A theoretical framework shows how to increase the odds of identifying cancer-causing mutations before tumors take hold. Researchers demonstrate that only a few energetically favorable pathways are likely to lead to cancer.
New protein structures to aid rational drug design
In a major advance for rational drug design, chemists have described several protein structures of a crucial player in cellular processes. The advance could bring new ideas for treatments of diseases such as Alzheimer's, AIDS, cancer and others.
If you take several medications polypharmacy is a word to know
Taking multiple prescription drugs and supplements can be fraught with risk, a new study suggests -- but it's hard for many people to part with their medications.
mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna fare better against COVID-19 variants of concern
A comparison of four COVID-19 vaccinations shows that messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines -- Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna -- perform better against the World Health Organization's variants of concern (VOCs) than viral vector vaccines -- AstraZeneca and J&J/Janssen. Although they all effectively prevent severe disease by VOCs, the research suggests that people receiving a viral vector vaccine are more vulnerable to infection by new variants.
Protein linked to intellectual disability has complex role
Researchers have identified a previously unknown function for the fragile X protein, the loss of which is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability. The researchers showed that the protein modulates how neurons in the brain's memory center process information, a central part of learning and memory.
Patients Doctors Insurers Agree Prior Approvals for Treatment Should Come Faster
Insurers say prior authorization requirements are intended to reduce wasteful and inappropriate health care spending. But they can baffle patients waiting for approval. And doctors say that insurers have yet to follow through on commitments to improve the process.
As Red Cross Moves to Pricey Blood Treatment Method Hospitals Call for More Choice
The nation’s largest supplier of platelets is moving to a method it says is easier for hospitals, but one that sharply raises costs, leading some centers to demand more options.
Scientists identify characteristics to better define long COVID
Researchers have identified characteristics of people with long COVID and those likely to have it. Scientists used machine learning techniques to analyze an unprecedented collection of electronic health records (EHRs) available for COVID-19 research to better identify who has long COVID.