University of Auckland researchers testing castor oil as potential treatment for dry-eye disease
University of Auckland researchers are testing the application of castor oil to treat dry-eye disease with promising results so far. The trial of castor oil as a potential safe and natural treatment for dry-eye disease is being conducted following a successful pilot study. With dry-eye disease affecting a significant portion of the population, the current trial aims to provide a long-term solution for patients grappling with uncomfortable symptoms. The use of cold-pressed castor oil in a unique application on the eyelids has shown measurable improvements in symptoms, leading to a more extensive study to generate robust scientific evidence for clinicians.
Cambodia Reports Sixth Case of Monkeypox Infection
Cambodia reports its sixth confirmed case of mpox, also known as monkeypox, bringing the total number of infections in the kingdom to six since last December. Authorities emphasize caution and urge individuals to seek medical consultation or testing if they experience symptoms such as rash with blisters, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Dangerous Climate Tipping Points Will Affect Australia
Learn about the potential impacts of global climate tipping points on Australia and the irreversible changes that could occur. Cutting fossil greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to limit warming and reduce the risk of triggering tipping points.
Seattle Children’s Hospital Ordered to Pay $215,000 in Mold Exposure Lawsuit
Seattle Children’s Hospital has been ordered to pay approximately $215,000 to individuals who were exposed to aspergillus mold within the hospital premises. The verdict was reached following a class action lawsuit filed in 2019 by families whose loved ones had been affected by the fungus, including two infants and an 11-year-old child in an operating room during heart surgery. The King County jury ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, directing Seattle Children’s to compensate two families with $100,000 each, along with an additional $15,000 to an unnamed victim.
Neurovascular Complications of Iatrogenic Fusarium solani Meningitis
Learn about the severe complications associated with nosocomial fusarium meningitis outbreak in Mexico, including high mortality rates and limited treatment options. This article reports on data, clinical courses, and outcomes from 13 patients who presented with symptoms after a median delay of 39 days.
High-Concentration Capsaicin Patch Reduces Neuropathic Pain Intensity
A high-concentration capsaicin patch (HCCP) has been found to effectively reduce pain intensity for patients with neuropathic pain, according to a study published in Pain Practice. The study analyzed data from 97 patients and revealed a significant decrease in average daily morphine equivalent dose during HCCP treatment. The findings suggest potential benefits of repeated HCCP applications for various pain etiologies, offering promising implications for neuropathic pain management.
Moderna’s mRNA-1647 Vaccine Shows Promise in Fight Against CMV Virus
Moderna’s mRNA-1647 vaccine shows promise in fighting the CMV virus, offering hope to pregnant women. The vaccine’s safety and efficacy have been confirmed in initial and subsequent research phases, with the final phase expected to conclude within months. Professor Tal Biron-Shental emphasizes the significant harm CMV infection can cause to the fetus and the importance of prevention through vaccination.
Country Music Star Toby Keith Dies at 62 After Battle with Stomach Cancer
Country music star Toby Keith, known for his patriotic anthems and barroom tunes, has passed away at 62 after battling stomach cancer. Despite his diagnosis, Keith continued to perform, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to resonate in the industry.
DELFI Diagnostics Announces Availability of Fragmentome-Based Cancer Monitoring Assay and Collaboration with Immunocore Holdings plc
DELFI Diagnostics, Inc. has announced the availability of the company’s fragmentome-based research use only (RUO) cancer monitoring assay, offering a highly sensitive, inexpensive means of noninvasive measurement of tumor burden and assessing treatment response and resistance in patients with advanced cancer. The company has also revealed a new research collaboration with Immunocore Holdings plc, focusing on exploring the use of the DELFI-TF cancer monitoring assay as an early predictor of benefit from treatment with ImmTAC-based therapies. DELFI Diagnostics is developing next-generation, blood-based tests that are accurate, accessible and deliver a new way to help detect cancer.
Harvard study reveals inner workings of fruit fly brain compass
A recent study at Harvard Medical School has revealed how the brain’s internal compass and steering regions in fruit flies collaborate to guide navigation and make real-time course corrections. The research provides valuable insights into how the internal compass directly drives behavior, shedding light on the complex process. By examining the brains of fruit flies deliberately thrown off course, researchers identified three distinct groups of neurons facilitating communication between the compass and steering regions, assisting the flies in correcting their course. The study’s implications extend beyond fruit flies and could serve as a foundational framework for future research on how brain signals translate into actions in more complex species, including humans.