@medresearchnews Tag

28 May

Posted at 13:10h in Supplements

Please note: Supplements are generally not FDA tested or approved. Some supplements can interfere with medications including blood pressure meds and anticoagulants. Do not delay seeking medical attention for medical concerns by taking supplements without medical advice. Combining supplements can increase the risk of toxicity and side effects. Statements and product contents have not been independently confirmed by MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. Please discuss any and all supplements you take or are considering taking with your health care provider. Ratings in this post are the opinions of the contributing writer and not MedicalResearch.com or Eminent Domains Inc. Do not take supplements discussed below if pregnant, nursing or might become pregnant. Keep out of reach of children. If for any reason you experience any adverse effects or any other form of discomfort from this product, immediately discontinue use of the product and consult with your doctor or visit the hospital, emergency room, or clinic.

If you have seen Queen Garnet powder on the shelf or online, you may have wondered whether the evidence supports the claims. This article explains what human studies have found so far, noting that most research used juice or nectar rather than powder. It also covers what that may mean for a freeze-dried product and how Australian labelling rules affect the claims you will see. This is general information only and is not medical advice. Speak with your GP or an accredited practising dietitian before making changes, especially if you are pregnant, taking medications, or managing a chronic condition. Queen Garnet Powder Research

28 May

Posted at 12:41h in Stress
massage-chairs-stress-relief Stress often builds in small, ordinary ways: a long commute, hours at a desk, poor sleep, or simply not having enough time to unwind. For many Australians, the idea of having a calming option at home is appealing, which is one reason home massage chairs have become more common. But do they actually help with stress? And if you are considering one, how do you choose a chair that suits your body, your home, and your budget without getting caught up in marketing claims? This guide explains what is known about massage chairs and stress relief, who should be cautious, which features matter most, and how to test a chair before you buy. Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition or are unsure whether a massage chair is appropriate for you, speak with your clinician before using one.

27 May

Posted at 16:51h in Legal-Malpractice
driving-rain-night-pexels.jpg Driving in the middle of a torrential downpour is stressful enough on its own. When you throw total darkness into the mix, a routine drive home can quickly turn into a high-stakes guessing game. Your visibility plummets, your tires lose their grip on the asphalt, and your brain gets hit with a massive wave of sensory overload. If things go wrong, you might need to view accident attorneys to help sort out the aftermath of a sudden collision. Understanding exactly why these conditions are so dangerous is the first step toward staying safe when the weather turns ugly.

27 May

Posted at 16:35h in Exercise - Fitness
[caption id="attachment_73996" align="aligncenter" width="333"]do-weighted-vest-improve-bone-density Unsplash image[/caption] Bone density naturally decreases with age, increasing the risk of fractures and conditions such as osteoporosis. Maintaining strong bones is essential for mobility, independence, and long-term health. While calcium, vitamin D, and regular exercise are widely recognised as key factors in bone health, many people are now exploring whether a weighted vest can help improve bone density. A weighted vest adds extra resistance to the body during movement and exercise. From walking and hiking to strength training and bodyweight workouts, these vests are becoming increasingly popular among people seeking to improve fitness and support stronger bones. But do they actually help with bone density? The short answer is that weighted vests may help support bone health when used correctly as part of a broader exercise and nutrition programme.

27 May

Posted at 14:32h in Legal-Malpractice
[caption id="attachment_73991" align="aligncenter" width="500"]itemized medical bills Source[/caption] Want to get the most out of your injury compensation claim? The majority of injury victims make the same expensive error. They give the insurance company sloppy paperwork and hope they play nice. Spoiler: they don't. Your itemized medical bill is your most powerful negotiating tool. It's the difference between a lowball demand and the full amount you should receive. The good news is that your medical bill already exists, sitting in your provider's office right now. Here's what's coming up: Why Itemized Medical Bills Matter So Much What An Itemized Bill Actually Includes How Documentation Boosts Your Settlement Don't Miss Your Filing Deadline

12 May

Posted at 14:56h in Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Daniel Pastula MD, MHS Professor of Neurology, Medicine (Infectious Diseases), and Epidemiology University of Colorado School of Medicine & Colorado School of Public Health Hantavirus infections have drawn renewed attention following recent outbreak reports.  Dr. Pastula explains that hantavirus is not a single disease but a family of viruses with distinct characteristics depending on geographic region and rodent host — and that mortality rates can approach 40% in the most severe form found in the Americas.

