Dr. Katalin Karikó and Dr. Drew Weissman received the 2023 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their discovery of a safe mRNA modification method. This breakthrough played a crucial role in developing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and also holds potential for future disease treatments. Continue reading 2023 Nobel Prize In Medicine: The Duo That Changed the World
Volunteer Writer Allison Gleavy advocates for an expanded emotional support dog program at UMass Dartmouth, citing the success of Gracie, a therapy dog who offers stress relief to STEM students. She suggests faculty members could train their pets to provide academic and emotional support across the campus, despite the additional care and oversight required. Continue reading We Have a Lab Lab, So Why Not a LARTS Lab?
A novel bacterial pathogen is causing a severe, antibiotic-resistant respiratory illness in hundreds of dogs across the U.S. Originating from a dog’s microbiome, symptoms include sneezing, coughing and eye discharge, potentially leading to acute pneumonia. With much still unknown about the bacteria, experts advise keeping dogs away from others and seeking immediate vet attention if symptoms appear. Continue reading New Respiratory Sickness Strikes Hundreds of Dogs Across America
Heart disease is a prevalent cause of death in America, often resulting in the need for heart transplants. Due to the limited supply of human hearts, animal-to-human transplants are being investigated. Unfortunately, the second-ever experimental patient, Lawrence Faucette, died due to complications following experimental transplant. Despite these setbacks, researchers believe animal-to-human heart transplants offer hope for those awaiting heart transplants. Continue reading Patient Dies after Second-Ever Experimental Pig Heart Transplant
Mental health awareness has increased, with an estimated 10% of the world’s population experiencing mental illness. In the U.S, 41% of these cases are undiagnosed, and 60% of diagnosed individuals lack access to treatment, costing the country $190 billion annually. Various organizations including MAMHI, established by Clifford Whittingham Beers, and SAMHSA, work tirelessly to increase public awareness and facilitate accessible treatments. National prevention and awareness campaigns occur annually, and ongoing research aims to reduce patients and deaths from mental illness.
Continue reading Mental Health in the USA: A Short History
UMass Dartmouth sponsored a campus-wide Mental Health Day on October 25th, 2023 to promote mental health awareness and relaxation. The day was filled with various interactive events, workshops and activities such as art practices, meditations, a petting zoo, goal-setting seminars, counseling sessions, and discussions geared towards mental health awareness. Initiated by Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Kimberly Scott, this event is set to become a semester-regular occurrence at the university. Continue reading Mental Health Day: Kittens, Meditation, Violence, and More!
(Image via time.com) Staff Writer: Sakara De Gil-Balija Email: sdegilbalija@umassd.edu On Monday, January 30th, The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that COVID-19 has entered a transition point. After nearly three years of a global pandemic, COVID-19 still remains a relevant global health emergency, even as society adjusts to living alongside it. WHO’s International Health Regulations Emergency Committee had its fourteenth meeting on Friday, January 27th, … Continue reading COVID-19 Enters The Transition Point
(Image via nbc15.com) Staff Writer: Maya Arruda Email: marruda7@umassd.edu When I recently visited the grocery aisle of my local Target, I saw that a dozen eggs were priced at eight to nine dollars. It’s recession time, sure, but that is super steep price inflation from what pre-pandemic eggs cost. At first, I thought it was just Target. Let’s be honest, Target is just Walmart but … Continue reading Why do Eggs Cost so Much? – The Avian Flu and You
