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Showing posts from February, 2023

Conversations about safe firearm storage at purchase can influence use of firearm locks

Although cable locks—commonly distributed to prevent firearm injury and death—are included in many legal firearm purchases, research shows firearm owners rarely prefer or use these devices. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-conversations-safe-firearm-storage.html

Scientists find human antibodies that can block multiple coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2

A team of scientists from Scripps Research and the University of North Carolina (UNC) has found antibodies in the blood of certain COVID-19 donors that can block infection from a broad set of coronaviruses—specifically, in people who have recovered from the virus and were then vaccinated. They found this includes not only the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2, but also SARS-CoV-1 and MERS-CoV. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-03-scientists-human-antibodies-block-multiple.html

How to become a Neurologist

How to become a Neurologist? https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-neurologist#becoming_neurologists source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdP-5ctgkyY

Predicting development of ALS disease with AI methods

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a severe disease of the motor nervous system—is hereditary, but a large part of this heritability has previously been unexplained. Using artificial intelligence (AI) methods, researchers led by Professor Dr. Alexander Schönhuth from Bielefeld University's Faculty of Technology have succeeded in recording and deciphering the genotype profiles of 3,000 ALS patients and thus learning more about the development of the disease. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-als-disease-ai-methods.html

How do you talk to a whole country about COVID-19? Use a GIF

If you used or lurked on Twitter in March 2020, chances are you saw, or even shared, an animated GIF illustrating how our actions could help "flatten" the COVID-19 "curve." The teal and orange GIF toggled between two scenarios. In the "whatever" approach, a person downplays the seriousness of COVID-19, which soon leads to health care capacity being overwhelmed. In the alternative "don't panic, but be careful" approach, a person is shown promoting such things as staying home when sick, which helps "flatten the curve" and keeps hospitals safe. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-country-covid-gif.html

Can seven healthy habits now reduce risk of dementia later?

New research that followed female participants for two decades has found that seven healthy habits and lifestyle factors may play a role in lowering the risk of dementia. The preliminary study released today, February 27, 2023, will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 75th Annual Meeting being held in person in Boston and live online from April 22-27, 2023. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-healthy-habits-dementia.html

'Dead zone' within tumor promotes cancer spread, helped by a protein secreted by cancer cells

A tumor's necrotic core contains factors that appear to promote metastasis, or the seeding of tumors cells throughout the body, according to a new study in rats by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-dead-zone-tumor-cancer-protein.html

Good workplace support, leadership training can improve mental health, reduce burnout in health care professionals

Among health care professionals, the feeling of being supported in the workplace can protect them against adverse mental health and burnout, according to a new study published in CMAJ Open by researchers at Queen Mary University of London and medical staff at various hospitals across the UK. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-good-workplace-leadership-mental-health.html

How highly mobile populations can skew local COVID-19 wastewater trends

If you thought the waters of data-driven research couldn't get any murkier, you haven't met the team of scientists studying our sewage. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-highly-mobile-populations-skew-local.html

New link between fatal muscle wasting disease gene and cancer discovered

Mutations of the gene encoding dystrophins have long been known to cause the debilitating muscle-wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), which affects one in every 5,000 children born, mostly boys. People with the condition will usually only live into their 20s or 30s. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-link-fatal-muscle-disease-gene.html

How much does it cost to become a Neurologist

How much does it cost to become a Neurologist? https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-neurologist#costs source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=997u2Vy9dbo

New device can detect cancer cells without invasive and expensive surgery

Researchers from the University of Technology Sydney have developed a new device that can detect and analyze cancer cells from blood samples, enabling doctors to avoid invasive biopsy surgeries, and to monitor treatment progress. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-device-cancer-cells-invasive-expensive.html

Black people less likely to receive dementia-related medications

Black people are receiving medications for dementia less often than white people, according to a preliminary study released today, February 26, 2023, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's 75th Annual Meeting being held in person in Boston and live online from April 22-27, 2023. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-black-people-dementia-related-medications.html

Being flexible is key to protecting mental well-being in people with chronic pain

Chronic pain impacts around 20 percent of the population. Along with the medical and physical effects it can have far-reaching consequences for employment, lifestyle and mental health. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-flexible-key-mental-well-being-people.html

Spotlight On: Myasthenia Gravis

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Myasthenia gravis issues: health disparities, quality of life, stigma, gender issues, and treatment access. source https://www.webmd.com/brain/features/spotlight-on-myasthenia-gravis?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How much do Neurologists make

How much do Neurologists make? Neurologists salary https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-neurologist#salaries source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oreE0cZtZCw

Millions who rely on Medicaid may be booted from program

If you get health care coverage through Medicaid, you might be at risk of losing that coverage over the next year. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-millions-medicaid-booted.html

Do Neurologists perform surgery?

