Medicine

Inhaling Graphene Deemed Safe in Human Trial

A first-in-human trial found that inhaled graphene oxide produce no short-term ill effectsDepositphotosA human trial found that inhaling an ultra-pure version of graphene, known as the "wonder material," didn't cause any immediate negative impacts on lung and cardiovascular health in a limited number of healthy participants. This pioneering study paves the way for exploring...

Cannabis Might Offer an Exit Route from Drug Addiction

Using cannabis to manage stimulant cravings led to a reduction in use of crystal meth.Credit: PixaobayRecent studies reveal that regular consumers of crystal methamphetamine who integrated cannabis into their routine to curb cravings tended to decrease their usage of the stimulant, particularly among female users. These findings indicate the potential for a novel harm-reduction...

Ultrasound Boosts Dormant Sperm Activity by 266%

Need for speed: This non-invasive technique could help boost the success of fertility treatments. Credit: PixaobayResearchers have enhanced the movement of slow-moving sperm by as much as 266% through exposure to noninvasive 40-MHz ultrasound waves, prompting their motion. By examining the technique's effects on individual sperm cells, the study paves the way for novel...

Eggshell Nanospikes May Enhance Ligament Repair

Understanding how an egg's shell is anchored to its soft inner membrane could improve reconstructive surgeries, such as ligament repairs. Credit: PixaobayScientists have investigated the formation of the hard outer shell of a chicken egg, which is firmly attached to a soft inner membrane. They believe that the findings from this study could enhance...

Sandalwood Oil Extract is Effective Against Mouse Prostate Cancer

An extract of sandalwood oil has proven an effective prostate cancer treatment in miceOriginal image: DepositphotosA recent investigation revealed that in laboratory mice with prostate cancer, a substance derived from sandalwood oil demonstrated efficacy in delaying the initiation and progression of tumors, leading to cellular demise. Subsequent studies will investigate the potential of this extract...

AI Rapidly Evaluates Antidepressant Efficacy

An algorithm using patient data may save patients months of trial and error with new medicationsDepositphotosThe traditional method of trial and error, which often involves enduring adverse side effects, in the quest to find the suitable antidepressant could soon become obsolete for individuals dealing with major depressive disorder. A groundbreaking artificial intelligence model has...

A Piezoelectric Bone Bandage Speeds Up Fractured Bone Healing

A novel "bone bandage" was able to regenerate damaged bone in miceDepositphotosScientists have effectively rejuvenated impaired skull bones in mice through the development of an independent biomimetic scaffold. This innovative "bone bandage" incorporates a piezoelectric structure and leverages the growth-enhancing attributes of a naturally occurring mineral. The application of this technique extends to various...

Gene Therapy Trial Enables 5 Deaf Children to Hear

Five children born deaf have gained the ability to hear and recognize speech, thanks to a groundbreaking gene therapy clinical trialDepositphotosA groundbreaking clinical trial utilizing gene therapy has successfully restored hearing in five children who were born deaf. Within six months, these children regained the ability to recognize speech and engage in conversations, sparking...

Anti-aging Breakthrough may Boost Middle-Aged Women’s Fertility

Scientists in China have discovered a mechanism that reduces female fertility in middle age – and potentially a way to reverse it. Credit: PixaobayThe decline in women's fertility typically begins in their mid-30s, posing challenges for conceiving in middle age. Scientists have discovered a mechanism that accelerates ovarian aging and have, in mice at...

Study Dismisses Digital Prostate Exams for Cancer Screening

A recent study discovered that using a digital rectal exam by itself or with a blood test doesn't enhance the detection of prostate cancer more than just using the blood test alone. This suggests that digital exams may not be as helpful as believed and might not be necessary for screening men without signs...