Tag: featured
Alcohol industry distorts info about drinking and cancer risk, scientists say
The alcohol industry misleads people about the risks of developing cancer from drinking, often using denial, distortion and distraction tactics that are similar to those used by the tobacco industry, according to a study led by scientists at the London […]
Australian researchers trial spiral drawing test to diagnose Parkinson’s
A test involving drawing a spiral on a piece of paper can be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease early, and Australian researchers have trialed software based on that. The software can measure writing speed and pen pressure on the page, […]
Medical “pen” identifies cancerous tissue in 10 seconds
A new handheld medical device can identify cancer in tissue in just 10 seconds, which could make surgery to remove a tumor quicker, safer and more precise, according to scientists at the University of Texas in the US. Tests suggest […]
Zika virus can also kill deadly brain cancer stem cells
The Zika virus – which shocked the world in recent years as it infected and killed cells in the brains of fetuses, resulting in babies born with tiny and misshapen heads – may one day lead to an effective treatment […]
Fears rise over malaria’s possible comeback in Italy after decades
A four-year-old girl in Italy has died of malaria, raising fears over the comeback of the mosquito-borne disease decades after it has been eliminated in the country. Sonia Zago developed a high fever after returning home from a vacation in […]
NUS president Tan ChorhChuan is Singapore’s first Chief Health Scientist
Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has chosen National University of Singapore (NUS) president Tan Chorh Chuan to be the country’s first Chief Health Scientist beginning January 1 next year. He will concurrently serve as executive director of the new Office […]
Novartis makes history with US approval of first “living drug” cancer therapy
Swiss multinational pharmaceutical company Novartis made history as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its tailor-made “living drug” therapy against cancer. Dubbed “CAR-T”, the treatment is the first to redesign a patient’s own immune system so it attacks […]
745,000 Abbott pacemakers confirmed to have cyber-security issues
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed that 465,000 pacemakers, manufactured by global healthcare company Abbott, have cyber-security issues. There were a further 280,000 devices elsewhere that are affected, the company said. The cyber-security flaws could theoretically be […]
Quick mindfulness training may help heavy drinkers reduce consumption
A small experiment in the UK suggests that brief mindfulness training exercises could help heavy drinkers lessen their alcohol consumption by helping them focus on what’s happening in the present moment. Sixty-eight heavy drinkers who weren’t alcoholics were randomly assigned […]
New meningitis test gives results in under an hour for speedy diagnosis
A new meningitis test could speed up the diagnosis of the disease and save lives as it gives results in just under 60 minutes. The new test will be implemented in an accident & emergency (A&E) department in a hospital […]
