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Showing posts from December, 2025

Monoclonal Antibody Shows Promise for PSC Treatment

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  A new monoclonal antibody therapy has shown encouraging results for patients suffering from primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare and progressive liver disease with no approved medical treatment. Researchers from the University of California, Davis have reported that the experimental drug nebokitug appears safe and potentially effective in reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis. The findings have been published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology. Unmet Need in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis PSC is a chronic condition characterised by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, leading to bile accumulation and progressive liver damage. Over time, the disease can result in cirrhosis, liver failure and the need for transplantation. The cause of PSC remains unclear, though most patients also have inflammatory bowel disease, suggesting a gut–liver immune link. Current management is limited to symptom control and monitoring of complications, as no drug therapy has be...

Legionnaires’ Disease

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  Recent reports from New York City reveal an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Central Harlem. Since late July 2025, five confirmed cases have emerged. Health authorities are investigating water sources in affected areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and seek prompt medical care if symptoms arise. About Legionnaires’ Disease Legionnaires’ disease is a severe pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The bacteria thrive in warm water environments such as cooling towers, hot tubs, and large plumbing systems. Infection occurs by inhaling contaminated water droplets. The disease is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial for recovery. Symptoms and Risk Groups Symptoms usually develop 2 to 14 days after exposure. Common signs include high fever, persistent cough, headaches, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Some patients may experience nausea, diarrhoea, or confusion. People aged 50 and above, smoker...

Excellence in Pandemic Research Award - Global Diseases Research Awards

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 The Excellence in Pandemic Research Award celebrates remarkable scientific contributions made during global health emergencies. It honors individuals or research teams whose work has significantly advanced understanding, preparedness, response, or recovery during pandemics such as COVID-19, Ebola, influenza, or other widespread outbreaks. Eligible nominees typically hold advanced degrees and have produced peer-reviewed research that demonstrates real-world impact on policy, public health, or clinical practice. Winners receive international recognition, may be featured in global health publications, and are often invited to present their work at high-profile scientific forums, helping to inspire and strengthen future pandemic science and resilience.  Event Details:  Website: globaldiseases.org  Nomination Link: https://globaldiseases.org/award-nomi.. .  To Contact: contact@globaldiseases.org  Nominate now and celebrate the Excellence in Pandemic Research Aw...

Global Report Warns Coral Reefs Have Crossed Irreversible Warming Threshold

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  The Global Tipping Points report of 2025 reveals that warm-water coral reefs have surpassed their thermal tipping point. This marks an unprecedented dieback of these vital ecosystems. The report, compiled by 160 scientists from 23 countries, marks the severe impact of rising global temperatures driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Coral reefs, often called the rainforests of the oceans, are suffering their worst bleaching on record. This phenomenon threatens marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of nearly one billion people worldwide. Thermal Stress on Coral Reefs Since January 2023, coral reefs have faced extreme thermal stress during the fourth global mass bleaching event in history. About 84.4 per cent of reefs across 82 countries experienced record ocean temperatures. The thermal threshold for warm-water corals, now exceeding 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, has triggered irreversible dieback. Coral reefs support a quarter of all marine species and provide food, income, an...

Heat Stress And Rare Black Band Disease Devastate Great Barrier Reef Corals

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  A severe combination of extreme ocean temperatures and a rare coral disease has caused catastrophic losses among Goniopora corals at One Tree Reef on the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists report that three-quarters of colonies at the study site have died, marking one of the most alarming climate-linked mortality events recorded in recent years. Mass Bleaching Followed By Aggressive Infection Researchers observed that prolonged heat stress triggered widespread bleaching across 112 monitored colonies. Weakened by temperature-induced stress, the corals then succumbed to black band disease, a virulent bacterial infection that rapidly destroys living tissue. The study notes that Goniopora, usually regarded as thermally tolerant, experienced unprecedented mortality, underscoring the severity of conditions. Record-Breaking Temperatures And Disease Dynamics Between late 2023 and early 2025, water temperatures exceeded bleaching thresholds for extended periods, with readings above 28°C for 7...

US FDA Approves AIM-NASH, First AI Tool for Liver Disease Trials

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  The US Food and Drug Administration has approved AIM-NASH, the world’s first AI-based tool designed to support liver disease drug trials. The technology aims to make biopsy interpretation for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) faster, more consistent and more reliable for clinical research. AI Innovation for Liver Biopsy Assessment AIM-NASH analyses digital images of liver biopsy samples and scores key markers of liver injury. These include steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, lobular inflammation and fibrosis stage. By providing quantified, standardised scoring, the tool helps pathologists streamline assessments that are traditionally time-consuming and subject to variability. How AIM-NASH Supports Clinical Trials In current MASH trials, multiple experts independently review each biopsy, often leading to delays and inconsistent scoring. AIM-NASH reduces this bottleneck by producing rapid AI-generated scores aligned with the NASH Clinical Research Network sy...

Climate Change Projections and Global Warming Thresholds

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  Recent climate data indicates a concerning trend in global temperatures. The years 2023 and 2024 recorded unprecedented warmth, intensifying the urgency surrounding climate change. The Paris Agreement established a 2ºC increase as a critical threshold. However, the Alliance of Small Island States advocated for a more stringent limit of 1.5ºC. This shift has prompted scientists to refine their models for predicting climate impacts. About Temperature Thresholds The 1.5ºC and 2ºC thresholds are not scientifically definitive but are based on economic considerations and political negotiations. The original 2ºC limit stems from a 1970s economic model by William Nordhaus. The implications of exceeding these thresholds are complex and uncertain. Current climate models struggle to provide accurate long-term predictions due to the unpredictability of future greenhouse gas emissions. The Role of Climate Models Climate models are essential for projecting future warming scenarios. These model...