Despite the progress in the development of novel treatment modalities, a significant portion of patients with psoriasis remains undertreated relative to the severity of their disease. Recent evidence points to targeting the glucose transporter 1 and sugar metabolism as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of psoriasis and other hyperproliferative skin diseases. In this review, we discuss glycoconjugation, an approach that facilitates the pharmacokinetics of cytotoxic molecules and ensures their preferential influx through glucose transporters. We propose pathways of glycoconjugate synthesis to increase effectiveness, cellular selectivity, and tolerability of widely used antipsoriatic drugs. The presented approach exploiting the heightened glucose requirement of proliferating keratinocytes bears the potential to revolutionize the management of psoriasis.

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) agonists have therapeutic potential in clinical indications in which the integrity or absorptive function of the intestinal mucosa is compromised, such as in short bowel syndrome (SBS). Native hGLP-2, a 33–amino acid peptide secreted from the small intestine, contributes to nutritional absorption but has a very short half-life because of enzymatic cleavage and renal clearance and thus is of limited therapeutic value. The GLP-2 analog teduglutide (Revestive/Gattex; Shire Inc.) has been approved for use in SBS since 2012 but has a once-daily injection regimen. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic studies confirm that apraglutide, a novel GLP-2 analog, has very low clearance, long elimination half-life, and high plasma protein binding compared with GLP-2 analogs teduglutide and glepaglutide. Apraglutide and teduglutide retain potency and selectivity at the GLP-2 receptor comparable to native hGLP-2, whereas glepaglutide was less potent and less selective. In rat intravenous PK studies, hGLP-2, teduglutide, glepaglutide, and apraglutide had clearances of 25, 9.9, 2.8, and 0.27 ml/kg per minute, respectively, and elimination half-lives of 6.4, 19, 16, and 159 minutes, respectively. The unique PK profile of apraglutide administered via intravenous and subcutaneous routes was confirmed in monkey and minipig and translated into significantly greater in vivo pharmacodynamic activity, measured as small intestinal growth in rats. Apraglutide showed greater intestinotrophic activity than the other peptides when administered at less-frequent dosing intervals because of its prolonged half-life. We postulate that apraglutide offers several advantages over existing GLP-2 analogs and is an excellent candidate for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, such as SBS.

The microtubule-binding taxanes, docetaxel and cabazitaxel, are administered intravenously for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) as the oral administration of these drugs is largely hampered by their low and highly variable bioavailabilities. Using a simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly microwave-assisted protocol, we have synthesized a number of 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles 2a-l, thus allowing for their screening for antiproliferative activity in the androgen-independent PC3 prostate cancer cell line. Surprisingly, two of these structurally simple 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles (2a and 2l) had concentrations which gave 50% of the maximal inhibition of cell proliferation (GI₅₀) in the low micromolar range in the PC3 cell line and were thus selected for extensive further biologic evaluation (apoptosis and cell cycle analysis, and effects on tubulin and microtubules). Our findings from these studies show that 3,5-bis[(1E)-2(2,6-dichlorophenyl)ethenyl]-1H-pyrazole 2l 1) caused significant effects on the cell cycle in PC3 cells, with the vast majority of treated cells in the G₂/M phase (89%); 2) induces cell death in PC3 cells even after the removal of the compound; 3) binds to tubulin [dissociation constant (K_d) 0.4 ± 0.1 μM] and inhibits tubulin polymerization in vitro; 4) had no effect upon the polymerization of the bacterial cell division protein FtsZ (a homolog of tubulin); 5) is competitive with paclitaxel for binding to tubulin but not with vinblastine, crocin, or colchicine; and 6) leads to microtubule depolymerization in PC3 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that 3,5-bis(styryl)pyrazoles warrant further investigation as lead compounds for the treatment of CRPC.

Background and objectives

The effects of active case finding (ACF) models that mobilise community networks for early identification and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) remain unknown. We investigated and compared the effect of community-based ACF using a seed-and-recruit model with one-off roving ACF and passive case finding (PCF) on the time to treatment initiation and identification of bacteriologically confirmed TB.

