FDA approves new cardiovascular drug based on study from Canadian VIGOUR Centre

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the drug vericiguat for use in patients with heart failure. The drug–a first-of-its-kind, once-daily oral treatment for patients with worsening chronic heart failure–was approved in part thanks to the VICTORIA (Vericiguat Global Study In Subjects With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) clinical study run by researchers…

Newly discovered subset of brain cells fight inflammation with instructions from the gut

Astrocytes are the most abundant type of cells within the central nervous system (CNS), but they remain poorly characterized. Researchers have long assumed that astrocytes’ primary function is to provide nutrients and support for the brain’s more closely scrutinized nerve cells; over the years, however, increasing evidence has shown that astrocytes can also actively promote…

SARS-CoV-2 reacts to antibodies of virus from 2003 SARS outbreak, new study reveals

A new study demonstrates that antibodies generated by the novel coronavirus react to other strains of coronavirus and vice versa, according to research published today by scientists from Oregon Health & Science University. However, antibodies generated by the SARS outbreak of 2003 had only limited effectiveness in neutralizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Antibodies are blood proteins…

To Promote Vaccines, New Orleans Dances With Its Sleeves Rolled Up

Since the summer, public health officials and politicians repeatedly called for national pro-vaccination campaigns. But no meaningful federal campaign has materialized, so concerned local officials have begun to develop their own publicity. New Orleans may be best positioned to be at the forefront. Regularly battered by hurricanes, the city has an emergency management office practiced…