News

Medical City for Military, Security Services Signs MoU with Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Seoul, 30 Oct (ONA) --- The Medical City for Military and Security Services has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Republic of Korea, as part of the visit of the Medical City’s delegation to the Republic of Korea. The MoU was signed by Brig. Dr. Saleh Saud Al Abri, Director-General of the Medical City for Military and Security Services—Muscat, and Prof. Ji Youl Lee, President of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The signing of theMoUwas in ...

Chinese Researchers Develop 3D Microrobot for Precision TherapiesBeijing, 19 Oct (ONA) --- Researchers from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a 3D hand-shaped microrobot measuring 40 micrometers in diameter, smaller than the width of a human hair, capable of performing precise movements such as grasping, transporting, and releasing particles or cells. Microrobots play a crucial role in early diagnosis and precision medicine, amid increasing demand for controllability in biomedical applications and micro-manipulation, ...

Chinese Scientists Design Tiny Robot Sensor for Tasks Inside BodiesBeijing, 21 Sep (ONA) --- A team of Chinese scientists has managed to combine sensing and steering functions in one grain-sized machine, creating potential for more accurate drug dosing and in-situ physiological monitoring. The researchers from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in central China's Hubei Province and the Chinese University of Hong Kong in south China have developed a 1.3-mm-wide magneto-ultrasonic tiny robot that can wirelessly detect and regulate environmental parameters such as force, vibration, ...

Researchers Leverage “Junk DNA” to Target Hard-to-Treat Blood Cancers London, 15 Sep (ONA) --- Researchers at King’s College London have uncovered a novel strategy for treating certain aggressive blood cancers by targeting a once-overlooked part of the genome—so-called “junk DNA”—using existing cancer drugs. The approach could offer new hope for patients with limited treatment options. The study, published in the journal “Blood”, focused on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These cancers are frequently driven by ...

AI System Analyzes Voice Patterns to Identify Psychological TraitsTbilisi, 9 Sep (ONA) --- Scientists from the Business and Technology University (BTU) in Georgia have created an artificial intelligence (AI) system called BTU that analyzes voice patterns to identify psychological traits. This can reveal the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of individuals with notable precision. According to the scientists, the AI ​​system, named after the university, examines the nuances of human speech, including tone, rhythm, resonance, tempo, pause, and emotional fluctuations, to ...

Russian Scientists Discover New Method to Treat Alzheimer’s DiseaseMoscow, 28 Aug (ONA) --- Russian scientists and researchers at the Institute of Biomedical Systems at the Polytechnic University in St. Petersburg revealed a new therapeutic approach for Alzheimer's disease. The method focuses on restoring the balance of calcium ions within nerve cells, which could contribute to developing a new strategy for dealing with one of the world's most common neurological disorders. Researcher Evgeny Gerasimov, one of the study's participants, explained that experiments on mice with the disease ...

Sleep Disorders Double Risk of Relapses in Heart Failure Patients: StudyWashington, 27 Aug (ONA) --- A new American study has revealed that disrupted sleep patterns in heart failure patients may double their risk of experiencing serious health relapses over a period of as little as six months, even after taking into account other sleep disturbances and co-morbidities. The research team from Oregon State University explained that improving sleep schedules may be a simple and effective way to improve recovery and survival, urging patients to pay attention to going to bed and waking up at ...

Gulf Health Council Launches Awareness-Raising Campaign on HPVRiyadh, 17 Aug (ONA) --- The Gulf Health Council (GHC) has launched an awareness-raising campaign on the importance of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as a safety framework and protection against cancers linked to the virus. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of early vaccination against HPV, especially targeting adolescents and those approaching marriage of both genders. It also seeks to enhance knowledge among parents and the entire Gulf community, including teachers, healthcare practitioners, ...

Study Highlights Benefits of Osteoporosis Treatment for Seniors Over 80Washington, 17 Jul (ONA) —- Researchers at the Endocrine Society’s meeting in San Francisco emphasized that elderly individuals over the age of 80 who suffer from fractures due to osteoporosis can significantly benefit from initiating bone-strengthening medications, despite previous concerns about side effects in this age group. The findings are based on a study conducted by researchers at the Cleveland Clinic, involving more than 88,000 patients aged over 80 who had osteoporosis-related fractures. Half of the ...

Eating Two Eggs Weekly May Lower Alzheimer’s Risk in Older AdultsWashington, 16 Jul (ONA) --- A new scientific study has revealed that eating two eggs a week may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common and widespread types of dementia globally. The study, conducted by American researchers based on a questionnaire developed at Harvard University, analyzed the role of nutrients, particularly choline, found in eggs in lowering the likelihood of dementia associated with Alzheimer’s. According to the British newspaper Daily Mail, choline is an ...

