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Two New Antibodies to Treat Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases

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An international research group directed by UMC Utrecht have developed and characterised two first-in-class antibodies that specifically block the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. Their findings open new perspectives for therapeutic modulation of FcγRI-driven inflammation in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

FcγRI, also known as CD64, is a high-affinity receptor on myeloid cells that binds to the Fc region of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. It plays a key role in immune defence by triggering cellular functions such as phagocytosis and cytokine production. In a normal immune response, FcγRI is activated by immune complexes – clusters of antibodies bound to pathogens, which mark them for clearance. In autoimmune diseases, however, the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues (such as joint proteins in RA, nuclear antigens in SLE, or platelets in ITP), which results in the production of autoantibodies that form immune complexes. These misdirected complexes activate FcγRI unnecessarily, driving chronic inflammation and subsequent tissue damage.

The study, led by Prof Jeanette Leusen, PhD from the Antibody Therapy research group at the Center for Translational Immunology (UMC Utrecht) and carried out by PhD candidate Tosca Holtrop MSc, was a true team effort, in collaboration with experts from Kiel University (Germany), Leiden University Medical Center, Utrecht University, and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Germany).

Discovery of first-in-class antibodies

For over 30 years, scientists have tried to generate antibodies against the IgG-binding domain of CD64, but the receptor’s extremely high affinity for IgG made this impossible with earlier technologies. Combining the UMAB unique immunisation method with novel phage display antibody libraries, the team bypassed this challenge by excluding the Fc region of the antibodies. This allowed them to discover two unique Fc-silent antibodies, C01 and C04, that bind purely via their Fab domains to FcγRI. Crystal structural analysis confirmed that C01 binds precisely within the IgG-binding site on EC2, making binding mutually exclusive.

High affinity for FcγRI

Quantitative binding studies revealed that both antibodies have higher affinity for FcγRI than human IgG, allowing them to efficiently displace IgG or pathogenic immune complexes up to 60 percent and block binding up to 90 percent. Importantly, neither antibody triggered FcγRI activation, a critical distinction from earlier anti-FcγRI antibodies, which could inadvertently trigger receptor clustering and cytokine release.

Subsequently. an in vitro model for immune thrombocytopenia was set-up, where C01 and C04 effectively inhibited opsonized platelets from binding to immune cells from ITP patients. In a preclinical in vivo ITP model, the antibodies significantly reduced IgG-dependent platelet depletion. The antibodies were also tested in an in vitro rheumatoid arthritis models, where they effectively inhibited patient-derived autoantibody–immune complex binding to monocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils from healthy donors.

Promising therapeutic candidate drugs

The study demonstrates that direct Fab-mediated inhibition of FcγRI is feasible and effective, opening a new avenue for treating autoimmune diseases characterised by IgG-autoantibody complexes. By preventing immune complex–driven activation without triggering the receptor, C01 and C04 represent a promising next step toward targeted, inflammation-sparing immunotherapy. “I think we found the needle in the haystack, after searching over a decade and thanks to a true team effort,” says Jeanette Leusen, principal investigator of the study. “Each research partner contributed a critical piece, from antibody discovery and structure determination to patient sample testing and preclinical models. Only together could we bring this to fruition. These antibodies not only provide a unique tool for studying FcγRI biology, but also hold promise as therapeutic candidates in autoimmune and infectious diseases.”

Source: University Medical Centre Utrecht

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Discovery May Transform What Time of Day Doctors Induce Labour

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In a discovery that could shift labour and delivery practices around the world, researchers at Michigan State University have found that the effectiveness of oxytocin, used to induce or speed up labour, depends on the time of day it’s administered, especially for patients with gestational diabetes.

The study, published in Molecular Metabolism, combined laboratory research in mice and human cells with a retrospective review of more than 2300 pregnancies. The results were striking. Women whose labours were induced in the early morning to around noon experienced significantly shorter labour durations than those induced around midnight. For patients with gestational diabetes, the timing difference amounted to as much as seven hours.

