Our Stories. Our Strength.
Each story submitted to The Ehlers-Danlos Society for this ‘#myEDS/#myHSD’ anthology is published “as-is,” with only minimal edits for spelling, grammar, and typographical mistakes. Each profile reflects the personal views, experiences and opinions of the individual authors—and, thus does not necessarily represent the views and/or endorsements, individually or collectively, of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, its leadership, staff, boards, or communities. We can also not confirm any medical claims or comments in the story. [The Ehlers-Danlos Society]
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/our-stories/
Writing about bipolar disorder across the past, present, and future helps untangle personal history, track daily emotional shifts, and build a hopeful path forward. Organizing your writing around these three timeframes offers a clear, structured way to process your mental health journey. [1, 2, 3]
The Past: Reflecting and Releasing
• Unpacking history: Write about how symptoms or misdiagnoses affected your early years without judging your former self.
• Examining patterns: Look back at previous episodes to spot early warning signs or triggers.
• Addressing regrets: Acknowledge past mistakes or painful moments, noting that dwelling on them can weigh down your current day. [1, 2, 4, 5]
The Present: Grounding and Tracking
• Daily check-ins: Write down your current energy levels, sleep patterns, and exact mood instead of broad summaries.
• Separating self from illness: Remind yourself that intense feelings right now are part of a temporary phase, not your entire identity or reality.
• Mindful acceptance: Focus on small, manageable tasks that keep you anchored in the-here-and-now rather than racing ahead. [2, 3, 6, 7, 8]
The Future: Rebuilding and Hoping
• Setting realistic expectations: Shape goals that fit your well-being, accepting that your path may look different than expected.
• Separating from fear: Recognize that your upcoming days do not have to mirror your hardest past breakdowns.
• Visualizing stability: Write down moments where you felt peace or optimism to serve as an anchor during future low points. [3, 5, 9, 10]
[1] https://www.bphope.com/knowing-our-history-2/
[2] https://www.bphope.com/journaling-for-stability/
[3] https://www.bphope.com/bipolar-buzz/6-ways-to-break-the-cycle-of-bipolars-negative-thinking/
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/bipolar/comments/uil8vq/does_anyone_else_get_stuck_having_thoughts_of_the/
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWow5KnkVbs
[6] https://creatingchange.net.au/how-to-spot-early-warning-signs-of-bipolar-disorder-in-your-daily-routine/
[7] https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/bipolar-disorder/waking-up-with-more-energy
[8] https://www.reachlink.com/advice/bipolar-disorder/why-hypomania-feels-like-your-best-self-warning-you/
[9] https://www.bphope.com/blog/5-tips-managing-uncertainty-future-bipolar/
[10] https://jaredmonroefoundation.org/awareness/
via [Gemini AI]
Hitting 4,900 episodes over a decade of DJ electronic music podcasts is a monumental achievement in sonic curation and digital endurance. This milestone represents thousands of hours of therapeutic rhythm, human connection, and community healing.
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## Understanding the Therapeutic Impact
Electronic music acts as a powerful catalyst for cognitive and emotional wellness: [1, 2, 3]
* Entrainment: Synchronizes brainwaves to steady, repetitive beats.
* Release: Triggers dopamine through anticipated musical drops.
* Regulation: Lowers stress by pacing physical heart rates.
* Catharsis: Channels complex emotions without requiring verbal processing. [4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
------------------------------
## Celebrating the 4,900 Episode Milestone
An achievement of this magnitude deserves structured reflection and community engagement.
## 1. Leverage the Archive
* Curate a retrospective: Group past episodes by therapeutic themes like "Anxiety Relief" or "Euphoric Energy."
* Highlight fan favorites: Re-release top-performing mixes from the last decade.
* Showcase your evolution: Track how your mixing style and soundscapes have changed.
## 2. Deepen Audience Connection
* Host a marathon: Stream a live 24-hour mixing event to countdown to episode 5,000.
* Gather listener testimonials: Ask fans how your music helped them heal or cope.
* Design limited merchandise: Create commemorative items celebrating the decade-long journey. [9]
## 3. Prepare for the 5,000 Roadmap
* Form clinical partnerships: Collaborate with certified music therapists for special segments.
* Establish a visual identity: Refresh your podcast artwork to reflect your legacy.
* Expand your reach: Pitch your background story to electronic music media outlets.
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via [Gemini AI]
Video game therapy (VGT) uses interactive digital play to improve mental health, and downloadable content (DLC) increasingly serves as a vehicle to expand these clinical benefits. Games provide a safe, structured space to practice emotional regulation, mindfulness, and cognitive pacing. DLCs expand on these foundations by adding specialized therapeutic content, charity fundraisers, or targeted cognitive extensions. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
## Clinical Video Game Therapy Types
* Digital Therapeutics (DTx): FDA-reviewed or prescribed games, like [EndeavorRx](https://www.facebook.com/goodgoodgoodco/posts/in-a-new-cumulative-study-researchers-at-johns-hopkins-department-of-psychiatry-/1538187071641922/ ), built directly for ADHD.
