health News: Use of nanoparticles administered via hair follicles will combat surgical site infections ♦ Gains in health insurance across Texas fall behind rest of US

Use of nanoparticles administered via hair follicles will combat surgical site infections and wounds Many surgery patients develop infections and are a major source of prolonged illness and significant cause of death. Now, a research project is investigating the use of nanoparticles as a way to disinfect wounds. It could prove to be much more effective than existing techniques because the particles would be tiny enough to enter the skin via hair follicles, ensuring much better penetration of the area affected by surgery.

Multiple myeloma drug could revolutionize treatment for sickle cell disease An established drug for recurrent multiple myeloma might effectively be repurposed to improve the survival and day-to-day lives of patients with devastating sickle cell disease.

Gains in health insurance across Texas fall behind rest of US The rate of adults without health insurance across the US dropped nearly twice as much as in Texas from 2013 to 2015, according to a new report. The report found that since enrollment began in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in September 2013, the adult uninsured rate in the U.S. fell by 41 percent. Researchers found Texas' uninsured rate dropped just 21 percent during the same time.

New material developed for accelerated skin regeneration in major wounds Researchers have developed a synthetic biomaterial that fills wounds and aids in regeneration of skin cells, which ultimately improves wound healing.