Eligibility criteria for a biologic treatment for severe asthma include poor disease control despite a full medication plan according to Global Initiative for Asthma steps 4–5 [1]. Adherence to inhaled therapy should be verified as part of that prescription requirement [2]. In fact, it has been demonstrated that poor adherence is a major cause of uncontrolled asthma, regardless of its severity [3]. Furthermore, biologics do not exert a disease-modifying effect [4]; in contrast to allergen immunotherapy, which is able to permanently modulate the way the immune system reacts to allergens beyond the immunotherapy treatment course [5], biologic therapy withdrawal usually leads to asthma relapse [4]. Thus, a low adherence rate to inhaled treatment in patients undergoing biologic therapy raises some issues related to sustainability.

ABSTRACT

Bezlotoxumab is a human monoclonal antibody against Clostridium difficile toxin B, indicated to prevent recurrence of C. difficile infection (rCDI) in high-risk adults receiving antibacterial treatment for CDI. An exploratory genome-wide association study investigated whether human genetic variation influences bezlotoxumab response. DNA from 704 participants who achieved initial clinical cure in the phase 3 MODIFY I/II trials was genotyped. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) imputation were performed using IMPUTE2 and HIBAG, respectively. A joint test of genotype and genotype-by-treatment interaction in a logistic regression model was used to screen genetic variants associated with response to bezlotoxumab. The SNP rs2516513 and the HLA alleles HLA-DRB1*07:01 and HLA-DQA1*02:01, located in the extended major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6, were associated with the reduction of rCDI in bezlotoxumab-treated participants. Carriage of a minor allele (homozygous or heterozygous) at any of the identified loci was related to a larger difference in the proportion of participants experiencing rCDI versus placebo; the effect was most prominent in the subgroup at high baseline risk for rCDI. Genotypes associated with an improved bezlotoxumab response showed no association with rCDI in the placebo cohort. These data suggest that a host-driven, immunological mechanism may impact bezlotoxumab response. Trial registration numbers are as follows: NCT01241552 (MODIFY I) and NCT01513239 (MODIFY II).

IMPORTANCE Clostridium difficile infection is associated with significant clinical morbidity and mortality; antibacterial treatments are effective, but recurrence of C. difficile infection is common. In this genome-wide association study, we explored whether host genetic variability affected treatment responses to bezlotoxumab, a human monoclonal antibody that binds C. difficile toxin B and is indicated for the prevention of recurrent C. difficile infection. Using data from the MODIFY I/II phase 3 clinical trials, we identified three genetic variants associated with reduced rates of C. difficile infection recurrence in bezlotoxumab-treated participants. The effects were most pronounced in participants at high risk of C. difficile infection recurrence. All three variants are located in the extended major histocompatibility complex on chromosome 6, suggesting the involvement of a host-driven immunological mechanism in the prevention of C. difficile infection recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

The effect of early-life antibiotic treatment on the risk of type 1 diabetes is debated. This study assessed this question, applying a register-based design in children up to age 10 years including a large sibling-control analysis.

MYC translocations, a hallmark of Burkitt lymphoma, occur in 5-15% of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and have a negative prognostic impact. Numerical aberrations of MYC have also been detected in these patients, but their incidence and prognostic role are still controversial. We analyzed the clinical impact of MYC increased copy number on 385 patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma screened at diagnosis for MYC, BCL2, and BCL6 rearrangements. We enumerated the number of MYC copies, defining as amplified those cases with an uncountable number of extra-copies. The prevalence of MYC translocation, increased copy number and amplification was 8.8%, 15%, and 1%, respectively. Patients with 3 or 4 gene copies, accounting for more than 60% of patients with MYC copy number changes, had a more favorable outcome compared to patients with >4 copies or translocation of MYC, and were not influenced by the type of treatment received as first-line. Stratification according to the number of MYC extra-copies showed a negative correlation between an increasing number of copies and survival. Patients with >7 copies or the amplification of MYC had the poorest prognosis. Patients with >4 copies of MYC showed a similar, trending towards worse prognosis compared to patients with MYC translocation. The survival of patients with >4 copies, translocation or amplification of MYC seemed to be superior if intensive treatments were used. Our study underlines the importance of fluorescence in situ hybridization testing at diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma to detect the rather frequent and clinically significant numerical aberrations of MYC.

