A new type of cancer therapy that uses a common virus to infect and destroy harmful cells is showing big promise in early human trials, say UK scientists. One patient’s cancer vanished, while others saw their tumours shrink. The drug is a weakened form of the cold sore virus – herpes simplex – that hasContinue reading “Cancer-killing virus shows promise in patients”
Tag Archives: Health
Parkinson’s disease symptoms ‘reversed’ by mini implant, trial suggests
A hospital in Bristol is believed to be the first in the world to implant a device into a brain to reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Southmead Hospital surgeons used a tiny deep brain stimulation (DBS) device to override abnormal brain-cell firing patterns caused by Parkinson’s. Tony Howells, the first person to receive theContinue reading “Parkinson’s disease symptoms ‘reversed’ by mini implant, trial suggests”
Revolutionary heart-thymus combined transplant success
US doctors say a young boy called Easton has made medical history by becoming the first person in the world to receive a combined heart and thymus transplant. The pioneering procedure was done to save his life, but could also revolutionise the field of organ transplantation, they hope. The donated thymus tissue should help stopContinue reading “Revolutionary heart-thymus combined transplant success”
Gene silencing medicine transforms crippling pain
An innovative type of medicine – called gene silencing – is set to be used on the NHS for people who live in crippling pain. The drug treats acute intermittent porphyria, which runs in families and can leave people unable to work or have a normal life. Clinical trials have shown severe symptoms were cutContinue reading “Gene silencing medicine transforms crippling pain”
Many can stop anti-depressants without relapse
Many people who have taken anti-depressants for at least two years may be able to stop them without relapsing, but most will still need long-term treatment, a UK study suggests. Prescriptions for the drugs have more than doubled in the past 15 years because people are staying on them for much longer. But it’s notContinue reading “Many can stop anti-depressants without relapse”
Gene therapy: ‘Now I can see my own face again
Jake Ternent has been gradually losing his central vision since birth, because of a rare inherited genetic eye condition. And, despite the pandemic, 2020 was a landmark year for the 24-year-old, from County Durham, who became the first person in the UK to receive a revolutionary new gene therapy on the NHS. His condition –Continue reading “Gene therapy: ‘Now I can see my own face again”
Psilocybin: Magic mushroom compound ‘promising’ for depression
at reducing symptoms of depression as conventional treatment, a small, early-stage study has suggested. But when it comes to actively improving people’s well-being and ability to feel pleasure, the psychedelic drug may have had a more powerful effect. Psychedelics are being studied for a range of mental-health conditions. But experts caution that this is aContinue reading “Psilocybin: Magic mushroom compound ‘promising’ for depression”
Psychedelic therapy could ‘reset’ depressed brain
A powerful hallucinogenic drug known for its part in shamanic rituals is being trialled as a potential cure for depression for the first time. Participants will be given the drug DMT, followed by talking therapy. It is hoped this could offer an alternative for the significant number of people who don’t respond to conventional pillsContinue reading “Psychedelic therapy could ‘reset’ depressed brain”
Inspiration Archive By Charles Ghose 