New York doctors complete first-ever successful trachea transplant
A 56-year-old woman from the Bronx, New York, named Sonia Sein is the recipient. She ended up in the hospital six years ago after a particularly nasty asthma attack.
Public health & disease
From disease eradication efforts to advances in vaccination and maternal health, this archive tracks real progress in public health. Stories here focus on what’s working — policies, interventions, and research that are improving and extending lives around the world.
In 24 years, California has cut toxic air pollution by 78%, resulting in 82% fewer attributable deaths
Scientists at UC Berkeley are hailing the state’s diesel engine standards and other measures imposed over a number of years, even in the face of loosened environmental regulations in recent years.
Landmark brain cancer vaccine passes first phase of human trials
New data suggests the experimental vaccine is safe and stimulates a significant immune response that slows tumor progression. A larger Phase 2 trial is currently being planned.
Single-dose antibiotic clears multi-drug-resistant gonorrhea in mice
New antibiotics are a crucial development to keep us ahead in the war against superbugs. The team says that this type of compound could work against a range of other bacteria as well, such as tuberculosis and golden staph.
Several Native tribes make COVID-19 vaccines available to everyone in Oklahoma
The Chickasaw, Choctaw, Osage, Cherokee, and Potawatomi nations are offering vaccinations to anyone in Oklahoma who needs one.
Once-a-month PrEP pill shows promising results for HIV prevention
Islatravir, an HIV prevention drug developed by Merck, has already reached its second stage of trials. Following promising results, it looks likely to go to Phase 3 trials, bringing it one step closer to approval.
U.S. counties with more cannabis dispensaries are suffering fewer opioid deaths
A new study out of UC Davis suggests that increased access to cannabis stores that legally sell medical and recreational cannabis may help to reduce opioid-related deaths.
New prostate cancer test makes diagnosis in 20 minutes with near 100% accuracy
The breakthrough, developed by Korean scientists, is likely to revolutionize testing as existing methods are not only inaccurate but can result in over-diagnosis and necessitate invasive biopsies.
German scientists make paralyzed mice walk again
German researchers have enabled mice paralyzed after spinal cord injuries to walk again, re-establishing a neural link hitherto considered irreparable in mammals.
U.S. FDA approves first-ever long-acting HIV medication
The monthly injection treatment replaces the need for some to take daily pills. The company says the price of the injections is comparable to the cost of the pill versions.