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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RNA-binding proteins discovered to be key to severe asthma
October 26, 2023Researchers investigating the genetics underlying the airway inflammation seen in severe asthma have, for the first time, discovered that proteins that bind to RNA are dysregulated, driving changes in gene expression in cells that line the airways. -
Quick, simple blood test takes the guesswork out of bipolar diagnosis
October 26, 2023Researchers have developed a simple blood test that improves the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a commonly misdiagnosed condition. The test could ensure that people receive the correct treatment and identify potential drug targets for mood disorders. -
Common heart condition linked to 45% higher risk of cognitive decline
October 25, 2023A large study has linked abnormal heart rhythm to cognitive decline, the latest evidence that connects common cardiovascular conditions with dementia. But there is some good news: Early diagnosis and medication may completely remove the increased risk. -
Scientists regenerate damaged hearts by reprogramming metabolism in mice
October 24, 2023Heart tissue normally can't regenerate after an injury. But now, scientists at Max Planck have shown in mice that reprogramming the energy metabolism of the heart allows it to regenerate after a heart attack, which could open new therapies. -
Magnetic stimulation improves movement & balance 12 years after stroke
October 24, 2023Researchers used repetitive magnetic stimulation on the brain of a man who’d had a stroke 12 years ago, improving his walking speed, balance, and coordination. The innovative treatment offers hope to others affected by stroke, even years after. -
First look at a mechanism cancer cells use to resist chemotherapy
October 23, 2023Researchers have, for the first time, observed a mechanism used by cancer cells to resist the effects of chemotherapy. The findings could be used to develop targeted drugs to help override it and make chemotherapy more effective. -
Diabetes-delaying drug shows promise in phase 3 clinical trial
October 23, 2023A phase 3 clinical trial has shown that a drug called teplizumab can slow progression of type 1 diabetes in children and teenagers with a recent diagnosis. The trial’s success helps expand options for patients and relieve some burdens of the disease. -
Plant-based hydrogel used to make navigable, shape-changing tiny robots
October 23, 2023Researchers have developed a plant-based hydrogel to create shape-changing, navigable small-scale robots with potential applications in biomedicine, including conducting medical procedures and delivering therapeutic cargo to cells and tissues. -
Study takes a major step towards disease-fighting microbiome therapies
October 22, 2023With more than 1,000 bacterial species, the gut microbiome is an untapped resource of disease-fighting power. Now, scientists have found a way to rank crucial members of this 'microscopic multicultural community', which has massive medical potential. -
Total-body imaging captures immune system’s response to viral infection
October 22, 2023Using a method of total-body imaging, researchers have measured and tracked the body’s immune response to viral infection. It's a promising platform for studying human immunity in greater detail and may assist the study of other infectious diseases. -
Implanting insulin-producing cells into the eye could help treat diabetes
October 22, 2023Swedish scientists have demonstrated a new potential way to manage diabetes, one of the most pressing health problems of our time. It turns out the eye might be a useful place to implant insulin-producing cells to control blood sugar levels. -
Converting brain immune cells into neurons aids post-stroke recovery
October 22, 2023Researchers have converted brain immune cells into neurons, replacing damaged ones and restoring function to stroke-affected mice. If the same results can be achieved in human cells, it opens the door to a potential treatment for stroke. -
Blind ketamine study yields surprising placebo effect
October 19, 2023A study into using ketamine to treat depression has yielded surprising results. Despite the unique way in which the researchers ensured the trial was ‘blind’, the placebo and treatment groups had the same improvement in symptom severity. -
Technique that determines ‘eye age’ could lead to precision treatments
October 19, 2023Researchers have identified cell-specific proteins in eye fluid and used AI to determine which proteins accelerated aging in particular diseases. The technique may lead to precision treatments and more informed clinical trials. -
Surgery-free brain stimulation offers new hope for dementia treatment
October 19, 2023A new kind of high-frequency deep-brain stimulation has successfully stimulated neurons in the hippocampus, the region that forms, organizes and retrieves memories. This non-invasive, painless treatment is now being trialed on dementia patients.
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