BackgroundA brief intervention whereby GPs opportunistically facilitate an NHS-funded referral to a weight loss programme is clinically and cost-effective.AimTo test the acceptability of a brief intervention and attendance at a weight loss programme when GPs facilitate a referral that requires patients to pay for the service.Design and settingAn observational study of the effect of a GP encouraging attendance at a weight loss programme requiring self-payment in the West Midlands from 16 October 2018 to 30 November 2018, to compare with a previous trial in England in which the service was NHS-funded.MethodSixty patients with obesity who consecutively attended primary care appointments received an opportunistic brief intervention by a GP to endorse and offer a referral to a weight loss programme at the patient’s own expense. Participants were randomised to GPs who either stated the weekly monetary cost of the programme (basic cost) or who compared the weekly cost to an everyday discretionary item (cost comparison). Participants were subsequently asked to report whether they had attended a weight loss programme.ResultsOverall, 47% of participants (n = 28) accepted the referral; 50% (n = 15) in the basic cost group and 43% (n = 13) in the cost comparison group. This was significantly less than in a previous study when the programme was NHS-funded (77%, n = 722/940; P<0.0001). Most participants reported the intervention to be helpful/very helpful and appropriate/very appropriate (78%, n = 46/59 and 85%, n = 50/59, respectively) but scores were significantly lower than when the programme was NHS-funded (92% n = 851/922 and 88% n = 813/922, respectively; P = 0.004). One person (2%) attended the weight loss programme, which is significantly lower than the 40% of participants who attended when the programme was NHS-funded (P<0.0001).ConclusionGP referral to a weight loss programme that requires patients to pay rather than offering an NHS-funded programme is acceptable; however, it results in almost no attendance.

Combined pre-and post-capillary hypertension (CpcPH) is a relatively common complication of heart failure (HF) associated with a poor prognosis. Currently, there is no specific therapy approved for this entity. Recently, treatment with beta-3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) agonists was able to improve pulmonary hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) performance in a translational, large animal model of chronic PH. The authors present the design of a phase II randomized clinical trial that tests the benefits of mirabegron (a clinically available β3AR agonist) in patients with CpcPH due to HF. The effect of β3AR treatment will be evaluated on pulmonary hemodynamics, as well as clinical, biochemical, and advanced cardiac imaging parameters. (Beta3 Agonist Treatment in Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension Secondary to Heart Failure [SPHERE-HF]; NCT02775539)

Purpose:

Unleashing the immune system by PD-1 and/or CTLA-4 blockade can cause severe immune-related toxicity necessitating immunosuppressive treatment. Whether immunosuppression for toxicity impacts survival is largely unknown.

Purpose:

Currently, an optimal therapeutic strategy comprising molecularly targeted agents for treating EGFR-mutated non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with acquired resistance to osimertinib is not available. Therefore, the initial therapeutic intervention is crucial for the prolonged survival of these patients. The activation of anexelekto (AXL) signaling is known to be associated with intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs). In this study, we investigated the best therapeutic strategy to combat AXL-induced tolerance to EGFR-TKIs using the novel AXL inhibitor ONO-7475.

Purpose:

Multiple myeloma (MM) patients with disease refractory to all available drugs have a poor outcome, indicating the need for new agents with novel mechanisms of action.

Purpose:

Gastrointestinal cancers remain areas of high unmet need despite advances in targeted and immunotherapies. Here, we demonstrate potent, tumor-selective efficacy with PF-07062119, a T-cell engaging CD3 bispecific targeting tumors expressing Guanylyl Cyclase C (GUCY2C), which is expressed widely across colorectal cancer and other gastrointestinal malignancies. In addition, to address immune evasion mechanisms, we explore combinations with immune checkpoint blockade agents and with antiangiogenesis therapy.

Treating malaria in HIV-coinfected individuals should consider potential drug-drug interactions. Artemether-lumefantrine is the most widely recommended treatment for uncomplicated malaria globally. Lumefantrine is metabolized by CYP3A4, an enzyme that commonly used antiretrovirals often induce or inhibit. A population pharmacokinetic meta-analysis was conducted using individual participant data from 10 studies with 6,100 lumefantrine concentrations from 793 nonpregnant adult participants (41% HIV-malaria-coinfected, 36% malaria-infected, 20% HIV-infected, and 3% healthy volunteers). Lumefantrine exposure increased 3.4-fold with coadministration of lopinavir-ritonavir-based antiretroviral therapy (ART), while it decreased by 47% with efavirenz-based ART and by 59% in the patients with rifampin-based antituberculosis treatment. Nevirapine- or dolutegravir-based ART and malaria or HIV infection were not associated with significant effects. Monte Carlo simulations showed that those on concomitant efavirenz or rifampin have 49% and 80% probability of day 7 concentrations <200 ng/ml, respectively, a threshold associated with an increased risk of treatment failure. The risk of achieving subtherapeutic concentrations increases with larger body weight. An extended 5-day and 6-day artemether-lumefantrine regimen is predicted to overcome these drug-drug interactions with efavirenz and rifampin, respectively.

