Here are 10 articles on some of the most interesting medical research study findings and advancements from the week of Feb. 22.
1. Recent research found patients being treated for atrial fibrillation with novel oral anticoagulants were more likely to encounter difficulties based on their level of education. Read more.
2. Patients with cognitive impairment who suffer heart failure are less likely to be readmitted within 30 days when given an impairment assessment and follow-up care from a psychological health liaison, according to a study in the American Journal of Managed Care. Read more.
3. A vaginal ring designed to release anti-AIDS drugs was found to reduce HIV infections in two new studies presented at the International Partnership for Microbicides at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections. Read more.
4. In both ancient Greek and Norse mythology, the gods and warriors frequently imbibed mead. As it turns out, this elixir created from honey may have contained billions of antibacterial microbes that helped boost the immunity of the drinker and stave off infections. Read more.
5. Researchers at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston and Houston Methodist Hospital collaborated to develop the first hospital-based rapid test for Zika. Read more.
6. In a recent University of Michigan Health System study, more than half of surveyed parents who did not vaccinate their children said they believe the flu vaccine is less important than other childhood vaccinations. Read more.
7. Influenza virus uses a protein to mask itself as it enters our cells, delaying immune system detection and providing an opportunity to take hold without a fight, according to new findings in Nature Communications. Read more.
8. A new study found that the side effects of testosterone therapy may not be limited to cardiovascular issues — it can also cause bone damage. Read more.
9. Cancer patients with depression are at an increased risk of post-operative morbidity and readmission, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read more.
10. Rose Bengal, an inexpensive chemical patented in 1882 as a wool dye, has shown some promise as a cancer treatment in a small, ongoing study involving melanoma patients published in Annals of Surgical Oncology. Read more.