Military Services Medical City Conducts Vertebral Fixation Suergery Under Conscious Regional Anesthesia Muscat, 13 Jul (ONA) --- The Medical City for Military and Security Services has successfully performed a vertebral fixation surgery using conscious regional anesthesia (without the need for general anesthesia). The operation constitutes the first step forward in the field of advanced surgical care. It reflects the hospital's commitment to apply the latest international medical practices and the hospital's keenness to develop safe and modern options for treating ...

New Blood Test Developed to Detect Early-Stage Colon Cancer Washington, 10 Jul (ONA) – A team of researchers from the University of Chicago has developed a new, more accurate liquid biopsy test capable of detecting colorectal cancer in its early stages with 95% accuracy.Unlike traditional biopsies that require the removal of tissue samples, liquid biopsies analyze a simple blood sample to detect cancer markers. However, these tests often face challenges in early detection due to the limited amount of cancer-specific DNA present in the blood during the initial stages of ...

Chinese Researchers Discover Mechanism Lead to Treat Congenital Disorders in FetusesBeijing, 23 Jun (ONA) --- Chinese researchers have identified a crucial signaling region in early mammalian embryonic development, providing essential theoretical insights to address congenital disorders such as heart defects and to advance regenerative medicine. The research team analyzed single-cell spatial omics in mouse embryos, enabling them to map the dynamic process of organogenesis and identify a tissue specification zone, a crucial region that reveals early organ tissues and is the first rudimentary ...

Chinese Study Reveals Link between Exposure to Artificial Light at Night and DepressionBeijing, June 22 (ONA) --- A study from the University of Science and Technology of China, the Kunming Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Hefei University of Technology has revealed that exposure to artificial light at night can lead to depression-like behaviors by activating a specific neural pathway in the brain. The study, conducted on a group of hedgehogs, diurnal mammals closely related to primates, provides insight into how nighttime light can disrupt mood ...

Oman, Belarus Sign MoU on Healthcare Cooperation Minsk, 18 Jun (ONA) --- The Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Belarus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of healthcare in Minsk, the Belarusian capital today. The agreement was signed by Dr. Hilal bin Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health, and Alexander Khodzhayev, Belarus’ Minister of Health. The MoU outlines cooperation in several medical fields, including healthcare services, medical education, personnel training, and joint professional development initiatives. It also facilitates the exchange of ...

Chinese Scientists Develop System for Early Diagnosis of Parkinson's DiseaseBeijing, 11 Jun (ONA) --- A research team has successfully developed a fully integrated wearable sweat sensing patch for online analysis of multiple Parkinson's disease-related biomarkers. A study conducted by a team from the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, demonstrated that the system enables real-time detection of biomarkers in sweat, allowing non-invasive, dynamic tracking of the disease's progression. This offers new possibilities for early intervention during the ...

Daytime Naps May Increase Health Risks Washington, 10 Jun (ONA) --- A recent study has warned that napping before sunset may increase the risk of death among middle-aged and elderly people. The study, published in Sleep journal, showed increased risks associated with midday and early afternoon naps, contradicting the prevailing belief about the importance of naps, which calls for further research. Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in the United States analyzed data of more than 86,000 people who were fitted with small devices to measure ...

Study Reveals Link Between Consuming Butter, Margarine, Reducing Diabetes, Heart Disease Risks Washington, 10 Jun (ONA) --- A recent study conducted by researchers in Boston University in the United States has revealed that decades of medical warnings that saturated fats, such as butter and margarine, affect heart health and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes were inaccurate. The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, included around 2,500 men and women over the age of 30. They were followed for years, monitoring their dietary patterns and incidence ...

Royal Hospital Launches Comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management Program Muscat, 2 June (ONA) --- The Royal Hospital today officially launched its Comprehensive Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed Salim Al Manthari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Organization. In his keynote speech, the Undersecretary emphasized the strategic and national importance of risk management in the health sector. He highlighted the impact of implementing comprehensive ERM on governance, transparency, healthcare service quality ...

WHA Adopts Resolution Urging Unhindered Medical Access in Occupied Palestinian TerritoriesGeneva, 22 May (ONA) --- The World Health Assembly (WHA) has adopted a resolution addressing the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, in light of the worsening health challenges resulting from the occupation. The resolution, submitted by the Arab Group during the 78th session of the WHA currently taking place in Geneva, calls for the lifting of the blockade and restrictions on the entry of medicines and medical supplies, as ...

