A new drug helps chemo beat resistant tumors; ancient conch shell blowing and sleep apnea; AI predicts ED hospital admissions hours in advance – Morning Medical Update

New drug helps chemo beat resistant tumors

A new cancer drug developed at King’s College London boosts the power of chemotherapy — even against tumors that previously resisted treatment. The pill, called KCL-HO-1i, disables a key protein made by immune cells that normally shield tumors from chemo. In preclinical models, it made resistant cancers respond to standard chemo drugs, raising hopes for broader, more effective treatment. Human trials could begin within two years.

Ancient conch shell blowing shows promise for treating sleep apnea

A small clinical trial suggests that shankh blowing — an ancient Hindu practice of exhaling through a conch shell — may ease symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. Published in ERJ Open Research, the study found that patients who practiced the technique for six months had fewer breathing interruptions at night, improved sleep and reduced daytime drowsiness. Researchers say the low-cost, noninvasive practice could offer an alternative for patients who struggle with CPAP therapy. A larger trial is now planned.

AI predicts hospital admissions in the ED hours in advance

Mount Sinai researchers have developed an AI tool that can predict hospital admissions early in an emergency department visit — often before an order is placed. Tested across nearly 50,000 patient visits, the model matched or outperformed nurse triage assessments and could help reduce overcrowding, streamline care and improve outcomes.