Researchers Explore Gene Editing As a New Cure for Blood Disorders

Key TakeawaysThere is only one FDA-approved treatment for sickle cell disease, but it requires a sibling donor.Using CRISPR-CAS9 technology, researchers were successful in targeting a genetic switch that turned off production for a fetal form of hemoglobin.CRISPR-CAS9 allowed patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia to be their own donors for bone marrow transplants. This has the potential to make treatments more widely accessible. Key Takeaways There is only one FDA-approved treatment for sickle cell disease, but it requires a sibling donor....

January 17, 2025 · 8 min · 1545 words · James Flynn

Researchers Find 2 New Early Signs of Parkinson’s

Key TakeawaysA new study has identified two new potential early signs of Parkinson’s disease: hearing loss and epilepsy.The study also showed that some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s, like tremors and problems with memory, are often present several years before people are diagnosed.The researchers noted that there was also a greater association between high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s than earlier studies had shown. Key Takeaways A new study has identified two new potential early signs of Parkinson’s disease: hearing loss and epilepsy....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1851 words · Diana Hooper

Researchers Find Different Immune Responses Between Mild and Severe COVID Cases

Key TakeawaysNew research found the body’s immune system reacts differently in people with severe and mild forms of COVID-19.If scientists can better understand what the best immune response is, they may be able to assist the immune system in developing that response in the future.Researchers say this data may help influence future treatments for the virus. Key Takeaways New research found the body’s immune system reacts differently in people with severe and mild forms of COVID-19....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 924 words · Amy Stevens

Researchers Find Potential New Risk Factors and Early Signs of Alzheimer’s

Key TakeawaysNew research found a possible link between some medical conditions and the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two to 10 years later.Depression and anxiety were associated with receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis nine years later.With more research, healthcare providers may one day be able to identify early signs of Alzheimer’s a decade before the condition develops. Key Takeaways New research found a possible link between some medical conditions and the likelihood of being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two to 10 years later....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1269 words · Anne Maldonado

Researchers Identify a Possible Solution to COVID-19 Cytokine Storm

Key TakeawaysResearchers discovered a key factor in how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, attacks the body.These findings unlock a potential method of stopping the virus from turning deadly and could influence future treatment.There are medications in development that may help. Key Takeaways Researchers discovered a key factor in how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, attacks the body.These findings unlock a potential method of stopping the virus from turning deadly and could influence future treatment....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 1012 words · Ronnie Santos

Researchers Identify Melatonin as Possible COVID-19 Treatment

Key TakeawaysMelatonin is linked to a nearly 30% reduced likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.Researchers are hoping to find an already-approved drug they can “repurpose” to treat COVID-19.The mechanism behind why melatonin may help is unclear. Key Takeaways Melatonin is linked to a nearly 30% reduced likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.Researchers are hoping to find an already-approved drug they can “repurpose” to treat COVID-19....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1189 words · Crystal Duran DDS

Researchers Identify New Genetic Risk Factors for Migraines

Key TakeawaysNew research has found a large number of genetic risk factors for developing migraines.Scientists identified 86 new risk factors in people who experience these intense headaches.Doctors say this can pave the way for genetic testing in future migraine detection and treatment. Key Takeaways New research has found a large number of genetic risk factors for developing migraines.Scientists identified 86 new risk factors in people who experience these intense headaches.Doctors say this can pave the way for genetic testing in future migraine detection and treatment....

January 17, 2025 · 5 min · 926 words · Jasmin Hurst

Researchers Predict COVID-19 May One Day Become as Mild as Common Cold

Key Takeaways While COVID-19 cases continue to rise and fall in all areas of the U.S., a new study is shedding a positive light on what lies ahead for the coronavirus pandemic. Researchers at Emory and Penn State University say SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may become just as mild as the common cold. Their theory is that COVID-19 will become endemic, meaning it will be a pathogen that circulates at low levels in the general population like many mild cold-causing coronaviruses....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1230 words · Alicia Burton

Researchers Predict Whether COVID Vaccines Will Protect Against Variants

Key TakeawaysA new analysis found that the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy wanes over time.The analysis also shows the vaccines may be less effective against different COVID-19 strains.Experts encourage people to get their booster dose if they’re eligible. Key Takeaways A new analysis found that the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy wanes over time.The analysis also shows the vaccines may be less effective against different COVID-19 strains.Experts encourage people to get their booster dose if they’re eligible....

January 17, 2025 · 9 min · 1788 words · Christopher Simpson

Researchers Propose Looking for 'Silent' COVID Infections in Kids

Key Takeaways"Silent" COVID-19 infections—when a person is positive for the virus but does not have symptoms—have been a driving force in the pandemic that has been hard to curb.A modeling study found that detecting these infections early—particularly in kids—could help lower cases in the general population.While identifying “silent” COVID infections could help, doctors stress that vaccination is still important. While adults can get vaccinated now, clinical trials are still underway to approve a COVID vaccine for kids....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1304 words · Daniel Schmidt

Researchers Propose Lowering Blood Pressure Guidelines During Pregnancy

Key Takeaways Lowering the threshold for high blood pressure in pregnancy may help identify more women who are at risk of life-threatening complications, according to new research. The March study, which was published inJAMA Open Network, explored new parameters of hypertension, or high blood pressure, a metric that is currently confusing for pregnant women. In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association changed the definition of hypertension, lowering the threshold from 140/90 mm Hg and above to 130/80 mm Hg and above, lead study authorNatalie A....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1106 words · Catherine Phillips

Researchers Propose New Treatment Guidelines for MIS-C in Kids

Key TakeawaysResearchers have proposed new guidelines to help guide doctors across the country on treating MIS-C in children.The treatment may reduce the risk of heart complications in kids and adolescents.Experts say more research on potential treatments is needed. Key Takeaways Researchers have proposed new guidelines to help guide doctors across the country on treating MIS-C in children.The treatment may reduce the risk of heart complications in kids and adolescents.Experts say more research on potential treatments is needed....

January 17, 2025 · 7 min · 1473 words · Megan Campbell

Researchers Say 7 Factors Drive Most Heart Attacks in Young Adults—Especially in Women

Key TakeawaysThe proportion of heart attacks in young women is increasing.Researchers have found the top risk factors for young women to develop a heart attack.Modifying these risk factors should lower your overall risk of heart attack. Key Takeaways The proportion of heart attacks in young women is increasing.Researchers have found the top risk factors for young women to develop a heart attack.Modifying these risk factors should lower your overall risk of heart attack....

January 17, 2025 · 6 min · 1193 words · Melissa Reyes