Medicine
CPD gene mutations tied to congenital hearing loss; lab tests point to arginine and sildenafil as potential interventions
Heather Vogel Larawang ginawa ng AI Fact checked
An international team reports that rare mutations in CPD (carboxypeptidase D) cause a congenital, sensorineural form of hearing loss by disrupting arginine–nitric oxide signaling in inner‑ear hair cells. In models, arginine supplementation or sildenafil partially reversed disease‑related defects, highlighting a pathway for future therapies.
Stanford implant restores reading vision for macular degeneration patients
A tiny wireless chip implanted in the eye, combined with smart glasses, has enabled many patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration to regain reading ability. In a clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine, 27 out of 32 participants achieved functional vision within a year. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, mark the first prosthetic device to provide form vision.
EMBL researchers unveil SDR-seq for decoding disease-linked DNA
Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) have developed SDR-seq, a new tool that simultaneously analyzes DNA and RNA in single cells. This innovation targets non-coding DNA regions, where over 95% of disease-associated genetic variants are located. The method promises to enhance understanding of complex diseases like heart disease, autism, and lymphoma.
Actor Satish Shah undergoes kidney transplant
Veteran Indian actor Satish Shah has undergone a kidney transplant following a history of dialysis and a heart procedure. Medical experts affirm that such transplants are safe when performed at reputable centers, boasting a success rate of around 98 percent. The procedure raises broader questions about kidney disease treatment in India.
British woman survives 38 years after heart-lung transplant
October 23, 2025 13:56New DNA-based therapy reduces cholesterol by nearly 50 percent
October 22, 2025 11:36WHO reports sharp rise in antibiotic resistance
October 22, 2025 08:42New guidelines identify effective diets for chronic constipation
October 21, 2025 17:43Scientists uncover early brain damage before MS symptoms
October 20, 2025 00:01Study identifies aerobic exercise as top relief for knee osteoarthritis
October 19, 2025 00:14Study finds GLP-1 drugs may slow alcohol effects
October 15, 2025 00:30Fatty acid supplementation reverses age-related vision decline in mice
Weight-loss drugs show early promise for alcohol and other addictions, review finds
Heather Vogel Larawang ginawa ng AI Fact checked
Medications such as semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic/Wegovy) could aid treatment of alcohol and other substance use disorders, according to a peer‑reviewed review in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. Early animal and human data suggest these GLP‑1 receptor agonists act on brain reward circuits; lead author Lorenzo Leggio urged caution, saying, “Early research in both animals and humans suggests that these treatments may help reduce alcohol and other substance use.”
Enhanced vitamin K analogues boost neuron regeneration
Researchers in Japan have developed synthetic vitamin K compounds that are three times more effective than natural versions at promoting neuron growth. These analogues, combined with retinoic acid, could offer new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The study highlights their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and activate key brain receptors.
Wegovy provides heart benefits even with minimal weight loss
A major trial has shown that the weight-loss drug Wegovy reduces cardiovascular risks independently of weight loss. The benefits apply even to those with mild obesity. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 participants to reach this conclusion.
Vitamin D supplements slow telomere shortening in new study
A recent study suggests that daily vitamin D supplements could help preserve telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes linked to aging. Researchers at Augusta University found that 2,000 IU doses maintained telomere length in older adults over four years. While promising, experts caution that optimal dosing remains unclear and lifestyle factors are essential for health.
Reptile urine crystals may inform future approaches to gout and kidney stones
Heather Vogel Larawang ginawa ng AI Fact checked
Scientists reporting in the Journal of the American Chemical Society examined solid urine from more than 20 reptile species and found tiny uric‑acid spheres that package waste while conserving water. The study, highlighted by the American Chemical Society and ScienceDaily, also suggests uric acid helps convert toxic ammonia into a less harmful solid, a mechanism that could guide future strategies against gout and kidney stones.
Low-dose radiation therapy eases knee osteoarthritis pain
A Korean clinical trial has demonstrated that low-dose radiation therapy significantly reduces pain and improves mobility in patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, outperforming placebo effects. The treatment, which uses doses far below those for cancer, showed no side effects and could serve as an alternative to medications or surgery. Results were presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology Annual Meeting.
Retinal implant restores reading vision for patients with dry AMD
A clinical trial has shown that an innovative retinal implant called PRIMA, paired with augmented-reality glasses, enables blind patients with dry age-related macular degeneration to read again. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, involved 38 participants across five countries, with 84% regaining the ability to recognize letters, numbers, and words. This marks a significant advancement in artificial vision for a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Cleveland Clinic study shows surgery outperforms GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes
A Cleveland Clinic study has found that weight-loss surgery provides greater long-term health benefits than GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Over 10 years, surgery patients experienced lower risks of death, heart problems, kidney disease, and eye damage. The research highlights surgery's advantages even amid advances in obesity drugs.