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Diamonds that can find cancer
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a handheld diamond-based sensor that can spot cancer spread by tracing tiny amounts of magnetic fluid injected into the body. The device,described in Physical Review Applied,uses diamond’s unique nitrogen vacancy centers too detect lymph nodes affected by metastasized breast cancer without the need for radioactive tracers or dyes. Small enough for endoscopic surgery, the sensor could make cancer detection safer and more precise, with potential applications beyond breast cancer to lung, liver and other cancers.
A cup of almonds to curb oxidative stress
A new meta-analysis in Scientific Reports suggests that eating more than 60 grams of almonds a day can improve the body’s antioxidant defenses. reviewing eight clinical trials with 424 participants, researchers found almond supplementation lowered key oxidative stress markers – malondialdehyde, 8-ohdg and uric acid – while boosting antioxidant enzyme activity.The findings support almonds as a potential functional food for managing oxidative stress, though the authors caution that more standardized trials are needed to pin down ideal dosing and duration.
West Virginia sues Evernorth Health over opioid role
The state of West Virginia filed a federal lawsuit against healthcare company Evernorth Health inc., formerly Express Scripts, accusing it of fueling the state’s opioid epidemic. Attorney General Patrick Morrisey said that accountability, not just money, is the goal, though a $10 billion settlement is possible. The complaint alleges that Evernorth sold data to opioid manufacturers and ignored red flags.
