The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has an enzyme that can counteract a cell's innate defense mechanism against viruses, explaining why it is more infectious than the previous SARS and MERS-causing viruses. The Kobe University discovery may point the way to the development of more effective drugs against this and possibly similar, future diseases. When a virus…

A new study explores the potential of diabetes drugs like GLP-1 RA and GIP agonists to reduce opioid overdoses and alcohol intoxication in patients with substance use disorders, offering hope for new treatments in the fight against addiction. Study:  The association between glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and/or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist…

A new study reveals a widespread lack of nutrition, ingredient, and allergen information on online grocery retailer sites, raising concerns for U.S. public health and safety. Study: Disclosure of mandatory and voluntary nutrition labelling information across major online food retailers in the USA. Image Credit: RossHelen/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published…

Cancer detection in the U.S. significantly disrupted during first year of COVID-19 pandemic, partial recovery seen in second year. Study:  Recovery From COVID-19–Related Disruptions in Cancer Detection . Image Credit: Inside Creative House/Shutterstock.com In a recent study published in the JAMA Network Open, a group of researchers assessed the disruption and…

New research reveals how specific genetic variants and chronic conditions like depression and fibromyalgia increase the risk of long-COVID, offering insights into potential treatments. Study: ‭Multi-ancestry GWAS of Long COVID identifies‬ ‭immune-related loci and etiological links to chronic fatigue‬ syndrome, fibromyalgia and depression‭. Image Credit: Lightspring / Shutterstock *Important notice: medRxiv…

A new study shows that COVID-19 infections in children lead to a significantly higher risk of type 2 diabetes within six months, sparking fresh concerns about the long-term impacts of the virus on young populations. Study: SARS-CoV-2 Infection and New-Onset Type 2 Diabetes Among Pediatric Patients, 2020 to 2022. Image Credit: Neirfy /…

While toddlers seem resilient to COVID-19, this new study highlights how socioeconomic factors, not the virus, may play a larger role in developmental outcomes. Study:  Association between SARS-CoV-2 infection before the age of two and child development . Image Credit: Nina Aleksandryuk / Shutterstock.com A recent study published in the…

Large-scale study in South Korea finds a small but notable increase in facial palsy cases within 28 days of COVID-19 vaccination, highlighting the need for post-vaccination monitoring. Study:  Risk for Facial Palsy after COVID-19 Vaccination, South Korea, 2021–2022 . Image Credit: sruilk/Shutterstock.com A recent study published in Emerging Infectious Diseases reported…

COVID-19 isn't just a respiratory illness; it's a long-term heart risk. This study reveals that the virus's impact on your heart lingers, putting survivors at an elevated risk of life-threatening cardiac events for years. Study:  COVID-19 Is a Coronary Artery Disease Risk Equivalent and Exhibits a Genetic Interaction with ABO…

Groundbreaking MRI study links brainstem damage to long COVID symptoms in survivors. Study:  Quantitative susceptibility mapping at 7 T in COVID-19: brainstem effects and outcome associations . Image Credit: Silver Place/Shutterstock.com A recent study published in Brain performed ultrahigh field quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) of the brainstem in coronavirus disease 2019…