In 2017, Republicans in Congress attempted to cut federal spending on Medicaid, a crucial health program for low-income individuals. California, heavily reliant on federal funding for Medicaid, was at risk of losing significant funds. With the possibility of Medicaid cuts looming again with a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, California’s healthcare…
The phase 3 LUCIA clinical trial of Duravyu for wet age-related macular degeneration has started, following the phase 3 LUGANO trial. Both trials are assessing the safety and efficacy of Duravyu, a sustained-release intravitreal insert that delivers vorolanib, in patients with wet AMD. Approximately 400 patients will receive either Duravyu or an aflibercept control in…
Senators criticized the FDA for not doing enough to address the obesity and diabetes epidemic in the US. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf argued that the agency needs more funding and authority from Congress to implement stricter regulations on the food industry. The issue has gained attention from lawmakers like Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy, who…
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a Tennessee law that bans healthcare providers from providing transgender minors with puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery if it conflicts with their sex at birth. The case will determine if the law violates the 14th amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees equal protection of law….
Adults can still grow new neurons in their brains, which contribute to cognitive function. While most brain development occurs in early life, certain regions continue to generate new neurons throughout adulthood, albeit at a slower rate. Research has shown that the absence of new neurons may be linked to cognitive challenges in conditions such as…
Redlining, a practice from the mid-20th century where home loans were denied to African American and minority neighborhoods, has been linked to poor health outcomes and increased mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups. A new study from Texas A&M University shows that individuals who lived in redlined neighborhoods in 1940 had an increased risk…
Physicians are often advised to consider common conditions over rare ones when diagnosing patients, but this approach may not hold true for kidney diseases and injuries. A recent case highlighted the importance of considering kidney damage as a potential complication of seemingly unrelated conditions. Infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, medications, cancer treatments, and other factors…
Nearly a dozen babies in Spain have been diagnosed with Hypertrichosis, also known as “Werewolf Syndrome,” which causes excessive hair growth on the body. The condition is believed to have been triggered by the use of a hair loss medication by the parents. The babies may have been exposed to the drug through direct skin…
The Department of Health and Human Services found issues with health risk assessments used by Medicare Advantage insurers, leading to concerns about the accuracy of diagnoses and lack of treatment for serious conditions. Insurers earned significant payments based on diagnoses reported on home risk assessments (HRAs) alone, without other service records. The OIG report and…
A study published in Lancet Microbe suggests that higher rates of colorectal, bladder, and prostate cancers in industrialised countries may be linked to two strains of E.coli that produce a substance known as colibactin. Researchers propose that targeting these strains with treatments or vaccines could reduce cancer risk. The study also highlights the potential for…
Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to have charity care policies to help reduce or expunge medical bills for those in need. However, research from Dollar For shows that fewer than one-third of eligible individuals actually receive this assistance. “An Arm and a Leg” host Dan Weissmann speaks with Dollar For founder Jared Walker about their…
A study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting showcased the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in targeting small and peripheral lung lesions. Conducted across 21 sites, the study included 679 patients with lung lesions, with a median size of 18.5 mm. The technology demonstrated robust diagnostic yield, particularly for cancer detection, with 65.7% of…
Atlas Venture, a prominent venture capital firm in the biotech industry, has raised $450 million for its 14th fund. The fund will focus on seed and series A rounds for biotech companies, with Atlas often playing a role in creating these companies. Unlike other firms, Atlas does not usually accept pitches from outside entrepreneurs, but…
Duncan Nichol, the chair of the Countess of Chester Hospital trust board, admitted during a public inquiry that he failed to realize a report on unexpected baby deaths did not exonerate nurse Lucy Letby. Letby is accused of killing and attacking babies on the neonatal unit from June 2015 to June 2016. Nichol, who also…
An unidentified disease has caused the deaths of at least 27 people in the southwest region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in just over a month. The illness, characterized by fever, headaches, and cough, has affected people of all ages, including children. The cases have occurred in a region with limited health facilities, prompting…
Combining creatine supplementation with resistance training has shown to be a safe and effective strategy for improving muscle health and cognitive vitality in older adults. Sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by muscle loss and reduced function, can be prevented and treated with this combination. Creatine supplementation increases muscle performance, lean mass, and overall physical capabilities….
