Vaccinated health care workers with breakthrough COVID-19 infections shed less virus than those who are unvaccinated and infected, according to University of California, Los Angeles researchers. “SARS-CoV-2 viral loads are known to be a critical driver of transmission,” wrote authors led by Dr. Paul Adamson, an assistant professor of medicine in the division of infectious…  read on >  read on >

Most people know that sun-sourced vitamin D is good for their bones. So could avoiding the sun to reduce skin cancer risk weaken your bones? A new study brings a reassuring answer: “Sun-protective” behavior — wearing long sleeves, seeking shade or using sunscreen — “was not associated with decreased bone mineral density or increased risk…  read on >  read on >

A 3-D virtual reality system to treat back pain was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday. The EaseVRx system is a prescription device for at-home use that combines cognitive behavioral therapy and other behavioral methods to treat patients 18 and older with chronic lower back pain. “Millions of adults in the…  read on >  read on >

The first human clinical trial of a nasal vaccine to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease is set to begin after nearly 20 years of research. This is a “remarkable milestone,” according to Dr. Howard Weiner, co-director of the Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “Over the last…  read on >  read on >

The Biden administration plans to invest billions to partner with industry to expand the nation’s ability to produce coronavirus vaccines, ensure domestic supply and help poor nations in their vaccination efforts. The goal of the plan, to be announced Wednesday, is to produce at least 1 billion doses a year beginning in the second half…  read on >  read on >