Do Neurologists perform surgery? https://www.umhs-sk.org/blog/how-to-become-a-neurologist#surgical source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5nAW8ku66I

Obesity and heart disease

It's long been known that being overweight or obese can make a person more apt to develop conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. But experts at Mayo Clinic say obesity also can affect the heart in entirely independent ways. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-obesity-heart-disease.html

In test, zaps to spine help 2 stroke survivors move arms

A stroke left Heather Rendulic with little use of her left hand and arm, putting certain everyday tasks like tying shoes or cutting foods out of reach. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-zaps-spine-survivors-arms.html

A new epigenetic brain defense against recurrence of opioid use

Substance use disorder (SUD) is an extremely difficult disorder to overcome, and many individuals with SUD return to regular use after repeated attempts to quit. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-epigenetic-brain-defense-recurrence-opioid.html

Common pregnancy complications may slow development of infant in the womb, study finds

Gestational diabetes and preeclampsia may be linked to slower biological development in infants, according to a new study led by USC. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-common-pregnancy-complications-infant-womb.html

The far-reaching consequences of child abuse

Adverse childhood experiences in mothers can affect their children's mental and physical health, as researchers from Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin now report in the journal The Lancet Public Health. The study found that maltreatment during a mother's childhood is associated with a higher risk of health problems such as asthma, autism, and depression in the next generation. Early intervention to support affected mothers might help to counter this effect. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-far-reaching-consequences-child-abuse.html

Healing the brain: Hydrogels enable neuronal tissue growth

Synthetic hydrogels were shown to provide an effective scaffold for neuronal tissue growth in areas of brain damage, providing a possible approach for brain tissue reconstruction. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-brain-hydrogels-enable-neuronal-tissue.html

Researchers discover the mechanism by which tumor cells become resistant to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer

Platinum-based chemotherapy, which is used to treat advanced colorectal cancer, accumulates in the healthy cells surrounding the cancer cells and, as a result, can reduce tumor sensitivity to treatment. This is demonstrated by a study published in the journal Nature Communications by the Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM-Hospital del Mar), in collaboration with the INCLIVA Health Research Institute, the Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), the Vall d' Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) Barcelona, the University of Oviedo, and the CIBER of cancer (CIBERONC). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-mechanism-tumor-cells-resistant-chemotherapy.html

Father of Cambodian girl who died from bird flu tests positive for virus

The father of an 11-year-old Cambodian girl who died this week from bird flu has tested positive for the virus, health officials said on Friday. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-father-cambodian-girl-died-bird.html

Several pre-existing RSV lineages powered the 2022 virus surge, suggests study

Late last year, thousands of children across the United States were hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but unlike previous RSV surges, this one affected a larger number of people and a broader range of age groups, including older children. As cases climbed faster and earlier in the season than in previous years, researchers wondered whether a fast-spreading RSV variant might be driving this unusual pattern of cases. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-pre-existing-rsv-lineages-powered-virus.html

Researchers identify biomarker for diagnosing vascular dementia

Measuring a key blood molecule may help doctors diagnose whether or how much impaired blood flow to a patient's brain is contributing to dementia or cognitive problems, according to a new study led by a UCLA Health researcher. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-biomarker-vascular-dementia.html

Patients with high blood pressure who partnered with community health workers more likely to achieve BP control

Patients with hypertension paired with a community health worker (CHW) through their primary care practice were more than three and a half times as likely to achieve blood pressure control within six months compared to patients who were not. New research, led by researchers at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, suggest that similar CHW inventions could help other underserved, immigrant communities experiencing similar disparities. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-patients-high-blood-pressure-partnered.html

One woman dies every 2 mins in pregnancy, childbirth: UN

A woman dies every two minutes due to pregnancy or childbirth complications, despite maternal mortality rates dropping by a third in 20 years, the United Nations said Thursday. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-woman-dies-mins-pregnancy-childbirth.html

Cambodian girl dies from bird flu

An eleven-year-old girl in Cambodia has died from bird flu, the country's first fatality from the virus in years, health authorities said. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-cambodian-girl-dies-bird-flu.html

Technical adequacy of artificial intelligence body composition assessed in external CT

According to an accepted manuscript published in ARRS' American Journal of Roentgenology (AJR), certain reasons for AI tool failure relating to technical factors may be largely preventable through proper acquisition and reconstruction protocols. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-technical-adequacy-artificial-intelligence-body.html

Is an increase in penile length cause for concern?

According to trends in male reproductive health data, sperm quality and testosterone levels have declined over the last few decades, sounding alarm bells for Michael Eisenberg, MD, a professor of urology at Stanford Medicine. It's made him wonder: Should we be concerned about other differences in men's reproductive health? Surmising that there may be more to uncover, Eisenberg set out to determine if physical anatomy has changed. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-penile-length.html

When is remdesivir effective for COVID-19?

Remdesivir was one of the first medications approved for treatment of COVID-19. Clinical studies evaluated its effectiveness, but did not generate conclusive results. A new analysis of the study data shows that a specific group of patients benefits the most from the drug. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-remdesivir-effective-covid-.html

Researchers discover key role of DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease

Mount Sinai researchers have published a study in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association that sheds new light on the role of DNA methylation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The study found that DNA methylation has a profound impact on gene and protein co-expression networks associated with AD and could lead to the discovery of new neuropathological processes and molecular mechanisms for developing novel treatments for the disease. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-key-role-dna-methylation-alzheimer.html

HIV drug may be linked to increased risk of hypertension

In 2019, the World Health Organization formally recommended the drug dolutegravir (DTG) as the preferred antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), citing that it is more effective and tolerable, less costly, and less prone to developing drug resistance than the previously recommended first-line treatment efavirenz (EFV). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-hiv-drug-linked-hypertension.html

