The latest COVID-19 variant, Nimbus, is making waves with a particularly nasty symptom: a severe sore throat. This isn't just any sore throat; people are describing it as feeling like razor blades or acid burns. Why is this happening? Experts think it's because this variant targets the upper respiratory tract more than the lungs. But sore throat isn't the only sympt...
In the world of science, tiny protein pieces called bioactive peptides (BPs) are making a big impact. They are used in many areas like food, medicine, and beauty products. But even though we know a lot about them, testing their effectiveness is still a challenge. These tiny heroes are made through a process that involves breaking down proteins. The way they are stru...
In England, pharmacists are taking on a bigger role in healthcare. They are now using quick tests to check for Strep A in people with sore throats. This is a big deal because many people go to their doctors for sore throats and often get antibiotics they don't need. Strep A is a common bacterial cause of sore throats. But most sore throats are actually caused by vir...
In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic kept causing problems for HIV testing and diagnosis. This was especially noticeable at a top hospital in India. The goal was to see how much the pandemic affected HIV testing that year. The pandemic made it hard for people to get tested for HIV. This is a big deal because finding HIV early is key to fighting it. In 2020, there was a bi...
Breast cancer treatment has seen a significant shift with the introduction of PARP inhibitors. This change has brought mainstreaming cancer genetics into the spotlight. This approach uses genetic information to predict how well a patient will respond to treatment. As a result, the criteria for BRCA testing, which is crucial for determining the best treatment, need to...
The world of sports is always looking for ways to keep things fair. One of the newest challenges is gene doping. This is where someone tweaks their genes to get an unfair edge in competitions. It's like cheating, but at a much deeper level. To catch this kind of cheating, scientists have come up with a clever way to spot seven specific genes that might be used for do...
Genetic research has become a hot topic in recent years. It is a field that holds immense potential for medical advancements. However, public opinion on this subject is not uniform. It is influenced by a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is religion. This is according to a survey conducted in the United States. The survey involved nearly 5...
Pandemic readiness is crucial for any nation. One key part of this readiness is having mobile labs that can be sent out quickly. These labs are not always built to handle the massive number of tests needed during a big outbreak. Setting up and testing these labs in real-world situations takes a lot of thought and effort. Let us look at how a team of nations worke...
A new method has been developed to measure human albumin in different body fluids. This method uses magnetic beads that have been modified with a special molecule called H8 aptamer. These beads can bind to human albumin and change how they clump together. This clumping can be seen with the naked eye and even measured using a smartphone. The more albumin there is, the...
Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia Theater often return home with new breathing issues. However, standard lung function tests usually show normal results for most of these veterans. These veterans are often referred to as having preserved spirometry. This means their breathing tests look normal, even though they might feel symptoms. The connection between ...