New Breakthrough Treatment Could Cure Thousands of High Blood Pressure Cases

New Breakthrough Treatment Could Cure Thousands of High Blood Pressure Cases

Monday, March 10, 2025 / No Comments

 

A groundbreaking treatment could offer a cure for half a million people in the UK suffering from dangerously high blood pressure, a condition often referred to as a “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms and high risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Researchers in London and Cambridge have developed a minimally invasive procedure called targeted thermal therapy (TTT) to tackle primary aldosteronism, a condition responsible for 5% of all high blood pressure cases. This condition occurs when small nodules on the adrenal glands cause excessive salt retention in the body, leading to dangerously high blood pressure levels—sometimes reaching 200/130, far above the healthy 120/80 range.

A Quick and Effective Alternative

TTT, also known as endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation, works by using short bursts of heat to destroy the nodules causing excessive aldosterone production. Unlike traditional surgery to remove an entire adrenal gland, which requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay of several days, TTT takes just 20 minutes under sedation, allowing patients to go home the same day.

A recent 28-patient trial, published in The Lancet, showed promising results:

• 4 patients were able to stop taking medication entirely.
• 12 patients saw significant improvements in blood pressure or needed fewer drugs.
• The treatment successfully reduced excess aldosterone production in 75% of participants.

Transforming Lives

Professor Morris Brown, an expert in endocrine hypertension at Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust, believes this technique could be life-changing for many. “For years, people with this type of high blood pressure had no real alternative to daily medication or major surgery,” he said. “Now, we can remove the problem at its source with a simple procedure and some patients see their blood pressure return to normal the very next day.”

The treatment is currently being tested in a larger 110-patient trial to further assess its effectiveness.

Dr. Pauline Swift, chair of Blood Pressure UK, called the findings “very encouraging” and highlighted the potential for thousands of people to benefit from the new therapy. “High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease, yet it often goes unnoticed until serious complications arise,” she said.

If larger trials confirm these promising results, TTT could become a game-changer for those struggling with hypertension due to primary aldosteronism, offering them a safe, effective, and long-term solution.

Study Finds Bacterial Vaginosis Can Be Transmitted by Male Partners

Study Finds Bacterial Vaginosis Can Be Transmitted by Male Partners

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 / No Comments

 

A new study has found that bacterial vaginosis (BV) can be passed to women by their male sexual partners, challenging long-standing beliefs that the condition is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the study suggests that treating male partners significantly reduces the risk of BV recurrence, potentially reshaping how the infection is managed.

Breakthrough Research

Australian researchers studied monogamous, heterosexual couples where the women had BV. One group received treatment for both the woman and her male partner, while another group treated only the woman.

The results were striking:

• BV returned in 35% of women whose partners were also treated.
• 63% of women in the other group—who were treated alone—saw their infection return.
• Women with treated partners also went longer without experiencing a recurrence.

The findings were so significant that the trial was halted early due to the clear benefits of treating both partners.

Challenge to Medical Guidelines

BV is one of the most common vaginal infections, affecting up to a third of reproductive-aged women. While it is known to be triggered by sexual activity, it has not traditionally been classified as an STI.

Experts say the study provides strong evidence that BV can be sexually transmitted and could lead to new treatment approaches.

Dr. Janet Wilson, a consultant in sexual health, called the research a “big step forward” and criticized the UK’s NHS website for providing “outdated and misleading” information on BV. She urged for medical guidelines to be updated in light of the findings.

With this discovery, BV treatment could soon change worldwide, offering better outcomes for millions of women.

Norovirus Alert: UK Faces Potential Second Wave, Warns Health Security Agency

Norovirus Alert: UK Faces Potential Second Wave, Warns Health Security Agency

Thursday, February 27, 2025 / No Comments

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised concerns about a potential second wave of the norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, as infection rates surge to their highest in over a decade.

A recent shift in circulating strains of the virus means that even those who have already fallen ill this winter could be vulnerable to reinfection. “Norovirus levels are still exceptionally high,” said Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA. “With multiple genotypes spreading simultaneously, people might get infected more than once this season.”