Study finds 'forever chemicals' disrupt key biological processes

A team of researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that exposure to a mixture of synthetic chemicals found widely in the environment alters several critical biological processes, including the metabolism of fats and amino acids, in both children and young adults. The disruption of these biological processes is connected to an increased risk of a very broad range of diseases, including developmental disorders, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease and many types of cancer. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-chemicals-disrupt-key-biological.html

Symptom and viral rebound uncommon after untreated COVID-19 infection

An analysis of a COVID-19 trial has found that a combination of symptoms and viral rebound after untreated COVID-19 infection is rare, occurring in only 3% of study participants. The analysis is published in Annals of Internal Medicine. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-symptom-viral-rebound-uncommon-untreated.html

Researchers identify brain circuit involved in fentanyl abuse and relapse

The ongoing opioid epidemic continues to take a heavy toll on American communities, with more than 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2021, according to the National Institutes of Health. Despite the severity of this issue, the neurological mechanisms underlying opioid addiction, withdrawal and relapse are not fully understood. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-brain-circuit-involved-fentanyl-abuse.html

Cellular senescence plays a significant role in cerebral tumors

Glioblastomas are the most common malignant tumors of the adult brain. They resist conventional treatment, including surgery, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite this armamentarium, glioblastomas inexorably recur. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-cellular-senescence-plays-significant-role.html

Infants outperform AI in 'commonsense psychology'

Infants outperform artificial intelligence in detecting what motivates other people's actions, finds a new study by a team of psychology and data science researchers. Its results, which highlight fundamental differences between cognition and computation, point to shortcomings in today's technologies and where improvements are needed for AI to more fully replicate human behavior. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-infants-outperform-ai-commonsense-psychology.html

Quick-Acting Migraine Medication: What to Know

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Learn which drugs may ease your pain ASAP when a migraine hits. source https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/features/quick-acting-medication-migraine?src=RSS_PUBLIC

How do parents decide if they should vaccinate their kids against SARS-CoV-2?

For parents, the decision to vaccinate their kids against SARS-CoV-2 is complex, influenced by scientific evidence, political and social pressures, and views about individual versus collective benefits of vaccination, according to a new study published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-parents-vaccinate-kids-sars-cov-.html

Does living along the US-Mexico border affect the chances of survival among children with leukemia?

Residing in border regions was linked with a higher risk of dying within five years among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common type of pediatric cancer. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-us-mexico-border-affect-chances-survival.html

Inhibitor shows lasting structural integrity and long terminal half-life in tumor tissue

Omomyc is a first in class MYC inhibitor that targets the MYC oncogene which is deregulated in most tumor types. This therapeutic mini-protein was developed in-house by the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO) and the Catalan Institute of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA) spin-off company Peptomyc S.L. which was co-founded by VHIO's Laura Soucek in 2014, and continues to show clinical promise as the first direct inhibitor of MYC. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-inhibitor-terminal-half-life-tumor-tissue.html

Researchers identify new cell source for microgliosis in neurodegenerative diseases

In a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a research team led by Dr. Zhou Jiawei at the Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences found that Cspg4high microglia is a new cell source for microgliosis in neurodegeneration, and they unraveled the molecular characteristics and functions of Cspg4high microglia, which showed high cell proliferation in neurodegenerative diseases, thus providing a new insight into the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-cell-source-microgliosis-neurodegenerative-diseases.html

Can mindfulness improve your relationship?

What if being mindful could help romantic partners feel less stressed and happier? source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-mindfulness-relationship.html

Family History and Your Heart Failure Risk

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Do you have a family history of heart failure? Asking the right questions when heart failure runs in your family will help you learn your own risk. source https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/features/family-history-heart-failure?src=RSS_PUBLIC

One in three parents may unnecessarily give children fever-reducing medicine

For many children, winter season comes with regular exposure to circulating viruses at school or daycare. And a warm forehead is often one of the first clear signs a child has caught a bug. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-parents-unnecessarily-children-fever-reducing-medicine.html

Health care vaccine mandate remains as some push for an end

At Truman Lake Manor in rural Missouri, every day begins the same way for every employee entering the nursing home's doors—with a swab up the nose, a swirl of testing solution and a brief wait to see whether a thin red line appears indicating a positive COVID-19 case. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-health-vaccine-mandate.html

Correspondence shows troubling interactions between US officials and the alcohol industry

There is growing evidence that the alcohol industry uses a variety of strategies to influence public policy in a way that is advantageous to its own corporate interests, rather than the interest of public health. Recent communication between employees of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and alcohol industry groups shows extensive interaction on policy-relevant scientific issues, according to a new study in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-correspondence-interactions-alcohol-industry.html

How COVID-19 can impact the heart

COVID-19 infections can cause potentially life-threatening heart issues. Studies suggest that people with COVID-19 are 55% more likely to suffer a major adverse cardiovascular event, including heart attack, stroke and death, than those without COVID-19. They're also more likely to have other heart issues, like arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-covid-impact-heart.html

How AI can help design drugs to treat opioid addiction

Approximately three million Americans suffer from opioid use disorder, and every year more than 80,000 Americans die from overdoses. Opioid drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and morphine, activate opioid receptors. Activating mu-opioid receptors leads to pain relief and euphoria, but also physical dependence and decreased breathing, the latter leading to death in the case of drug overdose. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-ai-drugs-opioid-addiction.html

'Cell food' gives insight into T cell metabolism

New research from the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center reveals that the metabolic pathways that make a specific type of T cell function are different than previously believed. The key to this discovery lies in a new methodology developed by Hanna Hong, graduate student in immunology and first author of this study. The findings appear in Science Immunology. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-cell-food-insight-metabolism.html

Bruce Willis has frontotemporal dementia. What is FTD?

