BioMedWire Stocks Archives - Page 20 of 73

MondayAug 05, 2024 10:00 am

Study Uncovers How Brain Tumors Evolve During Treatment

Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the most common brain cancers, primarily affecting an individual’s spine and/or brain. This malignant tumor forms from astrocytes, which support nerve cells. These tumors usually grow and spread very quickly, which creates pressure and destroys healthy tissue. In 2008, the glioblastoma multiforme genome was characterized by the Cancer Genome Atlas. Since then, scientists have directed their efforts toward examining transcriptomic and genomic data for new therapeutic targets that will improve patient clinical outcomes. Despite this, the five-year survival rates for this aggressive cancer remain below 5%. In a new study, scientists recently demonstrated how brain…

FridayAug 02, 2024 10:00 am

Data Gaps Which Need to Be Filled in Medicare Advantage

All beneficiaries of Medicare can enroll in Medicare Advantage as an alternative if they need private insurance. Currently, Medicare Advantage makes up over one-half all individuals enrolled in Medicare. Estimates from the Center for American progress show that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services overpays Medicare Advantage plans by between 22% to 39%. This year, overpayments total between $83 billion and $127 billion. This is despite the fact that there’s no substantial evidence that this program promotes health equity for its enrollees or enhances health-care quality. Considering this, there is need for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services…

WednesdayJul 31, 2024 10:00 am

Study Shows Autism More Prevalent in Kids Living in Congested Areas

Cases of neurodevelopmental disorders have increased globally in the last couple of years, with countries such as Italy observing a significant increase in cases of autism, noting that the disorder is more than four times higher in males than females. Autism spectrum disorder affects how individuals interact with others, as well as how they behave, learn and communicate. This disorder is said to have multifactorial origins, with recognized environmental and genetic triggers. Researchers posit that the period between fetal life through early childhood is the most vulnerable time for neurodevelopmental disorders. They argue that during this period, exposure to neurotoxic…

MondayJul 29, 2024 10:00 am

Researchers Identify New Gene Behind ALS Onset

Scientists have discovered a new mutation that may cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis to develop. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS in short, is a neurodegenerative illness that weakens an individual’s muscles and affects their physical function. It starts by degenerating nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, affecting an individual’s voluntary control of legs and arms. The illness leads to trouble breathing, swallowing and may cause slurred speech. The illness is rare, with an average incidence of 1.4 to 2.4 cases in every 100,000 individuals annually. Additionally, the illness, which is sometimes referred to as motor neuron disease, has no…

FridayJul 26, 2024 10:00 am

Study Highlights Heightened Risk of Diseases Spreading from Animals to Humans

New research has highlighted the increased risk of illnesses spreading to humans from animals. The report by researchers from New York University and Harvard Law School examined common interactions between humans and animals in 15 countries, including the United States. The researchers discovered numerous examples where viruses could spread to humans, explaining that while zoonotic illnesses, including monkeypox and smallpox, had always existed, their prevalence was growing as interactions between animals and humans increased with urban expansion, climate shifts and international travel. In their report, the researchers noted that changes in policy could greatly decrease the risk of illness crossover.…

WednesdayJul 24, 2024 10:00 am

Prime Day 2024 Is Massive Success for Amazon as American Buyers Spend $14B-Plus

July 16, 2024, marked the beginning of this year’s Amazon Prime Day, which established a new record in online shopping. The annual two-day sale, which ended on July 17, saw consumers in America spend more than $14 billion. This year’s figure represents an 11% rise in consumer spending, as 2023’s total consumer spending stood at $12.7 billion. On the first day of the sale, $7.2 billion was spent by consumers. During the same period in 2023, consumers spent 11.2% less. The momentum grew on day two of the sale, with consumer spending hitting $7 billion. Amazon released a statement confirming…

MondayJul 22, 2024 10:00 am

Study Uncovers Ancient Egyptian Attempts to Surgically Remove Brain Cancer

New research suggests that cancer may have been plaguing individuals even thousands of years ago. Researchers at the University of Cambridge’s Duckworth Laboratory Collection studied skulls obtained from Ancient Egypt, observing lesions which they believe may have been left by malignant tumors. The researchers found that one skull, which belonged to a female about 50 years of age, had healed injuries on the cranium that may have been made by a sharp object. This evidence suggests that the woman survived because of a treatment and some post-traumatic care administered. Another skull, belonging to a man in his 30s, also had…

FridayJul 19, 2024 10:00 am

Survey Shows Most US States Offer Medicare Advantage to Retirees

A new survey has determined that the share of employers who still provide health benefits to retirees has been decreasing over time, reaching 21% as of last year. The survey was carried out by Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), a leading health policy organization in the United States. The survey’s objective was to examine the extent to which states were offering health benefits to eligible retirees under Medicare, via Medicare Advantage arrangements. This analysis was based on KFF’s review of employee-retirement-system sites for different states. The survey determined that almost all the states along with the District of Columbia offer health…

WednesdayJul 17, 2024 10:00 am

Women with Autism Have Higher Odds of Being Misdiagnosed with BPD

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that has been identified to occur at different levels of severity. Patients with this disorder are sometimes misdiagnosed, because its symptoms overlap with other disorders. It is said that women are less likely to be accurately diagnosed with autism during their lifetimes, with most being misdiagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other disorders before they are diagnosed with autism. A possible explanation is that young girls learn how to fit in and get along with others early. Focusing on social interaction may enable them to camouflage their autism symptoms, which keeps…

MondayJul 15, 2024 10:00 am

Study Suggests Vitamin B Deficiency Could Be Pivotal in Parkinson’s Disease

Latest figures from the World Health Organization show that more than 8.5 million individuals around the globe are living with Parkinson’s disease. This disease is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disorder globally, with the number of individuals with this illness more than doubling since 1990. The risk of developing this condition heightens with age; in addition, men are 50% more likely than women to develop the disease. Other risk factors include past traumatic brain injury, exposure to environmental toxin and genetics. Primary symptoms of the condition include muscle stiffness, tremors, impaired coordination and balance, gastrointestinal symptoms and emotional changes, among others. Prior…