Every month delayed in cancer treatment can raise risk of death by around 10%

People whose treatment for cancer is delayed by even one month have in many cases a 6 to 13% higher risk of dying—a risk that keeps rising the longer their treatment does not begin—suggests research published online in The BMJ.

Modeling could predict heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the University of Sydney's School of Project Management within the Faculty of Engineering have developed a model which aims to predict the risk of people living with type 2 diabetes developing cardiovascular disease.

The dangers of collecting drinking water

Collecting drinking water in low and middle income countries can cause serious injury, particularly for women, according to new research from the University of East Anglia.

Scientists identify synthetic mini-antibody to combat COVID-19

The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells depends on interactions between the viral spike protein and the human cell surface protein ACE2. To enable the virus to hook onto the cell surface, the spike protein binds ACE2 using three finger-like protrusions, called the receptor binding domains (RBDs). Blocking the RBDs therefore has the potential to stop the virus from entering human cells. This can be done using antibodies.

Shining a light on the role of the genome's 'dark matter' in cancer development

Long RNA molecules carrying DNA codes that aren't translated into proteins have long been a mystery of the human genome. Now, scientists at Duke-NUS Medical School have found a way to systematically investigate their functions and discovered some could play a role in pancreatic cancer. Their findings, published in the journal Genome Medicine, highlight the importance of investigating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in living organisms.

Risk for severe disease up for pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2

(HealthDay)—Pregnant women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have increased risks for severe COVID-19-associated illness, according to research published in the Nov. 2 early-release issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Italy to impose anti-virus night curfew

Italy's prime minister has signed a decree to enforce a nationwide night curfew from 10 pm on Thursday as he tries to halt the resurgence of coronavirus, media reported.

'Mom and pop' investors dismayed by China's scrapping of Ant IPO

Hong Kong's "mom and pop" investors had been looking forward to an instant jackpot via Ant Group's record-busting $34 billion IPO. Instead, China's shock suspension of the listing has left them baffled and angry.

Warmer world linked to poor pregnancy results: study

Women exposed to high temperatures and heatwaves during pregnancy are more likely to have premature or stillborn babies, researchers said Wednesday.

Finland: Europe's quiet success in COVID-19 fight

As millions across Europe face new lockdown measures to tackle the resurging coronavirus, Finland is bucking the trend: infection rates are falling, while attitudes to restrictions remain the most positive on the continent.

Ant Group's shock IPO suspension hammers Alibaba shares

China's shock, last–minute decision to suspend the record-breaking IPO of fintech giant Ant Group hammered shares of founder Jack Ma's e-commerce titan Alibaba on Wednesday and left investors reeling.

Jack Ma: ebullient billionaire and totem of China's rise

Jack Ma, the ebullient and unconventional billionaire founder of tech giant Alibaba, now finds himself battling the ignominy of having the world's biggest-ever IPO halted days before its launch by Chinese regulators.

Uber-backed gig worker initiative wins in California: US media

California voters put the brakes Tuesday on a law stopping ride share firms such as Uber and Lyft from classifying drivers as independent contractors, according to US media.

Researchers identify genetic elements involved in heart development

The advent of genome science has given researchers an unprecedented ability to understand the root causes of a host of conditions. Justin Cotney, assistant professor of genetics and genome sciences in the UConn School of Medicine, has used this technology to identify a suite of genes and regulatory elements critical to normal heart development.

COVID-19 lung damage caused by persistence of 'abnormal cells'

Investigations of deceased COVID-19 patients have shed light on possible lung damage caused by the virus.

Different outcomes by race/ethnicity among patients with COVID-19 and rheumatic disease

Among U.S. patients with rheumatic disease and COVID-19, racial/ethnic minorities had higher risks of needing to be hospitalized and put on ventilators. The findings come from an analysis published in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Vitamin D lessens symptoms of severe eczema in children

Vitamin D supplementation eased the symptoms experienced by children with severe atopic dermatitis, or eczema, in a recent randomized controlled trial published in Pharmacology Research & Perspectives.

Study examines trends in symptoms experienced at the end of life

A new analysis published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that fewer older adults may be experiencing certain symptoms that can restrict their activity at the end of life.

Safety of HPV vaccines in males

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and cases various cancers in women and men. There are currently three vaccines available, and their efficacy and safely have been thoroughly assessed in females but not males.

Do cesarean delivery's effects on birth hormones impact a newborn's neurodevelopment?

Cesarean section delivery and vaginal delivery lead to different hormonal exposures that may affect a newborn's development, according to an article published in the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.

New opportunities for detecting osteoporosis

Osteoporosis can be detected through low dose computed tomography (LDCT) imaging tests performed for lung cancer screening or other purposes. A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that such tests can identify large numbers of adults with low bone mineral density.

Dutch government backs KLM bailout after pilots agree to pay cut

The Dutch government on Tuesday approved a multi-billion-euro coronavirus bailout for struggling airline KLM after pilots agreed a five-year pay cut deal.