Bruce Willis' family has announced that he has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-bruce-willis-frontotemporal-dementia-ftd.html

How better feedback at work can also reduce gender disparities among emergency medicine residents

In most workplaces, one of the best ways to train and develop employees professionally is by providing effective feedback. Feedback that is timely, specific, and actionable has been proven to improve learner motivation, engagement, and perceived support, and lower rates of burnout. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-feedback-gender-disparities-emergency-medicine.html

Achieving a better understanding of how the blood-brain barrier works

Up to now, the use of models to research the barrier that separates the circulatory from the nervous system has proven to be either limited or extremely complicated. Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a more realistic model that can also be used to better explore new treatments for brain tumors. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-blood-brain-barrier.html

New drug target to treat pain from visceral organs

An approved drug for chronic constipation also relieves the pain associated with that condition. New research by Scott Waldman, MD, Ph.D., chair of pharmacology, physiology and cancer biology at Jefferson, demonstrates that the drug's two actions can be separated biologically—a finding that may offer ways to precisely target visceral pain syndromes beyond constipation. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-drug-pain-visceral.html

Humans don't hibernate, but we still need more winter sleep

Whether we're night owls or morning larks, our body clocks are set by the sun. Theoretically, changing day length and light exposure over the course of the year could affect the duration and quality of our sleep. But figuring out how this applies in practice is difficult. Although studies where people assess their own sleep have suggested an increase in sleep duration during winter, objective measures are needed to determine how exactly the seasons affect sleep. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-humans-dont-hibernate-winter.html

Health care reforms to support Aboriginal expectant mothers

Exploring cultural reforms to help improve health outcomes for Aboriginal mothers and their babies is the focus of new research from Flinders University and the Women's and Children's Health Network. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-health-reforms-aboriginal-mothers.html

Big data initiative discovers new causal pathways in Alzheimer's

A new study, published on Feb. 15 in Alzheimer's & Dementia, analyzed biological samples from hundreds of individuals from a European study. Researchers looked at the biological information at various levels—genes, proteins, metabolites, cognitive ability, clinical diagnosis and whether participants developed Alzheimer's disease. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-big-causal-pathways-alzheimer.html

Overactive Bladder: How a Bladder Diary Can Help

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A bladder diary tracks your fluid intake and output along with OAB symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and leakage. source https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/features/oab-diary?src=RSS_PUBLIC

When alcohol becomes cheaper, abortions and adverse birth outcomes increase, new research shows

When Finnish policymakers cut taxes on alcohol and made importing alcohol easier, rates of abortion, pre-term birth, and low birthweight all rose, according to a new study published in the journal Addiction. Expanding the supply of cheap alcohol was followed by these pregnancy outcomes mainly among low-income women. Both abortions and adverse birth outcomes reverted to their previous levels after several months. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-alcohol-cheaper-abortions-adverse-birth.html

Sensory signals are integrated differently, underrepresented by neurons in autism

In fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of autism, sensory signals from the outside world are integrated differently, causing them to be underrepresented by cortical pyramidal neurons in the brain. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-sensory-differently-underrepresented-neurons-autism.html

Red states join push to legalize magic mushrooms for therapy

Shawn Blymiller spent 10 years of feeling mostly numbed while prescribed traditional anti-depressants, trudging through his day-to-day life as a suburban Salt Lake City father of two kids balancing the obligations of family and work selling technology software. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-red-states-legalize-magic-mushrooms.html

Study suggests proactive policing may contribute to racial gap in preterm births

Proactive policing, such as pedestrian and traffic stops, is a crime prevention tactic that relies on police officer discretion to stop and search individuals they consider suspicious. A recently published study in the journal of the American Public Health Association, looking at proactive policing and preterm birth rates in New Orleans, shows that Black residents living in neighborhoods experiencing high levels of proactive policing were about three times as likely to give birth preterm (before 37 weeks) as their white neighbors. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-proactive-policing-contribute-racial-gap.html

Sensory cells taste cerebrospinal fluid to fight brain infections

Sensory neurons pick up information from our senses and relay it to the rest of the nervous system. But this is not their only mission. In a new study published in the journal Current Biology, Claire Wyart at the Paris Brain Institute, and Christina Vandenbroucke-Grauls at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers, have shown that sensory neurons in the central nervous system play a leading role in pneumococcal meningitis, a severe infection with a high mortality rate and strong epidemic potential. They help fight infection and promote host survival. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-sensory-cells-cerebrospinal-fluid-brain.html

