Medical news today

Here are some of the latest medical news stories from around the world:

COVID-19 Updates

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a record high of over 12 million COVID-19 cases in the past week, with the global death toll surpassing 2.5 million. (Source: WHO)
• A new study published in The Lancet has found that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization in older adults. (Source: The Lancet)
• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that it will begin tracking a new variant of the COVID-19 virus, known as the "Delta" variant, which has been detected in several countries. (Source: CDC)

Breakthroughs and Discoveries

• Scientists have made a breakthrough in the development of a new type of cancer treatment that uses genetically modified viruses to target and kill cancer cells. (Source: Nature Medicine)
• Researchers have discovered a new gene that is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. (Source: Science)
• A new study has found that a common antibiotic can be used to treat a rare and often fatal genetic disorder known as Mucolipidosis IV. (Source: Science Translational Medicine)

Medical Devices and Technology

• The FDA has approved a new robotic system for performing minimally invasive surgeries, which is designed to improve accuracy and reduce recovery time. (Source: FDA)
• Researchers have developed a new type of implantable device that can monitor and treat chronic pain in real-time. (Source: Science Advances)
• A new study has found that a wearable device that tracks physical activity and sleep patterns can help reduce symptoms of depression. (Source: JAMA Internal Medicine)

Healthcare Policy and Reform

• The US Senate has passed a bill aimed at reducing prescription drug prices, which would allow the government to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies. (Source: The Hill)
• The UK government has announced plans to introduce a new law that would require pharmaceutical companies to disclose the prices they charge for medicines. (Source: BBC News)
• A new study has found that a single-payer healthcare system, in which the government is responsible for funding healthcare, could save the US billions of dollars in healthcare costs. (Source: Health Affairs)

Other Medical News

• A new study has found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. (Source: The BMJ)
• Researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria that is resistant to all known antibiotics, which has raised concerns about the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. (Source: The Guardian)
• The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for the prevention and treatment of heart failure, which recommend lifestyle changes and medication to reduce the risk of heart failure. (Source: American Heart Association)