First Degenerative Scoliosis Surgery Performed at Nizwa Hospital Nizwa, 18 May (ONA) —— A specialized medical team from the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital, in collaboration with a medical team at Nizwa Hospital, successfully performed the first surgical procedure to treat a case of degenerative scoliosis at Nizwa Hospital. This achievement is part of ongoing efforts to enhance medical cooperation and localize specialized healthcare services in the governorates’ health institutions. Dr. Sultan Saif Al Kalbani, Head of the Spine Unit at Khoula Hospital, Consultant in ...

Chinese Researchers Develop Band-Aid for Organs to Facilitate Drug DeliveryBeijing, 4 May (ONA) --- Chinese researchers have developed smart "band-aids" for organs that are likely to make drug delivery more precise and efficient. A collaborative research team from Beihang University, Peking University, and other institutions has developed an electronic patch that acts as a band-aid for organs. The team integrated flexible electronics and micro-nano processing technologies to create the ultra-thin patch, which is as thin as a regular sheet of printed paper and can be attached directly to ...

Exercise Helps Mitigate Cancer Treatment Side Effects London, 30 Apr (ONA)--- A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine urges doctors to prescribe exercise to cancer patients as part of their treatment. The study highlights that physical activity can effectively counteract side effects of cancer therapies, such as heart and nerve damage, brain fog, and sleep disturbances. The research, based on an umbrella review of 80 systematic reviews conducted by scientists in China, found that regular exercise during cancer treatment not only reduces physical side ...

Breakthrough Tuberculosis Test Method Promises Major Detection BoostLondon, 24 Apr (ONA) --- new screening strategy for tuberculosis (TB), proposed by researchers at Queen Mary University of London, could significantly enhance the detection of both active and dormant TB infections, saving lives and reducing transmission rates.Published in the European Respiratory Journal, the study analyzed 13 different TB tests across 437 studies, concluding that combining diagnostic tests for both forms of the disease yields higher accuracy than current methods.Led by Dr. Dominik Zenner, the team ...

US Administration Vows to Ban Synthetic Food Dyes Washington, 23 Apr (ONA) --- The US administration announced plans to ban petroleum-based synthetic food dyes from the food supply in the U.S., citing health concerns. "For the last 50 years, American children have increasingly been living in a toxic soup of synthetic chemicals," Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Marty Makary said at a news conference, citing evidence linking the additives to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diabetes, cancer and more. Makary said the agency would begin the ...

Researchers Develop New Technology That Could Lead to Vision Correction California, 23 Apr (ONA) --- Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have developed a new technology that allows the human eye to see colours not found in nature, potentially leading scientists to correct vision and treat colour blindness. A new study published in the journal Science Advances reports that, using this technology, five participants were able to see a new colour called "ulo," described as a blend of green and blue with an unprecedented degree of saturation. The ...

WHO Announces International Agreement to Tackle PandemicsGeneva, 16 Apr (ONA) --- The World Health Organization (WHO) today issued a statement, announcing that its members have reached an agreement to prepare the world for future pandemics after over three years of intensive negotiations. The proposal aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats. This legally binding agreement aims to strengthen the world's defenses against emerging pathogens, after the COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives during ...

Study Confirms that Appendectomy Reduces Ulcerative Colitis RelapsesLondon, April 16 (QNA) --- A British scientific study has confirmed that appendectomy (appendix removal) may reduce the risk of ulcerative colitis relapse in patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The study, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, reported that the appendix plays a role by producing inflammatory proteins that stimulate the body to launch a series of immune responses. According to experiments conducted during the study, which included 197 ...

Vitamin D3 Reduces Activity of MS in Early Stages: StudyParis, 26 Mar (ONA) —- A French study has revealed that taking vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) orally at a dose of 100,000 international units every two weeks may significantly reduce multiple sclerosis (MS) activity in patients with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and early relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS). The study, conducted by researchers from the Nimes University Center, the University of Montpellier, and several French centers specializing in MS, aimed to evaluate the role of high doses of cholecalciferol (a ...

WHO: Global Anti-tuberculosis Drive at Risk over Funding CutsGeneva, 24 Mar (ONA) —- A drastic drop in development aid funding is threatening success in the fight against the world's deadliest infectious disease, tuberculosis (TB), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a WHO report released today, the UN health agency said that TB still kills around 1.5 million people every year. Seventy-nine million lives have been saved through early diagnosis and treatment since the year 2000. But without more money, things look bleak for the poorest countries, the WHO said in the ...