Research News

Decreased serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with the development of narcolepsy, a sleep disorder, said recent research. The novel study illustrates the complex relationship between vitamin B12 and narcolepsy.

Researchers from China found out in their recent study that use of Copper Intrauterine devices can be risky during pregnancy and it could compromise embryonic development.

Generally, IUDs (Intrauterine devices) are used to avoid pregnancy by women. But Women who use IUDs may become pregnant, albeit rarely, and many such women continue to use IUDs. Because it is difficult to remove or it may cause miscarriage.

Scientists at McMaster University who have developed an inhaled form of COVID vaccine have confirmed it can provide broad, long-lasting protection against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and variants of concern.

The research, recently published in the journal Cell, reveals the immune mechanisms and significant benefits of vaccines being delivered directly into the respiratory tract, rather than by traditional injection.

The phase II trial, led by researchers at St George’s, University of London and St George’s Hospital was joint-funded by the US-based Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and the UK Alzheimer’s Society. The trial tested whether tadalafil increases brain blood flow in older men and women with narrowing of the brain arteries, a condition that can cause strokes and vascular dementia.

A team of scientists has developed a new technology, platform for fluorometric detection of pathogens such as viruses by measurement of fluorescent light emitted. The potential of the new technology has been demonstrated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. This technology platform can also be used to detect other DNA/RNA pathogens such as HIV, influenza, HCV, Zika, Ebola, bacteria, and other mutating/evolving pathogens.

Critically ill COVID-19 patients on a mechanical ventilator or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation lived more often when randomized to receive baricitinib. Doctors call this drug bari, and receiving the pill once a day for up to 14 days yielded one of the largest a survival advantages seen yet in the COVID pandemic, according to a study published.

A revolutionary pacemaker that re-establishes the hearts naturally irregular beat is set to be trialled in New Zealand heart patients this year, following successful animal trials. Currently, all pacemakers pace the heart metronomically, which means a very steady, even pace. But when you record heart rate in a healthy individual, you see it is constantly on the move, says Professor Julian Paton, a lead researcher and director of Manaaki Manawa, the Centre for Heart Research at the University of Auckland.

Vasopressin and glucocorticoids compared to placebo, improved return of spontaneous circulation among adults for in-hospital cardiac arrest, says recent findings in Resuscitation.

The clinical and imaging characteristics of COVID-19 breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated patients tend to be milder than those of partially vaccinated or unvaccinated patients, according to a new multicenter study published in the journal Radiology.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide now exceeds 270 million with an overall mortality rate of approximately 2%.