ASCLS eNewsBytes

• People Living With HIV Age Faster, But Antiretroviral Therapy Can Help May 5, 2026
  HIV accelerates aging, likely due to chronic inflammation, but antiretroviral therapy may mitigate this effect. Researchers created a proteomic aging clock to assess biological age by analyzing protein patterns in blood plasma.
• Long COVID May Persist as Diagnostic Gaps Remain May 5, 2026
  Long COVID is a poorly understood condition affecting millions worldwide, causing debilitating effects on multiple organ systems. It necessitates further research and awareness, as it is not a psychosomatic disorder and diagnostic gaps remain despite existing scientific evidence.
• Giving a Voice to Vocal Fold Regeneration—Uncovering a New Map of Stem-Like Cells May 5, 2026
  The larynx contains vocal folds crucial for speech, singing, and breathing, while also protecting the airway and assisting in swallowing. Damage to the larynx may lead to voice disorders, chronic cough or aspiration, significantly impacting quality of life.
• Long-Read RNA Sequencing Platform Helps Diagnose Rare Diseases May 5, 2026
  Scientists have leveraged long-read RNA sequencing via their STRIPE platform to uncover disease-causing variants in pediatric patients with rare disorders. This cost-effective technology identifies diagnoses missed by other genetic tests and improves knowledge of known pathogenic variants.
• FDA Approves Next-Gen Mitral Valve From Medtronic May 5, 2026
  Medtronic has received FDA approval for the Mosaic Neo mitral valve, a bioprosthesis designed for various surgical approaches, including sternotomy and minimally invasive techniques.