The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has largely defied attempts to contain its spread by non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). With the massive loss of life and economic damage, the only way out, in the absence of specific antiviral therapeutics, has been the development of […]
Rethinking classical epidemiological modeling in light of COVID-19 pandemic
Epidemiological models have been indispensable in aiding our understanding of the unfolding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. A team of international scientists has recently developed an epidemiological model to explore the impact of individual variation in susceptibility and infectivity on transmission dynamics of an infectious disease across inhomogeneous populations. The study is currently available on […]
Study offers new protocols for high-quality SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing
In late-December 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first detected in Wuhan City, China, causing an easily transmissible respiratory illness. By March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared its outbreak a global pandemic. Caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), COVID-19 has infected over 107.48 million people globally. To date, […]
Are you dizzy? Dizziness can be a sign of a heart condition, warns Dr Sara
Dizziness: Dr Sara gives tips for managing it at home When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters.Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer.Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights.You can unsubscribe at any time. Most […]
Probiotics as adjuvant therapy for COVID-19 patients
Back in 1892, Doderlein first established the beneficial association of microorganisms in the human body. Therefore, under the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be beneficial to assess microorganisms' role in the human body and the use of probiotics as therapy for COVID-19 patients. While the term "microbiome" (coined by the Nobel laureate Joshua Lederberg, 2001) includes […]
New technique identifies important mutations behind Lynch syndrome
Colorectal cancer is the third most common form of cancer. While 90% of cases are in people older than 50, there is an as-yet unexplained rising incidence in younger people. Family history ranks high among risk factors for developing colorectal cancer, and people with such a history are often advised to get more frequent screening […]
Plant compound reduces cognitive deficits in mouse model of Down syndrome
The plant compound apigenin improved the cognitive and memory deficits usually seen in a mouse model of Down syndrome, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and other institutions. Apigenin is found in chamomile flowers, parsley, celery, peppermint and citrus fruits. The researchers fed the compound to pregnant mice carrying […]
Study underscores value of Down Syndrome Clinic to You program
A new software program effectively brings the expertise of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) specialists to many more patients with Down syndrome (DS), according to a study published today in Genetics in Medicine. Down Syndrome Clinic to You (DSC2U) is a first-of-its kind online health tool aimed at improving adherence to US national Down syndrome guidelines. […]
Syndrome linked to COVID-19 seems more common among children of African ancestry
An inflammatory syndrome in children and adolescents, believed to be linked to COVID-19, seems to be more common among children of African ancestry, finds a small study from a hospital in Paris, published by The BMJ today. The syndrome has been compared with Kawasaki disease, a rare condition which mainly affects children under five. Experts […]
Drug trial seeking first ever treatment for dangerous side effect of Prader-Willi syndrome
One in every 15,000 children is affected by Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), a complex, genetic endocrine condition caused by a disorder of chromosome 15. It’s non-inheritable, meaning the condition isn’t passed down from a family member. Among the regular side effects like growth hormone deficiency, hypothyroidism, delayed puberty, behavioral problems and learning difficulties, but hyperphagia is […]