Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Latest Cold, Flu & Cough News and Research

Fasting before cardiac catheterization not necessary, study finds

There was no difference in complications in patients who fasted or did not fast before cardiac catheterization procedures requiring conscious sedation, according to late-breaking research presented in a Hot Line session today at ESC Congress 2024.

2 Sep 2024

Cryoballoon ablation as effective as radiofrequency for atrial fibrillation in heart failure patients

Cryoballoon (CB) ablation is as effective at reducing recurrences of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial tachycardia (AT) at 1-year, when compared to the current most widely used technique, radiofrequency (RF) ablation, in heart failure patients with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), according to late breaking research presented in a Hot Line Session at this year's ESC Congress 2024 in London, UK (30 Aug - 2 Sept).

2 Sep 2024

Study finds higher heart attack risk days after cold exposure

Hospital admissions for heart attacks increase after exposure to lower air temperature and cold spells, according to a study published today in JACC, the flagship journal of the American College of Cardiology, and presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024.

1 Sep 2024

Philippines faces scrutiny over rollout of unproven African swine fever vaccine

The Philippines is under global scrutiny as it proceeds with the controlled rollout of an unproven African swine fever (ASF) vaccine from Vietnam amid doubts from experts about its safety and efficacy.

30 Aug 2024

Biodegradable diagnostic tests offer sustainable solution to plastic pollution

The global plastic pollution crisis and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic – where billions of single-use diagnostic tests were discarded – is prompting businesses and researchers to develop new and more sustainable rapid diagnostic tests.

30 Aug 2024

First-generation antihistamine drugs could increase seizure risk among young children

Research indicates first-generation antihistamines may elevate seizure risk in young children, highlighting the need for careful prescription practices.

30 Aug 2024

CD4 T cells found to be key players in tuberculosis defense

The body's first line of defense against tuberculosis (TB) involves immune cells that suppress lung inflammation instead of activating it, reported University of Pittsburgh and the Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT, and Harvard scientists today in Immunity.

29 Aug 2024

Preventing the spread of superbugs in aged care facilities

There's an urgent need for more careful antibiotic management to protect older people living in residential aged care from the dangerous spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria or 'superbugs', researchers from Flinders University and SAHMRI warn.

29 Aug 2024

COVID-19 linked to increased risk of hearing loss in young adults, study finds

Researchers in South Korea found that young adults who recovered from COVID-19 are at significantly higher risk of experiencing hearing loss and sudden sensorineural hearing loss compared to those who never had the virus.

28 Aug 2024

Targeting cancer cells by cutting off essential nutrients and backup supplies

Cancer cells have voracious appetites. And there are certain nutrients they can't live without. Scientists have long hoped they might stop tumors in their tracks by cutting off an essential part of cancer cells' diet.

28 Aug 2024

New study develops enhanced mortality prediction model for COPD patients

Innovative probabilistic graph models identify unique factors linked to COPD mortality, paving the way for targeted interventions and improved patient outcomes.

28 Aug 2024

Unraveling the mystery of viral evolution

All organisms -; from fungi to mammals -; have the capacity to evolve and adapt to their environments. But viruses are master shapeshifters with the ability to mutate greater than any other organism. As a result, they can evade treatments or acquire resistance to once-effective antiviral medications.

28 Aug 2024

Common chemotherapy supplement weakens the pancreatic cancer's defenses in mice

The fight against cancer is an arms race, and one of the most effective weapons in clinicians' arsenals is immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint therapy has become the standard for treating several types of cancer.

27 Aug 2024

With only gloves to protect them, farmworkers say they tend sick cows amid bird flu

In early August, farmworkers gathered under a pavilion at a park here for a picnic to celebrate Farmworker Appreciation Day. One sign that this year was different from the others was the menu: Beef fajitas, tortillas, pico de gallo, chips, beans — but no chicken.

27 Aug 2024