From 3 to 16 February, laboratory-confirmed cases increased by 29% compared to the previous fortnight, and are more than double the five-season average for the same period. This marks the highest prevalence since UKHSA began reporting data this way in 2014.

Impact on Hospitals and Care Homes

The virus is particularly affecting hospitals and care homes, with older adults (65+) being the hardest hit. “The biggest impacts are in health and social care settings,” said Douglas. “Symptoms can be more severe in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.”

Changing Strains and Rising Infections

The GII.17 strain, which was dominant earlier this year, now accounts for 59% of cases, down from 76% in November. Meanwhile, the GII.4 strain, which has been prominent in previous years, has risen sharply to 29% of cases, up from 10% three months ago.

Symptoms and Precautions

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, and muscle aches. Severe cases, especially among vulnerable groups, can lead to dehydration. Staying hydrated is crucial.

UKHSA advises anyone experiencing symptoms to avoid visiting hospitals, care homes, workplaces, schools, or nurseries until 48 hours after symptoms have fully subsided. During this period, it is also recommended to avoid preparing food for others.

Looking Ahead

Although norovirus cases typically decline as warmer weather arrives, UKHSA cautions that it is too early to determine whether the virus has peaked this season. Experts believe the reported cases represent only a fraction of the actual infections, estimating that for every reported case, approximately 288 occur in the community—equating to around 3 million cases annually in the UK.

Brewing Tea May Purify Water by Removing Heavy Metals, Study Reveals

Brewing Tea May Purify Water by Removing Heavy Metals, Study Reveals

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 / No Comments

 

A comforting cup of tea might do more than soothe the soul—it could also help reduce the presence of harmful heavy metals in drinking water.

Scientists at Northwestern University have discovered that tea can effectively remove charged metal ions, such as lead, chromium, and cadmium, from water. The study suggests that the health benefits of tea may not only come from its flavor compounds but also from its ability to bind with and reduce metal contaminants.

During their experiments, researchers brewed black tea in water containing known concentrations of heavy metal ions. After just five minutes of steeping, the concentration of lead ions dropped by approximately 15%. Longer brewing times, higher temperatures, and ground tea leaves further enhanced the tea’s metal-removing potential.

The study, published in ACS Food Science & Technology, also compared different types of tea. Black, green, and white teas proved more effective at reducing lead ions than camomile, rooibos, and oolong teas. Additionally, the materials of tea bags mattered—cellulose bags showed some capacity to reduce metal ions, while cotton and nylon bags did not.

While the health implications of this metal reduction have not been fully explored, lead author Benjamin Shindel noted that even in countries with low lead levels in drinking water, such as the UK, tea might offer a small benefit by marginally lowering metal intake.

Experts caution, however, that drinking tea is not a substitute for proper water purification methods. Instead, the findings could inspire new approaches to developing accessible and sustainable solutions for water contamination—an essential need in many regions worldwide.

Man Whose Eye ‘Melted’ in Acid Attack Thanks Placenta Donor for Sight-Saving Grafts

Man Whose Eye ‘Melted’ in Acid Attack Thanks Placenta Donor for Sight-Saving Grafts

Thursday, February 20, 2025 / No Comments

 

A man who lost vision in his left eye during a brutal acid attack has expressed gratitude to a placenta donor whose contribution provided life-changing tissue grafts.

Paul Laskey, 43, sustained severe injuries while protecting his son from a knife-point robbery in February 2023. During the altercation, Laskey was sprayed in the face with a corrosive substance, believed to be battery acid, causing extensive damage to his left eye.

Doctors at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary determined that the acid had penetrated both the inner and outer layers of his cornea, leaving him completely blind in the affected eye. Over the following eight months, Laskey underwent two emergency transplants and three amniotic tissue grafts, created from donated placenta, offering hope for vision restoration.

Amnion grafts, made from the inner lining of the placenta, are lightweight and transparent, promoting healing of the eye’s surface while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Each donated placenta can produce between 50 and 100 grafts, which can also be used to treat burns and other wounds.

