UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Depressed Australian adolescents have double the risk of vaping, with stress levels linked to vaping rates. No link found between anxiety and vaping. Research highlights need for prevention and intervention.

Multiple biotech companies raise significant funds for various medical advancements, including $600M for Symbiotic Capital targeting biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and synthetic biology; $165M Series A for Third Arc Bio's multifunctional antibodies for oncology and autoimmunity; $144M Series B for Outpace Bio's AI-powered cell therapies for solid tumors; and others ranging from $126M for Halda Therapeutics' RIPTAC cancer therapies to $5M for Kano Therapeutics' targeted, non-viral DNA insertion technology.

A study of over 99 million people identified two new rare Covid-19 vaccine side effects: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis, linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. The research confirmed known rare side effects of vaccines, emphasizing the benefits vastly outweigh the risks. Findings were published in the journal Vaccine.

Spot reduction, the idea of losing fat from specific body areas through targeted exercises or supplements, is a myth. Research shows fat loss occurs uniformly across the body, influenced by genetics, gender, and age. Effective weight management involves overall fat loss through lifestyle changes, not localized fat reduction.

A novel gene therapy for hemophilia A, SPK-8011, demonstrated sustained FVIII expression, reducing bleeding episodes significantly. The phase 1/2 trial, led by CHOP, showed stable coagulation factor VIII levels in patients, with a 91.5% reduction in bleeding. Funded by Spark Therapeutics, the study supports liver-directed AAV gene therapy for long-term hemophilia A treatment.

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) significantly improves survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, with 18% surviving five years post-treatment. The drug, approved for various cancers, enhances immune system's ability to target cancer by overcoming natural T cell checkpoints. This marks a revolutionary shift in cancer treatment.