Turmeric as effective for acid reflux as pharmacy drugs, trial shows

The spice that can instantly stain an amateur chef’s kitchen benches, hands and clothes bright yellow has again shown it may be punching above its weight in other ways, with a clinical trial showing it can curb acid reflux as well as common medications… Continue reading Turmeric as effective for acid reflux as pharmacy drugs, trial shows

Repurposed blood cancer drug could remove need for lifelong HIV meds

A new study has repurposed an existing blood cancer drug, using it to eliminate dormant HIV-infected cells that can cause the infection to reactivate when suppressive antiretroviral treatment is interrupted. The drug could change the lives of people wi… Continue reading Repurposed blood cancer drug could remove need for lifelong HIV meds

All-in-one gadget sees the invisible to accurately spot problem wounds

When Captain Kirk stepped out with a tricorder in hand in the very first episode of Star Trek in 1966, the data-sensing, -scanning and -analyzing gadget seemed to be a rather useful but very far-in-the-future piece of technology.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading All-in-one gadget sees the invisible to accurately spot problem wounds

Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation

Researchers have discovered that lung-based immune cells can be “trained” to remember a previously encountered pathogen, making them more efficient at clearing out the cellular debris that accumulates during infection and reducing inflammation.Continue… Continue reading Lung immune cells “trained” to remove debris that causes inflammation

Even new antibiotics losing effectiveness as bacteria quickly adapt

As more and more bacteria develop resistance to the drugs designed to kill them, a new study has found that even a relatively new antibiotic isn’t immune. Researchers have uncovered a gene amplification mechanism that causes bacteria to become increasi… Continue reading Even new antibiotics losing effectiveness as bacteria quickly adapt

Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

Decades of work has seemingly paid off with scientists developing a potent new synthetic molecule that swiftly knocked out 285 strains of bacteria it was tested on, setting it up as a valuable ally in our fight against a looming superbug infection cris… Continue reading Novel ‘fast, tenacious’ molecule can KO drug-resistant superbugs

Inhaled drug reduces lung damage by targeting overactive immune cells

Researchers have developed an inhalable RNA-based drug that targets the overactive white blood cells that cause lung damage during severe infection, reducing inflammation and scarring. With human clinical trials expected next year, the drug may soon be… Continue reading Inhaled drug reduces lung damage by targeting overactive immune cells

Peptoids pop some viruses like the disease-causing balloons they are

In the neverending human-vs-virus battle, scientists often focus on disrupting the protein coating on the bugs. New research shows a different way forward: using certain compounds to act as molecular “pins” that pop the membranes holding viruses togeth… Continue reading Peptoids pop some viruses like the disease-causing balloons they are

Self-testing is accurate & removes the stigma of checking for STIs

If the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s the value of testing for infection at home without the need to visit a health facility. Now a series of studies have found that testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the privacy of your … Continue reading Self-testing is accurate & removes the stigma of checking for STIs

Bacteria-hunting viruses help diagnose and treat UTIs

Viruses may get a bad rap, but some of them can be helpful to fight off bacterial infections. Scientists at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a new way to use them to diagnose which bacteria is causing a UTI, and then launch a stronger attack against them.C… Continue reading Bacteria-hunting viruses help diagnose and treat UTIs