“Our findings suggest timing isn’t just about scheduling – it can affect how well a patient’s uterus responds to labour-inducing medication,” said Hanne Hoffmann, associate professor of animal science at MSU and lead author of the study.

The science behind the clock

At the centre of the discovery is BMAL1, a key circadian rhythm gene that helps control the body’s biological 24-hour clock. In mice, the researchers showed that BMAL1 helps regulate the oxytocin receptor in the uterus, which is the same receptor that synthetic oxytocin targets to trigger contractions. When the gene was turned off or suppressed, either genetically or through a mouse model of gestational diabetes, oxytocin was significantly less effective at inducing contractions.

“We were able to show that BMAL1 directly controls the oxytocin receptor, which helps explain why time of day changes the drug’s effectiveness,” Hoffmann said. “This is the first study to make that molecular connection in the uterus.”

In human cell experiments, MSU scientists observed a circadian rhythm of contraction responses to oxytocin confirming what had previously only been speculated.

Real-world implications for labor and delivery

The team also analysed labour and delivery records from Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan, focusing on more than 2300 patients who were at least 39 weeks pregnant. Labour duration was compared across different time windows of the day and between patients with and without gestational diabetes.

The shortest labours occurred when induction started between 8 a.m. and noon and the longest when induction began between midnight and 4 a.m. This effect was especially dramatic in patients with gestational diabetes, suggesting reduced oxytocin sensitivity during nighttime hours.

“This isn’t about convenience,” Hoffmann said. “It’s about optimising outcomes. If we can better align medical interventions with a patient’s internal clock, we may improve safety for both mother and baby, while potentially being able to reduce the amount of a drug a woman receives.”

Hoffmann and her team are now expanding their research to a larger cohort to refine the optimal timing of labour induction. “Our ongoing work suggests that factors such as whether a woman has previously given birth and her BMI may further influence oxytocin’s effectiveness,” Hoffmann explained.

“By integrating these considerations with the time of day of drug administration, we can make labour induction safer, faster and more personalised. These simple, evidence-based steps could significantly improve delivery outcomes, lower the rates of caesarean sections and NICU admissions, and strengthen maternal and neonate recovery.”

The next phase of research will include a prospective study in collaboration with labour and delivery units to develop clear, practical guidelines for obstetricians to optimise induction timing. Ultimately, aligning medical care with the body’s natural rhythms has the potential to enhance not only birth outcomes, but the long-term health and well-being of mothers, babies and families – a cornerstone of a healthy and thriving population.

Source: Michigan State University

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South Africa, PATH, and Wellcome Launch World’s First AI Framework for Mental Health at G20 Social Summit

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As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly enters the mental health space, from therapy chatbots to diagnostic tools, the world faces a critical question: can AI expand access to care without putting people at risk?

At the G20 Social Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa announced a landmark national effort to answer that question. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and PATH, with funding from Wellcome, have launched the Comprehensive AI Regulation and Evaluation for Mental Health (CARE MH) program to develop the world’s first regulatory framework for artificial intelligence in mental health.

CARE MH will establish a science-based and ethically robust regulatory framework that describes how AI tools need to be evaluated for safety, inclusivity, and effectiveness before they can be given market authorization and made available to potential service users. It aims to strengthen trust in digital health innovation and will serve as a model for other countries seeking to strike a balance between innovation and oversight.

 “You wouldn’t give your child or loved one a vaccine or drug that hadn’t been tested or evaluated for safety,” saidBilal Mateen, Chief AI Officer at PATH. “We’re working to bring that same standard of rigorous evaluation to AI tools in mental health, because trust must be earned, not assumed.”  

The framework will be developed and tested in South Africa, with the intention of extending its application across the African continent and to international partners.

“SAHPRA is proud to lead the development of Africa’s first regulatory framework for AI in mental health linked directly to market authorization,” said Christelna Reynecke, Chief Operations Officer of SAHPRA. “Our true goal is even more ambitious, though; we want to create a regulatory environment for AI4health in general, one that keeps pace with innovation, grounded in scientific rigor, ethical oversight, and public accountability.”

