Medical
Having already cured many diseases and conditions that were once a death sentence, medical researchers continue to strive to help us live longer and healthier lives. Read about the latest advances here.
Latest News
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High altitude 'prehab' may reduce surgical complications in older patients
December 03, 2023A study has found that placing older adults in a simulated high-altitude environment for a week before major surgery greatly improved their hemoglobin levels, addressing a common preoperative problem, anemia, that can lead to surgical complications. -
Immunotherapy strategy offers hope to autoimmune skin disease sufferers
December 03, 2023Researchers have identified a way of selectively eliminating the ‘bad’ immune cells that contribute to autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis while leaving the ‘good’ cells intact. The discovery could lead to longer-lasting, more targeted treatments. -
The humble bean arms the gut with surprise cancer-fighting powers
December 03, 2023Beans don't have the best rep when it comes to our guts. But a new study has shown how a daily dose of navy beans can easily restore gut health in colorectal cancer survivors, revealing their broad benefit in helping protect against chronic diseases. -
Tiny biobots made from human cells promote neuron growth without DNA mods
November 30, 2023Researchers have used human cells to create tiny biobots that can encourage healing in damaged neurons without requiring genetic modifications. The tiny bots have the potential to transform regenerative medicine and the treatment of disease. -
At-home saliva testing could replace daily finger-jabs for diabetics
November 30, 2023Daily finger-prick blood tests are an uncomfortable fact of life for diabetics, but they may not always have to be. Scientists from Canada and the US have developed a prototype home-use device that measures blood glucose levels via saliva samples. -
Brain cell gene changes linked to neuroinflammation seen in Alzheimer’s
November 29, 2023Research has revealed how genetic changes in a specialized population of brain cells called microglia contribute to neuroinflammation and, in turn, to Alzheimer’s disease. The findings could lead to more effective, targeted therapeutics. -
Eye-safe laser device provides rapid, on-site diagnosis of concussion
November 29, 2023Researchers have developed a handheld device that shines a safe laser into the eye to detect biomarkers of brain damage following a concussion or other traumatic brain injury, providing rapid, on-site diagnosis at the time of injury. -
Fatty acid in beef & dairy found to boost immune cells’ cancer response
November 28, 2023A study has found that a fatty acid found in meat and dairy may boost the cancer-killing abilities of the immune system’s T cells. Also found to enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy, the nutrient could be used to complement cancer treatments. -
Harvard scientists identify link between pain and poor sleep
November 28, 2023Most of us have woken up with an aching back after a sleepless night, only for that pain to then keep us awake the next night. Now Harvard scientists have discovered a possible link between pain and poor sleep, and maybe even a way to break the loop. -
Biodegradable patch developed to fix congenital heart defects in infants
November 28, 2023Researchers have developed a biodegradable patch engineered from human cells that could be used to correct infant congenital heart defects, limiting the need for multiple invasive surgeries and outlasting current non-living, non-degradable patches. -
Ozempic drug may add addiction treatment to its growing list of uses
November 28, 2023New research found that patients taking the weight-loss and diabetes drug semaglutide had significantly reduced symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Larger studies are currently underway to see whether the drug is an effective treatment for addiction. -
Sitting in traffic triggers a blood pressure surge that lasts 24 hours
November 28, 2023No-one enjoys idling in peak-hour traffic, yet scientists have identified that a blood pressure spike during it doesn't come from frustration but from ultrafine particles flowing into the car. And the average 4.5 mm Hg spike lasts for an entire day. -
Stem cell injections help slow progression of MS in clinical trial
November 27, 2023Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating disease with few treatment options. But in a new clinical trial, scientists have tested a promising new therapy involving injections of stem cells, which seems to slow progression of the disease. -
Rethinking cancer? Study reveals mutant protein’s role in tumor growth
November 27, 2023A new study has identified, for the first time, how the mutated protein p53, present in half of all human cancers, drives tumor growth. The discovery will not only facilitate a rethink of the way cancer is treated but may lead to new therapeutics. -
Nanoscale spinal implant helps restore mobility in paralyzed limbs
November 27, 2023Scientists at Johns Hopkins have developed a new spinal stimulator that can help restore lower limb function to paralyzed patients. The tiny device can be non-invasively implanted through a syringe.
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