12 May

Posted at 00:21h in Cannabis, Pediatrics
Editor's note: This piece discusses mental health issues. If you have experienced suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide and want to seek help, you can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741-741 or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.

Please note: Cannabis laws and regulations vary by state and locality. Cannabis use may have significant health risks, particularly for adolescents, pregnant individuals, and those with a history of mental health conditions. Cannabis has not been approved by the FDA for most uses and may interact with medications. Do not use cannabis as a substitute for medical treatment. The information in this post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about cannabis use. Do not use cannabis products if pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant.  Children should never be exposed to cannabis products.

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73658" align="alignleft" width="130"]Prof. Shu-Hong Zhu Prof. Shu-Hong Zhu[/caption] Shu-Hong Zhu, Ph.D. Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health and Director of the Center for Research and Intervention in Tobacco Control (CRITC) University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis use in the U.S. has steadily increased over recent decades. As use rates increased, perceptions that cannabis use is harmful have trended in the opposite direction. Declining harm perceptions in the broader population are concerning in part because of their influence on adolescents. Regular cannabis use during adolescents can negatively impact overall functioning, cognition, and educational achievement. It can lead to depression, psychosis, and suicidality. If young people don’t perceive cannabis as harmful, they are more likely to use it and suffer these effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which adolescents view the everyday and occasional use of cannabis as harmful, and to compare their perceptions of cannabis to their perceptions of alcohol, cigarettes, and nicotine vapes. It used data from over 160,000 students who took the 2019−2020 California Student Tobacco Survey and over 16,000 who took the 2024 California Youth Tobacco Survey.

27 Apr

Posted at 19:27h in Cannabis
[caption id="attachment_73447" align="alignleft" width="142"]Edward Liu, MDGeisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Dr. Edward Liu[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Edward Liu, MD Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Medicalresearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prescription drugs have high levels of uniformity that plant-based products cannot achieve.  Given the liberalization of state-laws regarding medical marijuana1 over the past three-decades and increasing evidence of evidence of cannabis for conditions like chronic pain,2 we were interested in the use of the prescription formulation of delta(Δ)9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  A prior pharmacoepidemiology report found that prescription THC (dronabinol) to Medicaid patients decreased from 2016 to 2020. There were also pronounced state-level disparities in prescribing with a 130-fold difference when correcting for population between the highest and lowest states. There was no research on this topic among Medicare patients. To address this gap, we obtained prescription numbers nationally and at a state level from 2014 to 2019 for Medicare Part D patients.

06 Apr

Posted at 14:46h in Environmental Risks, Pediatrics
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_73123" align="alignleft" width="200"]Lara McKenzie, PhDPrincipal investigator, Center for Injury Research and Policy Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus, OH Dr. McKenzie[/caption] Lara McKenzie, PhD Principal investigator, Center for Injury Research and Policy Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus, OH MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Kids are curious and explore their environments by tasting, touching, and mimicking adults. Kids don’t read labels, nor do they understand hazardous or dangerous ingredients. Packaging is usually colorful and attractive to kids and they are able to operate dispensing systems that are not child-resistant easily. Plus, household cleaning products are ubiquitous in the home. Prior safety efforts rely on adults to lock or store products safely each and every use and we know that is not routinely or consistently done. The consistently high number of household cleaning product-related injuries sustained by the youngest children and new products that have entered the marketplace in the past decade highlights the need for stronger product packaging standards, with emphasis on ensuring that spray bottles and other commonly accessible containers meet child-resistant packaging requirements.

