Genetic screening for prostate cancer in GP surgeries could be effective at picking up otherwise undiagnosed cases of the disease, a new pilot study shows. Researchers ‘barcoded’ men for their genetic risk of prostate cancer by testing each for 130 DNA changes—and gave those at higher risk follow-up checks. Their study found that population screening […]
A large team of researchers affiliated with multiple institutions across the U.S. has conducted a review study of the role that social interaction plays in both morbidity and mortality rates. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes their review and what they learned from it. One of the major consequences of […]
White blood cells are known to circulate through the entire body through blood vessels, acting as a surveillance system. However, a specialized group of these cells are permanently present in tissues like the skin, intestine and lungs, protecting against external invaders such as microbes. But it is largely unknown how these cells are generated. A […]
A test that can detect the presence of antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the blood of human patients is described in Nature Medicine. This assay, tested in 16 patients, may help to identify individuals whose plasma contains antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, which could potentially be used to treat other patients. Tests that detect the presence […]
More than half of young men aged 19-24 have breached the UK’s lockdown rules by meeting with a group of friends, according to a study showing they are far less compliant than other young people. This group was also more likely to think they were not at risk of catching COVID-19 or spreading it to […]
Like a parent of teenagers at a party, Mother Nature depends on chaperones to keep one of her charges, the immune system, in line so that it doesn’t mistakenly attack normal cells, tissues and organs in our bodies. A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers has demonstrated that in mice—and probably humans as well—one […]
Horrifying simulation reveals the dangers of jogging during the coronavirus pandemic: Viral particles from another runner could infect you even if they are six feet ahead – but staying NEXT to them may be safer A new video simulation shows two scenarios: one in which two people jog side-by-side and another in which one jogs […]
Scientists have developed a new immunotherapy that eradicates solid tumours in mice without adverse side effects, according to a new study published today in eLife. The newly developed chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T cell therapy) could soon be tested in clinical trials. In addition, the researchers used a new mouse model that could be used […]
Why you should NEVER clean your ear with a cotton bud: Gruesome footage shows a doctor pull a stuck Q-tip from deep inside a man’s ear canal The cotton wool had separated from the stick and become stuck by the ear drum If the ear drum is perforated it could lead to hearing loss or infection […]
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and costly medical condition leading to a wide range of health risks such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression, diabetes and even premature death. Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) found that the medical costs are substantially higher among older adults who go untreated for […]
