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Over-contracted gut muscles drive gastrointestinal symptoms in myotonic dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, affecting about 1 in 8,000 people. While it is well known for causing muscle weakness and stiffness, DM1 also affects other organs, including the brain, heart and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

12 Dec 2025

Maxillary nerve block may reduce perioperative opioid consumption in pediatric primary clefts

For infants undergoing cleft palate surgery, local anesthetic injection targeting the maxillary nerve of the face may reduce or eliminate the need for opioid medications to control postoperative pain, reports a study in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery.

12 Dec 2025

Proton therapy improves survival in oropharyngeal cancer patients

A new study published today in The Lancet showed a significant survival benefit for patients with oropharyngeal cancers who were treated with proton therapy (IMPT) compared to those treated with traditional radiation therapy (IMRT).

11 Dec 2025

Doctors warn about cardiovascular dangers from excessive energy drink use

Downing several strong energy drinks every day may pose a serious stroke risk, doctors have warned in the journal BMJ Case Reports, after treating an otherwise fit and healthy man in his 50s with a daily 8-can habit and exceedingly high blood pressure.

9 Dec 2025

Landmark RSI trial reshapes sedative selection for emergency airway management

Doctors treating seriously ill patients in an emergency setting may want to give the sedative etomidate, rather than ketamine, while placing a breathing tube, according to a randomized trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

9 Dec 2025

Lung to gut movement of hospital-acquired bacterium raises the risk of sepsis

A hospital-acquired bacterium that causes serious infections can move from the lungs to the gut inside the same patient, raising the risk of life-threatening sepsis, new research reveals.

25 Nov 2025

Researchers launch phase 2 trial to test swallowing therapy for people with early Parkinson's

Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, affect up to 80% of people with Parkinson's disease and can lead to serious complications, including malnutrition, aspiration and reduced quality of life.

24 Nov 2025

Type 2 diabetes patients face an elevated risk of hearing loss

As the United States observes American Diabetes Month this November, a comprehensive study published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, reveals that individuals with type 2 diabetes face a significantly elevated risk of hearing loss-a complication that often goes unrecognized and unscreened.

10 Nov 2025

Doctors muffled as Florida moves to end decades of childhood vaccination mandates

Florida plans to end nearly a half-century of required childhood immunizations against diseases that have killed and maimed millions of children. Many critics of the decision, including doctors, are afraid to speak up against it.

27 Oct 2025

Botched Botox: Study uncovers severe malpractice behind botulism cluster

A rapid investigation in North East England uncovered 25 cases of iatrogenic botulism linked to cosmetic injections using unlicensed, highly potent botulinum products. The study exposes critical safety failures in practitioner conduct and highlights urgent regulatory gaps in the booming cosmetic injectables industry.

13 Oct 2025

Study uncovers cerebellar involvement and social impairment

Spinal muscular atrophy is a rare genetic disease of the nerve cells in the spinal cord that can appear as early as infancy. The disease leads to a progressive loss of muscle strength. Those affected often suffer from muscle weakness early on, as well as difficulties with movement, breathing, and swallowing.

3 Oct 2025

Proton therapy and IMRT show similar outcomes in head and neck cancer trial

A new phase III clinical trial finds that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and proton beam therapy resulted in similar quality-of-life outcomes and low rates of side effects for people with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer.

29 Sep 2025

Genetic testing guides personalized radiation patients with HPV-positive throat cancer

Genetic testing can identify patients with HPV-positive throat cancer who may benefit from lower radiation doses, according to Cleveland Clinic research.

26 Sep 2025

Clinical trial reveals encouraging results for apitegromab in spinal muscular atrophy

A new clinical trial has revealed encouraging results for a muscle-targeting therapy aimed at improving motor function in children and adolescents with spinal muscular atrophy, according to a study published in The Lancet Neurology.

18 Sep 2025

Mathematical model recreates swallowing and reveals causes of dysphagia

For most people, swallowing is second nature, but how does it occur, and why do some people have difficulty with it? Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan have started to tackle these questions by developing a mathematical model that recreates the muscle movements of the esophagus that occur during swallowing.

16 Sep 2025

UC researcher wins $300,000 grant to investigate the underlying causes of eosinophilic esophagitis

Patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) often describe the condition as painful, disruptive and frightening.

11 Sep 2025

New 3D bioprinting method can customize protein-based emulsion gels for dysphagia diets

In rapidly aging societies like Japan, the simple act of swallowing meals can be challenging for many. This condition, known as dysphagia, affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly deteriorate a person's quality of life.

22 Aug 2025

Better control of childhood EoE-associated inflammation reduces esophagus stiffening and complications

Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Children's Hospital Colorado have found that better control of chronic eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE)-associated inflammation during childhood leads to less stiffening of the esophagus, resulting in fewer disease complications.

18 Aug 2025

OU researchers explore how cannabis use affects recovery after head and neck cancer surgery

University of Oklahoma researchers are conducting a first-of-its-kind study to determine whether cannabis use affects recovery from the wounds associated with head and neck cancer surgery. The outcomes may have implications for other types of surgery and conditions.

12 Aug 2025

Alzheimer’s risk factors look different for men and women

Research on Alzheimer's risk factors shows significant sex differences, with implications for diagnosis and treatment in early-onset and late-onset cases.

6 Aug 2025