Author: healthadmin

A new research paper has been published in Volume 18. Aging-United States on March 26, 2026, entitled “Effects of intravenous furosemide and small doses of hypertonic saline on inflammation, remodeling markers and epigenetic signatures in patients with congestive acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).” First author Mario Daidone (Polyclinic University Hospital, Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo) and corresponding author Antonino A randomized trial led by Dr. Tuttolomondo (University Hospital, Policlinico, Paolo Giaccone, University of Palermo) compared intravenous furosemide plus low-dose hypertonic saline (HSS) versus intravenous furosemide alone in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. Ejection fraction. The study enrolled 200 subjects,…

An international research team led in part by scientists from the University of Florida and Trinity College Dublin has solved a long-standing mystery in human biology: how cells absorb key micronutrients associated with brain health and cancer protection. Kew-osin (pronounced “ky-oh-seen”) is a vitamin-like compound that the body cannot produce on its own. Instead, it comes from certain foods and bacteria that live in your intestines. Despite its importance, this nutrient remained largely ignored for decades. Discovered a gene that allows it to invade cells In a study published this week, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciencesscientists have identified…

New research published in autism research found that the age at which maternal grandparents had children was associated with the likelihood that their grandchildren would develop autism. Research shows that this association varies widely by race and ethnicity. These changes suggest that environmental and social factors act in parallel with biology to influence child development over multiple generations. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behaviors and difficulties with social communication. In recent decades, a rapid increase in the prevalence of autism has been observed. In California, the percentage of children diagnosed with the disease has increased…

A sharp drop in demand for Merck & Co.’s HPV vaccine Gardasil in China has forced the New Jersey drugmaker to review its agreement with Chinese partner Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products. The two companies have agreed to eliminate minimum purchase commitments and adopt a demand-based rolling supply model for the three Merck vaccines that Zhifei will sell in China. In addition to Gardasil, Zhifei distributes the rotavirus vaccine RotaTeq and the pneumococcal vaccine Pneumovax 23. The Chongqing-based company said in a regulatory filing that the arrangement between the two companies will “strengthen Zhifei’s ability to respond to market fluctuations in…

Scientists at Oregon State University have teamed up with a group of undergraduate students to uncover new real-time details about a chemical process associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This discovery could help researchers design more effective drugs in the future. Using specialized measurement techniques, the research team tracked how certain metals cause protein aggregation that contributes to the blockage of communication pathways in the brain, a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. The study was led by Marilyn Rampersad Makiewicz, an associate professor of chemistry in the OSU College of Science. Her team also observed how molecules called chelators can interfere with…

Angus Cheng covers all issues broadly related to cancer, including medicines, policy, science and stocks. She joined STAT in 2021 after covering health and science at NPR and NPR affiliate stations. His work has been recognized with the national Edward R. Murrow Award and the June L. Biedler Award for Cancer Journalism, among others. You can access Angus.08 on Signal.For some advanced cancers, sequencing the tumor genome is one of the first steps patients and doctors take. But a new study finds that many patients do not have genomic testing and never have the chance to find out whether they…

As pharmaceutical companies seek to fine-tune drug delivery for greater convenience and patient compliance, Halozyme is looking to leverage its recent acquisitions in this space thanks to a new partnership with Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Vertex licenses Halozyme’s Hypercon, a microparticle, highly concentrated formulation technology developed by Electrophi. Last fall, Halozyme paid $750 million in cash to acquire subcutaneous drug delivery company Electrophy. Vertex will now pay $15 million upfront to leverage Hypercon for use in up to three drug targets, according to an April 7 press release. The companies provided few details about the specific types of treatments the technology will…

Scientists at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have identified a gene that appears to play a key role in the spread of pancreatic cancer. In cells grown in the lab, the gene KLF5 (Kruppel-like factor 5) was found to promote tumor growth and invasion by changing how DNA is organized and chemically modified, rather than by changing the DNA sequence itself. These epigenetic changes control whether genes are switched on or off. “Epigenetic changes are an underappreciated key pathway in developing cancer metastases and promoting proliferation,” says Andrew Feinberg, MD, PhD, Bloomberg Distinguished Professor in the Johns Hopkins School of…

Methamphetamine – commonly known as crystal meth, crystal, or ice – is a highly addictive stimulant. An estimated 7.4 million people worldwide are dependent on or “addicted” to it. They face multiple health risks, including increased risk of paranoia, suicidal thoughts, heart disease, stroke, accidental injury, and premature death. However, there are no drugs approved anywhere in the world to treat stimulant addiction. Cheap, safe and readily available drugs that have been used for years to treat depression are now showing promise. Our trial of mirtazapine, just published in JAMA Psychiatry, shows that people who take mirtazapine reduce their use…

The FDA is seeking new authority to hold companies accountable for misleading direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising (PDF), adding legal weight to its opposition to deceptive drug advertising. Last year, President Donald Trump ordered the FDA to require companies to provide balanced information about the benefits and risks of drugs in DTC advertising. Days later, the agency released a letter alleging violations of federal drug marketing regulations by companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Novartis. The FDA continues to send untitled letters to companies accused of violating regulations. The FDA is currently using its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal to request…