Health & Medicine
Overnight orthokeratology: the treatment and control of childhood myopia comes of age
Overnight orthokeratology is a refinement or advancement of the clinical technique of contact lens-based orthokeratology (OK), which has been in use worldwide since the 1960s. It is a corneal refractive therapy used in the treatment of conditions of the eye, principally myopia (short-sightedness), but also presbyopia (long-sightedness), hyperopia (age-related loss of ability to focus on near objects) and astigmatism (an […]
Acoustic waves to brain signals: Identifying the gating spring
The inner workings of our ears have been well understood for some time, but there is still significant debate among researchers over how acoustic vibrations are converted into electrical brain signals. In his research, Dr Jim Hudspeth at The Rockefeller University sheds new light on the discussion, by studying the proteins which connect tiny vibrating hairs in the inner ear with […]
Divine forgiveness may improve mental health
Experiencing divine forgiveness is important to self forgiveness, which, in turn impacts the quality of our relationships as well as our mental health and well-being. Professors Frank D. Fincham and Ross W. May of Florida State University, have presented preliminary evidence that feeling forgiven by God is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in a sample of healthy emerging adults. The authors […]
Preventing nickel allergy using various topcoats for decorative items
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of skin reaction that can be aggravated by nickel causing the skin to become red and itchy. Clive Whittington (Managing Director of C.M. Whittington & Associates Ltd) and Dr W. Y. Lo (Secretary General, Hong Kong Surface Finishing Society) have tested a range of coatings over nickel-based decorative articles such as costume jewellery and watches, to […]
Robotics: the future of liver surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery, sometimes known as keyhole surgery, has proven benefits over traditional open surgery. One type of minimally invasive surgery involves the use of high-tech robotics. Dr Alejandro Mejia of the Methodist Digestive Institute, Dallas, TX, USA, is a leading expert in minimally invasive liver surgery. Along with his team, Dr Mejia uses his first-hand knowledge to investigate different […]
Anagrelide: Finding new use as an adjuvant therapy in cancer management
Dr Richard Franklin, Anagrelide Project Director at SUDA Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is pioneering a radically new application which would see the platelet-lowering drug anagrelide developed as an oromucosal spray formulation. This has the potential to make the most of its recently discovered ability to block cancer cell-stimulated platelet formation and to inhibit cancer cell migration towards platelet precursors (megakaryocytes) while at […]
A valid and reliable clinical outcome measure for patellofemoral instability
Patellofemoral instability can be an extremely debilitating and painful condition. Recognising that the previous outcome measures used to assess patients after treatment were not ideal for patellofemoral instability, Dr Laurie Hiemstra, based at Banff Sport Medicine in Alberta, Canada, designed a new assessment questionnaire specifically for these patients. After testing and researching an initial version, the research team completed further […]
Whole-body MRI more efficient than multiple scans at assessing spread of cancer
For most patients, a cancer diagnosis means some tough times ahead. Standard assessments to determine the best treatment can be time-consuming, adding to the patient’s stress and anxiety. Professor Stuart Taylor, based at the University College London Hospital, wants to see a more widespread use of whole-body MRI scans in cancer patients. He proposes this as a faster and cheaper […]
Crisis management techniques transform adolescent behaviour
Adolescence is a transitional period following childhood, during which we begin to comprehend what it means to be an adult. Heartbreakingly, children growing up in highly stressful, violent and abusive circumstances can be left behind at this stage. They often develop coping strategies that do not prepare them well for adolescence and which can lead to three serious crises: suicide, aggression […]
Core outcome set for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease
The research of Dr Merit Tabbers, Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands, focuses on functional gastrointestinal disorders, home parenteral nutrition and evidence-based clinical guideline development. In particular, she has been involved in the analysis and development of consensus definitions, research recommendations and specified outcome measures to guide clinical trials, thus improving quality of care for infant gastroesophageal reflux disease. Gastroesophageal reflux is […]