Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Research Roundup: Cancer; Alzheimer's; E. Coli; Covid
Multiple myeloma, the most common type of bone marrow cancer in Germany, almost always returns, even after initial treatment success. In the majority of cases, the reasons behind this treatment resistance (e.g., genetic mutations) and the subsequent return of the disease, remain unknown. According to new research, it is the increased production of a specific protein which diminishes the cancer's sensitivity to treatment. (Charite - Universitatsmedizin Berlin, 3/1)
Neurons in the brain coexist with and rely on many other cell types to function properly. Astrocytes, which take their name from their star shape, ensure the survival of neurons by feeding and detoxifying them with the help of a multifunctional protein, APOE. One of three forms of this protein, APOE4, significantly increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, but the mechanisms at play are unknown. (Universite de Geneve, 3/1)
Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia—particularly nursing home residents and racial minorities—died at higher rates than others during the COVID-19 pandemic, finds a large study published yesterday in JAMA Neurology. (Van Beusekom, 3/1)
Genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals could be contributing to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains of E. coli in humans, new research shows. (University of Technology Sydney, 3/1)
Remote home monitoring of people testing positive for COVID-19 using pulse oximetry was implemented across England during the Winter of 2020/21 to identify falling blood oxygen saturation levels at an early stage. This was hypothesised to enable earlier hospital admission, reduce the need for intensive care and improve survival. This study is an evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of the pre-hospital monitoring programme, COVID oximetry @home (CO@h). (Sherlaw-Johnson, et al, 3/1)
Clues to the mechanism of yeast infections, which present risks to both humans and crops, have been identified in new research. (University of Strathclyde, 3/1)
Hearing loss is a rapidly growing area of scientific research as the number of baby boomers dealing with hearing loss continues to increase as they age. (American Institute Of Physics, 3/1)
New research has revealed a key neural mechanism underlying the feeling of being unable to stop eating, the most salient aspect of binge episodes in eating disorders like bulimia nervosa. (The Mount Sinai Hospital/Mount Sinai School Of Medicine, 2/28)
