Cancer-killing virus shows promise in patients

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”

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”

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”

Lai Chi-Wai raises HK$5.2m for charity climbing Nina Towers

A man has scaled a Hong Kong skyscraper in his wheelchair to raise money for spinal cord patients. Lai Chi-Wai, who became paralysed after a road accident ten years ago, climbed 250 metres (820ft) of the Nina Towers building.Before his accident, Lai Chi-Wai was a rock-climbing champion in Asia and eighth best in the world.Continue reading “Lai Chi-Wai raises HK$5.2m for charity climbing Nina Towers”