A recently approved rheumatoid arthritis medication appears to be an effective second-line therapy when biologic treatments start to fail, a new clinical trial reports. Arthritis sufferers treated with upadacitinib had a significantly greater reduction in their symptoms and disease activity than people treated with a standard disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), said co-researcher Dr. Aileen Pangan.… read on >
Older adults who get together with friends, volunteer or go to classes have healthier brains, which could help them ward off dementia, according to a new study. Researchers who used brain imaging to examine brain areas involved in mental decline found that greater social engagement made a difference in brain health. Being socially engaged —… read on >
An experimental COVID-19 vaccine appeared to be safe and triggered an immune response in healthy people, according to preliminary results of a small, early-stage clinical trial. The study of the vaccine based on inactivated whole SARS-CoV-2 virus (BBIBP-CorV) included more than 600 volunteers in China, ages 18 to 80. By the 42nd day after vaccination,… read on >
Masks or no masks? Social distancing or not? New research suggests that the media Americans consume matters when these decisions are made. The study found that folks drawn to conservative-leaning TV news were much less likely to follow COVID prevention guidelines. Researchers analyzed data from more than 4,800 U.S. adults who took part in a… read on >
In some reassuring news on the coronavirus front, a new study finds that pregnant women with COVID-19 rarely infect their newborn. That finding suggests that it may not be necessary to separate infected mothers from their infants and that moms can continue to breastfeed, the researchers added. “Our findings should reassure expectant mothers with COVID-19… read on >
When parents have concerns about the safety of childhood vaccinations, it can be tough to change their minds, as a new study shows. The study involved “vaccine-hesitant” parents — a group distinct from the staunch “anti-vaxxer” crowd. They have worries about one or more routine vaccines, and question whether the benefits for their child are… read on >
Limiting TV ads for sugary, salty and high-fat foods and drinks might help reduce childhood obesity, British researchers suggest. They looked at advertising of these products between 5:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. If all such ads were withdrawn during those hours, the number of obese kids in the U.K. between the ages of 5 and… read on >
Black and Asian COVID-19 patients are more likely than white patients to have severe illness, a new British study finds. Researchers analyzed data from more than 1,800 adult COVID-19 patients admitted to King’s College Hospital in London between March 1 and June 2. Patients who were Black or of mixed ethnicity were three times more… read on >
Young women with cancer are at a high risk for employment and financial consequences, a new study finds. “Our study addresses the burden of employment disruption and financial hardship among young women with cancer — a group who may be at particular risk for poor financial outcomes after cancer given their age and gender,” said… read on >
The truly scary thing about Halloween this year is that it’s occurring during a pandemic, but there are safe ways to celebrate, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says. Suggestions include: virtual costume parties; physically distant, outdoor costume parades; Halloween-themed craft making; movie nights at home; decorating pumpkins; and making favorite treats. “Many kids look… read on >
