A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in eGastroenterology reveals that eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may increase the risk of reflux oesophagitis (RE) occurrence or recurrence. By analyzing data from 30 prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials, the study found a significantly higher RE risk in patients receiving H. pylori eradication therapy, especially with longer follow-up periods. Although geographic region, age, and baseline disease modified the effect, the trend was generally consistent. Clinicians are advised to consider individual patient profiles before initiating eradication therapy. These findings challenge existing assumptions about the uniformly beneficial role of H. pylori eradication.

Animals like bats, whales and insects have long used acoustic signals for communication and navigation. Now, an international team of scientists have taken a page from nature's playbook to model micro-sized robots that use sound waves to coordinate into large swarms that exhibit intelligent-like behavior. The robot groups could one day carry out complex tasks like exploring disaster zones, cleaning up pollution, or performing medical treatments from inside the body, according to team lead Igor Aronson, Huck Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Mathematics at Penn State.

New research by University at Buffalo and University of Colorado Boulder researchers has uncovered and characterized novel two-dimensional wave patterns — waves that propagate along two directions — whether they are in water or other settings like plasmas and condensed matter.