Human stem cells grown on Kyoto University’s “fiber-on-fiber” culturing system Mighty promising as they are, stem cells certainly aren’t easy to come by. Recent scientific advances have however given their production a much-needed boost, with a Nobel-prize winning technology that turns skin cells into embryonic-like stem cells and another that promises salamander-like regenerative abilities being just a couple...
Category: <span>Research Updates</span>
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Immersive reality helps autistic kids deal with the real thing
The Blue Room is used to simulate catching a bus It’s not at all uncommon for autistic children to have phobias. Unfortunately, these fears can sometimes be so severe that the children have to completely avoid commonly-experienced situations such as taking buses or going into shops. A relatively new immersive reality treatment, however, is showing...
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New infusion therapy may help smooth out movement for patients with Parkinson's
AUGUSTA, Ga. (Feb. 14, 2017) – Constant infusion of a drug now used intermittently to “rescue” patients with Parkinson’s from bouts of immobility may also help avoid these debilitating symptoms and smooth out their movement throughout the day, physician-scientists say. “As presently used, this therapy helps bridge a gap,” said Dr. Kapil D. Sethi, neurologist...
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New Integrase Inhibitor Matches Existing HIV Tx
SEATTLE — The investigational integrase inhibitor bictegravir worked as well as dolutegravir (Tivicay) and caused no serious side effects when used as part of a three-drug antiretroviral therapy regimen, a researcher said here. Bictegravir is now being evaluated in phase III studies. Viral suppression rates were high in both treatment arms and no one taking...
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Poor thigh muscle strength may increase women's risk of knee osteoarthritis
A new study has found that poor strength in the thigh muscles may increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis in women but not men. This relationship was confounded by body mass index (BMI), which itself is known as a risk factor for knee osteoarthritis. The study’s investigators noted that there may be more contractile tissue...
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Studies uncover long-term effects of traumatic brain injury
Doctors are beginning to get answers to the question that every parent whose child has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) wants to know: What will my child be like 10 years from now? In a study to be presented Friday Feb. 10 at the annual meeting of the Association of Academic Physiatrists in Las...
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The back-up mechanism that could stop you having a HEART ATTACK: Experts reveal a DIY repair process that causes the heart to grow new, healthy blood vessels
Why are some patients with heart disease less likely to die from it than others? Scientists believe the answer may partly lie in the body’s own repair mechanisms When blood flow to the heart is reduced, it starts to grow collateral blood vessels Why is it that some patients with heart disease are less likely...
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Can coloured lights really stop that ringing in your ears? Wearing lenses in different hues could be a new way to banish tinnitus and migraines
Tinnitus is a common condition characterised by a ringing or buzzing in the ears It affects millions worldwide, and is linked to depression, anxiety and insomnia A lamp that gives out light in different colours could help banish it for good A lamp that gives out coloured light is being tested as a new treatment...
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"Mini-suitcases" release drugs or seeds on demand
Researchers at Western University are developing “mini-suitcases” that can deliver drugs to target areas, and only releasing them when triggered How a drug is delivered to the targeted area can make these weapons more effective against disease. Researchers at Western University are developing polymer coatings for medicine, like “mini-suitcases” that can release drugs exactly when...
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Action of "gatekeeper" cells could be ground zero for Alzheimer's
A new pathway in to preventing and treating Alzheimer’s? In the hunt for a cause and cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative ailments, much attention has been focused on sticky proteins called beta-amyloid plaques that build up in the brain and cause nerve damage. A new potential target has been identified by researchers however, in...