Category: Features
Coronavirus infection increases risk of developing insulin resistance
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 virus) leads to activation of the immune system and subsequent release of pro-inflammatory signaling substances (cytokines). Studies show that this immune system activity persists for months after a coronavirus infection […]
Heart attack predictions made by AI-powered tool
A heart attack is caused by buildup of plaque along the walls of the arteries of the heart, causing it to narrow and the cardiac muscle to overwork to pump blood. There is a diagnostic test available called a coronary […]
Pfizer, UNICEF to supply Paxlovid COVID-19 oral treatment for low-, middle-income countries
Pfizer Inc. (Pfizer) has announced an agreement with UNICEF to supply nearly 4 million treatment courses of its COVID-19 oral treatment to 95 low- and middle-income countries. The COVID-19 oral treatment, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir tablets and ritonavir tablets), will be given […]
Excessive daytime napping in the elderly an early sign of Alzheimer’s
New research suggests a bidirectional relationship between the daytime sleep behaviours of older adults and cognitive decline – that is to say, “longer and more frequent daytime naps were associated with worse cognition and a higher risk of Alzheimer’s dementia.” […]
How to live with COVID, as explained by a UCL professor
The truth is out: the world pre-2020 no longer exists. Although most of us want it to, for reasons of comfort, COVID-19 (COVID) has clearly upended the “normal” way of life. International governments are now attempting to introduce public health […]
Researchers identify different brain patterns in planning/execution of movement
Our brains are wired to execute precise movements following a specific cue – such as halting movement upon a red light or warning sign. Researchers have recently discovered the neuronal network behind this action (cue-triggered movement) which is often plays […]
Experimental mRNA-based HIV vaccines enter human trials
Biotechnology company Moderna Inc. (Moderna) has commenced a Phase 1 human trial testing three different mRNA vaccines that targets HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The success of the “safe and highly effective” COVID-19 vaccines enabled this opportunity, run in association with […]
Cancer drug delivery made possible by “masked” bacteria
Researchers have developed a cloaking system that temporarily hides therapeutic bacteria from immune detection, in cancer-ridden mouse models. Professors of engineering at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science (Columbia Engineering), programmed gene circuits to build a protective molecular […]
Depression in new mothers triple pre-pandemic levels
New research into pregnancy and postpartum depression highlights how new mothers experienced more depressive episodes during the early days of COVID-19 (COVID). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had earlier estimated that 1 in 8 mothers experienced postpartum […]
Dual vision contact lenses halve the progression of myopia in children
Myopia is behind visual impairment(s) of the eye that is correctable by using optical aides such as spectacles or contact lenses. While the use of these optical aides is not a permanent solution, a six-year peer review paper affirms that […]
