Northern Arizona resident dies from plague
A resident of northern Arizona has died from pneumonic plague, health officials said Friday.
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Targeted radiation offers promise in patients with metastasized small cell lung cancer to the brain
A new study led by investigators from Mass General Brigham trialed stereotactic (targeted) brain-directed radiation in 100 patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases, finding they experienced positive outcomes that support use of targeted radiation in the future for such patients. Results are published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
T-bet protein found essential for maintaining flu-fighting memory B cells
At the surface, the immune response to a flu virus is simple. Some cells recognize the pathogen and send a signal to the immune system, and immune cells produce a potentially lifesaving antibody against the virus. Antigen in, antibody out.
Hepatitis C treatment is not reaching some at-risk populations
As the opioid epidemic has worsened in the United States, prevalence of hepatitis C has also increased. Hepatitis C is a bloodborne virus that damages the liver. It is mainly spread through sharing needles or other injection equipment and can also be passed from a mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth. It can be safely and effectively treated by direct-acting antiviral therapies that are approved for both adults and children.
CTE and normal aging are difficult to distinguish, new study finds
In recent years, some scientists and advocates have warned that playing contact sports like football and hockey may increase the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to a buildup of a specific protein in the brain.
Key brain protein may hold answers for memory loss and neurodegenerative diseases
Scientists have discovered how a key protein helps maintain strong connections between brain cells that are crucial for learning and memory.
‘Too much going on’: Autistic adults overwhelmed by non-verbal social cues
Imagine having a conversation where every gesture and glance feels like a test. You’re juggling eye contact, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all while trying to keep up with the words. You might miss something, or someone might misread you.
More misfolded proteins than previously known may contribute to Alzheimer’s and dementia
For decades, the story of Alzheimer’s research has been dominated by a battle between A-beta and tau amyloids, both of which can kill neurons and impact the brain’s ability to function. A new study suggests, however, that these sticky brain plaques may not be operating alone.
Early-onset neonatal sepsis linked to childhood epilepsy
Early-onset neonatal sepsis and meningitis are associated with an increased risk for childhood epilepsy, according to a study published online July 7 in JAMA Network Open.
Obesity linked to what’s on local restaurant menus
For many years, health experts have been concerned about “food deserts,” places where residents lack good nutritional options. Now, an MIT-led study of three major global cities uses a new, granular method to examine the issue, and concludes that having fewer and less nutritional eating options nearby correlates with obesity and other health outcomes.