Health
Swiss scientists have developed a lab-grown bone marrow tissue that supports blood-forming stem cells for days, overcoming a long-standing hurdle. The model, described in PNAS, could accelerate drug testing and personalized treatment for blood disorders like leukemia.
Health
A Cornell psychiatrist says Trump’s debate performance showed signs of cognitive decline, citing tangential speech and repetition. While not diagnosing, he recommends a neuropsychiatric evaluation. Harris’s performance was seen as normal.
Health
A daily gel combining testosterone and a synthetic hormone reduced sperm counts to levels considered contraceptive in a phase 2 trial of 222 men. Side effects were mild, but the study has yet to confirm whether the gel actually prevents pregnancy when used as the sole contraceptive by couples.
Health
Tesla has temporarily waived fees at its Supercharging stations across China to help owners during the coronavirus outbreak. The move supports drivers in quarantined cities and those seeking to avoid public transit. It follows Tesla's history of aiding customers during natural disasters.
Health
Chinese researchers have developed a smartphone-controlled hydrogel implant that activates insulin-producing cells in diabetic mice, stabilizing blood sugar within two hours. The device, called HydrogeLED, uses LED lights triggered by an app, but current limitations require mice to stay within an electromagnetic coil. Future versions aim to include a built-in glucometer and batteries for full mobility.
Health
Doctors report a rise in tic-like behaviors among young people, particularly girls, during the pandemic, linking the trend to social media exposure and stress. Researchers have coined the term 'functional tic-like behaviors' to distinguish these cases from Tourette syndrome. Experts urge compassion and commitment to help affected individuals.
Health
A CDC report links pet store puppies to 118 cases of antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter jejuni infections. The investigation found that many puppies were given antibiotics unnecessarily, contributing to drug resistance. Experts urge that antibiotics be reserved for treating illness, not as a preventive measure.
Health
Recent studies are investigating non-antibiotic treatments for severe bacterial infections, including bacteriophage therapy and immune-based interventions. These approaches aim to combat antibiotic resistance and offer new options for patients with resistant infections.
Health
A 12-year-old's death in Kerala from Nipah virus has triggered a containment effort, with 188 contacts traced and a quarantine zone established. The virus, with a 75% fatality rate and no cure, poses a serious threat despite being less contagious than COVID-19.
Health
A new study in the journal Sexualities suggests that the NoFap movement, which encourages abstinence from pornography and masturbation, may be linked to increased suicidal thoughts, depression, and erectile dysfunction among participants. Researchers from UCLA and London South Bank University surveyed 587 men, finding that nearly 30% reported suicidal ideation after 'relapsing.'
Health
Researchers using the Summit supercomputer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have identified 77 drug compounds that might bind to the coronavirus spike protein, potentially blocking infection. The findings, published on ChemRxiv, highlight seven candidates for experimental testing, though scientists caution that this is an early computational step, not a cure.
Health
Researchers at the Salk Institute have grown fully mature human pancreatic beta cells from induced pluripotent stem cells, and when transplanted into diabetic mice, the cells restored normal blood sugar control. The breakthrough, which relies on a key protein called ERRγ, could pave the way for a new class of diabetes treatments without the ethical concerns of embryonic stem cells.
Health
As the milk crate challenge spreads on TikTok, orthopedic surgeons and health departments warn of severe injury risks and added strain on hospitals already overwhelmed by COVID-19. The Baltimore Department of Health and Mount Sinai's Shawn Anthony urge the public to avoid the stunt, which often results in falls comparable to ladder accidents.
Health
Stanford researchers have developed a prototype pair of autofocal glasses that track eye movements and adjust focus automatically, offering a potential new solution for the 123 million Americans expected to suffer from presbyopia by 2020. The bulky headset, to be presented at SIGGRAPH in Vancouver, showed improved vision in early tests.
Health
Neuralink acknowledged that a significant number of monkeys in its brain implant experiments were euthanized due to complications, contradicting an animal rights group's claims. The company defends its practices while facing criticism and preparing for human trials.
