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A remarkable new piece of research was published in  ‘Nature’ on May 24th, 2021. This research used optogenetics to control light sensitive neurons in the human eye by adding a gene for a light-sensitive protein called an opsin from algae.  Also this week I have briefly covered the alarming rise in ‘black fungus’ or mucormycosis infections in India in connection with COVID-19.

As a specific condition diabetes generates medical costs that are two to five times more than those of a person without diabetes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014.

This week on May 5th, 2021 an article was published in the journal ‘American Academy of Neurology’ which indicated that a Mediterranean-like-diet (or MD) can reduce the incidence rate of Alzheimer’s. In the absence of effective therapies against Alzheimer's disease (AD), the identification of modifiable risk/protective factors is important.

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) is caused by extreme compression of the nerves in the lower back. Some degree of nerve compression is likely when there is a prolapsed or herniated intervertebral disc although the extreme compression that causes CES is very unlikely. However if it does occur it is a medical emergency.

Endometriosis is estimated to affect 176 million women worldwide and there is a significant unmet requirement for treatment options for this condition.

Risk assessment of Adenovirus based COVID-19 vaccines. Phase I trial results for a new vaccine released from IAVI (International AIDS Vaccine Initiative) and the Scripps Research Institute in the U.S. appear promising

Many of us will not even realise that March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This condition is pervasive as it affects 10% of women (or 1.5 million people in the UK) and yet bizarrely takes an average of seven to eleven years to diagnose. In the meantime people are offered little or no support for either the physiological or physical trauma that it generates.

A Healthy Diet. The latest piece of research regarding this matter is by the American Heart Association proves that eating about five daily servings of fruits and vegetables, in which 2 are fruit and 3 are vegetables, appears to be the optimal required for a longer life.