Higher intake of calcium and zinc before conceiving can reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, according to research. Preconception nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, highlighting the importance of adequate intake of essential minerals like calcium and zinc. Studies show that higher pre-conception intake of these minerals is associated with a lower…
The EMA CHMP has recommended the marketing authorization for the mRNA RSV vaccine mRESVIA to protect adults aged 60 or older from lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious consequences in older adults. The vaccine, mRNA-1345, targets the F glycoprotein of RSV to prevent…
A recent study suggests that drinking coffee may counteract the mortality risk associated with prolonged sitting. The study analyzed over 10,000 individuals in the United States and found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day faced a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease. However, coffee drinkers had a lower…
Medicare Advantage insurers won a victory as CMS agreed to recalculate Star Ratings following lawsuits from SCAN Health Plan and Elevance Health alleging improper calculations. Star Ratings inform beneficiaries of plan quality and impact funding, with higher ratings receiving more funding. CMS updated how Star Ratings are calculated using the Guardrail Rule to cap cut…
A recent Irish study found that adding dedicated health and social care professional (HSCP) teams to traditional emergency department care for older patients resulted in reduced hospital stays, improved quality of life, and significant cost savings. The OPTI-MEND trial showed that investing in additional HSCP teams saved an average of €6,128 per patient treatment and…
Alyve Health, an Indian startup offering personalized digital health plans for corporates, has raised $5.5 million in Series A funding to enhance its AI capabilities. Huize, a Chinese insurance technology company, has acquired insurtech company Global Care in Vietnam, marking its expansion into Southeast Asia. South Korean medical AI company JLK received FDA approval for…
Víctimas del tiroteo en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs recibieron $1.2 millones del fondo #KCStrong, con pagos individuales de $22,000 a $100,000. Los fondos no tienen restricciones y pueden utilizarse para facturas médicas, educación de los niños heridos, y otras necesidades. Se espera que las familias beneficiarias puedan decidir cómo…
The ASH Annual Meeting will honor several notable hematologists for their contributions to the field. Among the recipients are Éliane Gluckman for her work in cord blood transplantation, Stuart Orkin and John Tisdale for advancements in hemoglobin disorders treatment, James George for promoting diversity in hematology, Ami Bhatt for genomic research on the microbiome, Sean…
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on transforming ALS into a manageable, chronic disease within 10 years, but it falls short in accelerating treatment development. ALS is a devastating condition with no effective treatments for 99% of patients. The report focuses on improving access to care, genetic testing, and caregiver…
Consultants, junior doctors, and SAS doctors in Wales have accepted the government’s pay offers, ending three separate pay disputes. Junior doctors in Wales voted to accept an additional 7.4%, bringing the total uplift to 12.4% for the 2023-24 financial year, with the rise backdated to April 2023. Consultants also voted to accept a revised pay…
As temperatures rise in the summer, families head to beaches, lakes, and pools, emphasizing the importance of water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children aged 5 to 14. In 2021, 973 children drowned in the U.S., with many incidents occurring…
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health surveyed low-income adults in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, finding that one in eight Medicaid enrollees since March 2020 lost coverage by late 2023. Of those disenrolled, nearly half were uninsured. Disenrollment rates varied by state, with higher rates among younger, rural, and employed individuals….
