The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that migraines, or severe headaches, affect more than 15 percent of U.S. adults. That adds up to more than 39 million Americans afflicted with migraine attacks lasting up to 72 hours. These debilitating episodes cause severe pain in the head, face, and neck, often sending …
Is SARS-CoV-2 Evolving to Evade Vaccines?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread rapidly following its first reported incidence in 2019, and since that time, several variants of the virus have circulated around the world, and more seem to be emerging all the time. While the vaccines in major circulation seem to be reasonably effective against all currently known viral variants so far, …
Deadly Candida Auris Found in Nature for the First Time
Since its first reported occurrence in 2009, the fungus Candida auris quickly spread worldwide. Now it is found in more than 34 countries and is considered a global public health threat, causing serious and sometimes fatal infections. This microorganism is highly resistant to antifungal medicines, requires specialized lab equipment for identification, and is easily transmitted …
At Long Last, an Effective Malaria Vaccine
Malaria has long been one of the most threatening diseases in the tropical world. About 229 million cases were recorded in 2019, and 409,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Of those deaths, 67 percent occurred in children under age five. 94 percent of all cases and deaths occur in Africa. The WHO …
Back to the Egg — Searching for a Low-Cost COVID-19 Vaccine
In much of the developed world where COVID-19 vaccination rates have been relatively high, reported COVID-19 cases have dropped significantly. For developing countries where there is limited access to vaccines, however, COVID-19 infection rates are an ongoing concern. The vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca are expensive to produce, transport and store. Moderna and Pfizer’s …
New Eye Color Genetics Research Could Revolutionize Eye Disease Treatment
As a hereditary trait, eye color tends to be an introductory lesson to human genetics. Think back to high school biology class, which often covers the unique genetic circumstances that create eye color. Those lessons typically involve one traditional principle: that the allele that codes for brown is dominant over green or blue. But a …
Lingering COVID-19 Symptoms
Several weeks ago, we discussed COVID-19 neurological symptoms, including difficulty thinking, concentrating, and remembering. All of these symptoms have one crucial factor in common: they are among the most debilitating symptoms of lingering, or “long-haul,” COVID-19. Lingering COVID-19 symptoms can affect a wide variety of essential physical processes, including heart, lung, and brain function.
A Gene Therapy Startup Engages in Horseplay to Test New Osteoarthritis Therapy
Osteoarthritis is a debilitating and painful wearing down of joint cartilage tissues. Every year, more than three million people in the U.S. (and millions more worldwide) are diagnosed with the disease. Current therapies consist mainly of either steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both of which are largely ineffective, especially as the disease progresses. Biologics …
When Did SARS-CoV-2 Actually Emerge?
When developing a therapy or vaccine against an emerging virus, knowing how long it has been in existence can tell scientists how many forms may exist, how prevalent it is, and even whether it is hazardous enough to merit an intervention. For SARS-CoV-2, its history of existence is not well known. When COVID-19 was recognized …
What Gives a Hummingbird Its Distinctive Hum?
Hummingbirds are compact, energetic flying machines belonging to the family Trochilidae. They typically measure 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) in length, boast colorful, almost jewel-like plumage, and feed on flower nectar. They are also known for agility, flexibility, and speed, which is how they came to inspire the QPS logo. The birds eat eight times their …