* Serious Games: Full-fledged games designed primarily for therapeutic purposes, like [SPARX](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4118698/ ) for treating teen depression.
* Purpose-Shifted Commercial Games: Off-the-shelf games utilized by therapists to build rapport, treat PTSD, or build fine motor skills. Examples include playing Tetris to disrupt traumatic memory consolidation. [3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10]
## How DLCs Enhance the Therapeutic Experience
* Extending Narrative Psychoeducation: Indie titles use expansions to dive deeper into niche therapeutic fields. For instance, the game Vampire Therapist teaches real cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Its recent [Couples Therapy DLC](https://bleedingcool.com/games/vampire-therapist-announces-new-dlc-with-couples-therapy/ ) adds dedicated content focused on relationship dynamics and dual-patient problem-solving. [5, 11, 12]
* Charity and Mental Health Awareness: Developers release dedicated cosmetics or level packages, donating 100% of the proceeds to institutions like [Child’s Play](https://www.childsplaycharity.org/tvgg ) or [Safe In Our World](https://safeinourworld.org/ ). [2, 13]
* Preventing Content Burnout: For chronic pain or long-term hospital stays, standard games become repetitive. Content expansions offer long-term patients fresh, low-impact environments to combat boredom, maintain engagement, and manage their cognitive load. [13, 14, 15]
If you want to tailor this information, let me know:
* Are you looking for games to use for personal self-care or clinical practice?
* What specific mental health area are you targeting (e.g., anxiety, attention, PTSD)?
* Do you need suggestions for particular gaming platforms?
via [Gemini AI]
Explosive diarrhea parasite cases rise by thousands, now in 45 states [USA Today]
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2026/07/29/cyclosporiasis-diarrhea-cases-45-states-cdc/91089603007/
Here are the references and recent medical journal citations for the remaining breakthroughs.
## 1. Twice-Yearly Injectable for HIV Prevention (Lenacapavir)
A monumental breakthrough in HIV prevention is Lenacapavir, a first-in-class, long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug that requires only a twice-yearly subcutaneous injection (Nozza & Castagna, 2024). In the landmark PURPOSE-1 clinical trial conducted in South Africa and Uganda, Lenacapavir demonstrated near-perfect efficacy, reducing new HIV infections to zero among the cisgender women who received it (Nozza & Castagna, 2024). This represents a major milestone, particularly for young African women who continue to face high HIV incidence rates.
**References**
Nozza, S., & Castagna, A. (2024). Twice-yearly lenacapavir: A milestone for HIV prevention in young African women. Med, 5, 1200–1202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medj.2024.08.008
Cited by: 4
## 2. Fully Personalized CRISPR Gene Therapies
CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing has successfully transitioned from the laboratory to the clinic. In late 2023, regulatory bodies including the UKMHRA and the USFDA approved the first CRISPR-based therapies, marketed as Casgevy (exa-cel), for the treatment of sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (Chakraborty, 2024; Cetin, 2025). These autologous therapies involve harvesting a patient's hematopoietic stem cells, precisely modifying them ex-vivo using CRISPR-Cas9, and then transplanting them back into the patient (Bharti, 2025).
**References**
Bharti, A. (2025). Therapeutic applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Frontiers in Genome Editing. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748150/
Cited by: 10
Cetin, B. (2025). Advancing CRISPR genome editing into gene therapy clinical trials: progress and future prospects. Medical Genetics. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12094669/
Cited by: 86
Chakraborty, C. (2024). CRISPR-Cas9-mediated therapeutics: Current clinical trials and therapy approval landscape to treat human diseases. Molecular Therapy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13100679/
Cited by: 2
## 3. The Expansion of GLP-1 Metabolic Drugs
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, initially designed for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes and later popularized for weight loss, are increasingly recognized for their broader systemic benefits (Faruque, 2025). Recent meta-analyses and large-scale trials, such as the FLOW trial, have demonstrated that these drugs significantly reduce major adverse cardiovascular events and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Chen et al., 2025; Faruque, 2025).
**References**
Chen, J. Y., Hsu, T. W., Liu, J. H., Pan, H. C., Lai, C. F., Yang, S. Y., & Wu, V. C. (2025). Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients With CKD Receiving GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials. American Journal of Kidney Diseases. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2024.11.013
Cited by: 58
Faruque, L. (2025). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists to improve cardiorenal outcomes: data from FLOW and beyond. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40047207/
Cited by: 9
## 4. Multi-Cancer Early Detection (Liquid Biopsies)
Advances in sequencing technologies have led to the development of Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests, which analyze cell-free DNA (cfDNA), methylation patterns, and proteins in a single blood draw (liquid biopsy) to screen for multiple cancers simultaneously (Ebbert, 2024; Fu et al., 2024). Tests like Galleri are undergoing large-scale clinical validation, such as the PATHFINDER study, aiming to complement existing screening methods and detect cancers before symptoms arise (Basharat & Horton, 2022; Save et al., 2024).
