The success of in vitro fertilization depends on many factors, one of which is sperm viability. A recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign documents a new way to select viable sperm and prolong their viability in the laboratory, reducing one source of variability during the process. The work is published in the journal Scientific Reports.
Delay of more than 42 days for breast cancer surgery raises death risk for certain subtypes, study finds
Patients with certain subtypes of breast cancer may face a higher risk of death from the cancer if they wait more than 42 days after diagnosis to have surgery, according to newly published research from the University of Oklahoma.
CAR T-cell therapy tricks cancer cells with decoy, increases treatment efficiency in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is a life-threatening and highly aggressive form of blood cancer. It is the most common childhood cancer, making up 35% of pediatric cancer cases, but it can affect people of any age. CAR T-cell therapy has significantly improved outcomes for B-ALL patients, but relapse still occurs in over 50% of cases, leaving many with limited treatment options. Ongoing research aims to address this challenge and improve CAR T therapy’s effectiveness.
Genetically modified natural killer cells show promise in cancer immunotherapy
Among other functions, the NK cells (natural killers, a type of lymphocyte forming part of the immune system) have the capacity to detect and eliminate cancer cells. But in some cases they cannot overcome the tumor’s defense mechanism and the cancer grows.
Who’s to blame when AI makes a medical error?
Assistive artificial intelligence technologies hold significant promise for transforming health care by aiding physicians in diagnosing, managing, and treating patients. However, the current trend of assistive AI implementation could actually worsen challenges related to error prevention and physician burnout, according to a new brief published in JAMA Health Forum.
FDA approves new drug to treat heart conditions
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new drug for a serious heart condition that affects thousands of people.
Compared to a decade ago, fewer women now report wanting to have children, says research
More and more young women are hesitant about having children. New research from Uppsala University shows that 1 in 4 are either unsure about or do not want to have children at all—a big increase compared to 2014, when only 1 in 10 felt this way. The same study also shows that fewer people are using condoms and that a large proportion perceived consent when sexual activity was initiated.
Rare red meat allergy linked to more tick species
A rare red meat allergy, usually linked to a bite from the lone star tick, may also be caused by other tick species found in different parts of the U.S., a new report shows.
The prevalence and severity of pediatric astigmatism are found to have increased after the pandemic
The prevalence and severity of refractive astigmatism and corneal astigmatism increased among schoolchildren after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published online March 20 in JAMA Ophthalmology.
Kennedy orders takedown of fake CDC vaccine web page
A fake web page designed to look like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) vaccine safety site has been taken down on orders from health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.