03 Apr

Posted at 14:48h in COVID -19 Coronavirus
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jamie I Forrest PhD, MPH Scientific Director, Health Equity & Resilience Observatory (HERO) Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve known since early in the pandemic that many people don’t fully recover after COVID-19. Fatigue is one of the most persistent and disabling symptoms, and it significantly reduces quality of life — affecting people’s ability to work, care for their families, and participate in daily life. Until now, there have been very few treatment options backed by solid evidence. Doctors have largely focused on supportive care — helping patients manage their symptoms through rest, pacing, and multidisciplinary teams — because no medication had been shown to work in a well-designed clinical trial. Several smaller or uncontrolled studies had suggested certain drugs might help, but robust randomized controlled trial evidence was scarce. Interestingly, metformin had previously been shown to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID when taken during the acute phase of infection. Our study asked a different question: can these drugs help people who already have established Long COVID? Long COVID — also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC — is a condition where people continue to feel sick for months or even years after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The most common and debilitating complaint is fatigue: a profound, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can make even simple daily activities feel impossible. Despite affecting an estimated tens of millions of people worldwide, there are almost no proven treatments. We wanted to test whether two existing, widely available, and affordable medications could help. The first was fluvoxamine — an antidepressant that also has potent anti-inflammatory effects and acts on brain pathways involved in fatigue. The second was metformin — a common diabetes medication that reduces inflammation and may support cellular energy production. Both had biological reasons to think they might work against Long COVID fatigue, but neither had been rigorously tested for this purpose in a proper clinical trial.

25 Mar

Posted at 18:32h in Cannabis
Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP/ CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider. Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products.l MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72930" align="alignleft" width="200"]Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPHPost-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies Meagan Robichaud, Ph.D.[/caption] Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPH Post-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies MedicalResearch.com: What is delta-8 THC? Response: To understand delta-8 THC, it’s first important to understand the primary components of cannabis: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC—typically referring to delta-9 THC—is the primary intoxicating substance in cannabis—it’s what makes consumers feel “high.” CBD is also abundant in cannabis but is non-intoxicating. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC—meaning it has the same chemical formula as delta-9 THC but with a slightly different arrangement of atoms. While early research suggest that delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is still an intoxicating substance. Delta-8 THC naturally exists in very small amounts in cannabis plants but can be synthesized from CBD.

24 Mar

Posted at 23:42h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute
[caption id="attachment_72900" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.

24 Mar

Posted at 14:57h in Author Interviews, Pain Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72890" align="alignleft" width="195"]Dr. Jay Solgama Dr. Jay Solgama[/caption] Jay P. Solgama, MD Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The United States (U.S.) continues to face a severe opioid crisis, with nearly 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Prescription opioids play a central role in this epidemic, with a large proportion of misuse involving commonly prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone. Prior research has shown that oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR, RoxyBond, and Percocet) is one of the most widely consumed and misused opioids in the U.S., with notable geographic variation in its distribution across states [1–3]. Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to comprehensively characterize oxycodone distribution across the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Using three complementary data sources—the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (M-SDUD), and the Medicare Part D Prescribers dataset (M-PDP)—we sought to evaluate national and state-level patterns, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of each dataset [4,5]. The Medicaid program serves low-income and Medicare serves elderly patients.

12 Mar

Posted at 22:35h in Author Interviews, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72776" align="alignleft" width="148"]dr_william_schaffner.jpg Dr. Schaffner[/caption] Dr. William Schaffner M.D. Professor of Medicine Preventive Medicine, Health Policy Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interview arranged with the assistance of the Infectious Disease Society of America. MedicalResearch.com: What are the symptoms of HMPV? How is it transmitted? Are some individuals more susceptible to infection or more serious disease?  Response: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  is a seasonal respiratory virus that has a worldwide distribution, causing late winter/early spring outbreaks in temperate zones.  It cocirculates with other seasonal respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID, and RSV.  Virtually all children have experienced infection by age 5; persons experience HMPV reinfections throughout life.  The virus is transmitted through close personal contact, most efficiently indoors.  Infection with HMPV can produce a spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a common cold to acute respiratory distress.  Persons at increased risk of severe disease include older persons and those with chronic medical conditions.