Between 20% and 30% of hospitalized patients in Germany suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to complications and reduced quality of life. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, leads to muscle mass loss, and prolongs recovery times, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. Children and adolescents with disease-associated malnutrition also face significant health impacts, including…
Researchers have found that consuming ultra-processed foods, such as cereals, frozen meals, soft drinks, and packaged snacks, can lead to increased fat accumulation around thigh muscles. These foods are designed to be appealing and can activate the brain’s reward system, leading to a higher risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. A study presented at the…
Fello, a peer support platform, has raised $10.4 million in funding to expand its product that connects people struggling with loneliness to experienced individuals. The app matches users with Fellos who have backgrounds in areas like addiction, parenting, or relationships. Users can book video sessions with their Fello for support, guidance, and empathy. The funding…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is looking to fill two Consultant ENT Head and Neck/Thyroid Surgeon positions at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary for the positions ranges from £100,400 to £132,000. The closing date for applications is Friday 27 December at 3:30pm. Applicants must show how they meet the criteria on…
Anita Blanchard struggled with losing and regaining 20 pounds multiple times, realizing that diets did not work for her. She discovered Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes that also helps with weight loss. Despite the initial coverage by the state health insurance, the cost of medications like Ozempic led to its exclusion from coverage….
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that irregular sleep patterns can increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as stroke or heart attack. Researchers analyzed data from 72,269 individuals aged 40 to 79 and found that irregular sleepers had a 26% greater risk for MACE compared…
The UK will offer Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, tirzepatide, to people with a body mass index of over 35 and at least one related health condition. The National Health Service will prioritize treating around 220,000 individuals with the highest clinical need, despite eligibility for 3.4 million patients in England alone. This decision comes as…
Vicky Sibson from the First Steps Nutrition Trust highlights the normalization of commercial baby foods in infancy and early childhood, despite mounting evidence of their problems. The infiltration of big food brands in schools and nurseries through marketing raises concerns about conflicts of interest. The presence of these brands can influence childhood obesity and shape…
Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that abnormal results in prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, used to screen for chromosomal disorders in fetuses, revealed previously undetected cancers in almost half of pregnant individuals. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, identified various cancers such as colorectal, breast, lung,…
NIH researchers found that abnormal prenatal cfDNA testing results in pregnant individuals led to the detection of previously undetected cancers in nearly half of cases. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, identified cancers such as colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers in addition to lymphoma and renal carcinoma. The testing method…
The FDA has granted accelerated approval for zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) to treat certain adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have a neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene fusion. The approval was based on a study showing an overall response rate of 33% in NSCLC patients and 40% in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Common adverse…
Algae oil is an innovative cooking oil endorsed by Chef Daniel Humm for its taste and versatility. Made from microalgae fermented in stainless steel tanks, it has a high smoke point of 535°F, making it ideal for various cooking methods without compromising flavor. Algae oil is high in Omega-9 monounsaturated fats and low in Omega-6…
New data from Eli Lilly shows that their weight loss drug Zepbound helped patients lose more weight on average than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. Patients on Zepbound lost 20.2% of their body weight in 72 weeks, compared to 13.7% for those on Wegovy. While Wegovy currently has a larger market share, this new data could sway…
The RCSI is calling for a regulatory body to oversee physician associates (PAs) in Ireland to ensure patient safety and streamline monitoring processes. The Medical Council has stated it is not suitable to regulate PAs due to legal restrictions and potential safety risks. PAs do not replace doctors but enhance medical teams and increase access…
Video marketing is revolutionizing how healthcare providers communicate with patients by providing informative, engaging, and trustworthy content. It allows providers to stand out in the competitive healthcare industry. Effective use of video marketing in healthcare involves understanding the market, creating educational and authentic content, utilizing different types of videos, incorporating storytelling, ensuring compliance with regulations…
Mollee Loveland, a nursing home aide outside Pittsburgh, is concerned about the lack of seriousness around Covid-19. She fears bringing the virus home to her infant daughter, Maya, who is too young to be vaccinated. The CDC report showed that only 4 in 10 nursing home residents received an updated Covid vaccine. Low vaccination rates…
Regener-Eyes has launched new preservative-free, multidose bottles with improved design to prevent backflow and bacterial contamination. The company consulted with physicians and experts to develop the bottles featuring PureFlow technology to maintain system integrity. After discussions with the FDA, they are recalling previous bottles to ensure compliance with standards. The new bottles have a one-way…
The discovery of the hormone leptin 30 years ago was initially hailed as a breakthrough in treating obesity. However, treatments mimicking leptin’s effects did not lead to significant weight loss. A new study has now shown that a molecule targeting specific neurons with both leptin and GLP-1 receptors can induce more weight loss in mice….
