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Good News

Breakthrough Treatment Restores Sense of Smell and Taste in COVID Parosmia Patients

Scientists have developed a 10-minute treatment that restores the sense of smell and taste in patients suffering from parosmia, a condition associated with COVID-19 infection. While most individuals recover their olfactory and gustatory senses after a bout of COVID-19, some continue to experience these symptoms for extended periods. Recognizing this post-COVID parosmia, researchers have devised a minimally invasive procedure to address the condition. Lead author Professor Adam Zoga explained that parosmia is typically observed in cases of brain trauma, surgery, stroke, viral syndromes, and certain head and neck tumors. Initially uncertain about the effectiveness of the procedure for parosmia, the team injected anesthetic into the stellate ganglion in the neck to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, guided by CT imaging. The entire procedure takes less than 10 minutes and requires no sedation. It has previously been used to treat various other conditions, including cluster headaches and phantom limb pain. For this study, 54 patients with post-COVID parosmia resistant to conventional therapies were referred to the researchers. Follow-up data was collected for 37 patients, revealing that 22 of them reported improved symptoms within a week after the injection. Among these 22 individuals, 18 experienced significant and progressive improvement by the one-month mark. Notably, there were no complications or adverse events associated with the treatment. Professor Zoga expressed surprise at the outcomes, with some patients experiencing near-complete resolution of phantosmia, a condition characterized by olfactory hallucinations. This breakthrough treatment offers hope to individuals suffering from COVID-related parosmia and may provide relief where previous treatments have fallen short.  

25 Nov 2023
Good News

The Big Bang of Medicine: How the Germ Theory of Disease Changed the Course of History

The germ theory of disease is a scientific concept that explains how infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses. It was first proposed in the mid-19th century by French microbiologist Louis Pasteur and German physician Robert Koch. Before the discovery of the germ theory of disease, people believed that infectious diseases were caused by supernatural forces or "bad air." However, Pasteur and Koch showed that diseases such as tuberculosis, cholera, and anthrax were caused by specific microorganisms. The germ theory of disease has had a significant impact on the field of medicine and public health. It has led to the development of vaccines, antibiotics, and other medical treatments that have helped to control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The theory also emphasizes the importance of good hygiene practices, such as handwashing and sterilization of medical equipment, to prevent the spread of germs. It has also played a crucial role in promoting public health measures, such as vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance programs. Despite the advances made in controlling infectious diseases, the threat of new and emerging diseases remains a concern. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has highlighted the importance of continued research and innovation in the field of infectious disease control. The germ theory of disease has revolutionized our understanding of how infectious diseases are spread and has paved the way for the development of effective treatments and preventative measures. It remains a cornerstone of modern medicine and public health practices.

5 Apr 2023
Good News

Global News

Revolutionary Sensor Detects COVID-19 and Flu in Just 10 Seconds, Changing the Game for Virus Screening

A new sensor has been developed that can detect COVID-19 and the flu within 10 seconds, potentially revolutionizing the way we screen for these viruses. Researchers reported using a single-atom-thick nanomaterial to build a device that can simultaneously detect the presence of COVID-19 and the flu—at much lower levels and much more quickly than conventional tests for either. The symptoms of both flu and COVID-19 overlap considerably, making it difficult to distinguish between them, notes Deji Akinwande, Ph.D., who presented the work at a recent meeting of the American Chemical Society. The sensor works by using tiny gold particles coated with antibodies that bind to the viral proteins. When the proteins are present, they cause the gold particles to clump together, which can be detected using a simple electronic device. The whole process takes just 10 seconds and can be done using a small sample of saliva or blood. The potential applications of this technology are vast, from screening people at airports and other public places to monitoring outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes. The sensor could also be used to quickly diagnose patients with respiratory symptoms, allowing for more targeted treatment and reducing the spread of the virus. The researchers are now working to refine the technology and make it more affordable and accessible. They hope that the sensor could be mass-produced and made available to healthcare providers and the public in the near future.

4 Apr 2023
Global News

Positive Reads

A Study Says EU Emissions Are on a Decline

According to an analysis by Carbon Brief, the European Union’s (EU) carbon emissions from energy have shrunk by 5% over the last three months. The decline is attributed to the decrease in demand for energy due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift toward renewable energy sources. The decrease in energy demand is a result of the lockdown measures implemented in response to the pandemic, which has resulted in a decrease in transportation and industrial activities. It has led to a decline in the use of fossil fuels, which are the primary sources of carbon emissions in the EU. The shift towards renewable energy sources has also contributed to the decrease in carbon emissions. In recent years, the EU has made significant efforts to increase the use of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. These efforts have paid off, with renewable energy sources accounting for a larger share of the EU’s energy mix. While the decrease in carbon emissions is a positive development, it is important to note that it is temporary and is largely a result of the pandemic. In order to achieve long-term reductions in carbon emissions, it is necessary for the EU to continue to shift towards renewable energy sources and implement policies that reduce energy consumption. Overall, the analysis by Carbon Brief highlights the impact that the pandemic has had on energy consumption and carbon emissions in the EU. It is furthermore important for the EU to continue to take action to reduce its carbon footprint in the long term.

2 Jan 2023
Positive Reads

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