Study Examines Meta’s Efforts in Suppressing Misinformation on Facebook During COVID-19 Pandemic
A recent study by researchers from the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Sydney scrutinized Meta’s efforts in suppressing misinformation on Facebook during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis revealed that Meta’s content moderation policies have not been entirely successful in deterring the dissemination of harmful content, raising concerns about the company’s commitment to removing misinformation. The study sheds light on the complexities of content moderation and the challenges faced by social media platforms in combatting the spread of misinformation.
Researchers Discover Enzymes that Impact Effectiveness of Chemotherapy Drug in Treating Pancreatic Cancer
University of Toronto researchers have discovered enzymes that hinder the effectiveness of gemcitabine, a common chemotherapy drug used to treat pancreatic cancer. The study, published in Nature Cancer, sheds light on the mechanisms compromising gemcitabine’s efficacy and offers potential for the development of targeted therapies to improve treatment outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Mayo Clinic Study Links Social Isolation to Accelerated Biological Aging and Mortality Risk
Mayo Clinic study reveals the significant link between social isolation and accelerated biological aging, with individuals with limited social connections at a higher risk of premature mortality. The research utilized AI-enabled electrocardiograms to estimate the biological age of over 280,000 adults and found that those with robust social networks exhibited slower biological aging. The study emphasizes the critical role of social connection in overall physical health and longevity, highlighting the need to prioritize social connectivity as an integral aspect of promoting overall health and well-being.
Merck’s V116 Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Shows Positive Data in Phase 3 Studies
Merck’s investigational 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, V116, has shown positive data from multiple Phase 3 studies, offering potential clinical value to a range of adult populations. The vaccine has been found to be immunogenic for all 21 serotypes covered by the vaccine in various adult populations, including those at an increased risk of pneumococcal disease. If approved, V116 would be the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed specifically for adults, providing confidence in its potential clinical value.
Study Reveals Trigonelline’s Role in Improving Muscle Health and Function, Particularly in Aging
A recent study led by Nestlé Research and NUS Medicine has found that trigonelline, a natural molecule found in coffee, fenugreek, and the human body, can improve muscle health and function, particularly in aging. The study’s international collaboration revealed the association of serum trigonelline levels with mitochondrial and NAD+ metabolism in skeletal muscle, offering new insights into potential strategies for addressing age-related muscle decline.
New Drug May Delay Onset of Menopause Indefinitely, Researchers Claim
Researchers at Oviva Therapeutics claim to have developed a drug that could delay the onset of menopause indefinitely, offering relief from uncomfortable symptoms. The injection works by increasing levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and could potentially prevent menopause altogether. While the drug is currently being tested for safety in rodents, it may undergo human trials in the future. However, if approved for use in humans, the treatment could be costly. The potential impact of this new drug goes beyond fertility, offering hope for a future where women have more control over their reproductive health and menopausal symptoms.
Study Shows Exercise Reduces Pain and Fatigue in Women with Advanced Breast Cancer
Regular exercise has been found to have a positive impact on reducing pain and fatigue in women with advanced breast cancer, according to a new study. Anouk Hiensch, an assistant professor of epidemiology and health economics, emphasized the significance of offering exercise as part of the treatment regimen for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study involved 357 patients with advanced breast cancer and revealed significant improvements in patients under the age of 50 and those experiencing higher levels of pain at the beginning of the study. Dr. Michail Ignatiadis hailed the findings as good news for patients with advanced breast cancer, indicating that they can potentially enjoy a better quality of life through regular exercise.
Guardant Health’s Shield Blood Test Shows Promise in Detecting Colorectal Cancer
Guardant Health, Inc. announces results from the ECLIPSE study showing the effectiveness of its Shield™ blood test for detecting colorectal cancer in average-risk adults. The study demonstrated the test’s high sensitivity in detecting individuals with CRC and pathology-confirmed Stages I–III, with potential to detect more CRCs at a curable stage than traditional screening methods.
Researchers Developing ‘LungVax’ Lung Cancer Vaccine with £1.7M Funding
Researchers at the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, and University College London have received £1.7 million in funding to develop a groundbreaking lung cancer vaccine called ‘LungVax’. The vaccine aims to train the immune system to recognize and attack abnormal lung cells, potentially saving thousands of lives. Using technology similar to the successful Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, the team will first conduct lab tests before moving on to clinical trials. This project marks an important step towards a future where lung cancer is much more preventable.
Experts warn of ‘epidemic’ of cancer among younger people after Kate Middleton diagnosis
Experts warn of a growing ‘epidemic’ of cancer among younger people, highlighted by the shock diagnosis of Kate Middleton. Data shows a rise in cancer cases among under-50s, with more than 375,000 cases detected annually in Britain. Dr. Shivan Sivakumar, an oncologist at the University of Birmingham, emphasizes the concerning trend of young people getting cancer, with the cause of the increase currently unknown. Further awareness and research are needed to address the rising incidence of cancer among younger adults and identify potential contributing factors.