The fast track to a ‘Fortitude Kit’ for rapid COVID-19 diagnosis

It may seem like a lifetime ago, but it was only in late January 2020 that Singapore confirmed its first case of the then-novel coronavirus causing COVID-19. Amid the frenzied atmosphere of the Chinese New Year holidays, few would have suspected that the strange pneumonia would snowball into the global pandemic that it is today. […]

CDC guidance issued for testing, management of HCP exposed to hep C

(HealthDay)—In a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance report, published in the July 24 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, recommendations are presented for testing and clinical management of health care personnel (HCP) exposed to the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Anne C. Moorman, M.P.H., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues provide […]

Dual role discovered for molecule involved in autoimmune eye disease

The inflammatory molecule interleukin-17A (IL-17A) triggers immune cells that in turn reduce IL-17A’s pro-inflammatory activity, according to a study by National Eye Institute (NEI) researchers. In models of autoimmune diseases of the eye and brain, blocking IL-17A increased the presence of other inflammatory molecules produced by Th17 cells, immune cells that produce IL-17A and are […]

New method developed for non-invasive risk assessment following hepatitis C recovery

The chronic viral inflammation of the liver that occurs in hepatitis C results in the formation of inflexible scar tissue in the form of fibrosis/cirrhosis of the liver. This impedes the flow of blood through the organ, with resulting hypertension in the portal vein. In the majority of cases, this is associated with fatal complications. […]

Scientists leverage interference between signaling pathways for cancer treatment

In order for cancer to form in the human body, normal cells must acquire multiple mutations before they develop toward the disease. It was previously believed that these mutations acted in concert in the progression of cancer. But a new Nature study led by City of Hope’s Markus Müschen, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department […]

Silent spread of virus keeps scientists grasping for clues

One of the great mysteries of the coronavirus is how quickly it rocketed around the world. It first flared in central China and, within three months, was on every continent but Antarctica, shutting down daily life for millions. Behind the rapid spread was something that initially caught scientists off guard, baffled health authorities and undermined […]

Face masks making things tough for the deaf

(HealthDay)—As the debate over face masks continues, few may realize how the coverings make it hard for the 48 million Americans with hearing loss to communicate with others. Masks can muffle sound, making it more difficult to understand speech and higher-pitched voices; prevent the ability to read lips and see facial expressions, which help people […]

Study shows home oxygen monitoring safe for premature infants, can shorten treatment

A new study led by UMass Medical School researchers has found that parents of premature infants on home oxygen therapy can safely and effectively report babies’ oxygen levels in between clinic visits. Reporting oxygen levels from home every few days was associated with shorter use of home oxygen therapy and fewer adverse outcomes, compared with […]