Research presented at the European Atherosclerosis Society 2024 showed that the anti-obesity drug semaglutide led to significant reductions in the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with overweight or obesity, regardless of weight loss. The SELECT trial involving over 17,600 patients with cardiovascular disease found that semaglutide lowered CRP levels by 38% compared…
The CDC has launched a vaccination campaign promoting updated COVID and flu shots for the fall and winter seasons. The recommendation is for everyone aged 6 months and older, regardless of previous vaccination status. The current spike in COVID cases is modest compared to past summer waves, with California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii reporting the…
The pharmacy industry is experiencing significant changes, with independent pharmacies closing and retail pharmacies struggling. New medication delivery models, like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company and Amazon, are emerging. The pandemic highlighted the valuable role of pharmacists in administering vaccines. In the final episode of Season 2 of the Pivot podcast, Rick Ratliff, former…
A recent assessment in Ireland found that nearly 60% of radiation exposure in the public is due to radon gas, a major cause of lung cancer. Medical imaging and exposures contribute to 10% of radiation doses. The assessment, conducted by the EPA and HIQA, also revealed that over 99% of average radiation doses come from…
Scientists have discovered a species of leech in the rainforests of Madagascar that can jump and soar in the air with acrobatic grace. This behavior, captured on film for the first time, has intrigued the scientific community and sheds light on previously undocumented behaviors of these creatures. The purpose of these jumps, whether to ambush…
Fabric, a healthcare technology company, has acquired Walmart’s telehealth platform MeMD. MeMD offers virtual medical and behavioral health services to corporate clients, with 24/7 on-demand care and a care coordination team. Fabric uses conversational AI to identify patients’ symptoms and guide them to appropriate care settings. Through the acquisition, Fabric aims to expand its offerings…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness allows for fines and arrests of those living on streets and in public spaces, with potential health consequences. The ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson stated that targeting homeless individuals in public spaces is not considered cruel and unusual punishment. Advocates argue that this decision will…
In a presentation at Clinical Trials at the Summit, Dr. Michael Singer discussed 36-month data from the CALM registry study on Yutiq for chronic noninfectious uveitis. The study included 267 eyes and looked at the impact of Yutiq on uveitis recurrence, OCT visual acuity, visual haze, IOP, and safety. The results showed a substantial reduction…
The FDA’s regulatory power is in question after a Supreme Court decision limiting federal agencies’ ability to interpret ambiguous statutes. This could lead to legal challenges for the FDA and create uncertainty for drug and device companies. While the decision may not affect the FDA’s main task of approving drugs and devices, it could impact…
In a paper by Ramsden and colleagues, published in BMJ in 2016, there is an error in the link to the Broste thesis. The correct link can be found in appendix 1 of a correction notice associated with the paper. Readers are advised to refer to the correction notice for the accurate access to the…
Several people were hospitalized after consuming mushroom gummies from the brand Uncle Frog, prompting a recall and warnings from health authorities. The gummies claimed to offer energy and memory support with hemp-infused Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties. The sickness may have been due to the cannabis component rather than the fungus. Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane…
Researchers at Columbia University, led by Dr. Stavros Thomopoulos, have developed a biomimetic device inspired by python teeth to improve rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff injuries are common and can lead to shoulder pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of people annually. The device nearly doubled repair strength in experiments and aims to securely reattach…
Researchers conducted a study on the drug zodasiran, which targets a liver protein and significantly lowers triglyceride and lipoprotein levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia on statin therapy. The drug, an siRNA that silences the ANGPTL3 gene, showed promising results in reducing lipid levels and improving cardiovascular health. The reductions in liver fat content with…
A study found that individuals with poor mental abilities in their teenage years are at a triple risk of stroke by age 50. A stroke is a sudden emergency that disrupts blood flow to the brain, impacting speech, movement, and other functions. The study analyzed data from 1.7 million young Israelis who underwent cognitive tests…
Health data platform Arcadia recently acquired CareJourney, a health analytics firm focusing on value-based care contracts. This acquisition allows Arcadia to provide a more comprehensive suite of value-based care technology by combining data platforms, analytics, and workflow tools. CareJourney’s dataset includes data across various healthcare plans and providers, giving Arcadia access to valuable insights. The…
The IHCA warns that the deficit of acute psychiatric inpatient beds in Ireland may be closer to 1,800, rather than the previously reported 832. A recently obtained HSE report highlights that there are just over 1,100 acute psychiatric beds in the public health service, falling far short of the recommended numbers. The report also shows…
Georg Hafner PhD’s review of the evidence shows that dietary saturated fat is not a leading cause of heart disease and should not be avoided. Saturated fat is an essential nutrient and there is little evidence to suggest it is harmful when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Trans fats and hydrogenated…
TPG’s The Rise Fund has invested over $200 million into Foodsmart, a telenutrition platform that partners with health plans, employers, and commercial health plan members to provide virtual access to registered dietitians. Foodsmart also offers a digital food benefits management platform for meal planning, grocery ordering, and applying for SNAP benefits. The company works with…
KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed the Supreme Court’s Purdue Pharma decision and the opioid settlement on WHYY’s “Studio 2.” KFF Health News ethnic media editor Paula Andalo talked about California’s new heat rules on Radio Bilingüe’s “Línea Abierta.” KFF Health News contributor Andy Miller discussed the impact of social media use on…
