EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health - News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 15-Aug-2025 08:10 ET (15-Aug-2025 12:10 GMT/UTC)

HPV drives tumor development in rare nasal cancers

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can drive tumor development in some rare sinonasal squamous cell carcinomas (SNSCCs), according to a new comprehensive study of these tumors from investigators at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. The researchers also identified common mutations among these cancers and a potential combination treatment during the study, which was partially supported by the National Institutes of Health.

Journal: Nature Communications
Funder: Center for Cancer Research, Investigator-Initiated Studies Program of Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

CCNE1 promotes the progression of hepatic precancerous lesion and the malignant phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma

Xia & He Publishing Inc.
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The diagnosis of hepatic precancerous lesions (HPC) and early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has significant public health implications and holds the potential to reduce the global burden of HCC. This study aimed to identify molecular features and biomarkers associated with HPC progression and early HCC development.

Journal: Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology

Ultrasound scanning end-effector with adjustable constant contact force

Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A research article published by the University of Macau presented a robotic US scanning system based on a hybrid active–passive force control method, which can be helpful in modern medical treatment via US imaging.

The new research paper, published on May. 2 in the journal Cyborg and Bionic Systems, summarized a robotic ultrasound scanning system with a constant-force end-effector. Its uniqueness is the introduction of a hybrid active–passive force control approach to maintaining a constant contact force between the ultrasound probe and the continually changing surface.

Journal: Cyborg and Bionic Systems

New JNCCN study showcases how telehealth helps overcome geographic and resource gaps in cancer care globally

National Comprehensive Cancer Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

New research in JNCCN found that older people with cancer had better daily functioning, improved mood, stronger illness understanding, and a higher quality of life if they participated in a telehealth-based care program.

Journal: Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network

BU researchers awarded NIH grant to train physician-scientists

Boston University School of Medicine
Grant and Award Announcement

Vickery Trinkaus-Randall, PhD, professor of biochemistry & cell biology, and ophthalmology at Boston University (BU) Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, and Steven Borkan, MD, associate professor of medicine at the school, have received a multi-PI T32 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The five-year, $1.6M award will help recruit, train and inspire four MD/PhD students per year to become clinician scientists by providing research and clinical training at the school and Boston Medical Center (BMC) and ultimately be conferred with a MD/PhD. It is the first time BU has received this grant for its MD/PhD program.

New therapeutic strategy designed to help lower cholesterol levels

University of Barcelona
Peer-Reviewed Publication

When the amount of cholesterol in the blood is too high, hypercholesterolemia can develop, causing serious damage to the arteries and cardiovascular health. Now, a study led by the University of Barcelona and the University of Oregon presents a new therapeutic tool capable of regulating blood cholesterol levels and thus opening up new perspectives in the fight against atherosclerosis caused by the accumulation of lipid plaques in the artery walls.

Journal: Biochemical Pharmacology

Green light activates this antibiotic only where it’s needed

American Chemical Society
Peer-Reviewed Publication

To treat bacterial infections, medical professionals prescribe antibiotics. But not all active medicine gets used up by the body. Some of it ends up in wastewater, where antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can develop. Now, to make a more efficient antibiotic treatment, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science modified penicillin, so that it’s activated only by green light. In early tests, the approach precisely controlled bacterial growth and improved survival outcomes for infected insects.

Journal: ACS Central Science