The comparative efficacy of ceftazidime-avibactam and meropenem-vaborbactam for treatment of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections remains unknown. This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of adults with CRE infections who received ceftazidime-avibactam or meropenem-vaborbactam for ≥72 hours from February 2015 to October 2018. Patients with a localized urinary tract infection and repeat study drug exposures after the first episode were excluded. The primary endpoint was clinical success compared between treatment groups. Secondary endpoints included 30- and 90-day mortality, adverse events (AE), 90-day CRE infection recurrence, and development of resistance in patients with recurrent infection. A post hoc subgroup analysis was completed comparing patients who received ceftazidime-avibactam monotherapy, ceftazidime-avibactam combination therapy, and meropenem-vaborbactam monotherapy. A total of 131 patients were included (ceftazidime-avibactam, n = 105; meropenem-vaborbactam, n = 26), 40% of whom had bacteremia. No significant difference in clinical success was observed between groups (62% versus 69%; P = 0.49). Patients in the ceftazidime-avibactam arm received combination therapy more often than patients in the meropenem-vaborbactam arm (61% versus 15%; P < 0.01). No difference in 30- and 90-day mortality resulted, and rates of AE were similar between groups. In patients with recurrent infection, development of resistance occurred in three patients that received ceftazidime-avibactam monotherapy and in no patients in the meropenem-vaborbactam arm. Clinical success was similar between patients receiving ceftazidime-avibactam and meropenem-vaborbactam for treatment of CRE infections, despite ceftazidime-avibactam being used more often as a combination therapy. Development of resistance was more common with ceftazidime-avibactam monotherapy.

Animal models of bacterial infection have been widely used to explore the in vivo activity of antibacterial drugs. These data are often submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to support human use in an investigational new drug application (IND). To better understand the range and scientific use of animal models in regulatory submissions, a database was created surveying recent pneumonia models submitted as part of IND application packages. The IND studies were compared to animal models of bacterial pneumonia published in the scientific literature over the same period of time. In this review, we analyze the key experimental design elements, such as animal species, immune status, pathogens selected, and route of administration, and study endpoints.

The RESTORE-IMI 1 phase 3 trial demonstrated the efficacy and safety of imipenem-cilastatin (IMI) combined with relebactam (REL) for treating imipenem-nonsusceptible infections. The objective of this analysis was to compare the outcomes among patients meeting eligibility requirements based on central laboratory susceptibility versus local laboratory susceptibility. Patients with serious infections caused by imipenem-nonsusceptible, colistin-susceptible, and imipenem-REL-susceptible pathogens were randomized 2:1 to IMI-REL plus placebo or colistin plus IMI for 5 to 21 days. The primary endpoint was a favorable overall response. Key endpoints included the clinical response and all-cause mortality. We compared outcomes between the primary microbiological modified intent-to-treat (mMITT) population, where eligibility was based on central laboratory susceptibility testing, and the supplemental mMITT (SmMITT) population, where eligibility was based on local, site-level testing. The SmMITT (n = 41) and MITT (n = 31) populations had similar baseline characteristics, including sex, age, illness severity, and renal function. In both analysis populations, favorable overall response rates in the IMI-REL treatment group were >70%. Favorable clinical response rates at day 28 were 71.4% for IMI-REL and 40.0% for colistin plus IMI in the mMITT population, whereas they were 75.0% for IMI-REL and 53.8% for colistin plus IMI in the SmMITT population. Day 28 all-cause mortality rates were 9.5% for IMI-REL and 30.0% for colistin plus IMI in the mMITT population, whereas they were 10.7% for IMI-REL and 23.1% for colistin plus IMI in the SmMITT population. The outcomes in the SmMITT population were generally consistent with those in the mMITT population, suggesting that outcomes may be applicable to the real-world use of IMI-REL for treating infections caused by imipenem-nonsusceptible Gram-negative pathogens. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02452047.)

