Articles tagged with Disease Prevention
Scientists have discovered a link between air pollution and lung cancer in people who have never smoked. Exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) has been shown to promote cancerous changes in airway cells with EGFR and KRAS gene mutations, driving them towards a cancer stem cell-like state.
Late-breaking results at ESMO Congress 2022 reveal a strong association between air pollution and non-small cell lung cancer, with exposure to particulate matter linked to increased risk. The research underscores the need for environmental sustainability in oncology, particularly in cancer prevention and early detection.
Researchers found two distinct populations of the invasive American bullfrog in Brazil, one descended from 1935 introductions and another from the 1970s. The study highlights the need for law enforcement to prevent escape from frog farms.
A new study by Kyoto University found that Regnase-1 gene expression is low in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), mirroring the pathology of humans. The protein's mRNA degradation leads to PAH inhibition, offering a potential new treatment for heart failure and premature death.
Researchers protected great apes by studying tourist behavior and expectations, finding that willingness to comply with disease prevention measures varies depending on nationality, visitor experience, and effectiveness of measures. The study identified ways to improve measures to reduce disease transmission, highlighting the importance...
A UBC Okanagan study found that commercial weight management programs are more effective than DIY approaches in helping people lose weight. Participants who used a commercially available program lost over twice as much weight and had better success rates, including improved blood pressure and waist circumference.
A new study by Trinity College Dublin researchers shows that water fluoridation has the lowest environmental impact among community-level caries prevention programmes, offering a sustainable solution to prevent dental decay. The study also highlights its cost-effectiveness and ability to reduce disability-adjusted life years.
A study of 22 million patients found that those with autoimmune disorders have a substantially higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The excess risk is similar to that of type 2 diabetes and affects the entire cardiovascular disease spectrum.
Researchers developed a novel blood test that measures cell-free DNA to evaluate PAH severity and predict survivability. The test showed significant improvement over conventional tests and may allow doctors to intervene faster to prevent disease progression.
A mass drug administration (MDA) program with ivermectin is being delivered on a mass scale in the Solomon Islands, a world first. The program aims to prevent scabies, a contagious and itchy skin condition that affects a third of the nation's children.
Advanced cervical cancer rates have been rising in the US, with a significant increase among White women and higher prevalence among Black women, particularly those in their mid-to-late 50s. The study found that obesity and older age at first birth may contribute to the rise in this type of cervical cancer.
A Rutgers scientist has developed a highly sensitive DNA test that can detect Lyme disease in horses, a condition that can cause long-term complications. The test, called genomic hybrid capture assay, was tested on a sick horse and successfully identified the pathogen, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
A new gene variant, MFGE8, has been discovered that protects against coronary heart disease, with carriers experiencing a one-fifth lower risk. The variant is located in the MFGE8 gene and inhibits the function of lactadherin protein, which affects arterial stiffness.
Researchers discovered that vitamin K acts as an antioxidant, inhibiting ferroptotic cell death and identifying FSP1 as the warfarin-insensitive enzyme responsible. This finding has implications for treating Alzheimer's disease and acute organ injuries.
A team of researchers from Boston University and EcoHealth Alliance will develop models to predict disease emergence and spread. They aim to identify location hotspots for pathogen emergence and determine the most effective pandemic mitigation strategies using data from COVID-19, H1N1 flu, and Ebola Virus Disease.
A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals the significance of kinesins in basic cellular processes needed for malaria parasite development, multiplication and invasion. Researchers found that eight out of nine kinesins present in the parasite genome are required for cell proliferation to cell movement in mosquito hosts.
A recent study published in Nutrients suggests that regular quinoa consumption can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Researchers replaced carbohydrate-rich foods with quinoa and found a significant reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikes. By mitigating this spike, quinoa may play a crucial role in preventing the progression of type 2 dia...
The partnership aims to enhance early detection and reporting for emerging diseases, building a robust decentralized global surveillance network. The collaboration will focus on advancing equitable data-sharing practices, bolstering epidemiological and genomic surveillance in low- and middle-income countries.
A new study published in the American Heart Association's Circulation Journal found that adults who perform two to four times the currently recommended amount of moderate or vigorous physical activity per week have a significantly reduced risk of mortality. The analysis found that this range of activity resulted in a 21-23% reduction f...
A new recombinant VSV-vectored vaccine developed at UTMB provides rapid protection against lethal Lassa fever, a pathogen causing severe symptoms and high mortality rates. The vaccine was found to be effective against different strains of the virus, critical for outbreak scenarios.
A world-first study has confirmed the link between Alzheimer's Disease and multiple gut disorders, revealing shared genetic architecture. The study suggests that abnormal cholesterol levels play a key role in both conditions, and may lead to new potential treatments for Alzheimer's and gut disorders.
A Colombian woman lived dementia-free for three decades due to a rare genetic mutation, providing valuable insights into the pathology of dementia. Her brain showed distinct patterns of abnormal tau protein aggregation, which may impact treatment and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
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 Tokyo University of Science study found that fluoride nanoparticles enhance β-sheet formation in amyloid β proteins, a common feature of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers also discovered that surrounding ions can control this process, paving the way for targeted treatments.
Researchers have successfully used lasers to control neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, as natural microrobots in living fish. The 'neutrobots' can perform multiple tasks, including delivering drugs to precise locations in the body, and show promise for targeted drug delivery and disease treatment.
The article highlights key health considerations for Ukrainian refugees in Canada, including timely access to care and trauma-informed approaches. Key gaps in the Canadian healthcare system include lack of universal access to interpreters and coordinated care across services.
