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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Decoy molecule draws deadly mosquito-borne virus away from the brain
VEEV is a mosquito-borne virus that, in the worst case scenario, can infect the brain and become deadly. Now scientists have discovered the protein it latches onto – and used it to create a decoy molecule that draws the virus away from the brain. -
3D color X-ray machine heads for trials
A new X-ray scanner adds color and a third dimension, creating high resolution, cutaway 3D models that can diagnose bone fractures and monitor healing. A feasibility study of the machine has now been conducted, with a larger trial set to begin soon. -
Lung disease associated with gut microbiome alterations
A new study is the first to investigate the relationship between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the gut microbiome. The preliminary investigation confirms patients suffering from COPD present with changes to microbial populations in the gut. -
"ImmunoBait" particles surf blood cells to fight metastatic lung tumors
Cancer spreads easily, and a common location for secondary tumors to appear is the lungs. Now, scientists at Harvard’s Wyss Institute have developed a way to treat metastatic tumors in the lungs, by attaching immune-baiting drugs to red blood cells. -
How smartphone typing patterns can track neurodegenerative disease
A new study, published in the journal Chaos, is suggesting tracking changes over time in the way multiple sclerosis (MS) patients type on their smartphone touchscreens could be a useful method to monitor neurological degeneration. -
Stunning nerves with radio waves offers relief from arthritic pain
A novel technique that involves directing low-grade radiofrequency energy through sensory nerves is shaping as a promising treatment for arthritis, after delivering significant and long-lasting decreases in pain in an early study. -
Experimental drug halves cholesterol levels in phase 2 clinical trials
A phase 2 clinical trial of a cholesterol-reducing drug called evinacumab has reported promising results. In patients with extremely high cholesterol, the drug was able to reduce levels by about half, compared to a placebo. -
Study offers "indisputable" link between Alzheimer's and gut microbiome
A new study into the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's has shown that shifts in bacterial diversity are associated with inflammation and heightened numbers of amyloid plaques in the brain, one of the hallmarks of the condition. -
Rewiring the metabolism of pancreatic cells may keep diabetes in check
Thanks to a newfound understanding of the way insulin secretion is triggered in pancreatic cells, scientists at the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison have uncovered an exciting new pathway in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. -
Smart wrap puts the squeeze on underactive bladders
Underactive bladder syndrome is a condition that leaves sufferers with an inability to properly empty the organ, but an international team of researchers has been working on an advanced medical implant that could make it far easier to manage. -
Throat-zapping tech shown to help treat swallowing disorders
When someone has experienced a stroke or brain injury, it's not uncommon for them to lose their ability to swallow. A new study, however, suggests that a throat-zapping system could help correct the problem faster than traditional treatments. -
FDA approves prescription-only Apple Watch app for PTSD nightmares
The FDA has approved a platform called NightWare, designed to help improve sleep in post-traumatic stress disorder patients suffering from recurrent nightmares. The system is an Apple Watch app that will only be available by prescription.