Development of a low-power, long-term sweat sensor patch that imitates sensory neurons

Human sweat contains chemical information including blood metabolites, ion concentrations, and nutrients. Monitoring this information using a wearable sensor can allow non-invasive (i.e., without blood sampling), real time health status tracking. For example, knowing sweat volume and ion concentrations can help people maintain adequate water and sodium levels during physical activities, and can prevent hypoglycemic shock by identifying symptomatic excessive sweating. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-low-power-long-term-sensor-patch-imitates.html

Survivors of Utah's eugenic sterilization program still alive in 2023

At least 830 men, women and children were coercively sterilized in Utah, approximately 54 of whom may still be alive. They were victims of a sterilization program that lasted for fifty years in the state and targeted people confined to state institutions. Many were teenagers or younger when operated upon; at least one child was under the age of ten. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-survivors-utah-eugenic-sterilization-alive.html

Irregular sleeping habits may increase risk of atherosclerosis in older adults

Sleeping an inconsistent number of hours each night and falling asleep at different times may increase the risk of developing atherosclerosis among adults older than 45 compared to people with more consistent sleep habits, according to new research published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-irregular-habits-atherosclerosis-older-adults.html

Rats trade initial rewards for long-term learning opportunities

Scientists have provided evidence for the cognitive control of learning in rats, showing they can estimate the long-term value of learning and adapt their decision-making strategy to take advantage of learning opportunities. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-rats-rewards-long-term-opportunities.html

Brain changes in fighter pilots may cast light on those experienced by astronauts during space travel

One cannot explore the profound mysteries of space without being changed by it. This is the message underlying a new study in Frontiers in Physiology. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-brain-fighter-experienced-astronauts-space.html

Pain-related gamma-band oscillations reflect pain perception

When you go to the doctor, do you feel that your pain is accurately assessed? The doctor may ask you to describe your pain verbally or to fill in a questionnaire. Traditionally, these are the only ways available to assess pain because other people cannot directly share your pain experience. However, these methods can often be unreliable and biased. Many studies have therefore attempted to objectively assess pain using neural responses. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-pain-related-gamma-band-oscillations-pain-perception.html

Decaf kills coffee withdrawal symptoms

Coffee drinkers can take advantage of a new placebo discovery showing decaffeinated coffee quenches withdrawal symptoms in people reliant on their daily caffeine fix. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-decaf-coffee-symptoms.html

Hospitality and real estate sectors found to have highest rates of common mental health problems

Mental health problems such as depression are most common in the hospitality and real estate sectors, but—at least prior to the COVID-19 pandemic—were on the increase across the board, according to new research. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-hospitality-real-estate-sectors-highest.html

DNA damage levels similar in vapers and smokers, study finds

E-cigarettes—used regularly by more than 10% of U.S. teens and more than 3% of adults—were once pitched as a healthy alternative to tobacco cigarettes. But research increasingly links the use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, to many of the same life-threatening diseases that plague smokers. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-dna-similar-vapers-smokers.html

WHO to hold emergency meeting on E.Guinea Marburg outbreak

The UN health agency said it would hold an emergency meeting Tuesday after at least nine people in Equatorial Guinea died from Marburg haemorrhagic fever, a cousin of the Ebola virus. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-emergency-eguinea-marburg-outbreak.html

Research finds men take more risks on spending decisions when the prospects of financial returns are unknown

In everyday life, people have to make decisions in uncertain situations in which they have incomplete information, but how individuals behave in such instances is influenced by their gender. Men are more likely to interpret any information about an investment opportunity "optimistically" and can more easily be persuaded into making risky financial decisions, suggests new research from the Rady School of Management at the University of California San Diego. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-men-decisions-prospects-financial-unknown.html

COVID-19 survivors may have higher risk of developing diabetes

COVID-19 survivors have a 66% higher risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes following their diagnosis compared to those not diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers. Their findings are among the latest evidence suggesting that people diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience a range of health issues in the time period following their illness. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-covid-survivors-higher-diabetes.html

Lung cancer study finds new target for treatment resistance after EGFR inhibitors

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified CD70 as being highly expressed on drug-resistant cancer cells in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlighting a novel therapeutic target that could be used to eliminate resistant cells remaining after treatment with commonly used EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The study published today in Cancer Cell. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-lung-cancer-treatment-resistance-egfr.html

Tracking down leaks in the blood-brain barrier

In epilepsy research, it has long been assumed that a leaky blood-brain barrier is a cause of inflammation in the brain. Using a novel method, researchers from Bonn University Hospital (UKB) and the University of Bonn have demonstrated that the barrier between the blood and the central nervous system remains largely intact. The approach used in their study provides important insights into the development of epilepsy and could significantly optimize drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. The study results have recently been published in the journal Nature Communications. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-tracking-leaks-blood-brain-barrier.html

Why Don’t We Have a Cure for Alzheimer’s?

