Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dermatology, JAMA / 06.10.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70681" align="alignleft" width="167"]Dr. Wheless Dr. Wheless[/caption] Lee Wheless, MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Dermatology Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology Vanderbilt University Medical Center Staff Physician Tennessee Valley Health System VA Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Nicotinamide has been in use for skin cancer prevention for at least a decade. A more recent trial among solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) specifically concluded that there was no benefit in this population. While that study had a number of issues, it really led dermatologists to question whether it was efficacious. This coupled with another study around the same time that suggested that metabolites of nicotinamide might increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). My group earlier this year conducted a similar study to this one showing that we really did not observe any increase in MACE at the population level. We then turned to address of the question of if nicotinamide was actually useful in reducing skin cancer risk.
Author Interviews, Basic Science / 06.10.2025

Self Assembly of Subset of Amino Acids May Have Led to First Life

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70825" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Moran Frenkel-Pinter Dr. Frenkel-Pinter[/caption] Dr. Moran Frenkel-Pinter Ph.D. Senior Lecturer (assistant professor) Institute of Chemistry Hebrew University of Jerusalem Member of the NASA Center for the Origins of Life MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What is unique about the 20 amino acids found in living organisms? Response: One of the most fascinating mysteries in the field of origins of life concerns the driving force that led to the selection of today’s 20 universal L-alpha amino acids in biology. Out of hundreds and possibly thousands of amino acids that were present on the prebiotic Earth, only a small subset was selected for biology. An essential aspect of life's emergence involves the formation of compartments, which offer encapsulation for target molecules and provide protection from degradation in water. We postulated that primordial peptide assembly could be one of the driving forces that led to the chemical selection of alpha amino acids in life today. To test this hypothesis, we generated depsipeptides, oligomers composed of ester bonds and peptide bonds that form readily under mild drying conditions, as model prebiotic peptides. However, it was unknown whether depsipeptides form assemblies in an aqueous environment similarly to peptides and proteins. To test the hypothesis that depsipeptides with alpha backbones will form assemblies more readily than beta backbones, we synthesized depsipeptides using a matrix of alpha- and beta- hydroxy acids and alpha-, beta-, and gamma- amino acids. Our results demonstrate assembly formation in depsipeptide systems containing hydrophobic hydroxy acids and indicate that depsipeptides containing alpha hydroxy acid backbones are significantly more stable than beta analogs. Overall, our results offer an assembly-driven mode of selection for the alpha backbone in present-day biology.
Nutrition / 06.10.2025

Please note: Supplements are generally not FDA tested or approved. Some supplements can interfere with medications and/or cause side effects. Do not delay seeking medical attention for medical concerns by taking supplements without medical advice. Have your child get a medical checkup if you suspect an immune problem and be sure to clear any supplement use with the child's health care provider. Supplements mentioned in this post are not tested or warranted by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. [caption id="attachment_70877" align="aligncenter" width="500"]childhood-immunity Source[/caption] When your little one has a healthy immune system, their body can fight threats and recover faster. It decreases the severity and duration of illnesses when they happen and lowers their chances of developing allergies or autoimmune issues in the future. However, not all children have strong immunity. Some may have a weak one and difficulties strengthening it because of various causes, such as malnutrition, stress, inactivity, and poor living conditions. Fortunately, there are several ways to boost a child’s weak immune system. One supplement is whey powder, for example in  GcMAF lollies and improving their diet to encouraging them to practice good hygiene and be more physically active, you can help strengthen their immunity and stay healthy.
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, NEJM / 06.10.2025

Aspirin in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome Receiving Oral Anticoagulation

