Alabama Health News Headlines:
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Pig kidneys demonstrate ‘life-sustaining kidney function’ in a human for the first time. In a groundbreaking study, a team of surgeons at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) successfully transplanted pig kidneys into a human patient. The kidneys functioned for 57 days, providing the patient with life-sustaining kidney function. This marks a significant milestone in the field of xenotransplantation, which holds the potential to address the shortage of human donor organs.
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UAB ataxia program named Ataxia Center of Excellence. The UAB Ataxia Center has been designated as an Ataxia Center of Excellence by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF). This prestigious designation recognizes the center’s commitment to providing high-quality care for patients with ataxia, a group of rare neurological disorders that affect balance and coordination.
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UAB Hospital remains the best hospital in Alabama, Birmingham metro, according to U.S. News & World Report. For the 17th consecutive year, UAB Hospital has been ranked as the best hospital in Alabama and the Birmingham metro area by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital received high marks in a variety of areas, including patient care, patient safety, and clinical research.
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Cutting-edge cancer research lab opens operations at Pepper Place. A new cancer research laboratory, the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at Pepper Place, has opened its doors in Birmingham, Alabama. The lab will focus on developing new treatments for cancer, with a particular focus on immunotherapy and precision medicine.
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$9.6 million grant will create Center for Cancer Control in Persistent Poverty Areas. The UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center and O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center have been awarded a $9.6 million grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to establish a Center for Cancer Control in Persistent Poverty Areas. The center will focus on reducing cancer disparities in underserved communities.
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Sarcoma: Know the signs and symptoms. Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in bones, muscles, soft tissues, and nerves. Early detection and treatment are essential for improving survival rates. The signs and symptoms of sarcoma can vary depending on the type and location of the tumor, but some common symptoms include pain, swelling, and a lump.
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UAB’s first uterus transplant recipient delivers healthy baby. A woman who received a uterus transplant at UAB has given birth to a healthy baby. This is the first time a woman with uterine factor infertility has successfully given birth after receiving a uterus transplant.
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COVID-19 Testing and Prevention in Alabama’s K-12 Schools program wraps up with 925,000 tests, 814 schools enrolled and more than 24,000 student participants. The UAB-led COVID-19 Testing and Prevention in Alabama’s K-12 Schools program has concluded after providing free and voluntary asymptomatic testing and HEPA filters to 814 schools across the state. The program aimed to keep Alabama’s schools open for in-person instruction during the Delta surge and beyond.
These are just a few of the many important health news stories from Alabama today. For more information, please visit the websites of the Alabama Department of Public Health, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and other reputable sources.