Since 2008, we have known that the 16p11.2 chromosomal region is linked with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Now, researchers from Boston Children’s have developed a new way to study the effects of 16p11.2 deletion in human neurons. In the process, they also found a potential treatment, possibly expanding the therapeutic options for this specific cause …
Experts call for new standards for diagnostic tests to address problems during pandemic
The Royal Statistical Society (RSS) has today published its review of the statistical evidence needed to assure the performance of future diagnostic tests, so we are better prepared for future pandemics.
Why standard ways of valuing health were set aside during the pandemic
Governments around the world initially responded to COVID-19 according to the single most important aim: saving lives. But as the pandemic continued, affecting both health and finances, questions started arising as to what the right focus should be: protecting health or protecting the economy—or both. Implicitly, governments across the globe began considering a trade-off between …
Ultra-marathon running: How safe is the sport?
The 2021 Yellow River Stone Forest 100km trail race in Gansu province, China, ended in tragedy in May, when unexpectedly severe weather resulted in the deaths of 21 of the 172 competitors. Among them was the Chinese champion Liang Jing, who in 2018 won the Ultra Gobi—three and a half days of non-stop running across …
New study mixes vaccine doses to boost immunity to COVID and variants
The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) is participating in a new clinical trial that will mix-and-match the initial regime of an approved vaccine with a booster dose from a different manufacturer. The research will help inform public health decisions around re-vaccination schedules and the deployment of boosters that target COVID variants.
Why it’s difficult for children to understand sarcasm
Sarcasm is simple! Yeah, right. Although sarcasm is widespread, found across languages and in the various ways we communicate, it is not simple. For most children, learning to understand sarcasm is challenging.
Existing leukemia treatment could hold promise for Bile duct cancer
Bile duct cancer is a rare but aggressive form of cancer, affecting just over 2,000 people in the UK every year. However, incidences of bile cancer are steadily increasing every year—with some estimating it could one day be as common as breast cancer.
Collagen stiffness plays role in asthma, could lead to targeted treatment
A new study finds that manipulating the stiffness of the collagen-based support structure of airway cells could lead to a new treatment for asthma. The study is published ahead of print in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Single-shot COVID-19 vaccine generates robust immune responses against COVID-19 variants
In the three months since Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, more than 10 million Americans have received the vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The single-shot viral vector vaccine—developed in collaboration with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) immunologist Dan …
Common diabetes drug shows promise as treatment for COVID-19 lung inflammation
Metformin is a widely prescribed blood sugar-lowering drug. It is often used as an early therapy (in combination with diet and lifestyle changes) for type 2 diabetes, which afflicts more than 34 million Americans.