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70865" align="alignleft" width="200"]Gilles Lemesle, M.D., Ph.DRadcliffe Cardiology Interventional Cardiologist Lille University Hospital, Lille, FR Prof. Lemesle[/caption] Gilles Lemesle, M.D., Ph.D Lille University Hospital, Lille, France Guillaume Cayla, M.D., Ph.D Université de Montpellier, France Martine Gilard, M.D., Ph.D Hospital Cavale Blanche, Brest, France   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and receiving long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC), mainly but not solely for atrial fibrillation, are at high risk of both atherothrombotic events on one side and bleeding events on the other side. Therefore, the optimal antithrombotic management for these patients with CCS requiring OAC after stenting is critical, especially in those patients at high residual atherothrombotic risk. Previous studies reported that in this specific context, the addition of antiplatelet therapy on top of OAC increases bleeding without a clear benefit on ischemic outcomes. Nevertheless, these studies presented several limitations, which restricted the applicability of their results in clinical pratice. They were indeed all open-labelled, included patients without stenting and/or at low atherothrombotic risk, and focused on Asian patients who have different atherothrombotic and bleeding risks as compared to Europeans. Thus, the rationale of the AQUATIC trial comes from the need to better identify the optimal antithrombotic regimen in high-risk patients with CCS and previous stenting, who receive long-term OAC, in order to optimize the atherothrombotic/bleeding risks in this population. The AQUATIC trial analyzed the efficacy and safety of adding aspirin to OAC, a combination that is still commonly used for this high-risk population in clinical daily practice.
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Cancer Research, Stanford / 23.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70752" align="alignleft" width="150"]Minji Jung PharmD, PhDPostdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA Dr. Minji Jung[/caption] Minji Jung PharmD, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for kidney cancer, and previous studies have suggested potential links between antihypertensive medications and kidney cancer risk. However, distinguishing the effects of the medications from those of hypertension itself has been challenging. Our meta-analysis systematically evaluated different classes of antihypertensive drugs while accounting for hypertension.
Author Interviews, Autism, OBGYNE, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 23.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70749" align="alignleft" width="150"]Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhDDean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Dr. Baccarelli[/caption] Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD Dean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide. We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.
Author Interviews, Opiods / 18.09.2025

PainRelief.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70727" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Durbhakula Dr. Durbhakula[/caption] Shravani Durbhakula, MD, MPH, MBA Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Medical Director, Comprehensive Pain Service Vanderbilt University Medical Center PainRelief.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our study highlights the rapid rise of nitazenes—extremely potent and dangerous synthetic opioids—silently driving the current overdose crisis. Developed in the 1950s by a pharmaceutical company and never approved for clinical use, nitazenes are up to 20 times more potent than fentanyl and are undetectable with standard drug tests available in emergency rooms. These opioids are often mixed into counterfeit pills or other street drugs, posing an unseen threat. Furthermore, nitazenes interact with opioid receptors in a unique way, increasing overdose risk, heightening respiratory depression, and accelerating tolerance development, which makes them even more dangerous for users.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Diabetes / 16.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70686" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ibrahim Kamel, MD, MHABoston Medical Center – Brighton Clinical Instructor Boston Medical Center Boston University Dr. Kamel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ibrahim Kamel, MD, MHA Boston Medical Center – Brighton Clinical Instructor Boston Medical Center Boston University   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis use carries risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.  It is important for physicians to screen for the use of cannabis to better understand each patients risk. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Clinically physicians should screen for and council on the risk of cannabis use. People should know what is the risk in the substances they use and make the choice that they feel is right. 
Author Interviews, Laboratories / 15.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70677" align="aligncenter" width="500"]lab-safety-protocols Photo by Artem Podrez[/caption] Medical research labs are environments where innovation and discovery thrive. However, they also involve risks that can compromise the safety of researchers and the integrity of experiments if not properly managed. Implementing essential safety practices is not optional; it is a cornerstone of responsible research. Below, we outline key measures every medical research lab should consistently carry out.

Conduct Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Every lab should start by identifying potential hazards associated with their experiments. Risk assessments involve evaluating chemical, biological, and physical hazards and determining the appropriate safety measures to mitigate them. Regularly updating these assessments ensures that new procedures or equipment do not introduce unforeseen dangers. This proactive approach can prevent accidents before they occur and foster a culture of safety among staff.