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After 30 years of intensive research, science is nowhere near a cure for Alzheimer’s disease — an illness that affects more than 55 million people worldwide. Are we doing something wrong? source https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/features/alzheimers-amyloid-hypothesis-rut?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Survey finds cost of heathy food biggest barrier to heart-healthy diet

According to a new Cleveland Clinic survey, 46% of Americans believe the cost of healthy food is the biggest barrier to a heart-healthy diet. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-survey-heathy-food-biggest-barrier.html

Paxlovid substantially reduced risk of hospitalization, death during Omicron wave

Nirmatrelvir–ritonavir (Paxlovid) significantly reduced the likelihood of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 in people at risk of severe illness, according to new research in Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-paxlovid-substantially-hospitalization-death-omicron.html

Study suggests that wildfire smoke increases risk of going into labor prematurely

In a new study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting—and published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology—researchers will unveil findings that suggest that being exposed to another type of and potentially more dangerous pollutant ― smoke from wildfires ― increases a pregnant person's chance of going into labor prematurely, also referred to as spontaneous preterm birth (versus one that is medically induced). source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-wildfire-labor-prematurely.html

Long-Term Effects of B-Cell Therapy for MS

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Because B-cell therapy is a fairly new treatment for MS, doctors aren't sure whether you need to take it forever. What are long-term effects? source https://www.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis/features/b-cell-therapy-ms-long-term-effects?src=RSS_PUBLIC

New study reveals pregnant people who deliver large babies are at increased risk of developing diabetes later in life

In a new study to be presented today at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting—and published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology—researchers will unveil findings that suggest pregnant people who do not have diabetes but deliver a large-for-gestational age baby are at an increased risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes 10-14 years later. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-reveals-pregnant-people-large-babies.html

Florida doctors' board tightens ban on gender-affirming care

A prohibition against puberty blocking hormones and gender-affirming surgeries for minors in Florida was tightened further after a board overseeing doctors eliminated an exception for clinical trials Friday at the request of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-florida-doctors-board-tightens-gender-affirming.html

In the US, menopause finally gets its due

For years, the sweeping physical and emotional midlife change that women undergo has been shunted to the shadowy corners of public view, and barely even discussed among friends. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-menopause-due.html

In a First, COVID Vaccine Is Added to Adult Immunization Schedule

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COVID-19 vaccines have been added to the list of routine immunizations recommended for adults -- a sign the virus is here to stay. source https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20230210/in-a-first-covid-vaccine-is-added-to-adult-immunization-schedule?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Researchers find that certain social factors can predict early death in older adults

Social factors affect an individual's future health, but there's currently no practical way to summarize their prognostic impact. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-social-factors-early-death-older.html

The convergence of epigenetics and math to predict and intercept cancer cell behavior

It is now widely understood that cancer is a disease of acquired defects in genes and gene function. An article published Feb. 9 in Science, and authored by Andrew Feinberg, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center and the Institute for Basic Biomedical Sciences (IBBS) and Andre Levchenko, Sc.D., M.S., of the Yale School of Engineering and Applied Science, addresses new quantitative approaches to better define and measure these defects in gene function, known as epigenetics, and their interplay with the genetic landscape of cancer. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-convergence-epigenetics-math-intercept-cancer.html

Swedish home helps seniors spice up their sex lives

"It's a good book!" 97-year-old Nils exclaims, skimming through a brochure on sexual relations and desires among seniors, in the common room at his retirement home in Sweden. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-swedish-home-seniors-spice-sex.html

Celebs tout ice baths, but science on benefits is lukewarm

The coolest thing on social media these days may be celebrities and regular folks plunging into frigid water or taking ice baths. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-celebs-tout-ice-science-benefits.html

Researchers discover the secret to Strep A virulence

Griffith University researchers have unlocked one of the secrets as to why some forms of Strep A are associated with severe invasive infection. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-secret-strep-virulence.html

AstraZeneca profits soar on cancer drugs, Alexion buy

British drugmaker AstraZeneca on Thursday posted surging annual net profit, boosted by cancer treatments and the integration of biotech unit Alexion following a blockbuster takeover. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-astrazeneca-profits-soar-cancer-drugs.html

Sudan's tropical disease spike reflects poor health system

The two Sudanese women thought they had malaria and were taking their medication, but things took a dire turn. Both complained of a splitting headache and fever that didn't respond to the anti-malaria treatment. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-sudan-tropical-disease-spike-poor.html

Innovations in Heart Failure Care

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Heart failure treatment is evolving, helping patients live longer. Learn about what’s new. source https://www.webmd.com/features/spotlight-heart-failure?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Premature deaths from treatable diseases may be linked to lack of primary health care, study finds

A new study on premature deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand has found a significant number of people who died from diseases that can be successfully treated had not been enrolled with a primary health care (PHC) provider. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-premature-deaths-treatable-diseases-linked.html

Neuroscientists learn why PTSD patients relive highly charged fear memories in sleep

During periods of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, brain activity often resembles that of awake behavior. At times, the brain can actually be more active during REM sleep than when you're awake. It's why REM sleep is sometimes called "paradoxical sleep," said Virginia Tech neuroscientist Sujith Vijayan. And for those who experience post-traumatic stress disorder, this very active sleep stage tends to be fraught with emotionally charged dreams, "over and over," Vijayan said. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-neuroscientists-ptsd-patients-relive-highly.html

Digital program gets school kids moving

Every parent worries about how much time their child spends on screens, but what if screens could also provide the answer to growing levels of inactivity in Australian kids? source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-digital-school-kids.html

No new variants in weeks after China ended zero-COVID: study

No new variants of COVID-19 emerged in Beijing in the weeks after China ended its zero-COVID policy late last year, a new study said on Wednesday. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-variants-weeks-china-zero-covid.html

How does COVID-19 compare with bacterial and viral pneumonia for older patients in intensive care?

