A study led by bioengineers at the University of California San Diego sheds new light on how a type of heart valve disease, called aortic valve stenosis, progresses differently in males and females. The research reveals that this sex-based difference can be traced to a gene on the Y chromosome.
Demystifying a genetic disease of the heart muscle
Affecting 1 in 500 people, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the walls of the left ventricle, the heart’s main pumping chamber, become abnormally thick. “HCM is one of the primary causes of sudden death among young, apparently healthy patients; it is also a frequent cause of heart failure requiring surgery or a transplant,” says Dr. Rafik Tadros, a cardiologist and associate professor in Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Medicine.
Insomnia can lead to heart issues: Psychologist recommends changes that can improve sleep
About 10% of Americans say they have chronic insomnia, and millions of others report poor sleep quality. Ongoing research has found that bad sleep could lead to numerous health problems, including heart disease.
Analysis of new colorectal cancer immunotherapy shows more treatment options
A team of researchers from Cleveland Clinic Genomic Medicine share insights from an early set of 19,000 patients to receive immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments for colorectal cancer in the U.S.
Xylazine detected in US–Mexico border drug supply, study finds
Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Prevencasa free clinic in Tijuana, Mexico, have confirmed the presence of xylazine in the illicit drug supply at the U.S.–Mexico border. While xylazine remains less common in the Western U.S., border cities serve as key trafficking hubs and may have higher rates of emerging substances.
Are mental health conditions overdiagnosed in the UK? Two experts go head to head
Speaking on BBC One’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Wes Streeting, the UK health secretary, expressed concerns that some mental health conditions were overdiagnosed. The Conversation asked two experts to comment on Streeting’s claim. Is the health secretary right?
Smartwatch data: Study finds early health differences in long COVID patients
People who later experienced persistent shortness of breath or fatigue after a SARS-CoV-2 infection were already taking significantly fewer steps per day and had a higher resting heart rate before contracting the virus, according to a study by the Complexity Science Hub (CSH) published in npj Digital Medicine. This may indicate lower fitness levels or pre-existing conditions as potential risk factors.
How family background can help lead to athletic success
Americans have long believed that sports are one area in society that offers kids from all backgrounds the chance to succeed to the best of their abilities.
Almost half of children with complicated appendicitis can recover from surgery at home
Almost half of children who require surgery for complicated appendicitis can safely complete their recovery at home, according to a new study.
AI helps find promising therapeutic target for rare salivary gland cancer
Researchers have uncovered a promising therapeutic target for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer of the salivary glands with few treatment options.