Around 300 hospice inpatient beds in England are closed or out of use due to funding and staff shortages. Hospice UK, representing the sector, stated that the income from the NHS has not kept up with rising costs. The government’s decision to increase employers’ national insurance contributions is expected to worsen the situation and lead…
A study conducted in Ethiopia reveals that malnutrition and poor dietary diversity are significant issues for children under five, despite the country’s large livestock population. The research found that only a small percentage of children regularly consume animal-sourced foods such as milk, eggs, or meat, with affordability and lack of awareness being the main barriers….
A study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Korea’s Yonsei University found that DNA secreted by tumor cells in extracellular vesicles can trigger an immune response that inhibits the spread of tumors to the liver. The findings suggest a new understanding of cancer progression and anti-cancer immunity, with…
Between 2010 and 2022, a significant decline in hospital-based obstetric care in the US was observed, with more than half of rural hospitals and over one third of urban hospitals not offering obstetric services by 2022. A total of 537 hospitals lost obstetric services, with rural hospitals affected more than urban hospitals. The study, led…
The chemicals called phthalates are commonly found in everyday makeup and personal care products, and can be harmful to the body by disrupting hormones and affecting development and fertility. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to lower sperm concentration, early puberty in girls, and preterm birth in pregnant women. Regular exposure to phthalates can…
Washington, D.C.-based Morgan Health, a JPMorgan Chase unit focusing on employer-sponsored insurance, invested $25 million in Merative, a data and technology provider based in Michigan. Merative offers solutions for various sectors, including Truven, a real-world data application for employers and payers, and Health Insights for healthcare analytics. The investment aims to help employers access and…
The 2024 Healthy Ireland study reveals an increase in binge drinking and a decrease in meeting physical activity guidelines among Irish people. Alcohol consumption and binge drinking have risen, while fewer people are meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks has also increased, while the number of people eating fruit and…
With the return of Donald Trump to the White House and Republicans taking full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is at risk of being cut. Nine states, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Indiana, have trigger laws that would end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding decreases. This could potentially leave…
A study analyzed the underrepresentation of Black men in physician assistant/associate programs in the United States from 2013 to 2021. Despite growth in training programs, Black men were significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 2.2% of applicants and 1.2% of matriculants, despite representing 8.7% of individuals in the relevant age group. The study emphasized the urgent…
“St. Denis Medical” is a new NBC medical comedy that fills the gap left by “Scrubs” in 2010. The show focuses on the relationships between doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It successfully balances the experiences of both physicians and nurses, a refreshing change from other medical shows. While not perfect,…
The government has decided to increase the personal injury discount rate in England and Wales, a move welcomed by medical defence experts. This change could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds in compensation payments. The discount rate is used by courts to determine the lump sum paid to those who suffer serious and long-term…
A central California teacher, Leah Seneng, died after being bitten by a bat in her classroom, presumably with rabies. Despite fewer than 10 rabies-related deaths each year in the U.S., it is almost always fatal if not treated quickly. Seneng found the bat in mid-October and was bitten while trying to remove it. She did…
A review published in Oncotarget’s Volume 15 discusses the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cancer treatment. MSCs can target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. However, challenges exist, as under certain conditions MSCs may unintentionally promote tumor growth. Clinical trials are…
A new long-acting injectable drug called lenacapavir has shown promising results in preventing HIV infection in multiple trials, providing almost complete protection to individuals at risk. However, concerns have been raised regarding the drug’s accessibility due to its high cost and limited availability in middle- and high-income countries where HIV incidence is increasing. The current…
With the widespread legalization of cannabis in the country, a rare and painful disorder known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is emerging. CHS is characterized by severe bouts of nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and even tooth loss. The condition is primarily seen in long-term marijuana users who use cannabis more than four days a week…
The Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting in Chicago showcased the latest innovations in radiology. GE HealthCare unveiled its new SPECT/CT machine called Aurora, aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort. The machine offers faster rotation speeds and reduced radiation doses. A new version of the Pristina mammography system was also released to…