First COVID-19 breath test authorized for use in U.S.
The device takes three minutes to return results and has been found to be over 90 percent accurate in detecting positive COVID-19 cases.
Public health & disease
New treatment helps alopecia patients regrow their hair
A new Yale study shows that one in three patients with a severe skin disease were able to regrow hair after being treated with a common arthritis drug.
Psilocybin therapy changes brain wiring in depressed people, new study finds
The new study led by researchers from Imperial College London found that people also reported a reduction in their depression symptoms alongside these brain changes.
New blood test predicts risk of heart attack and stroke with twice previous accuracy
Scientists from SomaLogic in Boulder, CO have developed a blood test that can predict whether someone is at high risk of a heart attack, stroke, heart failure within the next four years.
Brain implant allows completely “locked-in” patient to communicate
Locked-in syndrome is a rare condition that makes it impossible for the patient to move or speak, but are still conscious and can see, hear, and smell.
Moderna kicks off Phase 1 trial of 3 different mRNA HIV vaccines
The trial is expected to run until mid-2023. By that point it is hoped one of the three formulations will have demonstrated robust immune responses and Phase 2 trials can commence.
Nigerian mom designs solar-powered cribs that put an end to baby jaundice disease
The Crib A’Glow can now be found in 500 hospitals across Nigeria and neighboring Ghana. It has already been used on 300,000 babies.
New cancer therapy destroys advanced ovarian and colorectal tumors in mice in 6 days
Clinical trials at Rice University are expected to begin in the next few months, after results on mice were described as “very exciting.”
Honduras bans open-pit mining, citing environmental and public health concerns
The government is no longer granting environmental permits for open-pit mining projects, the Ministry of Energy, Natural Resources, Environment and Mines. It also plans to shut down open-pit mines already in operation.
New pregnancy risk tool cuts baby loss in Black and Asian women
In a study of 20,000 pregnant women, baby death rates in ethnic groups were three times lower than normal when the tool was used.