25 Feb

Posted at 19:14h in Author Interviews, Infections, Nature, NYU/NYMC
[caption id="attachment_72626" align="aligncenter" width="500"]C. auris- CDC image.jpg Candida auris CDC Image[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72627" align="alignleft" width="200"]Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.[/caption] Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The research was prompted by the rise of Candida auris (C. auris) as a critical fungal pathogen that has caused global outbreaks in healthcare facilities with high mortality rates. C. auris is particularly difficult to control because it can survive on physical surfaces for extended periods. Current diagnostic methods (such as culture-based approaches or mass spectrometry) are often costly, slow, and require complex equipment in centralized laboratories, which delays effective clinical responses. There is an urgent need for rapid tests that can both identify the fungus and measure its level of drug resistance.

12 Feb

Posted at 23:54h in Author Interviews, Infections, Pediatrics, Vaccine Studies
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_72376" align="alignleft" width="190"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate. As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection. Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks. Vaccine hesitancy has many causes: Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life. The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated. The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country. Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days. It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences. All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase? Response: The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country. They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families. The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak. MedicalResearch.com: Since many, especially younger, health care providers have never seen a case of measles, are there characteristic features clinicians should be aware of? Response: Measles vaccination has been so successful that many young and middle-aged doctors have never seen a case. Beginning 7-21 days after exposure, the onset of illness is characterized by high fever and malaise. Shortly thereafter the classic “three Cs” occur: Coryza, conjunctivitis and cough. Inside both cheeks white papules (Koplik spots) appear. The characteristic rash soon follows – it is erythematous, blanching, starting on the face and moving down the body, becoming darker over time. The rash may be quite subtle in dark-skinned persons. The common complications of measles include diarrhea, otitis media as well as viral and bacterial pneumonia. More serious complications include encephalitis which occurs approximately once per thousand infections. MedicalResearch.com: Are there areas, i.e. airports, sporting venues etc. where measles transmission is more likely? Response: Measles is readily transmitted among susceptible persons indoors. As most of the cases are in children, daycare, schools, religious services, birthday parties, and such are common venues for transmission although other sites such as airports and sporting events occasionally have been implicated. MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians do if they have a suspected case of measles? Response: All cases of suspected measles should be reported immediately to the local health department. Disclosures: I have no relevant disclosures. The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Some links may be sponsored. Products, services and providers are not warranted or endorsed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website. Dr. Schaffner[/caption] William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate.  As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection.  Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks.  Vaccine hesitancy has many causes:  Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life.  The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated.  The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country.  Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days.  It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences.  All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. CDC Image MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase?   Response:  The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country.  They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families.  The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak.

09 Feb

Posted at 21:27h in Author Interviews, Global Health, Infections
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72322" align="alignleft" width="180"]David O. Freedman, M.D.Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus                 University of Alabama, Birmingham USA Dr. Freedman M.D.[/caption] David O. Freedman, M.D. Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus University of Alabama, Birmingham USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this outbreak? Response: India has reported 2 confirmed (PCR and ELISA) Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal State where the Kolkata megalopolis is located; the state borders Bangladesh. Symptom onset in both cases was late December 2025 in 2 health care workers. One patient has improved while the other remains in the ICU. All samples from 200 contact persons tested negative for NiV.  No further confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal Bangladesh has reported 1 confirmed NiV case in Rajshahi Division which neighbors India. Symptom onset was January 21, 2026, and the patient expired on January 28. The patient reported no travel history but reported repeated consumption of raw date palm sap between 5 and 20 January.  All 35 contact-persons are being monitored and have tested negative for NiV and no further cases have been detected to date.

06 Feb

Posted at 16:38h in Author Interviews, Epidemiology, UCSD
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72295" align="alignleft" width="150"]Raphael Cuomo Dr. Cuomo[/caption] Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD Professor of Medicine Associate Adjunct Professor, Anesthesiology University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Epidemiology has mostly been built to explain who gets sick, but many of the decisions that matter most happen after diagnosis. Across multiple diseases, relationships that look consistent in prevention studies often do not hold once people already have the disease, and sometimes they even flip. Diagnosis can change patient biology, treatment context, and biases in the data, so we need clearer methods and language for postdiagnosis questions.