Maintain Rigorous Equipment Standards

Properly functioning equipment is critical for both safety and accuracy in research. Medical research labs should establish strict maintenance schedules and ensure all instruments meet regulatory standards. Using reliable lab equipment reduces the likelihood of malfunctions that could lead to exposure to hazardous substances or flawed experimental results. Additionally, proper training on the use of equipment helps prevent human error and ensures experiments are conducted safely and efficiently.
ENT / 12.09.2025

Please consult your health care provider for the  best way to manage your sinusitis before attempting self care. There are potential side effects with any medical treatment including over the counter medications and treatments. [caption id="attachment_70652" align="aligncenter" width="500"]chronic-sinusitis-sprays-flushes FreePik image[/caption] Chronic sinusitis isn’t just “stuffy nose.” It’s persistent inflammation of the nasal and sinus lining that thickens mucus, blocks drainage, and fuels post-nasal drip and cough. Among home strategies, saline irrigation consistently helps: it thins mucus, clears allergens/irritants, and improves medication reach to inflamed tissue. Below is a deeply practical, step-by-step guide you can follow or share with patients. What Saline Irrigation Does (and why it’s recommended) When the lining is inflamed, microscopic cilia that normally sweep mucus slow down. Rinsing with saline restores the physical flow of mucus, reduces debris and allergen load, and makes topical medicines work better because they reach the mucosa instead of getting trapped in secretions. Clinical guidelines and reviews support saline irrigation as a first-line, ongoing therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis.
Author Interviews, Pain Research / 11.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70643" align="alignleft" width="200"]Rakesh Jain, MD, MPHClinical Professor at the Department of Psychiatry Texas Tech University School of Medicine- Permian Basin Midland, Texas Dr. Jain[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Rakesh Jain, MD, MPH Clinical Professor at the Department of Psychiatry Texas Tech University School of Medicine- Permian Basin Midland, Texas MedicalResearch.com: Would you briefly explain the condition of fibromyalgia?  Whom does it primarily affect and what are the symptoms? Response:  Fibromyalgia is the prototypical example of a type of pain called nociplastic pain, or pain that comes from altered pain processing in the central nervous system. It is mainly characterized by widespread pain, non-restorative sleep, fatigue and cognitive impairment (brain fog). Over 10 million adults in the United States are affected by this disease, most of whom are women.
Allergies, Author Interviews, Pediatrics / 11.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70637" align="alignleft" width="133"]Thomas B. Casale, M.D.Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics Chief of Clinical and Translational Research Division of Allergy and Immunology USF Health Morsani College of Medicine University of South Florida Tampa, Florida Dr. Casale[/caption] Thomas B. Casale, M.D. Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics Chief of Clinical and Translational Research Division of Allergy and Immunology USF Health Morsani College of Medicine University of South Florida Tampa, Florida MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The data leading to FDA approval of neffy came from extensive pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. As with previous epinephrine delivery devices, the FDA asked for data showing that after delivery of neffy the epinephrine blood levels and expected changes in pulse and blood pressure were similar to those achieved with injectable formulations of epinephrine. neffy performed as expected with blood levels of epinephrine bracketed by those achieved with EpiPen and a needle and syringe along with increases in pulse and blood pressure compatible with the epinephrine levels measured. Additionally, clinicians are interested in whether neffy would perform similarly in real clinical situations. The data from the neffy experience program provides real-world assurance that neffy can effectively treat acute allergic reactions. Given the large number of patients and the similar findings to those achieved with injectable epinephrine in previous studies, the data should provide assurance that neffy can be an effective substitute for injectable epinephrine in patients that desire a needle-free option. neffy
Author Interviews, CDC, Infections / 10.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: CDCKristina Betz MD, PhD Measure Development and Validation Unit Lead, NHSN Surveillance Branch Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) MedicalResearch.com: Would you briefly explain what is meant by sepsis? i.e., how common is it, how serious, what are the major causes? Response: Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that happens when the body’s response to an infection causes vital organs to stop working properly. Sepsis is often caused by bacteria, but it can also happen because of other infections, like viruses such as COVID-19. Sepsis is one of the main reasons people go to the hospital and can be very dangerous. In the United States, about 1.7 million adults go to the hospital each year because of sepsis. Sadly, about 350,000 of these people die in the hospital or are sent to hospice care. Even if people survive sepsis, it can cause long-lasting problems. They might have new health issues, not be able to go back to work, need to go back to the hospital, or even die later on. Source: Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements | Sepsis | CDC, What Is Sepsis | Sepsis Alliance
