Plastics—in particular, microplastics—are among the most pervasive pollutants on the planet, finding their way into the air, water systems and food chains around the world. While the prevalence of microplastics in the environment is well known, as are their negative impacts on marine organisms, few studies have examined the potential health impacts on mammals, prompting University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross’s new study.
Exploring the role of hypoxia-inducible factors in vascular smooth muscle cells under panvascular pathologies
As an emerging concept, panvascular diseases encompass a group of cardiovascular disorders characterized mainly by atherosclerosis, involving crucial organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys, and limbs. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) plays a pivotal role as a major regulatory factor in the cardiovascular system’s response to common stressors, such as hypoxia.
Why breast cancer survivors don’t take their medication, and what can be done about it
For roughly 80% of breast cancer survivors, treatment doesn’t end with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Instead, for the next five to 10 years, doctors recommend that they take medication to block sex hormones, which can fuel tumor growth and spark recurrence.
New transistor measures glucose in saliva
A prototype sensor that measures glucose levels in saliva could eventually offer a simple, rapid and painless way for people to monitor their diabetes, according to the KAUST researchers behind the technology.
Australian woman found with parasitic roundworm in her brain caught from carpet python
The world’s first case of a new parasitic infection in humans has been discovered by researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) and the Canberra Hospital after they detected a live eight-centimeter roundworm from a carpet python in the brain of a 64- year-old Australian woman.
Transforming cancer diagnosis and treatment with cerium/lanthanum-134
Actinium-targeted alpha radiotherapy is a promising approach for treating metastatic cancers, including prostate cancer. This approach requires doctors to obtain images of the radiotherapy agent as it moves to tumors, a process called molecular imaging. Attaching a radioisotope to a chemical compound is called radiolabeling. Conducting a molecular imaging study with a radiolabeled compound allows doctors to plan treatments.
Study suggests two-pronged approach to treatment for neurodegenerative disease
Researchers at the University of Toronto’s Tanz Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases have used novel techniques to uncover which subtypes of brain cells express genetic material that produces tau, a key protein involved in the development of the neurodegenerative disease progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).
Q&A: Research reveals how the brain sets your body’s dinner clock
When you eat is just as important as what you eat.
Nearly half of mental health practitioners say they are unprepared to help clients cope with climate change
Many mental health counselors feel ill-equipped to help their clients deal with psychological issues around climate change, according to a new study published in The Journal of Humanistic Counseling.
Price tag on cardiovascular disease in Europe higher than entire EU budget: Study
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) cost the EU an estimated €282 billion in 2021, according to late breaking research presented at ESC Congress 2023. Health and long-term care accounted for €155 billion (55%) of these costs, equaling 11% of EU health expenditure. The findings are published in the European Heart Journal, and the analysis was a collaborative effort by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the University of Oxford, UK.