New research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that for older patients in intensive care units (ICUs), COVID-19 is more severe than bacterial or viral pneumonia. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-covid-bacterial-viral-pneumonia-older.html

Simple low-dose aspirin may boost ovarian cancer survival

New QIMR Berghofer research has found that low-dose aspirin may improve ovarian cancer survival. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-simple-low-dose-aspirin-boost-ovarian.html

Scientific statement provides guidance on staffing, resource requirements for stroke centers

A new American Heart Association scientific statement provides guidance on staffing, leadership and resource requirements for hospital stroke centers to reduce variability and improve quality of care at stroke centers across the U.S. The new statement is published today in the American Heart Association's peer-reviewed journal, Stroke, and will be presented at 2:00 p.m. CT tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023, in an Invited Symposium Session, "Cerebrovascular Nursing," at the International Stroke Conference 2023 in Dallas. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-scientific-statement-guidance-staffing-resource.html

NYC ending COVID-19 vaccination mandate for city employees

New York City, which once had the nation's strictest workplace vaccination rules for COVID-19, is ending one of its last such mandates, saying it will no longer require the shots for municipal employees including police officers, firefighters and teachers. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-nyc-covid-vaccination-mandate-city.html

Study highlights nationwide reliance on emergency departments for mental health care

Oregon Health & Science University researchers measured wide differences among U.S. states in the number of people who turn to hospital emergency departments for treatment of mental health conditions through Medicaid, highlighting the lack of suitable care in many states. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-highlights-nationwide-reliance-emergency-departments.html

AI can predict the effectiveness of breast cancer chemotherapy

Engineers at the University of Waterloo have developed artificial intelligence (AI) technology to predict if women with breast cancer would benefit from chemotherapy prior to surgery. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-ai-effectiveness-breast-cancer-chemotherapy.html

Busier hospitals may be safer places for liver surgery

A new paper in the British Journal of Surgery finds that patients undergoing liver surgery fare better in higher-volume hospitals; their mortality rates are lower. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-busier-hospitals-safer-liver-surgery.html

Got bunions? Key factors to whether surgery will work for you

When it comes to bunions, millions of Americans are painfully familiar with the signs: Swelling, redness, a telltale bulge on the side of the big toe. Corns and calluses where other toes rub together. And pain. Lots and lots of pain. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-bunions-key-factors-surgery.html

Hundreds of US doctors lost their lives during pandemic

Many of America's doctors who were heroes on the frontlines of the pandemic paid the ultimate price for their efforts, a new analysis shows. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-hundreds-doctors-lost-pandemic.html

Drink that kombucha at your own risk: Scientist discusses popular gut health advice

Type "gut health" in your search browser and you will find millions of popular web entries that tell you to take charge of your gut and eat specific foods to improve its condition. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-kombucha-scientist-discusses-popular-gut.html

Researchers reveal neural mechanism of metabolic modulation by light

A research team led by Prof. Xue Tian from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) revealed the neural mechanism of photoreception suppressing thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT), thereby reducing glucose tolerance (GT) in mice and humans. This work was published in Cell on January 19. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-reveal-neural-mechanism-metabolic-modulation.html

UK faces biggest round of health service strikes

Nurses and ambulances staff stepped up their demands for better pay Monday to combat the UK's cost of living crisis with their biggest round of health service strikes. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-uk-biggest-health.html

New immunotherapy holds promise for ovarian cancer

CAR T-cell therapy, a certain kind of cancer treatment in which the immune system's T cells are programmed to attack tumor cells, is effective in mice with ovarian cancer, according to a study published in The Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer. The researchers, who work at Karolinska Institutet, hope that the discovery will pave the way for a clinical trial to see how effective the treatment is for women with the disease. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-immunotherapy-ovarian-cancer.html

Vitamin D found to not reduce risk of asthma attacks

Taking vitamin D supplements does not reduce the risk of asthma attacks in children or adults, according to an updated Cochrane Review. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-vitamin-d-asthma.html

As many as 80K Marylanders could lose Medicaid eligibility

Maryland officials are preparing for as many as 80,000 residents who could no longer qualify for Medicaid coverage this spring, as the federal government reinstates a requirement that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic for states to verify the eligibility of recipients. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-80k-marylanders-medicaid-eligibility.html

An Action Plan for Cold or Flu + COVID-19

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It’s possible to catch COVID-19 and a cold or flu at the same time. Here are tips on how to feel better with a coinfection. source https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-flu-map/features/cold-flu-plus-covid?src=RSS_PUBLIC

Neighborhood walkability linked to risk of gestational diabetes

A new study by scientists in the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health's Built Environment and Health Research Group finds that higher neighborhood walkability is associated with lower risk of gestational diabetes (GD). The results of the study are published in the peer-reviewed journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-neighborhood-walkability-linked-gestational-diabetes.html

Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Some 30,000 people in the U.S. are affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that damages cells in the brain and spinal cord necessary for movement. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-soft-robotic-wearable-arm-function.html

Pediatric primary care on the front lines of teen mental health crisis

Teen mental health was in crisis before COVID-19. Persistent feelings of hopelessness and sadness almost doubled over a 10-year period ending in 2019, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also during this time, attempted suicide and thoughts about suicide skyrocketed among U.S. high school students. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-pediatric-primary-front-lines-teen.html

Texans back easing state restrictions on marijuana

Texans overwhelmingly support proposals to ease state restrictions on both the medical and recreational use of marijuana, with 82% supportive of legislation that would legalize marijuana for a wide range of medical treatments. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-texans-easing-state-restrictions-marijuana.html

Genetic analysis can reduce adverse drug reactions by 30%

Patients can experience 30% fewer serious adverse reactions if their drugs are tailored to their genes, reports a study published in The Lancet. A European collaboration involving researchers from Karolinska Institutet suggests that a genetic analysis prior to drug therapy could significantly reduce suffering and health care costs. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-genetic-analysis-adverse-drug-reactions.html

Community Gardening Could Boost Your Lifestyle and Your Health

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A recent study shows that people who picked up community gardening were able to improve their physical and mental health. Is it time to change our approach, and expand the path to finding a healthy lifestyle that's right for you? source https://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20230203/gardening-could-boost-your-lifestyle-and-health?src=RSS_PUBLIC

OHSU neuroscientist: Grammy nominees are a brainy bunch

The Grammy Awards on Sunday will celebrate the most accomplished musicians of our time, although a neuroscientist at Oregon Health & Science University says music is a boon for virtually anyone who can carry a tune. In fact, he says our brains are hard-wired to the benefits of music. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-ohsu-neuroscientist-grammy-nominees-brainy.html

Dramatic improvement in the prevalence of disabilities among older Americans since 2008

The prevalence of disabilities among American adults aged 65 and older is much lower than it was for the same age group a decade earlier, according to a nationally representative study published online in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) . source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-prevalence-disabilities-older-americans.html

US neighborhood walkability influences physical activity, BMI levels

For the first time, a study examined perceived neighborhood walkability, physical activity, and obesity indicators on a national level, finding that people who lived in walkable neighborhoods were more likely to be physically active and have lower BMIs—but this association differed among Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-neighborhood-walkability-physical-bmi.html

Will Biden's plans to lift COVID emergency end free tests and vaccines?

What will happen to free testing, vaccination and treatment for COVID-19 under the Biden administration's plan to end the coronavirus public health emergency in May? source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-biden-covid-emergency-free-vaccines.html

Link between coffee and kidney disease may depend on genetic variant, study finds

Researchers at the University of Toronto and University of Padova have found that the association between heavy coffee consumption and kidney dysfunction hinges on a common genetic variation. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-link-coffee-kidney-disease-genetic.html

Ideal blood pressure may remodel brain clearance pathways linked to brain health, dementia

Among people who received more intensive treatment for high blood pressure, evaluations of MRI scans indicated a positive change in brain structures involved in its ability to clear toxins and other byproducts, according to preliminary research to be presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2023. The meeting, held in person in Dallas and virtually, Feb. 8-10, 2023, is a world premier meeting for researchers and clinicians dedicated to the science of stroke and brain health. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-ideal-blood-pressure-remodel-brain.html

Healthier hearts? Research advances potential treatment for cardiac conditions

A team of researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Washington is trying to change the way that the field of biology understands how muscles contract. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-healthier-hearts-advances-potential-treatment.html

Financial coaching for parents in clinics yields higher attendance at their kids' well-child health care visits

Implementing financial coaching for parents of infants in a pediatric primary care setting reduced missed well-child care visit rates by half and significantly improved receipt of vaccinations at a timely age, according to a new community-partnered pilot study led by UCLA researchers. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-financial-parents-clinics-yields-higher.html

Research team finds brain marker that indicates vulnerability to developing post-traumatic stress disorder

Understanding one's susceptibility to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is important. If you knew you were at risk, for example, you might steer clear of jobs that carry more likelihood of high stress and potential trauma or seek treatment as soon as you experienced a potentially triggering event. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-team-brain-marker-vulnerability-post-traumatic.html

Researchers create world-first benchmark to measure brain atrophy for Alzheimer's diagnosis

Scientists from CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology, have used artificial intelligence to develop a world-first benchmark for measuring brain atrophy—or thinning—in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-world-first-benchmark-brain-atrophy-alzheimer.html

Genomic methods aid study of Seattle 2017-2022 Shigella outbreak

A genomic study of a sustained, multidrug-resistant Shigellosis outbreak in Seattle enabled scientists to retrace its origin and spread. Additional analysis of the gut pathogen and its transmission patterns helped direct approaches to testing, treatment, and public health responses. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-genomic-methods-aid-seattle-.html

IQ changes over time may help track development, guide intervention in autistic youth

A long-term study by UC Davis MIND Institute researchers confirms that changes in the IQ level of autistic children may help predict their path of communication and behavioral development as adolescents. source https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-02-iq-track-intervention-autistic-youth.html