Research Roundup—Ebola survivors face disabilities; Scripps Institute makes progress toward an opioid vaccine

Ebola survivors face disabilities a year after discharge

Researchers at the University of Liverpool found that Ebola virus infection survivors can face significant disabilities, including impairments in mobility, vision and cognition, following treatment for the virus. In a group of 27 Ebola survivors, 78% reported some kind of disability. (Clinical Infectious Diseases)

New vaccine could eventually combat effects of opioid combinations

Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute have made progress toward a vaccine that could combat the effects of the synthetic opioid fentanyl when mixed with heroin, according to research presented at the American Chemical Society national meeting. The vaccine, if completed, could help prevent addicted patients from relapsing during treatment. (Announcement)

Zika virus stifles the immune systems of pregnant women

The Zika virus can suppress the immune systems of pregnant women, making it easier for the virus to infect unborn babies and lead to birth defects, according to research from the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. The process almost resembled HIV infection, according to the researchers. (Nature Microbiology)

Younger cancer patients may not receive enough fertility information

Oncology clinicians may lack the knowledge and tools to have full discussions with patients about the fertility risks associated with cancer and cancer treatment, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed 23 studies and found that clinicians are broadly informed about fertility risks, but a number of factors, including a lack of understanding, can hinder key conversations with patients. (Psycho-Oncology)

Researchers compare mammography guidelines for effectiveness

Annual breast cancer screenings starting at age 40 may save the most lives, according to a new study. A team led by Weill Cornell Medicine compared different windows to begin annual mammograms and found that beginning them at age 40 saved the most estimated breast cancer deaths, a nearly 40% estimated reduction in deaths. (Cancer)