“Millions of people across the globe are being held back by mental health problems, which are projected to become the world’s biggest health burden by 2030,” said Professor Miranda Wolpert MBE, Director of Mental Health at Wellcome. “CARE MH is a vital step toward ensuring that AI technologies in this space are safe, effective, and equitable.”

The goal is simple: help more people, safely.

Through CARE MH, the partners behind this initiative are setting the foundation for the next generation of ethical, evidence-based AI in mental health. Supported by global experts from the following institutions:  Audere Africa, African Health Research Institute, the UK’s Centre for Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation for AI & Digital Health, the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, University of Birmingham, University of Washington, and the Wits Health Consortium, CARE MH is built to protect and empower people everywhere.

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Better Brain health: UP Neurosurgeon Develops Non-invasive, Eye-based Method to Measure Intracranial Pressure

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Prof Llewellyn Padayachy is pioneering work in non-invasive techniques to assess and measure raised pressure inside the skull.

Paediatric neurosurgeon Professor Llewellyn Padayachy, Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Steve Biko Academic Hospital, is redefining how brain-related diseases are diagnosed and treated, especially in low-resource settings. He’s at the forefront of pioneering work in non-invasive techniques to assess and measure raised pressure inside the skull, known as intracranial pressure (ICP).

As part of his PhD 15 years ago, Prof Padayachy set out to find safer methods for earlier diagnosis of brain tumours in children, a patient group that often presented far too late, with tumours already dangerously large. This trend of delayed diagnosis shifted his research focus to detecting raised ICP, pressure within the skull – a critical marker when diagnosing life-threatening neurological conditions. Traditionally, assessing this pressure involves invasive procedures and highly specialised equipment, resources that are often unavailable in rural or primary care settings.

“Ultimately, this non-invasive system offers a ‘thermometer for the brain’ – a simple yet powerful diagnostic tool that enables earlier treatment, better outcomes and more equitable healthcare access,” Prof Padayachy explains. “This research provides a lifesaving bridge between innovation and accessibility, especially on a continent where neurosurgery is severely under-resourced.”

At the heart of this innovation is the concept of the eye as a window to the brain. Initially using ultrasound imaging to measure the optic nerve sheath – along with technologies like optical coherence tomography (which uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of eye tissue), intraocular tonometry (to measure pressure inside the eye) and retinal scanning – his team has refined methods for non-invasively assessing ICP, without radiation or surgical intervention. This offers a faster, safer and more portable method for diagnosing neurological diseases.

Prof Padayachy’s initial work has since expanded to include adult patients, and now plays a crucial role in
identifying a range of central nervous system disorders, including brain tumours, hydrocephalus, infections and intracranial bleeding, conditions where early detection is essential for effective treatment.
This non-invasive approach has major benefits for both patients and health systems.

Early detection of conditions like brain tumours and hydrocephalus allows for intervention when symptoms are still mild and treatment is most effective. Detecting tumours earlier is the best modifier of outcome.

This eye-based technique is designed for point-of-care diagnosis. It is a simple, rapid method that can be employed in GP practices, rural clinics or by assistant nurse, with minimal training. By analysing high volumes of data using machine-learning algorithms, a “traffic light” system has been developed to streamline diagnosis: green for normal, orange for uncertain and red for urgent intervention.

The reduced risk and cost of this approach eliminates the dangers of invasive testing and reliance on expensive imaging tools like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, which are often unavailable in rural areas.


It can support broader disease management by aiding in the diagnosis of not just tumours but various central nervous system disorders, including bleeds, infection, strokes and traumatic brain injuries. This technology is also being tested in countries like Norway and Germany, and is applicable to astronauts who experience raised intracranial pressure in microgravity.

A solution for Africa, with global impact

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than two billion people around the world lack access to safe surgical care, with low- and middle-income countries carrying the greatest burden. Africa faces immense challenges in neurosurgery, such as severe underfunding, a lack of training positions and a high burden of disease.

