Deep brain stimulation advance extends relief from Parkinson’s symptoms

For decades surgeons have been using deep brain stimulation to treat severe Parkinson's disease. Now researchers have found a way to deliver it more precisely, resulting in the benefits lasting four times longer in animal models.

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“Reverse vaccine” trains immune system not to attack beneficial drugs

The immune system is a powerful weapon, but sometimes it can attack things that are trying to help us. A new preclinical treatment could one day help, using a kind of “reverse vaccine” to train the immune system to ignore specific drugs or molecules.

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Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes linked to cheap, common osteoporosis drug

A study analyzing records from several hundred thousand people has identified a link between low rates of diabetes and osteoporosis patients treated with a common drug. The researchers propose the drug may prevent the development of insulin resistance.

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Bioartificial kidney prototype aces lab tests, could replace dialysis

Patients with kidney failure require regular dialysis, an invasive and potentially risky treatment. But now researchers have successfully demonstrated a prototype bioartificial kidney, which can be implanted and works without the need for drugs.

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Dental implant could heal infected gums by generating electricity

While implanted artificial teeth do offer a longer-term alternative to dentures, they may need to be surgically replaced if gum infections occur. Scientists are thus working on a better implant, that would generate electricity via mouth movements.

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Oxford’s cancer vaccine/immunotherapy combo to head for human trials

Oxford scientists have demonstrated a cancer vaccine and immunotherapy combo in mice. The vaccine boosted levels of tumor-hunting immune cells, while the immunotherapy made them more effective killers. Human trials are due to start within months.

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Hydrogel produces oxygen to help heal chronic wounds

Diabetic skin ulcers often take a long time to heal, sometimes even leading to complications that result in amputation. A new hydrogel is designed to help keep that from happening, by delivering oxygen directly to such wounds.

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Diving beetle inspires a better diagnostic skin patch

When someone is suffering from a skin disease, diagnostic devices are often used to determine what disease it is, and how it's progressing. A new adhesive patch could make doing so quicker and easier than ever – and it's inspired by a diving beetle.

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Glowing antibacterial bandage sheds light on infected wounds

Bandaged wounds need to be checked for infection, yet removing the bandage to check the wound can delay its healing. Australian scientists may have a fix for this paradox, in the form of a dressing that glows if the wound is infected.

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