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Ginger shows promise as a natural defense against autoimmune diseases

Comprehensive study reveals that whole ginger extracts have a significant impact on inhibiting neutrophil hyperactivity, a key factor in autoimmune diseases like APS and lupus. Consuming ginger for just a week showed promising results in both animal models and human trials, positioning it as a natural and affordable treatment option for a range of autoimmune disorders.

2 Oct 2023

Maternal COVID-19 shots significantly lowered infant hospitalizations during Omicron wave

Study found that maternal COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of COVID-19-related hospitalizations in infants under six months, particularly boosting protection during the first three months of life. With 78% of the hospitalized infants born to unvaccinated mothers, the research emphasizes the crucial role of maternal vaccination in safeguarding infants too young for vaccination.

2 Oct 2023

Could plant-based phytonutrients be the secret weapon against obesity?

This comprehensive review in the journal Foods explores the therapeutic potential of phytonutrients in combating obesity. The paper delves into various plant-based compounds like polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, detailing their mechanisms of action in inhibiting fat accumulation, regulating metabolism, and even altering gut microbiota.

1 Oct 2023

Researchers develop an improved way to test potential vaccines against bird flu

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Vaccine Research Center have developed an improved way to test potential vaccines against bird flu. The report was published this week in the journal iScience.

29 Sep 2023

New artemisinin-resistant malaria parasite detected in Eritrea

Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria using rapid diagnostic tests and treatment with artemisinin derivatives, the main component of the malaria treatments recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), are under threat in the Horn of Africa.

29 Sep 2023

Monocyte-derived macrophages play a crucial role in liver regeneration

The liver is a vital organ that plays a role in many essential functions, including digestion, detoxification, and metabolism.

29 Sep 2023

Hispanic and Latino men in sexual minority groups may lack awareness about HPV-related cancers

A study found multiple gaps in awareness and knowledge about the connection between the human papillomavirus (HPV) and several types of cancer among Hispanic and Latino men who identified as sexual minorities, according to results presented at the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held September 29-October 2, 2023.

29 Sep 2023

Artificial intelligence models for diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder

Whether AI may be a promising strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis.

29 Sep 2023

What are the pharmacological properties of black goji berries?

The pharmacological effects of the components of Lycium ruthenicum Murray fruits.

29 Sep 2023

Aerosolized ACE2 neutralizes COVID-19 variants in lab and mice tests

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern have developed an aerosolized, mutated form of ACE2 that effectively neutralizes various SARS-CoV-2 variants in both cell cultures and mice. The study suggests that this modified ACE2 has promising preventive and therapeutic potential against COVID-19, especially with its easy aerosolized administration.

28 Sep 2023

Neoadjuvant immunotherapy shows promise in multiple cancer types

Treating cancer with immunotherapies known as an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) prior to surgery (so-called neoadjuvant immunotherapy) has been a rapidly growing area of research, but the scientific community is just scratching the surface of what is possible, according to a review article co-authored by several current and former investigators from the Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.

28 Sep 2023

Newly identified stem cell variants drive inflammation in cystic fibrosis patients

Two nationally recognized experts in cloning and stem cell science from the University of Houston, Wa Xian and Frank McKeon, are reporting that five lung stem cell variants dominate the lungs of patients with advanced cystic fibrosis (CF), and that these variants drive key aspects of CF pathology including inflammation, fibrosis and mucin secretion.

28 Sep 2023

Vaxzevria vaccine boosts mucosal immunity in COVID-19 recovered

Study highlights the ability of the Vaxzevria vaccine in inducing robust mucosal antibody responses, especially in COVID-19-recovered individuals, showcasing a notable defense against various SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, it emphasizes the need for booster doses to enhance anti-SARS-CoV-2 mucosal immunity, especially in infection-naïve individuals, to broaden protection against emerging viral variants.

28 Sep 2023

Double-layer polysaccharide hydrogel overcomes challenges of probiotic delivery

In a groundbreaking study, a research team led by Changhu Xue and Xiangzhao Mao from the Ocean University of China has developed a remarkable double-layer polysaccharide hydrogel (DPH) that promises to revolutionize the field of intestine-targeted oral delivery of probiotics.

28 Sep 2023

Nicotine e-cigarettes, varenicline, and cytisine most effective for long-term smoking cessation, analysis finds

A comprehensive new analysis has found that nicotine e-cigarettes, varenicline and cytisine are the most effective options currently available for helping smokers quit long-term (going at least six months without smoking).

28 Sep 2023

Commonly used anti-viral drugs reduce risk of hospitalization, death in patients with mild COVID-19

New Cleveland Clinic-led research shows commonly used COVID-19 anti-viral drugs Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir) reduce risk of hospitalization and death in high-risk patients with mild disease, even with Omicron subvariants.

28 Sep 2023

Natural antibiotic thiostrepton reveals new hope for inflammatory bowel disease treatment

Researchers explored the therapeutic impact of Thiostrepton on experimental colitis by examining its effects on colon inflammation and determining its targets through various biochemical approaches.

28 Sep 2023

Virtual reality vs. opioids: clinical trial of non-pharmacological pain management during burn wound care

Researchers assessed the feasibility and efficacy of virtual reality as a non-pharmaceutical intervention for managing procedural pain in adult burn patients during dressing changes compared to standard opioid-based approaches.

28 Sep 2023

How does taking a pause on the oral contraceptive pill impact mental health?

Users of combination oral contraceptive agents experience one time per month (pill break) was connected with mood changes.

28 Sep 2023

Researchers develop new way to boost immune cells' ability to fight TB

Tuberculosis is old - ancient even. The infectious bacterial disease that plagued Old Testament Israelites and took down pharaohs was eventually stunted by vaccinations, antibiotics, and public health measures like isolation, but it hasn't been cured yet.

27 Sep 2023