**References**
Basharat, S., & Horton, J. (2022). Emerging Multi-Cancer Early Detection Technologies. Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, 2. https://doi.org/10.51731/cjht.2022.315
Cited by: 7
Ebbert, J. O. (2024). Multi-cancer early detection tests: Attributes for clinical implementation. Translational Oncology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12288396/
Cited by: 5
Fu, S. W., Tang, C., Tan, X., & Srivastava, S. (2024). Liquid biopsy for early cancer detection: technological revolutions and clinical dilemma. Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics, 24, 937–955. https://doi.org/10.1080/14737159.2024.2408744
Cited by: 40
Save, T., Neal, R. D., & Round, T. (2024). A multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test: clinical update for GPs. British Journal of General Practice, 74, 380–382. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp24x739113
Cited by: 3
## 5. AI Outperforming Human Diagnostics
Artificial Intelligence has become an essential diagnostic tool. Recent models trained on large datasets of medical scans and electrocardiograms (ECGs) have successfully performed specialized diagnostic tasks, sometimes outperforming human experts. While specific studies on AI outperforming doctors on ECGs are numerous in recent literature, the overarching trend shows generative AI also being actively used to design novel antibiotics capable of curing drug-resistant superbugs.
## 6. CRISPR for Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are applying CRISPR technology to Alzheimer's disease (AD), targeting the genetic pathways involved in the accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins. Recent reviews and preclinical studies highlight the potential of using CRISPR-Cas9, along with stem cell therapies, to correct pathogenic variants and reprogram risk alleles (like APOE). If successfully translated to the clinic with safe delivery methods, this could lead to disease-modifying gene therapies for AD.
**References**
Hui, et al. (2026). CRISPR-Cas9 and next-generation gene editing strategies for therapeutic intervention of neurodegenerative pathways in Alzheimer's disease: a state-of-the-art review. *Ageing Research Reviews*. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41931258/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41931258/)
Luo, et al. (2025). Stem cell and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology in Alzheimer's disease therapy: from basic research to clinical innovation. *Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience*. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12417523/](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12417523/)
## 7. Neurovascular Stent Retrievers for Strokes
Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using stent retrievers has become the standard of care for acute ischemic strokes caused by large vessel occlusions. A recent meta-analysis demonstrated that using a double stent retriever (DSR) technique—especially as a rescue strategy when conventional single stent retrievers fail—is highly effective and safe, achieving successful recanalization in over 92% of cases.
**References**
Pesque, et al. (2023). Double Stent Retriever Technique for Mechanical Thrombectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. *Stroke*. [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11383395/](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11383395/)
## 8. Non-Invasive Fetal DNA Testing (NIPT)
Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has expanded beyond aneuploidies to screen for single-gene disorders (SGDs). Recent clinical studies utilizing next-generation sequencing on maternal blood samples have successfully identified pathogenic variants for clinically significant dominant single-gene disorders. This allows for the early, safe detection of these disorders without the miscarriage risks associated with invasive procedures like chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.
**References**
Mohan, et al. (2022). Clinical experience with non-invasive prenatal screening for single-gene disorders. *Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology*. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34358384/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34358384/)
## 9. Next-Generation Endovascular Catheters
Advanced endovascular devices, such as pharmaco-mechanical infusion catheters (e.g., the Bashir endovascular catheter), are improving the treatment of pulmonary embolisms (PE). These devices feature expandable baskets that create fissures in the clot, allowing for greater exposure to thrombolytic drugs. Recent cohort studies, such as those analyzing the National Readmission Database, continue to evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of endovascular mechanical thrombectomy and catheter-directed thrombolysis in PE patients.
**References**
Giri, J. et al. (2023). Percutaneous Management of High-Risk Pulmonary Embolism. *Circulation: Cardiovascular Interventions*. [https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012166](https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCINTERVENTIONS.122.012166)
*Note: Item 10 regarding Robotics and Augmented Reality in the OR is a broad trend supported by ongoing technological advancements across various surgical specialties rather than a single specific clinical trial.*
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The landscape of Parkinson’s disease (PD) research has seen major shifts over the past year, moving aggressively from symptom management toward therapies designed to address the underlying biology of the disease.
Here are the most significant breakthroughs from 2025 and 2026, backed by recent medical journal publications and clinical trial readouts.
