Mistakes in mismatch repair genes may accurately predict response to certain immunotherapy drugs

In a report of a proof-of-principle study of patients with colon and other cancers for whom standard therapies failed, researchers at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center say that mistakes in so-called mismatch repair genes, first identified by Johns Hopkins and other scientists two decades ago, may accurately predict who will respond to certain immunotherapy drugs known as PD-1 inhibitors. Such drugs aim to disarm systems developed by cancer cells to evade detection and destruction by immune system cells.

$1 billion in Federal Tax Dollars and a One Star Rating on Yelp––Quite an Expose––Behind the Scenes at Covered California

California’s Obamacare Insurance Exchange Posts Poor Results and is the Subject of an Expose What a difference a year makes. Last year the California Obamacare insurance exchange, Covered California, was touted as the poster child for the Obamacare launch. Supporters said it worked well, enrolled lots of people, and was off to the kind of start that proved how successful Obamacare could be.

HIV Immunotherapy Promising in First Human Study

HIV Immunotherapy Promising in First Human StudyAn experimental antibody significantly reduced HIV levels in infected people for as long as 28 days. The approach might help to combat a wide range of HIV strains.

Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in Mice

Allergy Drug Treats Hepatitis C in MiceA common over-the-counter allergy drug lowered hepatitis C virus levels in infected mice. The drug is currently being tested in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Scientists Discover Antibiotic Mechanism

Scientists Discover Antibiotic MechanismA structural study revealed how an antibiotic called borrelidin stops bacterial growth. The findings may help researchers design improved drugs to fight infections.

Don’t Just Integrate, Innovate—When It Comes to Mental Health

The sheer number of people living unsupported with some form of psychological or emotional pain suggests that the traditional laws of supply and demand are not working in the mental health arena. As we close on May, as Mental Health Awareness Month, it is important that we raise public awareness of individuals struggling alone with poor mental health and acknowledge the need for a new paradigm that aligns society’s needs with widely available technological and social connectivity. Today, nearly one in every five adults – over 40 million Americans – experience some form of mental illness in any given year. This is a diverse population. There are those with major psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia, who may require professional in-person care, medication or even hospitalization. But there