There is one neurosurgeon per four million people, far below the WHO’s recommendation of one per 200 000. This shortage, compounded by the lack of a central brain tumour registry and limited access to diagnostics, severely impacts patient outcomes. In South Africa alone, limited infrastructure and only a handful of neurosurgical training posts mean that even the brightest medical talent can be lost in the system.

“We have more than 70 applicants for a single registrar training post,” Prof Padayachy says. “This is completely inadequate. This research demonstrates how innovation born out of necessity can help us overcome these hurdles.”

This non-invasive technique isn’t just capable of transforming care in Africa; its application in diagnosing visual impairment due to raised intracranial pressure in astronauts, where a conventional tool like lumbar puncture is difficult to use, highlights its versatility. Ultrasound, which is portable and radiation-free, is the only imaging modality suitable for space. The same “thermometer for the brain” now being tested in orbit began in the clinics of South Africa.

“With the right support, we can create a self-sustaining model for research in Africa, by Africans,” Prof Padayachy says. “We certainly have the talent, and we can develop the tools to lead the world in non-invasive brain diagnostics.”

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Life Imitates Art: Google Searches for Lorazepam Spiked with TV Show

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Photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash

In season three of the hit television series The White Lotus, the character Victoria Ratliff takes the prescription anti-anxiety medication lorazepam to help with her social anxiety and inability to sleep. Her casual usage of the powerful benzodiazepine – often in combination with white wine – leads to her becoming visibly loopy, slurring her words, and falling asleep at dinner.

A recent study led by researchers at University of California San Diego has found that the show’s portrayal of lorazepam use was associated with a surge in Google searches for the medication, including queries related to acquiring it online.

The findings, published in JAMA Health Forum, suggest that the show generated 1.6 million more searches for lorazepam over a 12-week period than what would normally be expected for the time period. This increase in interest was not observed for other commonly prescribed benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, which were not mentioned in the show.

“It’s a really interesting phenomenon of how entertainment media can really reflect and drive human behavior,” said lead author Kevin Yang, M.D., resident physician in the Department of Psychiatry at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

The study also analyzed searches for how and where to acquire lorazepam online.

“We saw significant increases in searches related to acquiring lorazepam as well,” said senior author Eric Leas, Ph.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science and affiliate faculty at Qualcomm Institute. “It shows that there might be a subset of people that are actually wanting to figure out how to obtain that medication online.”

During the course of the season, Victoria Ratliff offers lorazepam to her husband Timothy, who eventually steals her pills and develops a dependence on the drug amid a personal financial crisis.

“Not only would he take it, but he would also combine it with alcohol, which we know is very dangerous,” said Yang. “ For the treatment of anxiety, lorazepam is typically prescribed for the short term  because long-term use can lead to tolerance and dependence as well as misuse. Studies have shown that almost one in five people who are prescribed benzodiazepines eventually end up misusing them.”

That’s concerning because the show emphasized the benefits of lorazepam usage, not the potential risks, such as dependence, respiratory depression and cognitive impairment, according to Yang.

“It didn’t really portray any of the adverse effects that might come from taking too much or from stopping it all of a sudden,”  he said.

Yang recommends that the entertainment industry and show producers take note of the potential impact of depicted drug use on viewer behavior and develop best practices around this type of content, which could include warnings at the beginning and the end of each episode. He also recommends that search engines provide informational warnings when people search for how to obtain the drug online, focusing on accurate, evidence-based information and support resources.

For viewers, Yang suggests taking a skeptical approach when searching for information online.

”My suggestion would be to take everything that is portrayed in the media, whether that’s on TV, film or in music, with a grain of salt,” he said. “It’s only showing one aspect of the medication, and that there are possible downsides. But ultimately, for things like medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor.”

The study was published on November 14, 2025 in JAMA Health Forum.

Source: University of California – San Diego

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Could a Liquid Biopsy Test Speed up Cancer Diagnoses?

