Results for: Health

Dr. Miguel Toribio-Mateas, a renowned neuroscientist, has suggested the consumption of kefir, a fermented milk beverage, as a potential aid in reducing ADHD symptoms in children. Research conducted by Dr. Mateas and his team, published in the BMJ Open journal, examined the impact of kefir on ADHD symptomatology, sleep quality, attention, and gut microbiome composition in children diagnosed with ADHD. The study, which lasted for six weeks, revealed improvements in impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sleep in the participants who consumed kefir daily.

A breakthrough in malaria treatment is on the horizon with the development of a new polymeric prodrug that significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of tafenoquine. This single-dose prodrug, administered subcutaneously, targets the liver to eliminate the dormant parasite stage and prevent relapses. Notably, the prodrug exhibits reduced hemolysis, making it potentially safe for individuals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, a common enzyme defect that limits the use of current malaria treatments. This development holds promise for mass eradication campaigns, particularly in remote and resource-limited areas where malaria remains a major public health threat.

The FDA has approved ImmunityBio’s Anktiva in combination with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) for BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) with carcinoma in situ (CIS). Anktiva, a first-in-class IL-15 agonist immunotherapy, received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation and approval based on its high complete response rate (62%) and long duration of complete response (over 47 months). The approval marks a significant milestone for ImmunityBio and the field of immunotherapy in bladder cancer treatment.

Every year, millions of Americans receive dental implants, but these replacements can fail due to inflammation and gum disease caused by microbial biofilms. A new implant design aims to address this issue with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The crown will contain nanoparticles of barium titanate, a chemical compound that repels bacteria. Additionally, LEDs at the base of the crown will deliver phototherapy to the surrounding gum tissue, inhibiting bacterial growth and inflammation. The piezoelectric material in the crown converts the motion of chewing and brushing into electrical energy, powering the LEDs. The National Institutes of Health has awarded a grant to advance the implant’s development and test its effectiveness in laboratory cultures and mini pigs before human clinical trials. The same piezoelectric technology is also being explored for dental fillings, which would generate an electrical charge to inhibit bacterial colonization on the composite surface.

Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition and Bond Pet Foods have joined forces to create tailored ingredients for pet food applications. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies, with Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition expanding its capabilities and Bond entering into its second strategic partnership within the global pet food industry. The alliance aims to provide sustainable and innovative ingredients to pet food manufacturers worldwide.

Our understanding of old age has evolved, with middle-aged and older adults in Germany now believing that old age starts later in life compared to previous generations. This shift may stem from increased life expectancy and improvements in health, causing people to perceive themselves and others as younger for longer. Notably, women tend to perceive old age as starting later than men.

The White House is grappling with a difficult choice this summer concerning sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports. The falling price of U.S. crude oil below $81 a barrel, its lowest level since March, has eased concerns about a supply shortage. The House of Representatives passed legislation broadening sanctions to include foreign entities processing Iranian oil, with the Senate likely to vote soon. However, President Biden has the authority to waive penalties if he deems it necessary for national security interests. Experts believe the White House will face a ‘tough choice’ in implementing sanctions due to concerns about high oil prices ahead of elections.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in the United States, with its impact felt across racial and ethnic groups. The Global Burden of Disease study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address these risks and improve public health. Fortunately, many heart disease-related deaths are preventable with effective education and treatment leveraging modern technology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized healthcare, enabling personalized patient care and empowering healthcare providers with the ability to analyze extensive medical data. By identifying patterns, predicting potential health issues, and facilitating early intervention, AI plays a pivotal role in the fight against heart disease.

Telemedicine has also transformed healthcare access, particularly in rural areas facing physician shortages. Cardio Diagnostics Holdings, Inc. (CDIO), an AI-powered precision cardiovascular medicine company, is leading the charge in developing solutions to combat cardiovascular disease. Their mission aligns with the demand for using cutting-edge technologies to drive preventive care, earlier disease detection, and chronic disease management.

Cardio Diagnostics’ solutions empower healthcare providers to proactively identify high-risk populations and intervene early, leading to enhanced health outcomes and cost reductions. They also make specialty cardiovascular care accessible in rural communities by combining telehealth with advanced AI-powered DNA tests, bridging the healthcare divide between urban and rural areas.

A five-year-old girl, Destiny-Rae, has received a life-changing kidney transplant after enduring dialysis treatments for a decade. Thanks to a groundbreaking ‘swap’ scheme, she received a matching organ from a donor after another generous individual, Liffy, donated her kidney to someone else in her place. The scheme enables organ ‘swaps’ within compatible groups, ensuring that a specific recipient receives an organ. In Destiny-Rae’s case, this allowed Liffy to donate her kidney to another person, while Destiny-Rae received a matching organ from another donor. The successful transplantation has significantly improved Destiny-Rae’s quality of life, allowing her to engage in activities she was previously unable to due to her strict diet and hospital visits. Her mother, Maria, expressed immense gratitude for the scheme and its donors and urged others to consider organ donation to save lives and improve the well-being of those in need.

A man named Joe Murphy became the second person in the world to receive an experimental cancer drug called NX-5948, which has eradicated traces of his leukemia within months. This new drug, developed by Nurix Therapeutics, targets a specific protein in cancer cells and destroys it, preventing cancer growth. Murphy’s success with NX-5948 offers hope to other patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who have exhausted standard treatment options.