Author Interviews, Breast Cancer / 10.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70616" align="alignleft" width="130"]Dr. Rima Patel Dr. Patel[/caption] Rima Patel, MD Assistant Professor The Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Targeted treatment options for metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) are limited. TNBCs are associated with a high frequency of PTEN loss, which can lead to activation of the mTOR pathway and tumor proliferation but may be reversible with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus. A prior phase II single arm trial of carboplatin and everolimus in patients with advanced TNBC demonstrated good tolerability and preliminary efficacy. The current study is a randomized phase II trial comparing carboplatin and everolimus with carboplatin alone in patients with metastatic TNBC. We found that the combination of carboplatin and everolimus reduced the risk of progression or death by 52%. The regimen was well tolerated and provides a promising treatment option for patients with advanced TNBC.
Author Interviews, COVID -19 Coronavirus, Pediatrics, Weight Research / 09.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70576" align="alignleft" width="200"]Thao-Ly Phan, MD, MPH Medical Director, Nemours Children's Health Professor of Pediatrics Thomas Jefferson University Dr. Thao Ly Phan[/caption] Thao-Ly Phan, MD, MPH Medical Director, Nemours Children's Health Professor of Pediatrics Thomas Jefferson University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been extensively studied in adults, but there has been limited exploration of its effects on children and adolescents. While several studies have described weight gain trends in children during the pandemic, less is known about how having a diagnosis of COVID-19 contributed to these trends. Our study drew on the NIH’s National Clinical Cohort Collaborative database, a real-world database of electronic health data from over 90 institutions across the country.  We used this dataset’s unique features to compare a diverse group of more than 11,000 children diagnosed with COVID-19 to a matched cohort of children without a diagnosis of COVID-19.
Weight Research / 06.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70560" align="aligncenter" width="500"]obesity-meds-pills Photo by Julie Viken[/caption] For decades, weight management has been a frustrating cycle for many people—dieting, exercising, seeing progress, only to experience setbacks. While lifestyle changes remain essential, science has advanced rapidly in offering medical tools to support those living with obesity and related conditions. One of the most significant breakthroughs in recent years has been the arrival of medications that target specific pathways in the body to regulate appetite, improve blood sugar, and support sustainable weight loss. The shift from injectables to pills may seem like a simple matter of convenience, but it represents a significant turning point in obesity treatment. Pills could broaden access, reduce stigma, and remove barriers that keep many people from starting or staying on therapy. For clinicians and patients alike, this is an exciting and complex moment, one that raises questions about how treatment will evolve and who will benefit most.
Anemia, Author Interviews, Hematology, JAMA, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 03.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70522" align="alignleft" width="150"]Ibrahim Gwarzo, DrPH, MPH, MBBSResearch Scientist at Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley, Delaware USA Dr. Gwarzo[/caption] Ibrahim Gwarzo, DrPH, MPH, MBBS Research Scientist at Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Valley, Delaware USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain the condition of sickle cell disease and why young people frequently present to the ER with severe pain? Response: Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells. It is passed down as an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning a person must inherit the defective gene from both parents to have the disease. The condition primarily impacts hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, which leads to changes in the shape and stability of these cells. The complications associated with the disease, including recurrent and severe pain episodes, are a direct result of these changes. These pain episodes are debilitating and unpredictable, resulting in frequent emergency department visits where they are typically treated with pain medications, including opioids. It is estimated that around 100,000 people in the United States have sickle cell disease, with about 40,000 being children. The disease has a significant prevalence in the Afro-Latino population.
Diabetes / 29.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70452" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Simon Berry MRCP, MbChBClinical Research Fellow in Diabetes School of Medicine and Population Health Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK Dr. Berry[/caption] Dr. Simon Berry MRCP, MbChB Clinical Research Fellow in Diabetes School of Medicine and Population Health Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust University of Sheffield Sheffield, UK   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Obesity is an increasing problem in people with type 1 diabetes, augmenting cardiovascular risk and leading to issues with insulin resistance, which make it harder to match insulin injections to carbohydrate intake. Tirzepatide is licensed for the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Our study looked at people with type 1 diabetes who had been prescribed tirzepatide off-license. It found that after starting tirzepatide, there was significant weight loss, improvements in glucose levels (HbA1c and time in range on continuous glucose monitoring) and reductions in insulin requirements. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting were common but generally tolerated and importantly, there was no increase in the frequency of low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemia) or any cases of pancreatitis.

AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Cannabis, Pharmacology, Technology / 28.08.2025

[caption id="attachment_70470" align="alignleft" width="150"]Duncan Dobbins, PharmD, MHIGeisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, Pennsylvania Dr. Dobbins, PharmD[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Duncan Dobbins, PharmD, MHI Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What prompted this commentary, and what did you find? Response: In theory, there could be a drug interaction between immunotherapy and medical cannabis. A small (N=102) observational report from Israel appeared to find that immunotherapies worked much less well in cancer patients who also used medical cannabis.1 However, a follow up report2 took about two weeks and involved manually rechecking the math and data-analysis. Several discrepancies emerged between the methods and results. Two-tailed tests were listed in the methods yet one-tailed p values appeared in the results. Arithmetic errors, some traceable to unconventional “floor” rounding, affected key percentages. Multiple p values in Table 1 (21 out of 22) could not be reproduced with the stated tests. Finally, smoking status, a key confound, was not reported. Taken together, these issues complicate interpretation and highlight how small computational slips can cascade into larger inferential uncertainty. For this follow-up report, I was asked, “Do you think AI could have double checked this math?”
Accidents & Violence, Legal-Malpractice / 26.08.2025

catastrophic-injuries A catastrophic injury is a serious injury that changes a person’s life forever. These injuries often cause permanent disabilities, limit a person’s ability to work, and require long-term medical care. They can result from accidents at work, vehicle crashes, or dangerous conditions in public places. In a busy city like Oklahoma City, where major highways like I-35, I-40, and I-44 intersect and industries such as education, healthcare, and retail bring in thousands of workers and visitors every day, the risk of serious accidents is always present. When these accidents lead to catastrophic injuries, victims often face overwhelming medical and financial challenges. An Oklahoma City catastrophic injury lawyer can help victims understand their rights, gather evidence, and seek fair compensation for both current and future needs. Without proper legal help, many people miss out on the resources they need for recovery.
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research / 25.08.2025

[caption id="attachment_70390" align="alignleft" width="142"]Maria Y. Tian, MBSDepartment of Medical Education Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, Pennsylvania Maria Tan[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: Maria Y. Tian, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Schizophrenia-spectrum disorders are severe, disabling conditions that are associated with substantial economic burden. Approximately one-third of patients have treatment-resistant schizophrenia, which clozapine is the only evidence-based therapy for. Clozapine also provides unique benefits, including reduced suicide risk, aggression, and all-cause mortality. Despite this, it has historically been underutilized due to concerns over adverse effects, required blood monitoring, patient adherence, and limited clinician training. Previous research in Medicaid populations had demonstrated marked state-level variation in use, but little was known about prescribing trends in the U.S. Medicare system, which covers nearly half of individuals with schizophrenia. This study analyzed Medicare Part D data from 2015–2020 to assess national and regional trends in clozapine prescribing and to identify states with significantly different prescribing patterns.