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Study shows it would lead to increases in stages I–III diagnoses and a large decrease in stage IV diagnoses.

Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

Routine screening is limited to only a few cancer types. New research indicates that routine liquid biopsy testing (multi-cancer early detection testing) could substantially reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses, allowing patients to receive treatment at earlier cancer stages, which are more likely to respond to interventions. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

Currently, routine screening is only recommended for four types of cancer, leaving approximately 70% of new cancer cases to be detected only after symptoms appear, often at an advanced stage when survival rates are lower. Multi-cancer early detection tests offer a revolutionary approach by screening for multiple cancer types simultaneously from a single blood draw.

To evaluate the impact of one such test, Cancerguard, investigators used epidemiological data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database and developed a simulation model of 14 cancer types, which account for nearly 80% of cancer incidence and mortality. The researchers simulated 10-year disease progression for 5 million US adults aged 50–84 years and assessed the effects of incorporating an annual blood-based multi-cancer early detection test into standard care.

The model estimated that over 10 years, supplemental multi-cancer early detection testing would lead to a 10% increase in stage I diagnoses, a 20% increase in stage II diagnoses, a 30% increase in stage III diagnoses, and a 45% decrease in stage IV diagnoses, relative to standard care. The largest absolute reductions in stage IV diagnoses were in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The largest relative reductions were in cervical, liver, and colorectal cancers.

“Our analysis shows that multi-cancer blood tests could be a game changer for cancer control,” said Jagpreet Chhatwal, PhD, the study’s lead author and Director of the Institute for Technology Assessment at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. “By detecting cancers earlier – before they spread – these tests could potentially improve survival and reduce the personal and economic burden of cancer.”

Source: Wiley

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Even Low-intensity Smoking Increases Risk of Heart Attack and Death

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Study of 300 000 people finds just two to five cigarettes per day increases risk of death by 60%

Photo by lil artsy

An analysis of data from almost two dozen long-term studies finds that even low-intensity smokers have a substantially higher risk of heart disease and death compared to people who never smoked, even years after they quit. Michael Blaha of the Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Center for Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, USA, and colleagues report these findings November 18th in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine.

Previous research has shown that smoking cigarettes increases a person’s risk of developing cardiovascular disease, but the exact relationship between how heavily a person smokes and their risks is still unclear, especially for low-intensity smokers. Today, more people are smoking fewer cigarettes, but it’s still important to understand the cardiovascular risks and long-term benefits of quitting, even for individuals who aren’t smoking a pack a day.

Blaha’s team analysed data from more than 300 000 adults enrolled in 22 longitudinal studies – which involve following groups of individuals over time – for up to 19.9 years. In that time, they documented more than 125 000 deaths and 54 000 cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. The analysis showed that even very low-intensity smoking, defined as two to five cigarettes per day, was associated with a 50% higher risk of heart failure and a 60% higher risk of death from any cause, compared to never smoking. A person’s risk of cardiovascular events dropped most substantially in the first decade after quitting smoking and continued to decrease over time. However, even up to three decades later, former smokers may still exhibit higher risk compared to those who never smoked.

Considering that even occasional or very low-intensity smoking significantly increases a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease and death, the researchers conclude that quitting smoking at younger ages is the best way to decrease your risk, rather than reducing the number of cigarettes smoked each day. These findings reinforce established public health guidelines – that smokers should quit as early as possible instead of just cutting back – and emphasize the importance of smoking prevention programs.

The authors add, “This is one of the largest studies of cigarette smoking to date using the highest quality data in the cardiovascular epidemiology literature. It is remarkable how harmful smoking is – even low doses of smoking confer large cardiovascular risks. As far as behaviour change, it is imperative to quit smoking as early in life as possible, as the among of time passed since complete cessation from cigarettes is more important prolonged exposure to a lower quantity of cigarettes each day.”

Provided by PLOS

Press preview: https://plos.io/4nES58Z

In your coverage, please use this URL to provide access to the freely available paper in PLOS Medicine: https://plos.io/4nIQAXN

Contact: Michael Blaha, mblaha1@jhmi.edu

Image caption: Researchers assess the impact of when one quits smoking and their health outcomes later on.