Of four genotypes of Encephalitozoon cuniculi, E. cuniculi genotype II is considered to represent a parasite that occurs in many host species in a latent asymptomatic form, whereas E. cuniculi genotype III seems to be more aggressive, and infections caused by this strain can lead to the death of even immunocompetent hosts. Although albendazole has been considered suitable for treatment of Encephalitozoon species, its failure in control of E. cuniculi genotype III infection has been reported. This study determined the effect of a 100x recommended daily dose of albendazole on an Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype III course of infection in immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice and compared the results with those from experiments performed with a lower dose of albendazole and E. cuniculi genotype II. The administration of the regular dose of abendazole during the acute phase of infection reduced the number of affected organs in all strains of mice and absolute counts of spores in screened organs. However, the effect on genotype III was minor. Surprisingly, no substantial effect was recorded after the use of a 100x dose of albendazole, with larger reductions seen only in the number of affected organs and absolute counts of spores in all strains of mice, implying variations in albendazole resistance between these Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotypes. These results imply that differences in the course of infection and the response to treatment depend not only on the immunological status of the host but also on the genotype causing the infection. Understanding how microsporidia survive in hosts despite targeted antimicrosporidial treatment could significantly contribute to research related to human health.

Chlorotoxin, a small peptide component of scorpion venom, may help pinpoint glioblastoma cells for destruction when engineered into a chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. The concept has shown efficacy in mice, without off-target toxicity, and will soon be assessed in patients.

Background:

Limited treatment options are available for oral mucositis, a common, debilitating complication of cancer therapy. We examined the association between daily delivery time of radiotherapy and the severity of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer.

Background:

The recent expansion of treatment options in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has necessitated a greater understanding of patient preferences for treatment benefits, about which little is known.

Background:

We assessed the ability to supplement existing epidemiologic/etiologic studies with data on treatment and clinical outcomes by linking to publicly available cancer registry and administrative databases.

Recurrent hotspot (p.Gly17Val) mutations in RHOA encoding a small GTPase, together with loss-of-function mutations in TET2 encoding an epigenetic regulator, are genetic hallmarks of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). Mice expressing the p.Gly17Val RHOA mutant on a Tet2-null background succumbed to AITL-like T-cell lymphomas due to deregulated T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Using these mice to investigate therapeutics for AITL, we found that dasatinib, a multikinase inhibitor prolonged their survival through inhibition of hyperactivated TCR signaling. A phase I clinical trial study of dasatinib monotherapy in 5 patients with relapsed/refractory AITL was performed. Dasatinib was started at a dose of 100 mg/body once a day and continued until days 10–78 (median day 58). All the evaluable patients achieved partial responses. Our findings suggest that AITL is highly dependent on TCR signaling and that dasatinib could be a promising candidate drug for AITL treatment.Significance:Deregulated T-cell receptor signaling is a critical molecular event in angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma and can be targeted with dasatinib.

Childbirth at any age confers a transient increased risk for breast cancer in the first decade postpartum and this window of adverse effect extends over two decades in women with late-age first childbirth (>35 years of age). Crossover to the protective effect of pregnancy is dependent on age at first pregnancy, with young mothers receiving the most benefit. Furthermore, breast cancer diagnosis during the 5- to 10-year postpartum window associates with high risk for subsequent metastatic disease. Notably, lactation has been shown to be protective against breast cancer incidence overall, with varying degrees of protection by race, multiparity, and lifetime duration of lactation. An effect for lactation on breast cancer outcome after diagnosis has not been described. We discuss the most recent data and mechanistic insights underlying these epidemiologic findings. Postpartum involution of the breast has been identified as a key mediator of the increased risk for metastasis in women diagnosed within 5–10 years of a completed pregnancy. During breast involution, immune avoidance, increased lymphatic network, extracellular matrix remodeling, and increased seeding to the liver and lymph node work as interconnected pathways, leading to the adverse effect of a postpartum diagnosis. We al discuss a novel mechanism underlying the protective effect of breastfeeding. Collectively, these mechanistic insights offer potential therapeutic avenues for the prevention and/or improved treatment of postpartum breast cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Endovascular treatment of petrous dural AVFs may carry a risk of iatrogenic facial nerve palsy if the facial nerve arterial arcade, an anastomotic arterial arch that supplies the geniculate ganglion, is not respected or recognized. Our purpose was to demonstrate that the use of a treatment strategy algorithm incorporating detailed angiographic anatomic assessment allows identification of the facial nerve arterial arcade and therefore safe endovascular treatment.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Conventional nonadhesive liquid embolic agents currently are the criterion standard for endovascular embolization of cerebral AVMs. However, inadequate distal penetration into the nidus and unstable proximal plug formation are the major limitations of this approach and of the currently available embolic materials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothetic efficacy of combining liquid embolic agents with different properties and viscosities for use in endovascular embolization of cerebral AVMs.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Endovascular embolization only has been advocated for treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations in recent trials. Our aim was to evaluate the results of embolization only in a cohort of patients who were enrolled in the A Randomized Trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous Malformations (ARUBA) study at 39 clinical sites in 9 countries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Embolization is widely performed to treat brain arteriovenous malformations, but little has been reported on factors contributing to complications. We retrospectively reviewed a nationwide surveillance to identify risk factors contributing to complications and short-term clinical outcomes in the endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations.