Medical experts highlighted the significance of such donations. Professor Francisco Figueiredo, consultant ophthalmologist at Newcastle Eye Centre, noted that amnion grafts play a crucial role in treating various ocular surface conditions. The grafts, derived from an organ developed to nurture new life, have become a powerful tool in modern medicine.

The attack left a lasting impact on Laskey’s family. He revealed that his son continues to struggle with feelings of guilt, despite being reassured that he was not at fault.

Robbie Scott, the perpetrator of the attack, had his sentence increased from 10 to 11 years by the court of appeal last August.

Laskey’s recovery journey is ongoing, with doctors now considering a stem cell transplant to further restore his vision. He emphasized his gratitude to the anonymous placenta donor, noting how a simple act of generosity could transform lives.

Claire Price, national retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant tissue and eye services, called Laskey’s story a reminder of the profound impact of donations, not only of blood and organs but also of placental tissue.

The innovative use of amnion grafts underscores the growing importance of medical research and tissue donation in offering hope and healing to patients facing life-altering injuries.

First Patient in the UK Tests New Treatment for Smell Loss

First Patient in the UK Tests New Treatment for Smell Loss

Monday, February 17, 2025 / No Comments

 

Chrissi Kelly, the first person in the UK to undergo a groundbreaking treatment for anosmia, a condition involving the loss of the sense of smell, is trialing an innovative procedure that offers hope to many who lost their sense of smell, particularly following viral infections like Covid-19.

For many, the loss of smell was a devastating symptom of Covid, with some never regaining it. While most people regain their sense of smell as they recover from the infection, others experience persistent anosmia, leaving them unable to detect everyday smells like spoiled food, or the fragrance of a newborn baby.

Kelly, who lost her sense of smell in 2012 after a sinus infection, has described anosmia as “like a bereavement.” She later developed parosmia, where common smells become distorted, such as the scent of food turning into the stench of rotting flesh. For years, her only relief came from retraining her sense of smell through inhaling familiar scents like coffee. However, a breakthrough has now emerged in medical research.

The treatment Kelly is receiving involves platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections derived from her own blood. PRP has been found to potentially help regenerate the olfactory nerve, the part of the brain that controls our sense of smell. This development stems from research by Prof Zara Patel, who discovered that PRP could help rebuild the damaged olfactory nerve, offering a viable treatment for anosmia, even years after the initial loss.

The first clinical trials have shown promising results. Patients have experienced significant improvement, and the treatment has already helped individuals recover their sense of smell long after losing it, including a case where a man regained his sense of smell 45 years after losing it.

Although the treatment is still in its early stages, experts like Prof Claire Hopkins are optimistic about its potential. It is hoped that the procedure could soon be offered more widely, particularly within the NHS, due to its minimally invasive nature and the use of the patient's own blood, which simplifies the approval process.

While Kelly has only received the initial injection, she is cautiously optimistic. She has started to notice subtle improvements, such as being able to recognize certain scents in her environment that she could not previously detect.

This new treatment represents a ray of hope for those suffering from anosmia and its severe form, parosmia, potentially offering a way to restore a vital sense many thought lost forever.

Cambridge Researchers Unveil HYPOMAP: A Detailed Brain Map Offering New Insights for Obesity and Diabetes Treatment

Cambridge Researchers Unveil HYPOMAP: A Detailed Brain Map Offering New Insights for Obesity and Diabetes Treatment

Friday, February 7, 2025 / No Comments

 

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have revealed the most comprehensive and intricate map of the human hypothalamus to date, offering groundbreaking insights into a key area of the brain that governs essential physiological functions such as appetite, metabolism, and sleep. Known as HYPOMAP, this detailed map is a crucial step forward in neuroscience, as it identifies over 450 distinct types of cells within the hypothalamus.

What sets this study apart is the recognition of notable differences between the human and mouse brain in the hypothalamic region. By mapping these variations, the research team has provided a clearer understanding of how these neural circuits operate in humans, which has previously been difficult to study due to the limitations of existing animal models.

The HYPOMAP initiative holds significant potential for future medical advancements, particularly in the development of targeted treatments for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. By understanding the specific neural pathways involved in these conditions, the research opens the door for developing more precise interventions that focus on the exact cells or circuits responsible, rather than relying on more generalized approaches. This targeted approach is crucial for improving the efficacy of treatments and minimizing side effects.