Image credit: lil artsy, Pexels (CC0, https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)

High-resolution image link: https://plos.io/3VIPLCA

Citation: Tasdighi E, Yao Z, Dardari ZA, Jha KK, Osuji N, Rajan T, et al. (2025) Association between cigarette smoking status, intensity, and cessation duration with long-term incidence of nine cardiovascular and mortality outcomes: The Cross-Cohort Collaboration (CCC). PLoS Med 22(11): e1004561. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004561

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Preventing Drug Damage to the Vestibular System

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The vestibular system is responsible for the sense of balance in the inner ear. Prolonged use of toxic substances, such as certain antibiotics or anticancer drugs, can damage the hair cells that form part of this system, leading to alterations in balance and other motor skills. Now, a team from the University of Barcelona and the Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL) has identified the genetic mechanisms involved in the degradation of the vestibular system regarding the damage caused by these ototoxic compounds that affect the vestibule. The results could help improve the diagnosis of chronic vestibular ototoxicity and other pathologies related to the hair cells of the vestibular system.

The study, published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, is led by Jordi Llorens, professor at the UB’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and researcher at the Institute of Neurosciences (UBneuro) and IDIBELL. Researchers from the National Centre for Genomic Analysis (CNAG) also took part in the study.

The main causes of chronic vestibular ototoxicity are antibiotics of the aminoglycoside family, such as streptomycin – an antibiotic of choice in case of tuberculosis relapses – or anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin. Continued use of these drugs initiates a process of degeneration that causes “the hair cells to detach from the neurons, begin to deform and end up being expelled from their place in the sensory tissue,” explains Llorens.

This is a serious problem because the hair cells of the vestibular system do not regenerate. “We only have the ones we are born with. If we lose them, we also lose our balance, with very diverse consequences: from not being able to ride a bicycle to suffering blurred vision while moving, falls, orientation difficulties, dizziness or vertigo,” explains the UB professor.

Using RNA-seq analysis, i.e. a study of the global expression of genes that reveals which genes are activated or deactivated in the tissues of the vestibular system, the researchers discovered that, in the initial stages of degeneration, the hair cells change the expression of their genes to adapt to the progressive damage caused by otototoxic drugs. “The expression of many genes that define the identity of the hair cell, i.e. those that determine its shape and its ability to respond to movement by generating the signals that are sent to the brain, is reduced,” explains Llorens.

These results, together with the fact, discovered by the researchers, that the damage is reversible during the early stages of the degeneration process, indicate that it is essential to detect the problem as early as possible to stop the toxicity and avoid irreversible damage. “Hair cells become disconnected from neurons and stop sending information to the brain, but if the toxicity is interrupted, the connections can be repaired and function is restored. This increases the chances of avoiding a permanent loss of function,” the researcher stresses.

A potential biomarker

This study may also contribute to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the pathology, since, according to the researchers, the genetic mechanisms they have identified in response to the stress caused by ototoxic drugs will make it possible, in the future, to “measure this stress and evaluate the effect of possible therapies, such as the development of drugs capable of stopping the process of eliminating hair cells or promoting their repair.”

In addition, the study has identified a new gene, Vsig10l2, expressed by hair cells, which significantly reduces its expression in all the models analysed. “This gene is of great interest as a possible marker of chronic ototoxicity in preclinical studies,” says Llorens.

The same response to different toxics

One of the most remarkable elements of the study is that the analysis has been carried out with four different models of chronic ototoxicity, using two different animal species and two different toxins, and then cross-checking the results of all experiments.

This comprehensive analysis has allowed them to determine that the degradation process occurs in response to very different toxins. “It is not a response conditioned by a particular toxin, it is the basic response of hair cells, which is always there, in response to chronic ototoxicity of any kind,” stresses the UB professor.

