At the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London, findings were presented showing that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life compared to a sham procedure. The study compared pulmonary vein isolation ablation with a placebo procedure in patients with symptomatic AF. Results showed a reduction in AF…
Brain boffins in Beijing found that protein consumption triggers insulin production in the brain, leading to specific neurons telling the brain to stop eating. These neurons, known as T1-DANs, receive signals from insulin-producing cells when protein is consumed, leading to a feeling of fullness. The researchers used fruit flies to map out the brain circuitry…
Owlet, a baby technology company, is expanding its Dream Sock baby monitor to several European countries, monitoring infants’ health readings like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and sleep state. The device received FDA clearance and CE Mark certification. Owlet’s CEO Kurt Workman expressed excitement at the technology’s impact on families. The company went public in 2021…
Native American communities face significant health disparities, with life expectancy 10 years shorter than the national average and a Covid-19 infection rate 3½ times higher than non-Hispanic Whites. Epidemiologists serving these communities struggle to access important data due to restrictions by state and federal agencies. Tribal leaders have long fought for better data access, with…
In a Healio Video Perspective from the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD, highlights the impact of thyroid eye disease on patients’ quality of life. Nijm emphasizes that clinical measurements may not fully capture the burden of the disease, urging ophthalmologists to engage with patients to understand how it affects their…
Depression symptoms vary, but a recent study found a brain circuit in the prefrontal cortex linked to depression. Cognitive control circuit plays a role in attention and goal-setting, and depression impairs these functions. Non-pharmacological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Problem-solving therapy and weight loss interventions improved executive functioning and attention. Early brain scans…
Stephen P Hibbs, a clinical research fellow at Queen Mary University of London, addresses the issue of private cord blood banking, a practice often promoted in NHS settings. The practice involves parents paying up to £3000 to freeze their baby’s cord blood containing stem cells for potential future health issues. This practice has gained popularity…
Respiratory viral infections like COVID-19 can lead to long-term effects known as long COVID-19, affecting over 65 million people worldwide. Understanding this condition is challenging due to its impact on multiple organ systems and the lack of suitable animal models for research. A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Virginia has…
A new study from the University of Copenhagen has identified a gene known as OSER1 that has a significant impact on longevity. Researchers believe this discovery could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases. The protein exists in various animals, including humans, suggesting that the findings are applicable to human health. By manipulating the expression…
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new treatment, relugolix combination therapy, for endometriosis in adult women. This therapy includes a GnRH receptor antagonist to reduce hormone levels and ease symptoms. Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and can cause intense pain and impact daily life. Clinical trials showed positive results,…
Lactase is an essential enzyme for digesting lactose found in dairy products. It breaks down lactose into simpler sugars for absorption. Lactase deficiency can cause lactose intolerance with symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. Lactase supplements can help with lactose intolerance by aiding in the breakdown of lactose, reducing symptoms. Various lactase supplements are available, such…
Wearable technology has the potential to revolutionize communication for individuals with neurological disorders like autism and dementia. Agitation resulting from communication barriers can significantly impact the quality of life for patients and caregivers. Early detection of agitation is crucial to prevent harmful symptoms, and wearable sensors can provide real-time access to behavioral and physiological markers….
Dr. Catherine Conlon argues that removing young teenagers from social media can reduce pressure on both teenagers and parents. She references TV presenter Kirsty Allsopp’s decision to let her son travel around Europe, suggesting that dangers from social media can surpass those while traveling. Allsopp defends her actions by pointing to social psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s…
The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology in India has developed a smartphone and sensor-based system to manage Parkinson’s disease. The system measures the concentration of L-dopa in biological samples, an important medication for people with Parkinson’s. The system uses a fluorescence nanoprobe, a smartphone camera, and a mobile app to detect L-dopa…
Asian American and Pacific Islander women are facing an alarming rise in breast cancer diagnoses, with rates increasing faster than in other racial and ethnic groups. Researchers are working to understand the reasons behind this trend and suspect various factors, from cultural shifts to stress. Despite advancements in breast cancer treatment, the death rates among…
A study published in Drug Safety found that nearly all biologic and targeted synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs come with infection or malignancy warnings from regulatory agencies. To address this, researchers created a safety checklist that includes important warnings for these drugs. The checklist covers contraindications, boxed warnings, and special warnings for various conditions. The study…
