SARS-CoV-2 RNA Found to Persist in Blood and Tissue, Potentially Playing a Role in Long COVID
Research conducted at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) has found that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can persist in blood and tissue for more than a year after infection, potentially playing a role in long COVID. The presence of viral RNA in connective tissue suggests it may be causing an immune response, and further research is needed to determine its impact on long COVID and related events such as heart attack and stroke.
The 4 Killer Diseases Making a Comeback
Outbreaks of several killer diseases are on the rise in 2024, including measles and whooping cough. Cases have increased by over 3,000 per cent in Europe in the last year, attributed to falling vaccination coverage.
Estrogen’s protective role against fatty liver disease revealed in new study
New research from Karolinska Institutet reveals how estrogen protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a form of fatty liver disease that has surged during the global obesity epidemic. The study sheds light on a potential future treatment for fatty liver disease and liver cancer, offering promising insights into addressing the rising prevalence of MASLD and its associated health risks.
King Charles III’s Health Sparks Conversations About Prostate and Colorectal Cancer
Recent news has brought attention to King Charles III’s treatment for an enlarged prostate and undisclosed cancer, sparking discussions about these conditions. Dr. Hanbo Zhang emphasizes the importance of screening for prostate cancer at age 50 and highlights common signs to watch for. He also encourages people over 50 to get tested for colorectal cancer, which increases with age. CancerCare Manitoba offers a ColonCheck program for eligible individuals.
Study Finds Using String to Measure Child Obesity More Accurate Than BMI
A new study suggests that using a simple piece of string to calculate a waist circumference-to-height ratio may be a more accurate way to determine if a child is obese compared to the commonly used BMI method. The research, conducted by scientists, highlights the potential for the string test to provide valuable insights for updating childhood obesity guidelines and policy statements in the future.
Girls Facing Mental Health Risks with Early Puberty
Girls are experiencing puberty at younger ages, leading to mental health risks. Research shows a trend of decreasing age for breast development, with potential acceleration due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Early puberty presents unique challenges such as hormonal fluctuations, bullying, and isolation, impacting mental health.
Tick season arrives early in Canada as temperatures warm up
As temperatures rise in Canada, so do the ticks, with the unseasonably warm winter likely causing them to emerge weeks ago. Lyme disease, primarily spread by deer ticks, is on the rise in Canada due to climate change, with significant increase in reported cases. Experts warn of the heightened risk of tick-borne illnesses as ticks become active and start seeking hosts for blood meals. Canadians are urged to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their pets from potential tick bites and illnesses.
Challenges Faced by Nigeria’s Disease Control Agency
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) faces challenges in addressing epidemic-prone diseases, including inadequate funding, substandard healthcare infrastructure, and compromised security. To combat these hurdles, the NCDC advocates for increased investment in public health initiatives, strengthening partnerships, and implementing innovative disease prevention strategies. The agency is actively preparing for future outbreaks and responding swiftly to recent outbreaks of diseases such as meningitis, measles, Lassa fever, cholera, and diphtheria across different states.
Aging as a Treatable Condition: Dr. Nir Barzilai’s Approach
Dr. Nir Barzilai advocates for a holistic approach to aging, aiming to slow down or even reverse the aging process using readily available and affordable drugs. He focuses on targeting the underlying mechanisms of aging itself, addressing the 12 identified ‘hallmarks of aging.’ His work reflects a shift in the approach to aging, moving beyond managing individual health conditions to targeting aging itself as a treatable condition.
Groundbreaking Robotic Hip Exoskeleton for Stroke Recovery
A recent study by the University of Massachusetts Amherst introduces a portable robotic hip exoskeleton designed to improve walking function in stroke survivors. With over 80% of stroke patients experiencing walking difficulties, this innovation holds promise in significantly enhancing their daily lives and overall quality of life. The research highlights the potential of the robotic hip exoskeleton to effectively train individuals to modify their walking asymmetry, offering a new avenue for stroke rehabilitation.