A simulated pancreatic cancer clinical trial screening process showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from clinical trials for a wide range of eligibility criteria, according to results presented at the virtual 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in…
Why some people react to contact allergens more quickly than others
Hair dye, perfume, jewelry. Beautifying to most, but for some they are equivalent to rashes, irritation and reduced quality of life. Together with hay fever and food allergies, allergic contact dermatitis due to exposure to e.g. nickel and perfume ingredients represents the majority of allergic reactions seen among Danes. Traditionally,…
Why do some neurons degenerate and die in Alzheimer’s disease, but not others?
In the brain of a person with Alzheimer’s disease, neurons degenerate and die, slowly eliminating memories and cognitive skills. However, not all neurons are impacted equally. Some types of neurons in certain brain regions are more susceptible, and even among those subtypes—mysteriously—some perish and some do not. Researchers at Gladstone…
Time to Say Goodbye to Some Insurers’ Waivers for Covid Treatment Fees
Just as other industries are rolling back some consumer-friendly changes made early in the pandemic — think empty middle seats on airplanes — so, too, are health insurers. Many voluntarily waived all deductibles, copayments and other costs for insured patients who fell ill with covid-19 and needed hospital care, doctor…
A pint and a haircut: UK eases some virus curbs in England
Britain took another tentative step towards the resumption of normal life on Monday as pubs and restaurants were allowed to partially reopen, in a major easing of coronavirus restrictions. English pubs and restaurants can now serve drinkers and diners outside, despite forecasts of wintry temperatures, bringing some cheer to the…
Why have some countries paused the AstraZeneca jab?
Why have several countries in Europe suspended use of the AstraZeneca vaccine, citing fears of blood clots, even as the European Union’s top regulator insists there is no evidence of a link and calls for the inoculations to continue? Germany, Italy, France and at several other nations say they need…
Why some coronavirus strains are more infectious than others
Coronavirus outbreaks have occurred periodically, but none have been as devastating as the COVID-19 pandemic. Vivek Govind Kumar, a graduate student, and colleagues in the lab of Mahmoud Moradi at the University of Arkansas, have discovered one reason that likely makes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, so much more…
In Austin, Some Try to Address Vaccine Inequity, but a Broad Plan Is Elusive
Communities of color have been among the hardest hit during the pandemic. But advocates in Texas say those communities are likely to have a harder time getting the vaccine in the coming months, so they are urging local leaders to step in. Travis County Judge Andy Brown, the county executive…
Why do psychiatric drugs help some, but not others? New study offers clues
When it comes to developing drugs for mental illnesses, three confounding challenges exist: Men and women experience them differently, with things like depression and anxiety far more common in females; a drug that works for one person may not work for another; side effects abound. New CU Boulder research, published…
California hospitals facing oxygen supply shortage, causing some to declare 'internal disaster'
Fox News Flash top headlines for December 29 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com. Southern California hospitals, already overwhelmed by coronavirus patients, are now facing a new problem – a shortage of oxygen, according to a report. Officials say they're having trouble getting the necessary amount…
You should probably replace some of your fabric face masks
If your masks are beginning to feel as old as this pandemic, it’s probably time to get yourself some new ones. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises using masks that have at least two layers of tightly woven, washable, breathable fabric, such as cotton. When you wash your…