Tag: could

Engineers and medical researchers at the University of Minnesota have teamed up to create a groundbreaking 3-D-printed device that could someday help patients with long-term spinal cord injuries regain some function. A 3-D-printed guide, made of silicone, serves as a platform for specialized cells that are then 3-D printed on top of it. The guide

An analysis of pooled data from dozens of studies covering more than 3 million people finds that self-reported sleep duration outside of 7–8 hours each night is linked to a higher risk of death and cardiovascular diseases. The study — which scientists at Keele University in the United Kingdom led and which is now published

The size of muscles in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) could be more important to maintaining good physical performance than muscle quality, new research has shown. In a paper published in the journal Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, researchers from the University of Leicester have found that patients with large muscles had better physical function,

There has been a decline in the uptake of life-saving treatments among people living with hepatitis C, according to new data released by the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney. The data, released ahead of World Hepatitis Day on 28 July, shows that 58,280 people have begun hepatitis C therapy since highly-curative treatments were placed on

Bile acids that aid fat digestion are also found to reduce the rewarding properties of cocaine use, according to a study publishing on July 26 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by India Reddy, Nicholas Smith, and Robb Flynn of Vanderbilt University, Aurelio Galli of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues. The results

Professor of Electronic Engineering Andrew Flewitt is working with researchers at the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Cambridge Centre on a more accurate PSA blood test to detect prostate cancer. At present, the test has limitations for diagnosis and has to be sent off to central labs for the results, a process which can take up

Imperial researchers are looking to protein fragments to help people build up resistance to grass pollen. For hay fever sufferers, the end may be in sight for another year of sniffles, sneezes and itchy eyes caused by grass pollen. But while many people are able to treat their symptoms with over the counter medications, for

Among the most serious consequences of the opioid epidemic is the spread of hepatitis C among injecting drug users. A major new study shows that if a hepatitis C vaccine were successfully developed, it would dramatically reduce transmission of hepatitis C among drug users—even though it’s unlikely such a vaccine would provide complete immunity. The

(HealthDay)—The common but dangerous heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation—or a-fib—can go undetected for years. Now, research suggests a high-tech, wearable patch might spot the condition early. Use of the Zio XT wireless patch, made by iRhythm, produced “an almost threefold improvement in the rate of diagnosis of a-fib in those actively monitored compared

Breathing in additional oxygen improves the function of blood vessels in the brain of people with breathing difficulties caused by lung conditions, according to new research published in Experimental Physiology. These findings could have implications for future research aiming to prevent the development of diseases affecting the brain, such as dementia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A potential new target for treatment has been identified in an aggressive form of bladder cancer, Mount Sinai researchers report in a recent study. Bladder cancers are categorized into subtypes based on molecular features. These subtypes are associated with different prognoses and responses to conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. A type of bladder cancer called

A study published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology has identified coffee machines as one of a number of factors that could increase our exposure to fungal toxins in the home. “Coffee makers are just an example of a machine that may release steam indoors and increase the water and humidity that may help

From teeth whitening to trendy dishes – activated charcoal is taking social media by storm. But recent warnings have highlighted some pretty serious health impacts of the edible. Activated charcoal has long been used as a natural remedy to flush toxins from the body – reducing bloating and even treating poisoning. It’s quickly become a

One of the most common causes of congestive heart failure is “stiff heart syndrome.” According to Dr. Jerry Sokol — a cardiologist in Deer Park, NY — this causes fluid to build up and back up into the lungs. This occurs “usually in patients older than age 60,” he says. At the microcellular level, they

Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are the most common head and neck cancers, but are often diagnosed late. Now, researchers in Germany have developed a new cell-based test that could help provide earlier and more reliable diagnosis of OSCCs. Writing in Science Physical Oncology, the researchers explain how they tested the mechanical properties of OSCC

Researchers in Sweden have shown how data-driven AI could contribute to a better understanding of how prostate cancer develops, and even improve clinical diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Every cancer tumor is unique, with characteristics that change over time. This so-called heterogeneity is due to competing clones within a given tumor, as well as

(HealthDay)—Vertical level mergers, which incorporate not just health care providers, but also insurers, retailers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), could pose challenges in primary care, according to an article published in Medical Economics. In order to compete with other players in health care and new entrants in the industry, the biggest players are merging to

Chemical compounds produced by the bacteria in our gut could be used to spot the early stages of liver disease, according to new research. The findings, published in the journal Nature Medicine, hint at the potential for chemical by-products produced by the microbes living inside us to be used as early warning signs of disease,

Physical therapists help people walk again after a stroke and recover after injury or surgery, but did you know they also prevent exposure to opioids? This is timely, given we are in a public health emergency related to an opioid crisis. Many people addicted to opioids are first exposed through a medical prescription for pain.

More people will survive cardiac arrest if resuscitation course designers and instructors address shortcomings in educational offerings, new research shows. A new statement released today by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease, in its journal Circulation, indicates standardized online and in-person courses are falling short and