Author Interviews, Infections / 24.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70374" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Neta Shlezinger Ph.D.Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Hebrew University Dr. Neta Shlezinger | Credit: Zuckerman Faculty Scholar Zuckerman Institute[/caption] Dr. Neta Shlezinger Ph.D. Koret School of Veterinary Medicine Hebrew University with  Dr. Marina Campos Rocha Ph.D., Dr. Vanda Lerer, PhD., and student John Adeoye MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response:  Fungal pathogens pose a growing threat to global health, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. Today, we appreciate that fungi kill more people each year than malaria and tuberculosis combined. Aspergillus fumigatus stands out as a leading cause of invasive fungal infections, responsible for approximately 65% of all invasive mold infections in humans. These infections carry mortality rates that can exceed 50%, even with standard care. Treatment options remain limited: only a handful of antifungal drug classes are clinically available, and resistance is increasingly reported to all of them. As a result, the search for novel therapeutic strategies is now focused on fungal-specific virulence factors — targets that are essential for fungal survival and pathogenicity in the host but are absent in humans. Meanwhile, research in recent years has revealed that many fungi harbor viruses. These mycoviruses are surprisingly prevalent, but their impact on fungal physiology and, crucially, on fungal pathogenicity in humans has remained largely unexplored. Our study set out to fill this gap by examining a double-stranded RNA virus, Aspergillus fumigatus polymycovirus 1 (AfuPmV-1M), that naturally infects A. fumigatus. We found that this virus isn’t just a silent passenger — it’s wired into key fungal stress response pathways, helping the fungus survive heat stress, evade oxidative damage, and persist in the lung environment. In other words, it acts like a backseat driver — quietly steering the fungus toward enhanced survival and virulence. When we “cured” the fungus of its virus, it produced fewer spores, made less melanin, became more vulnerable to stress, and caused milder infections in mice. Seeing this, we explored a therapeutic twist: fight the virus to clear the fungus. We treated infected mice with antiviral compounds during fungal infection and observed reduced mycovirus levels and improved survival. Together, these results suggest that mycoviruses can be overlooked drivers of fungal disease — and targeting them may represent a novel, host-sparing therapeutic strategy.
Author Interviews, Genetic Research, Heart Disease / 14.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70301" align="alignleft" width="92"]Takeshi Tsuda, MDSenior Pediatric Cardiologist Nemours Cardiac Center Nemours Children’s Health Delaware Dr. Tsuda[/caption] Takeshi Tsuda, MD Senior Pediatric Cardiologist Nemours Cardiac Center Nemours Children’s Health Delaware MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  Would you briefly explain the condition of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy? Response: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic muscle disorder causing progressive muscle weakness and wasting, resulting in severe disability during childhood due to absence of dystrophin protein in the muscle cells. Cardiac disease (cardiomyopathy) also develops during early adolescence, potentially leading to heart failure. Because of its insidious progression, the onset of DMD cardiomyopathy is not clearly identified. Early treatment is essential for better outcomes, but the recognition of the preclinical stages of disease is challenging. MedicalResearch.com: Is Unrelieved Wall Stress a commonly recognized echocardiogram finding? Response: Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy is a unique myocardial abnormality caused by the absence of dystrophin, which serves not only as a cytoskeletal protein to maintain cellular integrity but also as a mechano-sensor to adjust wall stress to normalize myocardial oxygen demand. Dystrophin deficiency results in lack of these functions, resulting in rapid myocyte death without compensatory response to normalize wall stress. By our methods, we are able to identify the unrelieved wall stress (increase in iWS) as an early sign of DMD cardiomyopathy before visible ventricular dysfunction prevails, not by the known routine approach.
Weight Research / 07.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70205" align="alignleft" width="125"]Shannon D. DonofryBehavioral Scientist B.A.Sc. in psychology/neuroscience University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus; Ph.D, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus Dr. Donofry[/caption] Shannon D. Donofry Ph.D. Behavioral Scientist B.A.Sc. in psychology/neuroscience University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus; Ph.D, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus   [caption id="attachment_70207" align="alignleft" width="125"]Katherine M. Rancaño, Ph.DAssociate Policy Researcher RAND Dr. Rancaño[/caption] Katherine M. Rancaño, Ph.D Associate Policy Researcher RAND   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: GLP-1 medications were first used to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar. Lately, they’ve become popular for helping people lose weight, too. Because of this, a lot more people have started using them. In our study, we asked over 8,000 adults from across the country about their use of GLP-1 medications and any side effects they had.
Author Interviews, Geriatrics, JAMA, Pharmacology / 05.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70179" align="alignleft" width="220"]Emily G. McDonald MD MSc (Epi) FRCPCScientist | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Associate Professor of Medicine | General Internal Medicine | McGill University Health Centre Associate Chair of Quality and Safety | Department of Medicine | McGill University Director | Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) Montreal, QC Dr. McDonald[/caption] Emily G. McDonald MD MSc (Epi) FRCPC Scientist | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Associate Professor of Medicine | General Internal Medicine | McGill University Health Centre Associate Chair of Quality and Safety | Department of Medicine | McGill University Director | Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE) Montreal, QC https://www.medsafer.org/ https://www.deprescribingnetwork.ca/   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is common among older adults and can lead to serious side effects like memory problems, falls, fractures, and hospitalization. Deprescribing (the process of stopping some medications that may no longer be beneficial or where the harms outweigh the benefits) is a great solution. This study found that an electronic tool to support prescribers increased deprescribing more than 3 times compared to usual care without the software support.
Dermatology, Vitamin C / 04.08.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Akihito Ishigami Ph.D. Vice President of the Division of Biology and Medical Sciences Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Japan MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Keratinocyte differentiation is a highly regulated process essential for the stratified structure of the epidermis and must be balanced with cell proliferation. While Vitamin C (VC) is a known cofactor for DNA demethylation enzymes, its specific role in DNA demethylation during keratinocyte differentiation was unclear. This study aimed to evaluate VC's role in the epigenetic regulation of epidermal proliferation and differentiation using a human epidermal equivalent model to understand how VC affects gene expression via DNA demethylation changes.
Addiction, Cannabis, Pediatrics / 02.08.2025

