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An endemic virus is one that circulates normally in a certain location, being relatively constant in a population, and with quite predictable patterns. Rhinoviruses, which cause the common cold, circulate endemically around the world, and influenza is an endemic virus with epidemic and pandemic potential. Due to widespread public health …

A meta-analysis of published data has indicated that zinc supplements have a role in preventing and treating upper respiratory infections caused by viruses (other than SARS-CoV-2) in adults. A total of 28 randomized controlled trials for zinc in preventing or treating respiratory viral infections in adults were identified by the …

A new study by the University of Michigan and the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, U.S.A., could help decide whether to increase the dose of an existing drug, or add a new one, to bring down blood pressure that is still not satisfactorily controlled with an existing drug regimen. The …

Depression—a mental health disorder that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts— affects about 1 in 15 adults in any given year, with 1 in 6 experiencing it at some time in their life. About 3.4% of the world’s population has depression, which is characterized by: • Sad, …

A new study has found that short naps are not effective in mitigating the negative cognitive effects of sleep deprivation. Michigan State University’s Sleep and Learning Lab, where the study was conducted, concluded that a nap during the day will not restore a sleepless night. However, while short naps didn’t …

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are cartilage-like structures that surround inhibitory neurons in the brain, and their primary function is to control the level of plasticity in the brain. They contain chondroitin sulphates, some of which—like chondroitin 4-sulphate—inhibit neuroplasticity, while others like chondroitin 6-sulphate promote neuroplasticity. The balance of these compounds changes …

  Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, U.S.A., have found that zinc or vitamin C, singly or in combination, do not significantly decrease the severity or duration of symptoms in COVID-19- patients, when compared to standard care. Zinc, which is important for immune function, has a role in antibody and white …

Scientists are exploring whether vaccination in necessary for people who’ve already been infected with SARS-CoV-2 infection. While some recommend that they still get a single dose of vaccine, a new study from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio has found that people who’ve already had COVID-19 may not require vaccination. They …

NIFTY® (Non-Invasive Fetal TrisomY test) of BGI Diagnosis Co. Ltd., China, is a non-invasive prenatal test that offers screening for certain genetic conditions due to extra or missing genetic information in the baby’s DNA. The test uses the latest genetic sequencing technology and has over 99% accuracy for the three …

President Donald Trump was the first to accuse China of being responsible for leaking the SARS-CoV-2 virus from its laboratory in Wuhan. He was ridiculed by one and all for what mainstream media called propagation of a ridiculous conspiracy theory. Now, a year-and-a-half later, his successor President Biden has been …