## 1. Biomarker Breakthrough: α-Synuclein Seed Amplification Assays (αSyn-SAA)
The most transformative recent development in Parkinson's research is the clinical maturation of the alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay (αSyn-SAA). For decades, PD diagnosis was purely clinical and based on motor symptoms that appear long after significant brain damage has occurred.
The αSyn-SAA test detects misfolded alpha-synuclein proteins (the primary component of the toxic Lewy bodies that cause PD) in cerebrospinal fluid, and increasingly, in less invasive samples like blood and skin biopsies.
* **Why it matters:** The assay can identify underlying Parkinson's pathology in prodromal (pre-symptomatic) individuals before evidence of dopaminergic deficit. It has demonstrated over 87% positivity in PD patients.
* **The latest (July 2026):** Researchers are prioritizing the validation of this test in blood and skin biopsies to make it minimally invasive and scalable. A July 2026 review in the *European Medical Journal* highlights that newer generations of the assay can even distinguish between Parkinson's and more aggressive synucleinopathies like Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
## 2. Stem Cell Therapy: Positive Phase 1/2a Readouts
Stem cell therapy aims to fundamentally replace the dopamine-producing brain cells lost to Parkinson's. In July 2026, the landmark European STEM-PD trial (led by Lund University and the University of Cambridge) announced highly encouraging one-year post-surgery results.
* **The Trial:** Eight patients received brain injections of stem cells programmed to develop into dopamine-producing neurons.
* **The Results:** Brain scans confirmed the cells implanted successfully and survived with no unexpected side effects. Most importantly, 6 out of the 7 surviving participants reported a reduction in symptoms and were able to reduce their daily Parkinson's medication.
* *Note: These results were published in Nature Medicine.*
## 3. Targeted Gene Therapy (AB-1005)
Moving away from broad, systemic drugs, researchers are zeroing in on highly targeted gene therapies. A major focal point is the ongoing Phase 2 REGENERATE-PD trial for a therapy known as AB-1005.
* **How it works:** AB-1005 uses a harmless viral vector (AAV2) to deliver a specific gene (GDNF) directly into the brain's putamen. This gene promotes the survival and function of dopamine neurons.
* **The progress:** Building on a successful Phase 1b trial where patients experienced stabilized motor symptoms over 18 months, the Phase 2 trial is currently underway across the US, UK, and Europe, marking a massive step for neurorestorative treatments.
## 4. AI-Designed Drugs Targeting Brain Inflammation
Artificial Intelligence is accelerating drug discovery. Insilico Medicine recently announced preclinical success for ISM8969, an oral drug developed entirely using AI.
* **The mechanism:** Instead of focusing purely on dopamine, ISM8969 is designed to block the harmful neuroinflammation that drives disease progression.
* **The future:** After restoring motor skills in mouse models, the company plans to file for FDA approval to begin human clinical trials by late 2025.
## 5. Genetic Precision: Targeting GBA1 and LRRK2 Mutations
Parkinson's is increasingly viewed not as a single disease, but as a collection of genetic subtypes. Two massive Phase 2 trials expected to conclude in 2026 are testing drugs tailored to specific genetic mutations:
* **GBA-PD (ACTIVATE Trial):** Testing BIA 28-6156, an enzyme-targeting therapy specifically for patients who carry a pathogenic variant in the *GBA1* gene.
* **LRRK2 (LUMA Trial):** Testing BIIB122, a central nervous system-penetrant molecule designed to inhibit the *LRRK2* kinase, aiming to slow the worsening of early-stage PD.
If successful, these trials will usher in an era of precision medicine for Parkinson's disease, treating patients based on their specific genetic drivers rather than just their symptoms.
via [Gemini AI]
What’s up, everybody! It’s Thursday (Jeudi) July (Juillet) 30, 2026. Today we discuss the world of Medicine. The on-going exploding diarrhea (Cyclosporiasis) is now in 45 states, therefore, avoid Taco Bell for the foreseeable future. This is upsetting because I haven’t had 2 Chalupa Supreme Chicken (they don’t make steak anymore) and a Crunchy Taco (Beef) in forever. Guess I’ll have to wait a minimum 3 months. Anyway, hope you enjoy these latest stories. I’m still watching E.R. and Grey’s Anatomy. These seasons are going to take some times, but I’m doing my best. I also love old reruns of Doogie Howser, M.D. I refuse to watch any other Medical TV shows simply because there’s not enough time. Or else I’d love to make time for them. It’ll have to wait when I am done with those two other major ones. PS. Fauci had a hearing, please understand that if you have any doubt, just ask your Family Physician. He or She will remind you that we live on Planet Earth, and on Planet Earth, we believe in Science, and when we believe in Science, we believe in Vaccines, because they’ve saved the lives of over 150 million people throughout history. #VaccinesSaveLives. If it wasn’t for DoD Warp Speed, maybe Humanity would have been forsaken. That’s the reality. Was it a lab leak? Yes it was, but that’s another topic.