A randomized phase 3 trial evaluating xevinapant with chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers has been discontinued due to lack of benefit. Chemoradiotherapy has been a standard treatment for this cancer type, but new approaches, including immunotherapy, have not been successful. The addition of xevinapant did not improve event-free survival for patients with advanced squamous…
A collaborator and paid consultant of Cassava Sciences, Hoau-Yan Wang, has been indicted for defrauding the National Institutes of Health in grant applications supporting the company’s Alzheimer’s drug, simufilam. Wang, a neuroscientist, published key papers supporting the drug’s effectiveness, but his work has been questioned by outside researchers for containing fabricated and falsified data. The…
Leaked documents from Philip Morris International suggest questionable research ethics and marketing practices for its heated tobacco products. Analysts note that the company’s claims of transparent science contradict the leaked documents, and products are being promoted as “reduced risk” despite evidence to the contrary. The Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath found…
Withanolides are compounds found in plants that have shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and preventing metastasis. However, obtaining these compounds in large quantities has been challenging. Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a scalable synthesis method for withanolides, allowing for efficient production on a gram scale. This innovative approach eliminates the need…
A team of researchers led by Penn Medicine received a $10 million grant to study the link between traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms of TBI-related neurodegeneration (TReND) using over 1,000 tissue samples. The new initiative, TRANSFORM-TBI, will investigate why TBIs increase…
A work group formed by the Alzheimer’s Association has updated the criteria for diagnosing and staging Alzheimer’s disease. The new criteria incorporate fluid and imaging biomarkers and aim to define the disease biologically rather than based on symptoms. Core biomarkers have been identified to measure neuropathologic changes and disease severity. The revised criteria provide flexibility…
Night-time exposure to bright light has been found to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a recent study conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia. The study involved 85,000 healthy adults without diabetes and found that exposure to light between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. was linked to a 67% increased…
Biotech company Alumis has raised $250 million for pivotal tests on its lead drug candidate for treating plaque psoriasis. The drug targets the enzyme TYK2 involved in inflammation pathways. Alumis aims to show that its drug, ESK-001, can achieve complete inhibition of TYK2 without causing safety issues, unlike competitors’ drugs that have shown limitations in…
The Government has appointed Bríd O’Flaherty BL to lead an inquiry into the use of sodium valproate among pregnant women in Ireland due to the high risk of developmental disorders and malformations in children exposed to the drug in the womb. The non-statutory inquiry will review the prescription of the drug and Ireland’s health service’s…
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is collaborating with EvolutionaryScale, an AI company, to provide access to ESM3 language models for drug discovery. EvolutionaryScale recently secured $142 million in funding with support from AWS and NVIDIA. ESM3 allows scientists to create new proteins and streamline protein design workflows. AWS customers can access the open-source version of ESM3…
A federal judge has found California prison officials in contempt for inadequate mental health staffing, ordering fines of $112 million. The fines are due to the state’s failure to hire enough mental health professionals despite court orders. Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a budget deficit and plans to appeal the ruling. The lack of mental…
A study conducted by Jerome Hadjadj, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that among targeted therapies, patients with VEXAS syndrome responded most overall to JAK inhibitors and IL-6 blockers. The study included 110 adults with VEXAS syndrome who received different targeted therapies, with JAK inhibitors showing the longest survival without treatment discontinuation. The researchers noted that…
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended changes that will likely result in fewer older adults qualifying for insurance coverage for RSV vaccines. They also did not make a recommendation on the use of GSK’s Arexvy vaccine in adults aged 50 to 59 due to insufficient data. Without ACIP and CDC recommendations, insurance companies are…
Despite efforts to control malaria, the number of cases and deaths have increased in recent years, with the African region being the most severely affected. The World Health Organization aims to reduce both incidence and mortality rates by at least 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2030, but progress falls far short of these goals….
Research published in June 2024 suggests that service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD in veterans. A study conducted on post-9/11 veterans showed that those who received service dogs experienced milder symptoms, better quality of life, and lower odds of still meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to those on the waitlist. This evidence highlights…
A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that early social media use can have varying impacts on depression in adolescents and young adults. The research, conducted over 8 years with 488 participants, revealed that the effects of social media on mental health depend on individual factors such as parental support, peer relationships, anxiety,…
A study conducted in Australia found that using 5-mm margins to manage small melanoma in situ (MIS) lesions on low-risk body sites resulted in a low local recurrence rate of 0.9%. This approach potentially reduces treatment-related morbidity and costs without compromising patient outcomes. The retrospective analysis included 351 MIS lesions from 292 patients with a…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent alert due to the increase in dengue fever cases worldwide, particularly in the Americas. The CDC has reported a record-breaking number of dengue cases in 2024, with more than 9.7 million cases being reported in the Americas alone. In the United States,…
Transplant surgeons face challenges due to the critical shortage of organs, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Medical advancements have improved success rates, but also increased demand. Living donor programs, paired donations, and new technologies aim to bridge the gap. Policy and education play a crucial role in increasing organ donations. Healthcare professionals need to support…