The discovery that the Epstein-Barr virus might be a major driver of multiple sclerosis has re-energized research into the autoimmune disease. Now, investigators in the U.K. and Sweden believe they might be closer to understanding how the virus, which also causes mononucleosis, might help spur MS. “The discovery of the link between Epstein-Barr Virus [EBV]… read on > read on >
A new blood test might be able to predict Parkinson’s disease up to seven years before symptoms of the movement disorder surface, researchers said. The test correctly predicted a high risk of Parkinson’s in 16 patients who went on to develop the disease, results show. If validated, the test could help provide early treatment that… read on > read on >
Two new studies offer reassurance that using the diabetes drug metformin before and during pregnancy is not linked to birth defects. The latest findings, which apply to men planning to conceive with their partners or women in early pregnancy, contradict a 2022 study that found metformin use by men in the three months before they… read on > read on >
The average American diet has only improved modestly over the past two decades, despite tons of research tying unhealthy food to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, a new study finds. The percentage of U.S. adults with a poor diet decreased from 49% to 37% between 1999 and 2020, based on data from a… read on > read on >
Patients are less likely to fill prescriptions for the overdose-reversing drug naloxone when they have to shell out more at the pharmacy, a new study finds. Naloxone (also known by the brand name Narcan) is a critical lifesaving tool in preventing deaths from opioid overdose, researchers said. But about 1 in 3 naloxone prescriptions for… read on > read on >
There’s more good news in the battle against sickle cell disease, with another trial finding CRISPR gene-editing therapy delivering impressive results for patients. “It’s encouraging that this gene-editing treatment continues to show promising efficacy for sickle cell patients,” said study lead investigator Dr. Rabi Hanna. He’s chair of the division of pediatric hematology oncology and… read on > read on >
Despite all the grumbling at the time, most Americans now look back upon pandemic-era policies as a good idea, a new poll shows. A majority of Americans see four key pandemic policies as “generally a good idea” in retrospect: Mask requirements in stores and businesses (70%) Healthcare worker vaccination requirements (65%) Indoor dining closures (63%)… read on > read on >
Adults’ phobias can be correlated with changes in the structure of their brains, a new study finds. What’s more, the neurological differences seen in adults with phobias are more extensive than those observed in people with other forms of anxiety. Phobia is the most common anxiety disorder, affecting more than 12% of people, said the… read on > read on >
Genetics can play a role in a person’s odds for Alzheimer’s disease, and new research suggests differences in that risk are based on which parent had the illness. In a study of 4,400 people still “cognitively unimpaired,” there was higher buildup of amyloid protein plaques in the brain (a hallmark of Alzheimer’s) if either the… read on > read on >
The U.S. Surgeon General announced Monday that he will push for warning labels on all social media platforms, stating that they may harm teens’ mental health. “The mental health crisis among young people is an emergency — and social media has emerged as an important contributor,” Dr. Vivek Murthy wrote in an essay published Monday… read on > read on >
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