NewsRoom Articles - Page 196 of 218

FridayOct 23, 2020 12:00 pm

Social Distancing, Masks May Not Be Enough to Prevent Coronavirus Infection

When the pandemic began, many countries introduced guidelines to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The most common of these included: 1. Social distancing 2. Avoiding crowds; limiting the number of people in public places 3. Wearing a mask in public However, these recommendations are based on decades-old scientific foundations that may not reflect the current state of knowledge. Consequently, several research groups have come together to develop a better and improved model of the spread of the disease’s infectious droplets. These researchers from the field of fluid dynamics have demonstrated that while it makes sense to maintain social…

FridayOct 23, 2020 10:00 am

Research Unveils Potential Link Between Blood Groups and Coronavirus Susceptibility

Last week, “Blood Advances” published two studies that suggest people with O blood type may be at a lower risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, when these individuals do get sick, studies suggest that they have a reduced likelihood of experiencing organ complications or other serious outcomes. With the ongoing pandemic, the biomedical research community is working diligently to identify potential therapeutic targets and coronavirus risk factors. The role of blood types in predicting the risks and complications of a coronavirus infection in an individual has been identified as a fundamental question. The new studies add to the existing knowledge…

ThursdayOct 22, 2020 12:00 pm

Pioneer Study Discovers Link Between Lowered Neuroplasticity and Obesity

A pioneer study carried out by researchers from the University of South Australia discovered that individuals who are severely overweight are less likely to be able to create new neural pathways and re-wire their brains. This discovery will have significant implications for people who are recovering from brain injuries or a stroke. The paper, written by researchers from Deakin University and University of South Australia, was published in “Brain Sciences.” The research showed that in obese people, brain plasticity is impaired. This makes it less likely for them to remember things or learn new tasks. The study used a series…

ThursdayOct 22, 2020 10:00 am

New Study Suggests That Sitting May Be Good for Your Mind

We’ve probably heard this at least once in our lives, how adults of all ages should move more as well as engage in regular exercise and sit less. This has been said to make people feel better and also reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, a new study on brain and cognition from Colorado State University that involved older adults suggests that some degree of a sedentary lifestyle isn’t so bad after all. This applies so long as the basic physical activity standards are being achieved. This research looked into the association between cognitive performance and sensor-measured physical activity…

WednesdayOct 21, 2020 12:00 pm

Did You Know Fats Fight Against Pathogens in Your Body?

Researchers from University of Queensland recently discovered that the droplets of fat that exist inside our cells help our body’s defense system fight back against infections. The international collaboration between researchers Professor Albert Pol from the University of Barcelona and Professor Robert Parton from UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience discovered these fat droplets to be both a weapon and a food source against bacterial invaders. Professor Parton stated that scientists had previously thought the bacteria merely used the lipid droplets as food but had found out that the fatty droplets were also involved in the battle between our cells and…

WednesdayOct 21, 2020 10:00 am

Coronavirus Lockdowns Forestalled Thousands of Air Pollution-Related Fatalities, New Study Finds

A new study reveals that the lockdowns imposed in various countries to curb the spread of COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic around Europe and in China improved air quality. This was seen in regions that suffered from high mortality rates caused by air pollution. Scientists from the University of Notre Dame recently published research in the Lancet Planetary Health journal that showed the decline in particulate matter concentrations in Europe and China. During the lockdown that was imposed in Europe between February 21 and May 17, particulate matter concentrations reduced by 17.1% while in China, the concentrations reduced…

WednesdayOct 21, 2020 9:28 am

Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI) Industry Leader in Growing Precision Medicine Market

Recent study reports CAGR of 9.7% in precision medicine space. Predictive Oncology focused on use of data, artificial intelligence to develop personalized cancer therapies. One of POAI’s primary projects is building multi-omic predictive models of tumor drug response A recent study of the global precision medicine market indicates a bright future for the industry, especially for U.S.-based companies focusing on cancer research, such as Predictive Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: POAI). The study reported a CAGR of 9.7% in the sector, with North America dominating the market and oncology expected to hold the highest market. “Precision medicine, a combination of molecular biology…

TuesdayOct 20, 2020 12:00 pm

Loss of Interest May Be a Sign of Dementia

According to a study that was published in the online issue of Neurology on October 14, older adults who show no interest in normal activities or have severe apathy have a larger chance of developing dementia as compared to people with fewer apathy symptoms. Meredith Bock, from the University of California and the author of the study says that apathy is distressing to family members, especially when people do not want to meet up with friends or family or they are no longer interested in what they used to like. She adds that while more research needs to be carried…

TuesdayOct 20, 2020 10:00 am

Researchers Develop Portable Device for Testing Cancer Biomarkers

Researchers at Brock and McMaster universities have developed a prototype for a tool which will allow patients to use a blood sample to test for the presence of cancer biomarkers. This technology has specifically been designed to assess the levels of prostate-specific antigens (“PSA”), but it can be tweaked to test for other cancers as well. According to the researchers, the device operates in just the same way that hand-held glucose monitors work. A patient just mixes a tiny drop of blood in a vial which contains a reactive fluid, and then a sample from this mixture is placed on…

MondayOct 19, 2020 12:00 pm

The Body’s Endocannabinoids Can Fight Intestinal Infections

A study led by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center suggests that native chemicals (endocannabinoids), which are similar to the cannabinoids produced by marijuana plants, have the potential to inhibit the virulence of intestinal bacteria. The team found that our endocannabinoids can shut down the genes which are required for some intestinal pathogens to colonize and cause disease. This study sheds some light on why marijuana has for long been used to alleviate different gastrointestinal infections. The researchers sought to establish whether endocannabinoids can lessen one’s susceptibility to the different pathogenic bacteria which cause gastrointestinal infections. To…