SUMMARY:

Use of mechanical thrombectomy for stroke has increased since the publication of trials describing outcome improvement when used in the anterior circulation. These results, however, cannot be directly translated to the posterior circulation. While a high NIHSS score has demonstrated an association with poor outcomes in posterior stroke, the NIHSS is weighted toward hemispheric disease, and complex scores potentially delay definitive imaging diagnosis. We performed a retrospective analysis to ascertain whether any rapidly obtainable demographic or clinical and imaging data have a correlation with patient outcome postthrombectomy. Seventy-three cases were audited between September 2010 and October 2017. Presenting with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of >13 meant that the odds of reaching the primary end point of functional independence (defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2) were 5.70 times greater; similarly, presenting with a posterior circulation ASPECTS of >9 resulted in the odds of reaching the primary end point being 4.03 times greater. Older age correlated to a lower odds of independence (0.97, p = .04).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Vessel wall imaging is increasingly performed in the diagnostic work-up of patients with ischemic stroke. The aim of this study was to compare vessel wall enhancement after intra-arterial thrombosuction with that in patients not treated with thrombosuction.

Costly rentals, hefty mortgage payments and the rising expenses on monthly bills are convincing more and more people to let their rooms in flatshares and find flatmates to foot the bill.

Sonos has been busy these past few months.

Every day on Pluto, nitrogen puffs out the icy world’s heart-shaped plain into the atmosphere, and every night it refreezes, creating winds unlike any we’ve seen before

Earth’s atmosphere thankfully provides air for us to breathe, but when trying to study interesting objects in space it causes all sorts of problems, writes Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Faraway galaxies have been spotted unexpectedly flashing up to 100 times their usual brightness, and it seems to be caused by eddies in Earth’s atmosphere

Focused ultrasound, the researchers hope, could revolutionize treatment for conditions from Alzheimer's to epilepsy to brain tumors -- and even help repair the devastating damage caused by stroke.

Clinicians from two hospitals in Boston report that the majority of even the sickest patients with COVID-19 -- those who require ventilators in intensive care units -- get better when they receive existing guideline-supported treatment for respiratory failure.

Adding yoga to your regularly prescribed migraine treatment may be better than medication alone, according to a new study. The new research suggests yoga may help people with migraines have headaches that happen less often, don't last as long and are less painful.

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese regulators have approved Novartis' Mayzent to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis in adults, the Swiss drug maker said in a statement on Saturday. Other drugs approved by China's National Medical Products Administration to treat MS include Novartis' Gilenya, Bayer's Betaferon and Sanofi's Aubagio. China has an estimated 30,000 patients with MS. (Reporting by Roxanne Liu and Kevin Yao in Beijing; Editing by Edwina Gibbs

A team of researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has demonstrated that single-celled microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae that normally do not inhabit hydrogen-rich environments can survive and grow in a 100% hydrogen atmosphere. “There’s a diversity of habitable worlds out there, and we have confirmed that Earth-based life can [...]

The infection is being eliminated as a public health threat by countries that introduce widespread testing and treatment for those at risk

To fight the new coronavirus, researchers are investigating more than 60 drugs, including remdesivir and hydroxychloroquine and brand new ones. Here’s a breakdown of progress so far

Even if we find drugs that are effective against the coronavirus, that doesn't necessarily mean they will change the wider situation and help end lockdowns