February Research News

Here is your latest research news for February 2022. Stay up to date on monthly research updates with us! Sanguine is currently recruiting for 51 research studies. Check out the latest Sanguine studies here.

 

COVID-19 and Hemp: New research conducted by Oregon State University shows that hemp compounds may help prevent COVID-19 from entering human cells. Hemp is a source of fiber and is used in dietary supplements as well as in cosmetic products. Hemp compounds were found to bind to COVID-19 spike proteins which is a critical step in stopping the virus.

 

New Pacemakers: Abbott Laboratories is developing a revolutionary pacemaker that works wirelessly and can be placed in two different parts of the heart, the right ventricle and right atrium. The two devices synchronize wirelessly, are much smaller in size than traditional pacemakers, and can be placed with a less invasive procedure.

 

HIV Vaccine: Moderna and the International Aids Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) have partnered together to work on an mRNA HIV vaccine similar to the COVID-19 vaccine. The HIV vaccine is now in a Phase I clinical trial.

 

Sickle Cell Disease Research News Updates 

SCD and Opioids: In 2017, the U.S. declared the opioid epidemic a public health emergency, which is why new policies have been put in place to regulate opioid usage and distribution. However, SCD patients utilize opioids in pain and disease management. In a recent study, researchers found that “while the overall opioid-related mortality in White patients and Black patients without SCD increased during 2013 to 2019, opioid-related mortality in Black patients with SCD did not increase during the study period.” Researchers hope that their findings will inform clinical care for SCD patients so that they have access to pain management.

 

SCD and Pregnancy: While pregnant women with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for preterm labor, low birth weight, preeclampsia, infections, and other complications, healthy pregnancies are possible. Early prenatal care and monitoring are essential.

 

Lupus Research News Updates 

Lupus and Supplements: According to a new research study, vitamin D and omega-3 dietary supplements may help in reducing disease activity for autoimmune conditions like lupus. According to the study findings, “Vitamin D supplementation for five years, with or without omega 3 fatty acids, reduced autoimmune disease by 22%, while omega 3 fatty acid supplementation with or without vitamin D reduced the autoimmune disease rate by 15% (not statistically significant.)”

 

Lupus and Bone Loss: Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity in women with lupus, especially those experiencing menopause. In a recent animal study with lupus-induced mice, researchers found that mice undergoing menopause could be treated with two hormone replacement therapies to protect against bone loss. This study indicates hormone therapies for women with lupus may potentially be successful in protecting against bone loss.

 

By Neelem Sheikh

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