These results, together with the fact, discovered by the researchers, that the damage is reversible during the early stages of the degeneration process, indicate that it is essential to detect the problem as early as possible to stop the toxicity and avoid irreversible damage.

Impact on other pathologies

The study could have implications for understanding other pathologies, as the researchers suggest that the response they have demonstrated in chronic ototoxicity might represent a general response to chronic stress of any origin. “The results could be relevant to any chronic pathology with progressive loss of vestibular hair cells, including age-related loss of vestibular function. We also hypothesise that auditory hair cells might respond in a similar way, so they could help understanding deafness,” explains Llorens.

In this sense, the research team is studying – within the framework of a project funded by La Marató de TV3 – the possible relevance of the loss of vestibular function in patients with vestibular schwannoma, a tumour of the audiovestibular nerve that appears spontaneously or as a consequence of a minority disease, neurofibromatosis type 2. “Thanks to this project, we have been able to develop a culture model that allows us to study these chronic effects or how the hair cells become progressively more damaged before dying,” he concludes. 

Source: University of Barcelona

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Opinion Piece: The Ethical Pulse of Progress – AI’s Promise and Peril in Healthcare

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By Vishal Barapatre, Group Chief Technology Officer at In2IT Technologies

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising healthcare as profoundly as the discovery of antibiotics or the invention of the stethoscope. From analysing X-rays in seconds to predicting disease outbreaks and tailoring treatment plans to individual patients, AI has opened new possibilities for precision medicine and increased efficiency. In emergency rooms, AI-driven diagnostic tools are already helping doctors detect heart attacks or strokes faster than human eyes alone.

However, as AI systems become increasingly embedded in the patient journey, from diagnosis to aftercare, they raise critical ethical questions. Who is accountable when an algorithm gets it wrong? How can we ensure that patient data remains confidential in the era of cloud computing? And how can healthcare institutions, often stretched thin on resources, balance innovation with responsibility?

When algorithms diagnose: the promise and the problem

AI’s strength lies in its ability to process massive amounts of data, such as medical histories, imaging scans, and lab results, and detect patterns that human clinicians might miss. This can dramatically improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes. For instance, AI models trained on thousands of mammogram images can help identify subtle indicators of breast cancer earlier than traditional methods.

However, the same data that powers AI can also introduce bias. If the datasets used to train an algorithm are skewed, say, over-representing one demographic group, the results may unfairly disadvantage others. A diagnostic model trained primarily on data from urban hospitals, for example, might misinterpret symptoms in patients from rural areas or underrepresented ethnic groups. Bias in healthcare AI isn’t just a technical flaw; it’s an ethical hazard with real-world consequences for patient trust and equity.

The privacy paradox

The integration of AI in healthcare requires access to vast quantities of sensitive data. This creates a privacy paradox: the more data AI consumes, the smarter it becomes, but the greater the risk to patient confidentiality. The digitisation of health records, combined with AI’s hunger for data, exposes systems to new vulnerabilities. A single breach can compromise thousands of medical histories, potentially leading to identity theft or misuse of personal health information. The paradox underscores the need for robust data protection measures in AI-driven healthcare systems.

Striking a balance between data utility and privacy protection has become one of the healthcare industry’s most pressing ethical dilemmas. Encryption, anonymisation, and strict access controls are essential, but technology alone isn’t enough. Patients need transparency: clear explanations of how their data is used, who has access to it, and what safeguards are in place. Ethical AI requires not only compliance with regulations but also the cultivation of trust through open communication.

Accountability in the age of automation

When an AI system makes a medical recommendation, who is ultimately responsible for the outcome – the algorithm’s developer, the healthcare provider, or the institution that deployed it? The opacity of AI decision-making, often referred to as the “black box” problem, complicates accountability and transparency. Clinicians may rely on algorithmic outputs without fully understanding how conclusions were reached. This can blur the line between human and machine judgment.