This breakthrough is not only a major leap for neuroscience but also an invaluable resource for the scientific community. The map is published as open-access, allowing researchers around the world to use it to further drug development, explore new treatment possibilities, and expand our knowledge of the brain’s complex functions.

Lung Cancer Cases Rising Among Non-Smokers: Air Pollution Identified as Key Risk Factor

Lung Cancer Cases Rising Among Non-Smokers: Air Pollution Identified as Key Risk Factor

Monday, February 3, 2025 / No Comments

 

A groundbreaking study by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a branch of the World Health Organization (WHO), has revealed an alarming global increase in lung cancer cases among individuals who have never smoked. This shift in epidemiological patterns underscores the urgent need for more research into non-tobacco-related carcinogenic factors, with air pollution emerging as a critical contributor.

Adenocarcinoma: The Predominant Subtype

The study, published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, highlights a stark transformation in lung cancer pathology. Historically, smoking-related subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) were the most prevalent. However, adenocarcinoma—a subtype that originates in the mucus-producing cells of the lungs—has now become the dominant form, particularly among non-smokers.

In 2022 alone, approximately 200,000 cases of adenocarcinoma were directly linked to air pollution exposure, with East Asia, especially China, bearing the highest burden. This shift is thought to be due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and toxic airborne compounds, which can penetrate deep into lung tissue, inducing mutations and inflammatory responses that contribute to oncogenesis.

Changing Risk Profiles: The Role of Air Pollution

Dr. Freddie Bray, head of IARC’s cancer surveillance branch, emphasized that lung cancer incidence is undergoing a fundamental transformation. With smoking prevalence in decline across many high-income nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom, a larger proportion of diagnosed lung cancer cases are now among never-smokers.

Crucially, the study calls for enhanced epidemiological surveillance and molecular investigations to determine the precise mechanisms by which air pollution fosters carcinogenesis. The increasing proportion of adenocarcinomas attributable to environmental pollutants suggests that, in the coming decades, ambient air pollution may eclipse tobacco as the primary global driver of lung cancer.

Gender Disparities and Emerging Trends

While lung cancer incidence among men has generally declined over the past four decades, rates among women have continued to climb. In 2022, 1.6 million men and 900,000 women were diagnosed with lung cancer worldwide. The narrowing gender gap aligns with previous findings that women may be more biologically susceptible to the harmful effects of air pollution and other environmental carcinogens.

The Guardian previously reported that, in the UK, the number of women diagnosed with lung cancer has surpassed that of men for the first time. This shift is attributed to historical smoking trends—with female smoking rates peaking decades later than those of men—as well as increased environmental exposure risks.

A Call for Policy Action

The findings have profound public health implications, reinforcing the need for:

• Stringent air quality regulations, particularly in urban and industrialized regions.
• Improved lung cancer screening strategies, potentially expanding eligibility criteria beyond traditional smoking history.
• Greater investment in research to dissect the interplay between genetic predisposition, environmental exposure, and immune response in lung carcinogenesis.

As Dr. Bray notes, “Understanding how lung cancer risk factors are evolving is essential for optimizing prevention strategies. Tobacco control remains a priority, but air pollution mitigation must now be recognized as a crucial cancer prevention strategy as well.”

Future Outlook

While tobacco-related lung cancer remains a major global health concern, it is evident that non-smoking-associated lung cancer (NSCLC-NS) is becoming an epidemiological and clinical priority. With accumulating evidence linking airborne pollutants to adenocarcinoma pathogenesis, proactive measures must be taken to curb environmental exposures and develop targeted therapeutic strategies for affected populations.

The study’s revelations serve as an urgent call to governments, healthcare professionals, and researchers to rethink cancer prevention efforts in the modern era—one where industrialization, climate change, and air quality now play a decisive role in global cancer burden.

For further inquiries, the IARC and WHO recommend continued public health vigilance and increased cross-disciplinary research into airborne carcinogens and lung cancer etiology.