[caption id="attachment_70143" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr-Michael-S-Dunbar Dr. Dunbar[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Michael S. Dunbar, PhD Senior Behavioral Scientist RAND MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis products are way stronger, or more potent, today than they were 20 years ago. In the past few decades, average levels of THC (i.e., the main substance in cannabis that leads to feeling high) in cannabis products have risen dramatically. With cannabis becoming increasingly accessible in places like the U.S., health officials have raised questions about how higher-potency products might be associated with problematic cannabis use and related harms, including cannabis use disorder. This is especially important for at-risk groups like young adults, who tend to use cannabis at higher rates than other age groups. One perspective is that people may use high-potency products less frequently and/or in lower amounts (i.e., “titrate”), which could mitigate some potential risks. Alternatively, if people use higher-potency products more frequently or heavily, it may increase potential for harm. In this study, we looked at how use of higher-potency cannabis flower correlated with use behavior and symptoms of problematic cannabis use in a sample of young adults.
Geriatrics, Pharmacology / 29.07.2025

As people age, managing medications often becomes more complicated. With multiple chronic conditions, evolving health needs, and varying prescription instructions, seniors can easily become overwhelmed by their routines. While pill organizers and reminder apps are helpful, truly effective medication management requires a broader understanding of the physical and emotional factors that come with aging. Improper medication use can lead to serious consequences, including missed doses, interactions, and unwanted side effects. However, when the right support system is in place, these routines can be made safer, easier to follow, and more aligned with the senior’s overall well-being. A person-centered approach is essential. Medication plans should reflect a senior’s individual habits, preferences, and lifestyle rather than focusing solely on a list of prescriptions. One individual may manage their medications confidently but still forget an afternoon dose due to a shifting appetite or nap schedule. Another may feel anxious when prescriptions change, especially if past experiences with side effects have left them cautious. Addressing these personal dynamics allows caregivers and preventative healthcare providers to offer support that fits real-life situations.
Breast Cancer / 29.07.2025

Each October brings a wave of pink ribbons and powerful reminders about the importance of breast cancer awareness. Campaigns promoting early detection through mammograms have undoubtedly saved lives, but beneath the surface, many individuals still quietly face obstacles that prevent them from getting screened. These barriers are often overlooked, yet they carry serious consequences. Barriers Beyond the Calendar Scheduling a mammogram may seem simple, but the reality is often much more complex. For many, there are hidden layers of stress, confusion, and logistical difficulty. Language differences, cultural norms, limited transportation, or lack of childcare can all stand in the way of following through with a screening. People new to the healthcare system may not even know how to begin the process or where to go. Emotional and mental health challenges also play a significant role. Anxiety about medical settings, concerns over body image, or past negative healthcare experiences can discourage someone from seeking help. For some, the fear of a potential diagnosis becomes a powerful reason to avoid screenings altogether. These personal and psychological hurdles are just as important to acknowledge as physical and financial limitations.
Author Interviews, Pediatrics / 29.07.2025

Medical visits can be stressful for children and their families. Bright lights, unfamiliar equipment, and long wait times often contribute to feelings of fear or anxiety. In pediatric healthcare environments, thoughtful design can play a powerful role in easing those emotions and making care experiences more positive. One effective approach is to integrate play into waiting and treatment areas. Child-friendly features like interactive walls, hands-on games, or themed décor help create a sense of comfort. These playful elements serve as distractions, giving children something to focus on while they wait or recover. In patient rooms, cheerful artwork or access to natural light can create a more peaceful atmosphere and support emotional well-being.