Accountability must therefore be clearly defined. Human oversight should remain central to any AI-powered decision, ensuring that technology supports rather than replaces clinical expertise. Ethical frameworks that mandate explainability, where AI systems must provide understandable reasoning for their outputs, are key to maintaining trust. Moreover, continuous auditing of AI models, which involves regularly reviewing and testing the system performance, can help detect and correct biases or errors before they lead to harm, thereby ensuring the ongoing ethical use of AI in healthcare.

Behind the code: who keeps AI ethical

While hospitals and clinics focus on patient care, many lack the internal capacity to manage the complex ethical, security, and technical demands of AI adoption. This is where third-party IT providers play a pivotal role. These partners act as the backbone of responsible innovation, ensuring that AI systems are implemented securely and ethically.

By embedding ethical principles into system design, such as fairness, transparency, and accountability, IT providers help healthcare institutions mitigate risks before they become crises. They also play a crucial role in securing sensitive data through advanced encryption protocols, cybersecurity monitoring, and compliance management. In many ways, they serve as both architects and custodians of ethical AI, ensuring that the pursuit of innovation does not compromise patient welfare.

Building a culture of ethical innovation

Ultimately, the ethics of AI in healthcare extend beyond technology; they are about culture and leadership. Hospitals and healthcare networks must foster environments where ethical reflection is as integral as technical innovation. This involves establishing multidisciplinary ethics committees, conducting bias audits, and training clinicians to critically evaluate and question AI outputs rather than accepting them without examination.

The future of AI in healthcare depends not on how advanced our algorithms become, but on how wisely we use them. Ethical frameworks, transparent governance, and responsible partnerships with IT providers can transform AI from a potential risk into a powerful ally. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, the institutions that will thrive are those that remember that technology should serve humanity, not the other way around.

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Mental Health and the NICU Mom: The Silent Battle Behind the Glass

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Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

If you’ve ever walked through a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), you’ll know the atmosphere – quiet, sterile, filled with tiny machines keeping even tinier lives stable. What you might not see, though, is the emotional toll it takes on mothers standing behind that glass.

For many moms of premature babies, the NICU isn’t just a place of healing – it’s a battlefield of fear, hope, and heartache. Studies suggest that up to 70% of mothers with babies in NICU experience symptoms of anxiety or depression, and a significant number show signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) even months after discharge.

“Having a baby in NICU can be one of the most emotionally isolating experiences a mother faces,” says Sr Londe, independent midwife and Vital Baby South Africa’s trusted advisor. “You’re told to be strong, to hold it together. But inside, you’re scared and feel powerless.”

Unlike traditional postpartum depression, which often develops after birth, NICU-related mental health challenges can begin immediately; triggered by medical uncertainty, feelings of guilt, or the inability to bond physically with your baby.

“You may only be allowed to touch your baby for minutes at a time,” says Sr Londe. “That separation can deeply impact bonding and confidence.”

Feeling numb, struggling to sleep even when your baby is safe, replaying traumatic moments, or feeling disconnected from your child – these are all warning signs of trauma or depression. And yet, many mothers dismiss them.

“There’s still a stigma around maternal mental health,” says Sr Londe. “We need to normalise the conversation and remind mothers that they’re not alone.”

Talking to your healthcare provider, joining a support group, or connecting with a therapist who specialises in perinatal mental health can make a world of difference. Hospitals are also increasingly introducing peer-support programmes where NICU graduates’ parents help new families navigate the emotional maze.

“It’s okay to need help,” says Sr Londe. “You’re not failing as a mother, you’re processing an extraordinary experience.” 

As the conversation around maternal mental health grows, brands like Vital Baby are helping raise awareness that caring for moms is as important as caring for their babies. Because behind every incubator, there’s a mother who needs healing too. 

Vital Baby is a family-run business with over 45 years of experience in the baby industry. Our mission is to create products that make family time effortless and enjoyable for parents. The Vital Baby range is 100% BPA-free and covers every stage of your baby’s development, from feeding and weaning to hygiene and soothing. Explore the range online at Vital Baby® (vitalbabyshop.co.za) and enjoy delivery within South Africa or find us on shelf at Clicks and Dischem.