A commonly prescribed drug for diabetes, metformin, has a new side hustle. Besides helping to manage blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, metformin can also fight off a type of cell that builds up in the body over time and plays a role in the aging process. Senescent cells are sometimes known as “zombie” cells because … Read more
An espresso martini might save your life someday. A new study finds that compounds in espresso — including caffeine — could help to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Espresso, made from finely ground coffee beans brewed under pressure with hot water, is the basis for lattes, Americanos and other drinks, including the trendy espresso … Read more
An Ohio grandmother taking the first drug proven to slow Alzheimer’s disease said, “I’m totally functional and my memory is much better than it was.” “I’m very active, I drive regularly, I garden and cook, I read a number of books and I have my life back,” Joan Murtaugh, 77, told the Sun. “This drug … Read more
In the battle against Alzheimer’s disease, experts are excited about a new weapon. A drug called donanemab, developed by Eli Lilly, had a successful clinical trial and is expected to receive FDA approval in the fall. People who took donanemab had a 40% lower risk of progressing from mild cognitive impairment to mild dementia, or … Read more
In a dramatic first, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a daily oral contraceptive available without a prescription. Consumers can easily buy the drug, named Opill (norgestrel), at grocery stores, convenience markets, drug stores or online. “Today’s approval marks the first time a nonprescription daily oral contraceptive will be an available option for millions … Read more
In the fight against “superbug” infections that resist modern antibiotics, doctors are turning to the ancient past. Researchers have discovered that a combination of honey and vinegar is a potent antibacterial agent that helps wounds heal quickly without infection. “In our survey of premodern recipes, we noticed a pattern of combining honey and vinegar … … Read more
Brace yourself — a new “miracle” drug that could regrow your own teeth is in the works. Researchers in Japan are currently working on a medication that would allow people to grow a new set of teeth, with a clinical trial slated for July 2024, the country’s national daily, The Mainichi, recently reported. “The idea … Read more
Starting July 1, Australia will allow doctors to prescribe MDMA and magic mushrooms to treat PTSD and depression. It’s a worldwide first that comes as research uncovers how psychedelic drugs have real potential for treating mental health conditions. “Australia is creating an interesting model that could pave the way forward for the rest of the … Read more
Scientists have created an artificial knee implant that’s customized to a patient’s leg using 3D printing technology. Unlike traditional knee replacement using generic devices, the bespoke implant preserves a person’s existing knee joint. David Tarbet, 55, was among the first to receive the implant, known as a high-tibial osteotomy (HTO) plate. It “was fantastic,” Tarbet … Read more
You’ve been great, Ozempic, but we should probably start seeing other drugs. A new weight-loss drug called retatrutide, currently in clinical trials, may help users lose up to 24% of their body weight. For some people, that amounted to 58 pounds lost in just 48 weeks. That compares favorably with Ozempic, which has been shown … Read more
There’s still time to volunteer, if you’re willing to take crap from anyone. Doctors are actively recruiting volunteers for a trial of fecal transplant capsules, or “crapsules.” They’re basically what they sound like: capsules containing freeze-dried feces from a donor. More importantly, they also contain microorganisms that people need for a healthy digestive system. The … Read more
The familiar peel-and-stick bandages seen on skinned knees worldwide may soon be a thing of the past. Scientists have now developed a bandage that can heal wounds faster and easier by using an array of tiny, built-in electronics. But the new high-tech bandage has uses far beyond skinned knees. “Over 6.7 million people in the … Read more
When a disease outbreak occurs, early detection is key to controlling the spread before it becomes an epidemic. A new adhesive bandage, developed by researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi, can detect the presence of disease antibodies within minutes — even before a person has symptoms. This rapid antibody-testing bandage could be an important new tool … Read more
Poor Neanderthals just couldn’t catch a break. Our ancient ancestors, who probably died out through inbreeding, passed along genes that are still present in modern-day humans. Research now finds that those Neanderthal genes also gave some people an increased risk for “Viking disease,” also known as Dupuytren’s contracture. The condition causes the fingers of one … Read more
There may be relief for women who suffer through hot flashes, night sweats, chills and other symptoms of menopause. The Food and Drug Administration approved a new drug called Veozah (generic name: fezolinetant), which is a one-of-a-kind treatment for menopause symptoms. As a non-hormonal drug, it’s a boon for women who cannot use hormone-replacement therapy … Read more
A new treatment that sounds shocking might actually help women who experience low sex drive. Electrical impulses on the dorsal genital nerve around the clitoris have been shown to stimulate sexual arousal in women — including patients with severe spinal-cord injuries. The research, conducted at the University of Michigan, included nine participants in three groups: … Read more
Eli Lilly and Co. said Wednesday its experimental Alzheimer’s drug appeared to slow worsening of the mind-robbing disease in a large study. In the 18-month trial, people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s who received infusions of donanemab showed 35% less decline in thinking skills compared to those given a dummy drug, Lilly announced in … Read more
Doctors and scientists in the UK have reached a major breakthrough in fast-tracking cancer detection — all with the help of AI. The new artificially-intelligent algorithm — in development since 2020 — has the means to determine whether or not abnormal growths found on CT scans are cancerous, the Guardian reported. “In the future, we … Read more
The future of cancer treatment — hailed as the “holy grail” of early detection — is now being put to the test. Following a radically successful trial on cancer patients, a new blood test that promises to predict tumors more than a year before they begin to form is now being applied in hospitals across … Read more
We’re truly on the cutting edge of medicine, now. A “smart” bandage is on the horizon, as researchers develop a product that can monitor healing and provide antibiotics to the injury site, as well as stimulate the growth of tissue with electrical signals. Led by professor of medical engineering Dr. Wei Gao, California Institute of … Read more