Microcephaly birth defect rate surged after Zika outbreak in Brazil
Brazilian health ministry reported a rise in the number of newborn babies with uncommonly small heads – microcephaly, and suspect that the surge is linked
Infection
Blueberry to fight gum disease and reduce antibiotic use
Gum disease is a common condition among adults that occurs when bacteria form biofilms or plaques on teeth, and consequently the gums become inflamed. Some
ReShape balloon device to treat obesity approved in US
The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System (ReShape Dual Balloon) – A new balloon device to treat obesity without the need for invasive surgery is approved
Naegleria Fowleri Ameba in St. Bernard Parish Water System
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) confirmed the presence of the Naegleria fowleri ameba in the St. Bernard Parish Water System at the
Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 HIV assay approved to differentiate HIV
Bio-Rad BioPlex 2200 HIV Ag-Ab assay – the first FDA-approved diagnostic that differentiates between HIV-1 antibodies, HIV-2 antibodies, and HIV-1 p24 antigen in human serum
White coats may facilitate transmission of infection in hospitals
Doctors wearing long-sleeved white coats may facilitate the transmission of infection in hospitals. Dr. Edmond Fernandes, who has authored the book Small things that matter
Antibiotics may increase juvenile arthritis risk in children
Antibiotic exposure could increase the risk of juvenile arthritis — Findings may offer another reason to judiciously prescribe antibiotics to children
VirScan blood test can reveal viral history
Your complete viral history revealed by VirScan – Blood test detects exposure to hundreds of viruses simultaneously – VirScan – a single blood test can now simultaneously test for more than 1,000 different strains of viruses that currently or have previously infected a person.
A new antibody therapy shows promise in suppressing HIV infection
In first human study, new antibody therapy shows promise in suppressing HIV infection – In first human study, new antibody therapy shows promise in suppressing HIV infection. The new study, conducted in Michel Nussenzweig’s Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, finds that administration of a potent antibody, called 3BNC117, can catch HIV off guard and reduce viral loads.
Chronic fatigue syndrome is not psychological disease
Scientists discover robust evidence that chronic fatigue syndrome is a biological illness – Immune signatures in blood point to distinct disease stages, open door to better diagnosis and treatment – Researchers identified distinct immune changes in patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, known medically as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) or systemic exertion intolerance disease.
Aggressive HIV recombinant strain progress to AIDS within 3 years
An aggressive form of HIV uncovered in Cuba – One recombinant variant observed in patients in Cuba appears to be much more aggressive than other known forms of HIV. Patients progress to AIDS within three years of infection – so rapidly that they may not even realise they were infected.
Cigarette smoking may cause more deaths than currently estimated
Cigarette smoking is even more deadly than you think — US Smoking deaths may be underestimated: Study – A new study suggests that current estimates significantly underestimate the number of Americans who die from cigarette smoking. The Surgeon General estimates that each year, smoking kills about 480,000 Americans.