Medically Speaking

Study explores how value decisions are coded into the brain

04 Jan 2022 09:52 AM IST

A recent study by the University of California has discovered the area of the brain where value decisions are made. An area within the cerebrum known as the retrosplenial cortex (RSC), they found, is the site that we use to make value choices such as which restaurant we decide to

STUDY FINDS SARS-COV-2 EVADES OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

04 Jan 2022 09:50 AM IST

Researchers in Japan and the United States have found SARS-CoV-2 can knock out an important molecular pathway linked to an immune complex called MHC class I.

EXPERIMENTAL GENE THERAPY REVERSES SICKLE CELL DISEASE FOR YEARS

03 Jan 2022 07:06 AM IST

A single dose restored blood cells to their normal shape and eliminated the most serious complication of sickle cell disease for at least three years in some patients, suggests the findings of recent research. Four patients at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center participated in the multicenter study, the first

COVID-19 VACCINE DOESN’T PREVENT INFECTIONS BUT WILL PREVENT COMPLICATIONS, SAYS KERALA DOCTOR

03 Jan 2022 07:04 AM IST

Amid concerns of a possible third COVID-19 wave in the country, Dr Balachander Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association (KGMOA) Pathanamthitta district president on Sunday urged for increasing vaccination coverage stating that COVID-19 vaccine does not prevent infections but will help prevent complications like pneumonia. Speaking to ANI, Dr Balachander said

GREATER EXPOSURE TO ESTROGEN FOR WOMEN MAY PROTECT FROM ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

03 Jan 2022 07:03 AM IST

A new study has found that greater cumulative exposure to estrogen in life can protect women from Alzheimer’s disease. The findings come from an analysis of personal histories, MRI scans and cognitive tests on 99 women in their late 40s to late 50s. The researchers confirmed an earlier finding linking

Study finds ageing stiffens blood vessels in women

03 Jan 2022 07:02 AM IST

According to a new study conducted at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland, age is a strong determinant of arterial stiffness. Hormones, menstrual cycle phase, contraceptive pill phase and menopausal states are also associated with arterial stiffness. The human vasculature consists of arteries, veins, and capillaries where blood circulates in

STUDY FINDS CHANGES IN BLOOD NOT HEART MAY UNDERLIE CARDIAC THROMBOSIS IN COVID-19 PATIENTS

03 Jan 2022 07:01 AM IST

A team of researchers examined autopsy tissue samples of hearts from patients who died early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequent and extensive blood clots (thromboses) within heart vessels were found as anticipated, but the type of changes in the endothelial cells lining the heart that are typically observed in thromboses

BABY TEETH MAY LATER HELP IDENTIFY KIDS AT RISK FOR MENTAL DISORDERS: STUDY

31 Dec 2021 07:13 AM IST

According to a study by the University of Bristol, baby teeth could one day lead to the development of a much-needed tool for identifying children who are at risk for psychological problems. The origin of this study traces back several years, when senior author Erin C. Dunn, ScD, MPH, learned

NUTRITIONAL DIET IN EARLY PREGNANCY REDUCES RISK OF GESTATIONAL DIABETES: RESEARCH

31 Dec 2021 07:12 AM IST

According to a study conducted at the University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, dietary habits have an impact on both obesity and the onset of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. The mother-child study examined the connection between dietary intake and onset of gestational diabetes in 351 overweight or obese

SUBSTANTIAL WEIGHT LOSS MAY DECREASE RISK OF SEVERE COVID-19 COMPLICATIONS: STUDY

31 Dec 2021 07:11 AM IST

A new study found that among patients with obesity, prior weight loss achieved with bariatric surgery was associated with a 60 per cent lower risk of developing severe complications from COVID-19 infection. Numerous studies have established obesity as a major risk factor for developing serious illness from an infection of

ANTIBODIES THAT MIGHT NEUTRALIZE OMICRON

30 Dec 2021 06:54 AM IST

During a recent study, an international team of scientists identified antibodies that neutralize omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. These antibodies target areas of the virus spike protein that remain essentially unchanged as the viruses mutate. By identifying the targets of these “broadly neutralizing” antibodies on the spike protein, it might

STUDY EXAMINES PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SLEEP AMONG ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

30 Dec 2021 06:52 AM IST

A new research has examined patterns of 24-hour physical activity and sleep among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and knee osteoarthritis. In the 172-participant study, four profiles were apparent with differences characterized by variations in time spent sleeping (High and Low sleepers), non-ambulatory activities (High Sitters), and ambulatory activities (Balanced