Researchers evaluate efficacy of therapy regimens for neglected tropical disease, Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL). Meta-analysis of 131 studies quantifies proportion of relapses observed at and beyond 6-months. Proportion of relapses after recommended drug regimen ranges from 0.5 to 4.5% in the Indian sub-continent. Longer follow-up may be warranted. Therapeutic interventions can significantly reduce mortality. Higher doses of L-AmB may be more effective in preventing relapse. Combination therapy reduces treatment duration and overall burden to health systems. Prompt changes in treatment recommendation and regular drug efficacy surveillance are important.from Science News - Times of India https://ift.tt/3NC7zIu
Experts warn against using cotton swabs, ear picks, pens, or fingers to remove ear wax as it can lead to hearing loss. The human ear has a self-cleaning mechanism and no routine maintenance is required. Improper cleaning pushes wax deeper into the ear canal, causing pressure, reduced hearing, and infections. Putting mustard oil in children's ear can flare up infections. People with excessive wax can seek help from doctors who use suction techniques and warm water to remove wax. Wax protects the ear from infection and dirt, so some wax should be present for ear health.
This article discusses the recognition of two women scientists, Sabine Adeline Fanta Yadang and Hadidjatou Dairou, in Cameroon's rural north. They were honored by the L'Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science Young Talents program for their research on traditional herbal medicines and the Garcinia Kola plant for cardiovascular disease. The article highlights the prevalence of traditional African medicine in Cameroon and the low enrollment of girls in tertiary education. Fanta Yadang and Dairou both overcame workplace discrimination and received support from their families.
Doug Olson of Mill Woods, Edmonton, stumbled upon a small meteorite while cleaning out his rain gutters this spring. The Menisa meteorite, as it is now named, weighs 33 grams and is only the 18th ever found in Alberta. The discovery began when Olson heard a loud thud on his roof and found the small rock while clearing out his rain gutters. The meteorite is composed of iron, nickel, and chondrule, a grey material. A portion of it is now part of the University of Alberta's collection
Scientists have discovered an extended disk composed of dust and gas orbiting a star in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy located 179,000 light-years away from the Milky Way. This marks the first observation of such a phenomenon in a galaxy beyond our own. The discovery sheds light on star formation processes in diverse environments and reveals the constraints imposed by different environments on the formation of stars. This groundbreaking revelation is a significant advancement.
Climate change is threatening the survival of plants and animals globally as temperatures rise and habitats change. Some species have adapted through rapid evolutionary genetic changes, behavior modifications, and physiological adjustments. However, scientific studies reveal that climate change is occurring faster than species can adapt. Slow-maturing animals face a barrier to adaptation as climate shifts by the time their offspring are born. Small-bodied animals can adapt to initial warming, but genetic mutations to survive higher temperature increases occur at a slower rate.
In a groundbreaking study, InfluenceMap reveals concerning disparities between corporate advocacy on carbon capture and established scientific principles. The study scrutinized 750 instances of corporate engagement, involving 500 global companies and 250 industry associations. Sofia Basheer, the lead researcher at InfluenceMap, highlights the shift in focus from undermining public trust in climate change science to sowing confusion about climate change solutions.