05 Feb

Posted at 14:45h in Author Interviews, Autism, BMJ, Parkinson's
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72249" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Caroline Fyfe PhDPostdoctoral Research Associate Life Long Health and Wellbeing Theme University of Edinburgh Dr. Fyfe[/caption] Dr. Caroline Fyfe PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Life Long Health and Wellbeing Theme University of Edinburgh MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Autism (ASD) has traditionally been seen as a condition that disproportionately affects males. This study quantifies the sex bias across birth cohorts, ages, and calendar time,  using the Swedish national population registers to follow ~ 2.7 million individual born between 1985 and 2020 throughout their lives. Among children under ten years old the male-to-female diagnosis ratio remained relatively stable at about 3:1. In contrast, a rapid increase in diagnoses of ASD among females during adolescence, produced a “female catch-up effect” that resulted in near parity of ASD prevalence between males and females by adulthood.

31 Jan

Posted at 11:33h in Author Interviews, Cancer Research
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72207" align="alignleft" width="400"]Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan[/caption] Professor Patrick Tan, MD PhD Dean, Duke-NUS Medical School; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School; and Professor Yeoh Khay Guan, MBBS Chief Executive, National University Health System; Senior Consultant Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology National University Hospital.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a precancerous condition that can arise in the stomach after long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (a common stomach bacterium). Clinically, IM is recognised as a risk state for gastric cancer (GC), as individuals with IM have 6-fold higher risk of eventually developing GC. However, not all IM patients will develop GC, and we lack an understanding of the biological processes operating within IM to transition to GC. Also, we don’t know if these processes are commonly found across the world, particularly since different countries have different rates of GC incidence. In this study, we looked at DNA mutations and mutational signatures in IM samples collected from six countries with varying GC incidence (including accompanying blood-derived genetic variants). We wanted to understand potential risk factors for GC and how this information can be harnessed to improve the clinical management of IM patients and to reduce their GC risk.

28 Jan

Posted at 19:06h in Annals Internal Medicine, Author Interviews, Kidney Disease
[caption id="attachment_72168" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dustin Mark, MDEmergency Medicine/Critical Care Medicine, East Bay Adjunct Researcher, KPNC Division of Research, CREST Network Dr. Mark[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dustin Mark, MD Emergency Medicine/Critical Care Medicine, East Bay Adjunct Researcher, KPNC Division of Research, CREST Network MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We examined medical records from 13,988 adults hospitalized with severe hyponatremia between 2008 and 2023 across 21 community hospitals in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health system. Patients were grouped based on how quickly their sodium levels were corrected within a 24-hour period (< 8 meq/L, 8-12 meq/L, > 12 meq/L) and were followed for up to 90 days. The primary outcome was death or serious delayed neurologic events, such as brain damage, seizures, paralysis, or altered consciousness. The results suggest that there is likely a true independent association between slow sodium correction and adverse outcomes, and that current guidelines promoting slow correction of sodium levels should be re-evaluated accordingly.

28 Jan

Posted at 11:45h in Author Interviews
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72153" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kymora B. Scotland MD, PhDAssistant Professor Department of Urology UCLA Gerard Wong PhD, Professor Bioengineering Dept., Chemistry & Biochemistry Dept., Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics Dept. California NanoSystems Institute UCLA Los Angeles, CA  Dr. Scotland[/caption] Kymora B. Scotland MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Urology UCLA Gerard Wong PhD, Professor Bioengineering Dept., Chemistry & Biochemistry Dept., Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics Dept. California NanoSystems Institute UCLA Los Angeles, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is thebackground for this study? Response: Because of Dr. Scotland’s clinical work taking care of patients with kidney stones, we noticed that sometimes patients with no history of urinary tract injections would develop UTIs or even sepsis after stone surgery. Similarly, when we cultured the stones obtained from surgical procedures - again in patients without a history of UTIs- we would often identify bacteria. This led us to hypothesize that bacteria actually play a role in stone formation and were not just bystanders occasionally found in the kidney.

