A team of researchers from the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore (CSI Singapore) at the National University of Singapore, led by Associate Professor Takaomi Sanda and Dr Lim Fang Qi, has breathed new life into an existing drug—fighting a type of blood cancer called T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or T-ALL. The drug, called PIK-75, was … Read more
When we smell hot dogs, it may trigger memories of backyard barbecues or attending baseball games during childhood. During this process, the areas of the brain that control smell and long-term memory are rapidly firing off impulses. To fuel these signals from neurons, the active brain regions need oxygen and energy in the form of … Read more
A specific lipid profile can identify patients with schizophreniapossibly paving the way for the development of the first clinically useful diagnostic test for a severe psychiatric illness, new research suggests. Although such a test remains a long way off, investigators said, the identification of the unique lipid signature is a critical first step. However, one … Read more
Engineers and physicians have developed a wearable ultrasound device that can assess both the structure and function of the human heart. The portable device, which is roughly the size of a postage stamp, can be worn for up to 24 hours and works even during strenuous exercise. The goal is to make ultrasound more accessible … Read more
A study published in the journal BMC Infectious Diseases claims that high adherence to procalcitonin-guided antibiotic prescribing guidelines is necessary to reduce antibiotic use in patients with suspected lower respiratory tract infections. Study: Impact of adherence to procalcitonin antibiotic prescribing guideline recommendations for low procalcitonin levels on antibiotic use. Image Credit: solarseven / Shutterstock Background … Read more
The global prevalence of obesity is continuously increasing, with about 19.5% of the adult population currently considered obese. Multiple metabolic and molecular imbalances are associated with obesity, such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and impaired cell signaling. These disturbances cause the early onset of various chronic diseases in obese individuals. Study: Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of BMI … Read more
A leading Swansea University scientist has developed a new ‘smart patch’ that can detect proinflammatory biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases (such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s) through the use of microneedle technology. This breakthrough in the advancement of transdermal capability would mean ‘smart patches’ could be used to detect certain biomarkers within skin interstitial fluid (ISF) in … Read more
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of cholesterol, fats, and other substances in and on the artery walls. These accumulations are referred to as plaque, which causes narrowing of the arteries that can ultimately reduce blood flow. Analysis of coronary artery calcium (CAC) helps determine the coronary atherosclerotic plaque, which is a strong indicator of an individual’s … Read more
School garden-based interventions can improve metabolic parameters such as blood sugar and cholesterol in children, according to a new study from UTHealth Houston. A cluster randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers with UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and The University of Texas at Austin found that Texas Sprouts – a gardening, nutrition, and cooking … Read more
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open suggests that hospitalized patients with infection are at higher risk of developing dementia. Study: Incidence of Dementia Following Hospitalization With Infection Among Adults in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study Cohort. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock Background Dementia is a group of conditions related to impaired memory, thinking, … Read more
