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Antibiotic can help prevent common sexually transmitted infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have been on the rise. Untreated STIs can lead to serious health issues, such as blindness or brain and nerve problems. A study of men who had sex with men and transgender women at high risk for bacterial STIs showed that taking an oral antibiotic within three days after unprotected sex reduced the risk of STIs. This preventive approach, called doxy-PEP, cut the incidence of syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia by two-thirds compared to standard care.
Antibiotic can help prevent common sexually transmitted infections An mRNA vaccine to treat pancreatic cancer
Scientists developed a method for creating personalized mRNA vaccines to treat a deadly type of pancreatic cancer. In a small study, 18 patients had pancreatic tumors removed and analyzed to identify proteins that could provoke an immune response. Each then received personalized vaccines that targeted their proteins. The vaccines triggered a strong anti-tumor immune response in half the participants. Over a year later, their cancers hadn’t returned.
An mRNA vaccine to treat pancreatic cancer Bivalent vaccines provide better protection against severe COVID-19
Newer bivalent booster vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were more effective than the older booster shots.
The original COVID-19 vaccines saved many lives. As later variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus emerged, updated vaccines were released in September 2022. These bivalent vaccines targeted both the original strain and the Omicron variant. Researchers showed that these updated vaccines were significantly more effective at reducing the risk of serious disease. They improved protection regardless of a person’s age or whether they had already received different boosters.
Bivalent vaccines provide better protection against severe COVID-19 Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk
As the world population ages, there’s a need for safe and affordable ways to prevent or slow cognitive decline. Among older adults with hearing loss who were at increased risk for dementia, researchers found that those who received hearing aids had nearly half the rate of cognitive decline over a three-year period. Treating hearing loss could be a safe way to lower the risk of dementia in vulnerable people.
Hearing aids slow cognitive decline in people at high risk App aids early screening for autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition marked by challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviors. Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment and improved outcomes. But autism can be hard to diagnose. Scientists developed an interactive app that displays videos and collects data on a child’s eye gaze, facial expressions and other factors linked to autism. The app detected early signs of autism with a high level of accuracy.