerns about their impact on fetal health.