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From precious metals to maggots, physicians have tried just about everything to help reverse the negative spiral of chronic wounds. And for good reason – these types of non-healing wounds currently cost the healthcare system in excess of $20 billion a year, and millions of sufferers endure months of pain, disability and the constant concern of infection. Now, scientists are testing an experimental electrified mesh bandage that zaps bacteria and stimulates tissue healing.

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As the nation’s obesity rate continues to skyrocket, scientists across the country are combing the health records of 1.6 million kids to determine if childhood antibiotic use causes weight gain later in life.

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As the threat of the Zika virus rips through the Americas and news headlines, another more deadly tropical disease is also on the move: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic infection that currently endangers an estimated 350 million people around the world. By combining two decades of research, ancient tribal medicine and the latest in gene editing technology – a team of scientists is creating what could be the first ever live-attenuated vaccine to prevent Leishmaniasis both here and abroad.

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Since its introduction nearly 23 years ago, the popular injectable contraceptive depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) has been associated with causing substantial weight gain in some adolescent girls. Without being able to identify or predict which girls will gain weight on the drug, physicians typically counsel all teens receiving DMPA to simply eat less. New research suggests that the message may need to change to “eat better.”

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While there is substantial evidence that diet and body weight can impact cancer development, recurrence, and progression – for the estimated 14.5 million cancer survivors in the US, there are few resources available to help them optimize their dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors after active cancer treatment is over. Now, new research shows that cancer survivors who participated in a multifaceted urban garden intervention improved their health behaviors, significantly reduced their weight, and improved biomarkers of health – all major improvements related to a reduced risk for developing a secondary cancer or illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. The unique program is promising and could be used as an evidence-based blueprint for other chronic conditions.

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First ever BRUTx event shares researchers' personal experiences that have led to healthcare innovations ranging from life-saving apps to the next cure for diabetes, to discovering solutions for the the world's global health problems in an Ethiopian village.

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The use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic has been on the decline amid growing concerns that the compound’s estrogen-mimicking properties may cause dangerous hormonal disruptions. Despite the reduction, BPA remains a ubiquitous substance, found in thousands of products. Cashiers who frequently handle thermal printed receipts may be exposed to higher levels of BPA than the general population. For the first time, researchers are studying this workforce segment to measure how their exposure may differ from that of the general population.

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It’s the season for backyard grilling, campfires, fireworks – and burn injuries. Over the next few months, U.S. burn centers will see thousands of severe burns requiring painful skin grafts and lengthy treatment. Researchers are developing new ways to use already approved therapies to help alleviate the anxiety and pain of burn treatments – as well as improve outcomes.

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Despite the intense activity and high hopes that surround the use of stem cells to reverse heart disease, scientists still face multiple roadblocks before the treatment will be ready for clinical prime time. Researchers are now finding ways to maximize the healing potential of stem cells by helping them overcome the inhospitable conditions of a damaged heart – bringing the promise of stem cell therapy for heart disease one step closer to reality.

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The microbiome of a toddler’s gut may influence their behavior, a new study suggests. Scientists found correlations between temperament and the presence of specific types of intestinal bacteria in both girls and boys. The researchers aren’t looking for a way to help parents modify the ‘terrible twos,’ but for clues about how - and where - chronic illnesses like obesity, asthma, allergies and bowel diseases start.

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As the childhood obesity epidemic increases, researchers are discovering that the way caregivers feed their kids may be just as important as what they give them to eat. A new study reviews how a mother’s body mass index (BMI), ethnicity and personal eating habits may influence how she feeds her child.

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In the midst of the growing and often conflicting data around the benefits of statins, researchers are developing gene-based resources to help improve statin efficacy and cost-effectiveness and to reduce the incidence of adverse effects – some of which can be fatal.

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A new study offers insight into the attitudes around the growing – and unregulated – practice of breast milk sharing. Results indicate that friends and relatives are sharing breast milk with each other, but that many may not be aware of the risks, even when the milk is from someone they know. The study also found that healthcare practitioners are being left out of the milk-sharing dialogue– and that there are untapped opportunities to encourage women to donate desperately needed, extra breast milk for premature babies.

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Inspired by a half century’s worth of big tobacco research around the taste of nicotine, a smoking cessation scientist is working to understand how a person’s taste perception might make them a better or worse candidate for oral nicotine replacement therapy.

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Age, disease and even playing certain sports like basketball can increase a person’s risk of developing a detached retina. While surgery is typically used to treat the condition, subsequent scarring and damage to the retina can cause permanent vision problems or even blindness. New research is exploring the biochemical processes that lead to retinal scarring in the hopes of developing the first ever drug intervention to help improve the way retinas heal.

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The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy can help people who have both obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension lower their blood pressure, which in turn could possibly reduce their risk of suffering a deadly heart attack or stroke in the future. However, the data is unclear on the impact of CPAP use in millions of OSA-sufferers who have a resistant form of hypertension that doesn’t significantly improve despite multi-drug therapy. A global research team recently looked at a set of pooled data and determined that untreated OSA may be one reason why resistant hypertension doesn’t respond to traditional therapy, and that CPAP use may yield even greater blood pressure reductions in this difficult to treat population than expected.

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Despite the prevalence of Sjögren’s syndrome – an autoimmune disease most commonly known for causing dry eyes and mouth - a lack of knowledge about how the condition starts has stalled the development of new treatments. Researchers have now developed a specialized animal model of Sjögren’s that engrafts human cells into mice, allowing scientists to track various factors that affect disease development and discover potential new therapies.

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While many smokers may make quitting part of their New Year’s resolution – a new study may give some yet another reason to stop – the negative impact cigarette smoke has on chronic wounds. Despite the fact that chronic wounds cost up to $25 billion to treat annually, healthcare providers often don’t discuss smoking with their chronic wound patients. New research explores the connection between non-healing wounds and smoking – and the missed opportunities to help patients understand how their habit is hurting their ability to heal.

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Amid rising healthcare expenditures, an innovative software program called TimeCaT is helping hospitals identify where inefficiencies in workflow are impacting both the quality of patient care and the bottom line.