Clinical Trials & Research

Biting down on an oral orthotic device may suppress tics in patients with Tourette Syndrome. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive and involuntary movements or sounds called tics. Simple motor tics can present as eye movements, grimacing, herd jerks, or shoulder shrugs. Simple vocal tics include throat-clearing, coughing, sniffing, barking, and grunting

Medical treatment for addiction that targets the brain cells responsible for drug cravings may be the key to preventing relapse. In the United States alone, almost 20 million adults suffer from addiction to drugs or alcohol. Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder and preventing relapse is one of the major goals of addiction treatment. Despite

Millions of people around the world have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that often has a significant impact on well-being and quality of life. New research from Israel outlines a new therapy option that could help people with OCD that does not respond to other treatments. Can magnetic stimulation work where other treatment options do

Researchers found that specific environmental factors may alter the gut microbial community during spaceflight. The human intestinal tract consists of a diverse and complex microbial community, which plays a central role in human health. It has been estimated that our gut contains at least 1000 different species of known bacteria with 100-fold more genes than

Scientists investigate what makes a certain strain of yeast (S. Boulardii) probiotic. Probiotics are normally taken after an antibiotic. The antibiotic kills most of the bacteria in your gut and the idea is to take a probiotic to repopulate your gut with friendly microorganisms that will help fight off the harmful bacteria. Probiotics are defined

A recent study investigated how the microbiome affects the critical growth period during infancy, specifically, how it might impact on the growth of preterm infants. Parents today are heavily educated by their own parents and the media controlled by the multi-billion-dollar parenting industry. As a new parent today, there are so many resources to ensure

A recent study, published in the British Medical Journal, investigated the association between dairy product intake and mortality. Consumption of dairy products, including milk and cheese, has been controversial in terms of health effects, leaving consumers confused as to whether their favourite dairy products are good or bad for their health. As part of the

A new study looks at how feeding and the desire to eat is regulated by stress-related emotional responses. Eating is a behaviour that is strongly influenced by stress-related emotional responses. Emotional states, in response to potential environmental dangers, compete with the desire to eat thus making eating a complex behaviour. Temporary changes to eating habits

Researchers have successfully tested a new treatment for drug-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia on a new mouse model. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cancer in children and accounts for about 20% of adult leukemias. Even though there are a number of therapies that improve survival rates, some patients still experience recurrence of the disease

Scientists investigate whether diet can help prevent fatigue in multiple sclerosis patients. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord. The body’s immune system attacks the cells (oligodendrocytes) that make the fatty covers that surround nerve cells. This fatty cover is called the myelin sheath, this is why MS

Aronia berry extract positively affects indicators of cardiovascular health. In a recent study, researchers investigated the effects of Aronia berry supplements in healthy participants. Specifically, they wanted to test the effects of these supplements on vascular function and the composition of the gut microbiome. In this clinical trial, 66 healthy men were divided into three

A recent study investigated “spin” in psychiatry and psychology research papers. The study authors found spin in more than half of the abstracts they analyzed. What impact might this have on doctors’ decisions? Many doctors only have time to read the abstract of a study. As news and media outlets compete for views, they can

A recent study describes a new method and criteria that could be useful in determining the risk of knee instability. Knee injuries can have grave consequences for any individual. In athletes, knee injuries can be devastating and often destroy their careers. One type of knee injury that is frequently observed in many people is knee instability

A new clinical trial tests the benefits of an oral drug for people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and yields very promising results. Scientists may now have a medication for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the United States, 30–40% of all adults are living with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In Europe, 20–30% of the

A clinical trial is currently recruiting patients to assess the effectiveness of Olorinab to treat abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), is a gastrointestinal disorder that is frequently associated with cramping, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and gas. There is no cure for IBS and patients manage symptoms typically with

On World Hepatitis Day, Medical News Bulletin celebrates the latest in hepatitis prevention, screening, and treatment research. World Hepatitis Day takes place on July 28th each year, coinciding with the birthday of the late Dr. Baruch Blumberg. Dr. Blumberg made significant contributions to the study and prevention of hepatitis B, one of the five strains

Researchers from the United Kingdom have appraised the most recent assessment by the European Food Safety Authority regarding the safety of aspartame, a popular type of artificial sweetener. The investigators caution that the commission’s findings may be misleading. Is aspartame really as safe as official reports claim? Some researchers are unsure. Aspartame is perhaps the

In a recent study, researchers determine how effective UV detection stickers are in encouraging the re-application of sunscreen in participants who are outdoors for long periods of time. Sunscreen provides protection against the ultraviolet radiation from the sun if applied correctly and consistently. The recommended application concentration of sunscreen is 2mg/cm2. Unfortunately, much of the

Researchers examined participants over a two-year period to understand the health benefits of a nutrient-filled calorie-restricted diet. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death around the globe. Previous studies have shown that calorie restriction can reduce the risks of atherosclerosis. How does a two-year, nutrient-filled calorie restriction help reduce the risks of long-term cardiovascular

Researchers have identified unique cell types in the spinal cords of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that may enable early diagnosis. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects neurons in the central nervous system. Otherwise known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons in

New insights into a specific gene variant may help to explain why some Alzheimer’s drugs work in certain people but may fail in others. The findings call for a more personalized approach to drug testing. An individual’s genotype may explain why some Alzheimer’s drugs work and others fail, new research shows. Earlier this year, a

Scientists in Australia have developed a precise new way to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease using nuclear medicine. A study recently published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine discusses how to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease in a quicker, more efficient way by categorizing inflammatory markers. Researchers used immuno-positron emission tomography (Immuno-PET) to image antibodies that target

We are all familiar with the term lifespan. However, someone with a long lifespan does not necessarily have a long healthy quality of life. A relatively new term gaining importance as we live longer is healthspan. Healthspan refers to the length of time a person is healthy, not just alive. As we age, some people

Despite evidence that some active substances in cannabis may support some aspects of health, many people who use this drug, and particularly those who smoke it, develop symptoms of dependence. A new clinical trial shows that a safer, cannabis-based medication can counter dependence. A safer cannabis extract could help users fight cannabis dependence, according to

Understanding the mechanisms that cause multiple sclerosis may help guide the development of new treatment for progressive multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system that involves inflammation-associated damage in the brain that leads to neurodegeneration. Patients with multiple sclerosis may have a relapsing-remitting form, where they cycle between periods

In a recent study, researchers explored the hypothesis that a low-carb diet improves brain function. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological condition characterized by cognitive decline. In recent years researchers have attempted to produce medications to help treat the disease, but the majority of them have had no significant effects. Now researchers are looking at alternative

People who experience acute migraine may soon find relief in a new treatment. The results of a clinical trial of a novel drug revealed that it can eliminate head pain and reduce other symptoms of migraine. New research uncovers the benefits of a novel drug for treating acute migraine. Many people with acute migraine rely

West Virginia University is exploring potential new treatments for pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer; it is often resistant to traditional chemotherapy drugs, and the tumours are often non-resectable. This means that a tumour cannot be removed surgically, often due to the fact that they are too close to blood vessels. To