Parents of babies often struggle with sleep, and the Snoo, a $1,700 smart bassinet, aims to help by gently rocking babies and playing white noise. However, the company behind the Snoo recently introduced a paywall for premium features, causing uproar among users who now have to pay $20 per month. Some feel this is a…
A report by Marie Curie found that many people in England and Wales are dying in pain without access to necessary services and support. Researchers analyzed a survey of nearly 1200 individuals who had registered the death of a family member. Half of the respondents were unhappy with the care received, with one in eight…
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that the time from drug approval to reimbursement varies by country and is shortest in Switzerland and Germany. The United States has longer reimbursement timelines and does not use health technology assessment decisions like Switzerland and Germany. The study included 290 drugs approved by regulatory…
A recent systematic review in BMC Public Health found a link between exposure to air pollutants like PM2.5 and NO2 and an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. The review included 53 studies from 17 countries and over 173 million participants. Results showed that chronic exposure to pollutants can lead to adverse cognitive effects…
Topical timolol is proving to be an effective alternative to surgery in treating pyogenic granulomas in children, especially when the growth is small and on the face. Dr. Julie Dhossche from Oregon Health & Science University presented evidence at a dermatology meeting showing that timolol can help stop bleeding and reduce the need for surgical…
The convenience of mobile phones has become a crucial part of our lives, but new research suggests that frequent use may increase the risk of heart disease, especially for smokers and diabetics. Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by phones can lead to health issues like disrupted sleep, psychological distress, and inflammation. A study of 444,027 participants…
Healthcare costs in the U.S. are increasing, with the average premium for family coverage reaching nearly $24,000 in 2023. Sounder Benefits, a company launched with $7.5 million in funding, aims to help small and mid-sized employers navigate these rising costs. They offer AI-driven insights and benefits advisory services to help design health benefit plans, focusing…
Dr. Ray O’Connor discusses recent clinical studies on chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma. Nasal irrigation with saline solutions is a common treatment for chronic rhinosinusitis. Studies show that large-volume saline irrigation with a hypertonic solution may be beneficial. Asthma diagnosis is complex and can lead to over- or underdiagnosis, impacting quality of life and treatment costs….
Doccla, a provider of virtual ward and remote patient monitoring services, raised £35 million ($38.6 million) in a Series B funding round led by Lakestar. The company offers virtual care services and plans to expand in the U.K., Ireland, and across Europe. Doccla has partnered with healthcare providers to deliver hospital-level care at home, allowing…
La Universidad de California en San Francisco cancelará su programa de máster en enfermería obstétrica para ofrecer exclusivamente doctorados, lo que ha generado críticas por parte de ex alumnos, expertos en salud pública y profesores. Este cambio duplicará los costos para los estudiantes y dejará en pausa la formación de enfermeras parteras hasta 2025. La…
A pilot study showed that an AI-driven application reduced documentation time during outpatient visits, allowing providers more time for communication with patients. Patients expressed comfort with physicians using AI to take notes, although some found the use of AI in healthcare “scary.” The pilot study involved 24 physicians testing an AI application that listens to…
A study conducted by Athira Pharma on 554 people with mild or moderate Alzheimer’s disease showed that patients who received the experimental injection fosgonimeton did not show a significant decline compared to those who received a placebo injection. The trial, known as LIFT-AD, did not demonstrate a difference in performance between the two groups on…
Ediriweera Desapriya, along with a team of researchers including undergraduate students Siyath Ariyaratne and Crystal Ma, highlight the issue of young people and other vulnerable groups being overlooked in the development of AI algorithms. Their research, published in BMJ, emphasizes the importance of considering the needs and perspectives of these populations in the advancement of…
In the past decade, the number of NHS general practices in England has decreased by 20%, but patient list sizes have grown by 40%. The total NHS general practice workforce has increased by 20%, but the number of GPs per 1,000 patients has fallen by 15%. The study used data from various national sources to…
The National Institutes of Health awarded grants for 10 projects to improve diagnostic tools for congenital and adult syphilis, as cases have increased significantly in recent years. The current testing algorithm for syphilis is outdated, leading to difficulty in diagnosing and treating the infection effectively. The grants aim to develop advanced diagnostic tools using modern…
The FINEARTS-HF trial demonstrated that finerenone, a third-generation nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, is effective in reducing heart failure events and cardiovascular deaths in patients with heart failure and mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The trial results showed a 16% reduction in worsening heart failure events with finerenone compared to placebo, with consistent benefits across…
Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine, is a natural compound found in foods like beets and spinach. It plays a crucial role in methylation, supporting heart health, liver function, athletic performance, cognitive health, and immune system. TMG is available in various supplements, including NOW Foods TMG 1000 mg, ProHealth Longevity, and Life Extension TMG 500…
