Author: healthadmin

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment, but many tumors remain resistant. A new study by researchers at the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI) identifies a previously unrecognized mechanism by which mutations in the p53 gene can limit the effectiveness of immunotherapy, as well as potential strategies to overcome this resistance. The findings, published in the journal Cell Death and Disaster, could help make future cancer treatments more effective. This study focuses on the p53 tumor suppressor gene, widely known as the “guardian of the genome.” Understanding the nuances of how p53 mutations affect…

Samsung on Tuesday released a beta version of its artificial intelligence-powered personal health assistant. The new AI assistant, called Samsung Health Assistant, is built into the Samsung Health app and is now available to eligible users across the United States. It allows users to ask health questions and receive personalized guidance and recommendations through its “unique knowledge base.” Executives said the insights were verified by a team of doctors and certified health coaches. “Our new health assistant advances Samsung’s vision for connected care by giving users a deeper understanding of their mind and body through daily health monitoring and increasing…

Colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in people under 50 years of age. Regular screening usually begins at age 45 for average-risk adults, but red flags may appear earlier, so you should talk to your health care provider at any age. To help people be aware of possible symptoms and see a doctor sooner, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) has introduced a free public education resource and checklist designed to be used before a primary care appointment. Colorectal cancer is increasing among young people “When young patients seek treatment for bowel symptoms, those symptoms are often…

Despite the importance of prenatal care, recent CDC data shows that access to prenatal care is decreasing. Although fewer women are starting prenatal care in the first trimester, the proportion of women starting it later in pregnancy or not receiving prenatal care is increasing. Unified Women’s Healthcare supports women’s health practices and provides fertility services, birth analysis, care coordination, and other technology-enabled services. The company is exploring how these tools can help patients receive treatment earlier and better support throughout their pregnancy. Integrated Chief Medical Officer Elizabeth Celot, M.D., joins senior writer Anastasia Guliadkovskaya to discuss the company’s approach, the…

Curcumin, berberine, and other plant-based compounds have long been of scientific interest due to their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. However, a new study by researchers from the Wrocław University of Medicine and the University of Wrocław has shown that not all natural compounds work the same, and that strong anticancer activity does not necessarily go hand in hand with a good safety profile. The researchers compared five compounds: curcumin, berberine, biochanin A, cucurbitacin E, and CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester), a component of propolis. They investigated how these substances affected fibrosarcoma cells and healthy muscle cells. cellular control switch This…

Artificial intelligence native platform Assured has secured $19 million in Series A funding to automate provider authentication and onboarding to AI agents. Insight Partners led the funding round, with participation from existing investors First Round Capital and Kindred Ventures. “Across healthcare, provider certification and enrollment remains some of the most difficult and costly parts of expansion,” Insight Partners Managing Director Teddie Wardi said in a statement. “Tools built for this category act as systems of record that leave the actual work to humans. Assured is the first platform to do the work itself. The shift from software that tracks processes…

Scientists at the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a promising new experimental approach to target glioblastoma, the most common and deadliest brain tumor. This approach has the potential to overcome many of the limitations of existing drug-based treatments. UVA’s Roger Abunader, MD, PhD, and colleagues have identified a “microRNA” that can simultaneously suppress multiple dysfunctional genes involved in glioblastoma formation and growth. Researchers are using a combination of brain-penetrating nanoparticles, focused ultrasound, and microbubbles to deliver miRNAs through the brain’s natural protective barrier, a barrier that typically impedes treatment of tumors and neurodegenerative diseases. This new…

Bunia, Congo – The Ebola outbreak in Congo has killed at least 999 people, according to official data released overnight on Wednesday, with the devastating toll in what is already being described as the fastest Ebola outbreak in history compounded by a strike by some health workers. As of Monday, the outbreak had recorded 2,473 infections and 999 deaths, according to the latest information from Congo’s Ministry of Health. At least 737 patients are currently in isolation and admitted to hospitals, the report said. The Ebola outbreak declared on May 15 is different from most previous Ebola outbreaks because there…

Scientists at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered new evidence that small chunks of brain tissue grown from the cells of Alzheimer’s disease patients could help researchers predict how different patients will respond to medications used to manage psychiatric symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The study focused on lab-grown brain tissue called organoids. The discovery adds to the evidence that these miniature brain models may ultimately help scientists develop and select more precise treatments for specific groups of Alzheimer’s patients. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common dementia, affecting more than 7 million Americans. The researchers also discovered that…

Exposure to a widely used herbicide during the second trimester of pregnancy may increase the chance of premature birth, before 37 weeks, a new study shows. The investigation focused on glyphosate, the active chemical ingredient in professional Roundup products that are sprayed on commercial food crops such as grains and legumes, as well as residential gardens. Residues of this chemical have been found in cereals, snack foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The new study, led by researchers at New York University Langone Health, looked at 1,450 women and found that those with higher levels of glyphosate in urine samples…