26 Jan

Posted at 22:42h in Alcohol, Author Interviews, Cannabis
Editors' note: Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues.  Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks or CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. It is unknown whether the effects of alcohol plus cannabis are cumulative and users ingesting both products should be especially cautious to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness and judgement. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72135" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Kruger Ph.D. Dr. Kruger .[/caption] Daniel J. Kruger, PhD Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research University of Michigan [caption id="attachment_72136" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Jessica Kruger Ph.D. Dr. Kruger[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? [caption id="attachment_72137" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Nicholas Felicione Dr. Felicione[/caption] Response: Alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol consumption, is associated with many health risks and nearly 200 different health conditions and diseases. Reducing alcohol consumption reduces the risks and harms from alcohol. Previous research has demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption when they have access to cannabis. Cannabis beverages have emerged in States where cannabis is legal for adult or medical use.

25 Jan

Posted at 11:36h in Aging, Exercise - Fitness
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72117" align="alignleft" width="150"]Yang Hu, Research scientistDepartment of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Yang Hu[/caption] Yang Hu, Research scientist Department of Nutrition Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Previous studies have established that increasing total activity level is beneficial to prevent premature death but data on the health benefits of individual type of activity is still limited. Whether engaging in more types of activities at the same level total activity would offer additional health benefits towards longevity remains unknown.

22 Jan

Posted at 13:25h in Author Interviews, Infections
[caption id="attachment_72087" align="aligncenter" width="500"]hand-hygiene-after-discharge.jpg Photo by Burst[/caption] Leaving the hospital is often a relief, but for many patients, it also marks the start of a critical recovery phase. Once home, the responsibility for infection prevention shifts largely from clinical staff to patients and caregivers. This transition can be challenging, especially for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or living with weakened immune systems. Reducing infection risk at home is not about recreating a hospital environment. It’s about understanding where risks exist, how infections spread, and what practical steps make the biggest difference during recovery.

Why the Post-Discharge Period Is High Risk

Hospital discharge does not mean infection risk disappears. In fact, the days and weeks following discharge are when many infections emerge. Surgical wounds are still healing, medical devices may still be in use, and the immune system may be compromised by illness or treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day, and a significant number of infections are identified after patients return home. Understanding this risk helps patients and families take prevention seriously without becoming overly anxious.

22 Jan

Posted at 13:16h in Electronic Records, Technology
  [caption id="attachment_72083" align="aligncenter" width="500"]digital-security-medical-data-travel.jpg Photo by Dan Nelson[/caption] International travel is routine for clinicians and scientists today. Conferences, fieldwork, collaborative research, regulatory meetings, and humanitarian missions all require crossing borders often with laptops, phones, and storage devices carrying sensitive data. While travel enables collaboration, it also introduces serious digital privacy risks that many medical professionals underestimate. Protecting digital information while traveling internationally isn’t about paranoia. It’s about understanding how data exposure happens and taking practical steps to reduce risk without disrupting work.

Why Medical and Research Data Is a High-Value Target

Clinicians and scientists work with information that is inherently sensitive. Patient records, unpublished research, clinical trial data, intellectual property, and institutional credentials all carry value—financial, political, or strategic. Medical data is particularly attractive to attackers because it cannot be “reset” like a password. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, the healthcare sector continues to have the highest average breach cost of any industry, at $10.93 million per incident.

18 Jan

Posted at 23:02h in Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Lipids, Vanderbilt
MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72035" align="alignleft" width="200"]Leslie S. Gaynor, PhDClinical Neuropsychologist & Assistant Professor of Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine Department of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Gaynor[/caption] Leslie S. Gaynor, PhD Clinical Neuropsychologist & Assistant Professor of Medicine Division of Geriatric Medicine Department of Medicine Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The US population is rapidly aging, and the oldest members of our population are also the most vulnerable to developing clinical dementia. We are interested in studying older adults ages 80+ who display cognitive resilience despite this increased risk of dementia and actually display exceptional memory performance compared to their same-aged, typically performing peers. These “SuperAgers,”—i.e., 80+-year-old adults with memory performance that is comparable to or surpasses that of adults 20 to 30 years their junior—may hold the key to uncovering genetic factors that predict exceptionally healthy longevity.