New research conducted by The Harris Poll and Arcadia found that 96% of healthcare technology leaders believe leveraging AI gives providers a competitive edge. AI can analyze patient data to identify trends and improve population health interventions. It can also optimize EHR management and provide actionable insights for clinicians. Despite the benefits, some barriers to…
A total of 92 cases of measles have been reported in Ireland this year, with 13 outbreaks resulting in between two and twelve confirmed cases each. The outbreaks have occurred in households, extended families, schools, residential institutions, hospitals, and the community. The HSE established a measles incident management team in response to the surge in…
The Vitamin Shoppe is expanding its Whole Health Rx telehealth service to offer men with low testosterone access to Kyzatrex CII capsules, in collaboration with Marius Pharmaceuticals. The platform allows users to receive online medical assessments, access GLP-1s, nutritional support, educational resources, and guidance on lifestyle practices. The FDA-approved Kyzatrex capsules are an oral testosterone…
UC-San Francisco is halting its nurse-midwifery program to transition to offering only doctoral degrees. This move has sparked criticism from alumni, experts, and faculty who believe it prioritizes profits over public health needs. The change will increase costs and pause training until at least 2025. Some argue that the shift to doctoral education is unnecessary…
A study found that 75.5% of patients with chronic hand eczema fear using topical corticosteroids despite not being able to name any risks associated with them. This fear, known as corticosteroid phobia, can lead to poor treatment adherence, worsened disease outcomes, and increased use of alternative medicine. The study included 927 patients in Denmark and…
Laurie H. Glimcher, CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will step down next month after an eight-year tenure marked by a split with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and a partnership with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to build a cancer center. Benjamin L. Ebert, a renowned researcher, will take over as CEO on October 1. In…
Scarlett McNally discusses the importance of volunteering and charitable work in the UK, highlighting the positive impact it has on both individuals and communities. She shares her experiences as an orthopaedic surgeon and trustee of the Medical Women’s Federation, emphasizing the benefits of giving back and staying active. McNally also addresses the need to challenge…
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will be broadcast in a record number of countries, with the goal of surpassing the viewership of the Tokyo 2020 Games. The popularity of disability sports is rising, providing empowerment to people with disabilities. However, the high cost of sports wheelchairs is a barrier to participation for many. Innovative approaches,…
Belching disorders are defined as excessive belching that interferes with daily life. Approximately 1.5% of adults in Japan have belching disorders, with factors like being male, drinking alcohol, and taking acid reflux medications increasing the likelihood. Gastrointestinal diseases, overeating, and chewing habits also play a role. Treatment for belching disorders is limited, but future research…
Cardiovascular disease-related deaths in Europe due to air pollution far exceed those in the United States, as highlighted by experts at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2024. Europe experiences almost four times the number of deaths compared to North America, with Asia being the largest contributor globally. Legal limits for particulate matter size and…
Betaine HCL is a dietary supplement derived from natural sources like beets that supports digestive health by increasing stomach acid levels for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. It also benefits liver health, acid reflux, immune function, and overall gut health. A review of the best Betaine HCL supplements includes brands like Doctor’s Best, NOW Supplements,…
Pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) is vital for innovation, with industry spending increasing over the years. AI has been touted as a solution to productivity issues in R&D, and the next frontier is AI foundation models that have the potential to transform the pharma industry. These models are trained on massive datasets and show emergent…
The content discusses a boy with thalidomide-related disabilities that the author met during his childhood. The author reflects on the impact of thalidomide on victims and the State’s failure to prevent harm. The article calls for the State to compensate thalidomide victims for the suffering caused by the drug and highlights the importance of acknowledging…
Huawei has introduced a new health monitoring system for its wearable products called TruSense, offering comprehensive monitoring capabilities for over 60 health and fitness indicators. The system uses a proprietary algorithm to assess indicators like emotional well-being and stress levels. The company invested heavily in research to overcome challenges posed by skin tones and weather…
Finding a nursing home can be challenging, especially with worker shortages exacerbated by the pandemic. Tips from KFF Health News include researching nearby homes, evaluating staffing levels, and what to look for during visits. KFF Health News produces in-depth journalism on health issues and is part of KFF, an independent source of health policy research….
A study evaluated the feasibility and safety of dental extractions immediately after radiation therapy in 50 patients who were unable to have extractions before treatment. Results showed a 27% cumulative incidence of exposed bone at 2 years, with higher rates in those who had extractions after radiation. Researchers recommended avoiding extractions after radiation therapy due…
Physicians use clinical algorithms daily to make decisions about patients, including factoring in attributes like blood pressure, age, weight, surgical history, and sometimes race. Bioinformatician Shyam Visweswaran noticed race-based tools in medicine and created a database listing 48 clinical tools with race adjustments. The use of race in algorithms has been criticized for perpetuating the…