Researchers have identified more than 140,000 viruses that live in the human gut, including half that were previously unknown. The number and variety of viruses found in more than 28,000 gut microbiome samples gathered from different parts of the world are surprisingly high, according to the study authors. The researchers added that their findings will… read on > read on >
The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants could require a quick pivot on the part of pharmaceutical and medical device companies, to help stay one step ahead of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines Monday encouraging drug and test developers to pay attention to new coronavirus variants and be prepared to make that… read on > read on >
People with chronic heartburn may face increased risks of several rare types of cancer, a large U.S. government study shows. Researchers found that among more than 490,000 Americans aged 50 and up, those with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) had about twice the risk of developing cancers of the esophagus or larynx (also known as the… read on > read on >
Pulse oximeters — small devices that clip onto fingertips — can seem like a handy way to gauge oxygen levels while monitoring a case of COVID-19. But people of color should be cautious about relying on them because they’re more likely to give inaccurate readings when used on darker skin, the U.S. Food and Drug… read on > read on >
A new combo pill can substantially reduce bleeding caused by uterine fibroids — possibly offering some women yet another alternative to surgery, a new trial finds. The once-daily medication, which combines a drug called relugolix with estrogen and progestin, is not yet approved in the United States. But it is under review by the U.S.… read on > read on >
The drug cabozantinib is more effective than two similar drugs, as well as the current standard treatment, in extending the lives of patients with a rare and deadly type of kidney cancer, according to a new study. The cancer is called metastatic papillary kidney cancer. There are currently no effective treatments for it. A previous… read on > read on >
A number of new treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive eye disease, are under development. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older people. About 11 million Americans have AMD, which affects part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. There are two types: wet and dry. Wet… read on > read on >
Scientists may have uncovered the reason critical medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder cause weight gain and diabetes — findings they hope will lead to better drugs. The medications, known as antipsychotics, help control the hallucinations, delusions and confused thoughts that plague people with schizophrenia. They can also help stabilize extreme mood swings in those… read on > read on >
There’s no evidence that the new coronavirus can spread through food or food packaging, U.S. health officials say. Of the more than 100 million cases of COVID-19 worldwide, there hasn’t been any epidemiological evidence of food or food packaging as the source of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) transmission to humans, and national and… read on > read on >
When your child enters college, the last thing you may be worried about is an eating disorder, but one expert says there are warning signs that parents shouldn’t miss. “Parents and family members are often the first to identify when their loved one is struggling with an eating disorder,” said Sydney Brodeur-Johnson, from the Veritas… read on > read on >
