Story at a glance There are no monoclonal antibodies currently authorized in the U.S. to fight a SARS-CoV-2 infection. A new antiviral drug received emergency authorization in Japan and will enter global phase 3 clinical trials. A paper published today introduces a “decoy” drug that targets the virus through a novel mechanism. With no monoclonal…
Author: Chia-Yi Hou
Flu and COVID-19 vaccine uptake remain low
Story at a glance Flu is hitting heavy in many states. Flu shot coverage among adults is as low as 19 percent in some states. What people believe about their health and what information they have access to, officially or through their circles, affects decisions they make. Although this year’s flu season started early and…
Medical marijuana associated with reduced pain and opioid related outcomes in cancer patients
Story at a glance Marijuana for medical use has been legalized in many states. Cancer patients in particular may benefit from medical marijuana for managing pain and symptoms. An analysis of insurance claims suggests that the legalization of medical marijuana is associated with reduced opioid dispensing and pain-related hospital visits. A new study finds a…
Bacterial infections linked to 1 in 8 deaths in 2019
Story at a glance A group of researchers looked at global data on deaths from bacterial infections, like E. coli and Staphylococcus. They found that 7.7. million, or nearly 14 percent, of all deaths in 2019 were a result of bacterial infections. Many of those deaths occurred in low income countries, highlighting the need for…
What to know about seasonal depression as the cold and dark set in
Story at a glance Changes in daylight and temperatures in fall and winter can lead to changes in mood and energy. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of major depressive disorder. People who have this disorder might have several symptoms of depression like feeling listless and hopeless. With days growing shorter and temperatures dropping in…
What to know about RSV vaccine candidates and monoclonal antibodies
Story at a glance RSV is surging around the country after two seasons of low respiratory illnesses because of restrictions and public health measures to combat the coronavirus pandemic. There currently are no approved vaccines to prevent severe illness from RSV. Pfizer and Meissa have vaccine candidates in the works for pregnant and older people…
Researchers identify 35 genes associated with long-term Lyme disease
Story at a glance Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose. Researchers looked at RNA in blood samples from Lyme disease patients. They identified a subset of genes that could be used to diagnose Lyme disease. A team of researchers found that people with long-term Lyme disease may have a pattern of immune response that…
Less than 6 percent of eligible people get screened for lung cancer
Story at a glance Nationally, lung cancer five-year survival rate is about 25 percent. Lung screening can catch cancer early, especially for people who are at high risk. Less than 6 percent of high-risk people have gotten screened for lung cancer, according to a new report. The 2022 “State of Lung Cancer” report from the…
Single synthetic ‘magic mushroom’ dose improves depression: research
Story at a glance Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance found naturally in some species of mushrooms. Researchers and mental health care professionals are interested in whether it can be used as treatment for depression and other disorders. A study finds that a synthetic version of psilocybin may be able to help patients with depression. Research…
FDA convenes meeting on ‘mounting real-world evidence’ pulse oximeters are less accurate for people with darker skin
Story at a glance FDA panel meets to discuss pulse oximeters, which are medical devices that measure blood oxygen levels. Studies have suggested that oximeter readings are less accurate for people who have darker skin pigmentation. The FDA says that more data where skin pigmentation is included as a study parameter are needed. The Food…