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Birth control pill without prescription -

For the first time, a birth control pill is available without a prescription in the US. Opill, approved by the FDA, can now be accessed by anyone, regardless of age or insurance.

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Progestin-only pills -

Opill contains only progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone, unlike regular combination birth control pills that contain estrogen and progesterone.

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Fewer side effects -

Progestin-only pills, known as mini-pills, have fewer side effects and can be used by those with certain health conditions.

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Safe for breastfeeding -

The progestin-only pill is safe for breastfeeding women, making it an ideal option for those who can't use estrogen-based methods.

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Suitable for high blood pressure -

Mini-pills are a good alternative for individuals with high blood pressure or a history with blood clots, as they don't contain estrogen, which can cause complications.

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Opill's accessibility -

Opill is available without a prescription, allowing greater access to birth control, especially for those who face barriers to seeing a doctor.

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Birth control options for men -

Research into male birth control is advancing, with over 100 innovations in development, including Contraline's sperm-blocking gel and YourChoice's non-hormonal daily pill. These products are still in human testing, expected to be in the market in five to 10 years.

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Heart valve transplant breakthrough -

Doctors performed a partial heart transplant on a baby boy, giving him growing heart valves from an infant donor with healthy valves.

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Growing heart valves -

Unlike traditional heart valve replacements, the new valves continue to grow and repair themselves, offering a revolutionary advancement in heart surgery.

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No need for blood thinners -

This new approach avoids the need for lifelong blood-thinning medication, which is required for patients with mechanical heart valves.

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Transplanted living valves -

By transplanting living heart valves, this approach provides a more natural solution compared to synthetic replacements, allowing for growth and repair over time.

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Doctors transplanted organs from pigs to humans -

This year, doctors achieved significant breakthroughs in xenotransplantation by successfully transplanting several organs from pigs into humans, offering new hope for patients waiting on transplant lists.

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Gene-edited pig organs -

Pig organs, like kidneys, were modified to be more compatible with humans by editing their genes, increasing the chances of a successful transplant.

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Eliminating infection risks -

To reduce infection risks, scientists inactivated pig viruses and added human genes, ensuring the safety of these pig organs for transplant.

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Pioneering pig-to-human kidney transplants -

First, surgeons in Boston transplanted a genetically modified pig kidney into a 62-year-old man. New York doctors later double-transplanted a pig kidney and thymus gland.

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Pig liver transplant experiment -

In a more experimental step, doctors in China transplanted a pig liver into a clinically dead person. The liver continued to produce bile during the 10-day study.

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Challenges of xenotransplantation -

While promising, xenotransplantation remains experimental, with challenges in preventing organ rejection and overcoming species' differences.

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Blood test for Alzheimer's -

Scientists in Sweden developed a blood test that detects Alzheimer's disease with 90% accuracy, improving early diagnosis and access to treatment.

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Alzheimer's diagnosis -

Accurate Alzheimer’s diagnosis currently requires cerebrospinal fluid sampling or PET scans, which aren't available in primary care clinics, where patients typically present initial cognitive concerns to their doctors.

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PrecivityAD2 test -

The PrecivityAD2 test measures key Alzheimer's biomarkers in blood, potentially expanding access, accelerating diagnosis, and enabling earlier treatment. 

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A single shot for COVID-19 and flu -

A combination vaccine for COVID-19 and the flu could be available as soon as 2025, improving immune response with fewer shots.

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Several trials -

Moderna's combination vaccine demonstrated a stronger immune response than individual vaccines in trials. Meanwhile, BioNTech-Pfizer's vaccine fell short on full flu protection and Novavax's trials faced delays due to safety concerns.

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FDA-approved -

The FDA authorized a three-in-one test for COVID-19 and flu, providing rapid results in 15 minutes for both illnesses.

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Autoimmune diseases disproportionately affect women -

Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis disproportionately affect women, accounting for 78% of cases. The exact reasons remain unknown.

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The role of X chromosomes -

Scientists discovered a faulty mechanism in women's X chromosomes, which may explain their higher susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.

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Silencing the extra X chromosome -

Women typically have two X chromosomes, but one is silenced. A protein involved in this process may inadvertently trigger diseases.

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Further research is needed -

While this discovery sheds light on sex-based differences in autoimmune diseases, experts emphasize the need for additional research and understanding.

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A drug to reduce the allergic reactions to peanuts -

The FDA has approved omalizumab for individuals aged one and older to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods.

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A widespread health concern -

Food allergies affect more than 10% of the US population, with children being particularly vulnerable. Reactions can range from mild symptoms to severe, life-threatening conditions, requiring quick intervention and management.

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A step toward relief -

Omalizumab, previously used for asthma, significantly reduces food allergy risks after four months of treatment. However, it doesn't cure allergies, and patients must continue to avoid known allergens.

Sources: (National Geographic) (CNN) (The Guardian) 

See also: Positive environmental stories from 2024

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