New Strep A human challenge model paves the way to test vaccines against the deadly bacteria

Researchers have successfully developed a new Strep A human challenge model, paving the way to test vaccines against the common deadly bacteria that causes sore throats, scarlet fever and skin sores. The collaborative research effort, led by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and published in The Lancet Microbe, found the model, which deliberately infected…

Study supports recommendations to avoid pregnancy for at least 12 months after obesity surgery

A study presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (held online, 10-13 May) supports recommendations to avoid pregnancy for 12 months after bariatric (obesity) surgery due to an association with adverse outcomes in pregnancy including an elevated risk of preterm birth. The study is by Dr Laura Heusschen, Vitalys Obesity Clinic, part of Rijnstate…

Most comprehensive studies to date find ‘insufficient evidence’ to support herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss

The first global review of complementary medicines (herbal and dietary supplements) for weight loss in 16 years–combining 121 randomised placebo-controlled trials including nearly 10,000 adults–suggests that their use cannot be justified based on the current evidence. The findings of two studies, being presented at The European Congress on Obesity (ECO) held online this year, suggest…