The article discusses global disparities in Parkinson disease, identifying six key areas for improvement: disease burden, advocacy and awareness, prevention and risk reduction, diagnosis, treatment, and care, caregiver support, and research. These findings aim to inform policy decisions and drive action towards reducing health inequities.
Researchers found that WASH interventions supplying filtered water, improved sources, or basic sanitation services significantly reduced diarrheal risk. The study highlights the importance of improving WASH infrastructure and programming to prevent disease, particularly among young children.
A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.
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 review of 18 studies suggests that long distance airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 can occur in indoor settings, particularly with poor ventilation. The evidence supports the role of mitigation measures, such as adequate ventilation, to prevent transmission.
A new study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a Mediterranean-style diet may prevent frailty in older adults. Higher intake of carotenoids was associated with reduced likelihood of frailty development.
A long-term study has found a connection between abdominal aortic calcification and late-life dementia risk. Researchers discovered that women with medium to high levels of AAC were twice as likely to be hospitalized or die from late-life dementia.
Researchers are developing a health scorecard to predict dementia risk using brain scans, genetics, and biomarkers. The study will analyze diverse populations between ages 65-90, providing insights into contributing factors like diabetes or hypertension that can be addressed to modify the risk.
Non-traditional pets like rodents, poultry, and reptiles can carry zoonotic pathogens that spread between animals and people. The study highlights the importance of preventing transmission through risk factors such as direct or indirect contact with infected animals.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a new gene, TMEM63C, that causes a degenerative disease affecting upper motor neuron cells. The study suggests that MNDs are caused by abnormal lipid processing pathways inside brain cells, which could lead to new diagnostic approaches and treatments.
A study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia found that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease, double their risk of developing dementia. The study suggests that prevention of these diseases could be a strategy for reducing dementia risk.
A UC Riverside genetic discovery found that mosquitoes lack the primary ecdysone transporter, allowing researchers to develop a mosquito-specific insecticide. This breakthrough could help control Zika, dengue, and other virus-carrying mosquitoes without harming beneficial insects.
A novel study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology demonstrates that Nordic walking provides greater long-term improvements in functional capacity compared to high-intensity interval training and moderate-to-vigorous intensity continuous training. Nordic walking engages core, upper, and lower body muscles, resulting in a sig...
Researchers have developed a new probe to detect Alzheimer's disease biomarkers using near-infrared fluorescence, which may help diagnose the disease early and prevent its progression. The probe binds oligomeric Aβ proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease, offering a potential alternative to existing treatments.
A world-first study from the University of South Australia found a direct link between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of dementia and stroke. The study analyzed data from 294,514 participants and found that up to 17% of dementia cases might have been avoided by boosting vitamin D levels.
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.
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 new study published in Pediatrics found that a 12-week app program improved children's motor skills by an average of 15.5 percentage points. The app-based program focused on six motor skills, including hopping, throwing, and jumping, and was shown to be effective in preventing childhood obesity.
The study found increases in screen time, alcohol use, and poor sleep among Australian girls during the pandemic. However, overall sleep improved, and some dietary choices improved during lockdown.
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 recent study published in Kidney International Reports reveals that consuming at least one cup of coffee per day may reduce the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) by 15%. The largest reductions were observed in individuals who drank two to three cups of coffee daily, with a 22% lower risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine identified a chemical compound that stops the final events in the pathway linked to brain cell death in Parkinson’s disease. The compound, PAANIB-1, blocks the protein parthanatos without affecting its other critical activities, potentially halting neurodegenerative progression.
A new UK study found that people dying from alcohol-related liver disease had an average of 25 hospital interactions prior to their death, highlighting missed opportunities for intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent mortality from ARLD, which is a significant cause of deaths globally.
Researchers discovered a specific glycoprotein, RPTP zeta S3L, that connects to CD33 receptors in the brain, limiting its ability to clean up harmful proteins. This finding may lead to new drug targets and early diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers identified a blood biomarker that predicts severe Crohn's disease and is detectable up to seven years prior to diagnosis. The biomarker neutralizes protective effects of a cytokine, leading to intestinal damage and weakening the immune system.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, using animal models to investigate how stressful events affect brain cells. They aim to understand the role of estrogen and high-cholesterol diet in developing the disease.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have made important discoveries on the crucial role of malnutrition in global tuberculosis, highlighting how gut infections impair treatment outcomes. A new funding partnership will train Tanzanian postdoctoral researchers to work specifically on this intersection.
A minimally invasive device combined with molecular biomarkers has shown a 90% success rate in detecting esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the predominant subtype of esophageal cancer. Early detection is crucial to improve survival rates, as symptoms often become apparent too late for effective treatment.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that mRNA vaccines show better protection against COVID-19 variants compared to viral vector vaccines. The research, conducted among healthcare workers, revealed higher neutralizing antibody responses in mRNA vaccine recipients against VOCs, including Omicron.
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.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends against routine screening for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in asymptomatic adults who do not recognize or report respiratory symptoms. This decision is based on a lack of evidence showing the benefit of screening in preventing future cardiovascular events.
Researchers argue that national strategies ignore pandemic's early lessons on chronic diseases and their disproportionate impact on underserved populations. They recommend incorporating prevention and control of chronic diseases into existing policies.
A study of 4,177 Black women found that higher education levels were associated with lower allostatic loads, indicating reduced chronic stress. Women with college degrees had lower rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
A new study suggests that reducing daily sedentary time by just one hour a day can have significant health benefits in three months. The intervention group showed improvements in blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and liver health compared to the control group.