WEDNESDAY, Nov. 1, 2023 A new gene therapy for sickle cell disease was deemed safe by a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel on Tuesday, paving the way for full approval by early December. The FDA had already decided that the therapy, known as exa-cel, was effective. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals of Boston and… read on > read on >
Many antibiotics long used to treat common childhood infections are no longer effective because of antibiotic resistance. The authors of a new study say global guidelines on antibiotic use need to be updated to reflect this, and they called for an increased focus on developing new antibiotics for infants and children. “We are not immune… read on > read on >
A new, more comfortable wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) device could be on its way. Researchers from Australia and India have created a compact, lightweight, gel-free hexagonal-shaped ECG patch that they say is ideally suited for point-of-care diagnostics. For those at risk, having a wearable device that can detect heart problems and assess overall cardiac health can… read on > read on >
Adding warning labels to meat about its impact on climate and health could lower its consumption, a new study suggests. British researchers investigated what adding cigarette-style graphic warning labels to meat in a cafeteria setting might do. “Reaching net zero is a priority for the nation and the planet. As warning labels have already been… read on > read on >
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS, is debilitating and has no cure. Now, researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an environmental risk score that will allow them to assess a person’s risk for developing ALS, as well as their survival after diagnosis. Toxins such as pesticides and carcinogenic PCBs affect a person’s… read on > read on >
In some big cities, mobile stroke units can deliver a powerful clot-busting drug to patients as these specialized ambulances speed to the hospital. Now, a new study shows these units deliver anti-clotting treatment a median of 37 minutes faster than when traditional ambulances drive stroke patients to the ER. And that extra time gives stroke… read on > read on >
The Biden administration is encouraging schools throughout the United States to carry naloxone to help prevent fatal drug overdoses in students. The medication (Narcan) was approved earlier this year as an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray. Faculty and students should be prepared to use it to help others, Dr. Rahul Gupta, director of the White House… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, Oct. 31, 2023 Getting a yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from infection or severe illness, but not everyone likes shots. Now, there is some potentially good news for those who fear needles: A nasal spray flu vaccine that you can take or give at home is on the… read on > read on >
TUESDAY, Oct. 31, 2023 (HealthDay News) – Certain pureed fruit pouches from WanaBana may contain dangerous levels of lead, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned. Parents and caregivers should not buy or serve WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to children, the agency said in a recent public health alert. Children who have… read on > read on >
The ancient art of tai chi, plus a modern twist, may help older adults reverse mild declines in brain power, a new clinical trial reveals. Researchers found that tai chi classes helped older adults improve their subtle problems with cognition (memory and thinking skills). It also helped them with a fundamental multitasking skill: walking while… read on > read on >
