The Lycana blog
Notes for living with lupus
Research explained without the jargon, honest writing about the everyday, and the occasional word on what we’re building.
How Lycana's Flare Prediction Got Smarter (Without Getting Greedy)We caught our ML model overfitting on limited patient data and rewrote the prediction pipeline. Here's what we changed, why it matters, and what the results look like.Why We Built Lycana: A Personal Story Behind a Lupus CompanionLycana was born from years of misdiagnosis, dismissed concerns, and a husband who read the research papers himself. This is the real story behind why we built an AI lupus tracker.Understanding Lupus Flares: What the Latest Research Says About Prediction and PreventionNew studies show blood biomarkers and machine learning can predict lupus flares with over 96% accuracy. Here's what that means for everyday symptom tracking.Lycana on Android: What We're BuildingThe Android build of Lycana is in development — native Jetpack Compose, Health Connect, and the same on-device approach as iOS. Here is what is taking shape, and what is still ahead of release.Sleep and Lupus: What Your Nights Reveal About Your Next FlareNearly two-thirds of lupus patients report poor sleep quality. New research shows tracking your sleep patterns could be one of the most powerful tools for managing flares.Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for Lupus: What Every Patient Should Know in 2026A complete patient guide to hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for lupus — dosing, eye monitoring, pregnancy safety, side effects, and the latest 2026 research on flare prevention.Sun Sensitivity and Lupus: A Complete Guide to UV ProtectionLupus photosensitivity explained — why UV light triggers flares, how to protect yourself with sunscreen, clothing, and awareness of indoor UV sources.Lupus Blood Tests Explained: ANA, Anti-dsDNA, Complement, and What Your Results MeanA plain-language guide to lupus blood tests including ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement levels, CBC, and CRP. Learn what your lab results actually mean for your lupus.Lupus Fatigue Is Real: Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing Your EnergyLupus fatigue affects up to 90% of patients. Learn evidence-based strategies for pacing, exercise, sleep hygiene, and energy management to reclaim your daily life.Lupus Nephritis: When Lupus Affects Your Kidneys — Signs, Tests, and TreatmentLearn about lupus nephritis — how lupus attacks the kidneys, early warning signs, key tests like UPCR and kidney biopsy, and current treatment options for lupus kidney disease.Lupus and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know Before, During, and AfterA comprehensive guide to lupus and pregnancy — medication safety, pre-conception planning, high-risk considerations, neonatal lupus, and postpartum flare prevention.Beyond Benlysta: New Lupus Treatments in 2026 Including Anifrolumab and CAR-T TherapyAn overview of the latest lupus treatments in 2026 — from established biologics like Benlysta and Saphnelo to emerging CAR-T cell therapy and clinical trial breakthroughs.The Mental Health Side of Lupus: Addressing Depression, Anxiety, and Brain FogDepression, anxiety, and brain fog affect the majority of lupus patients. Learn about the connection between lupus and mental health, and practical strategies for coping.How to Track Lupus Symptoms Effectively: A Daily GuideLearn what lupus symptoms to track, when to log them, why consistency matters, and how daily tracking reveals patterns that help you and your doctor manage lupus better.
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