The Food and Drug Administration is planning to propose a ban on formaldehyde in hair-straightening products, which are popular among Black women. The proposal comes after mounting evidence of health risks related to these products, including an increased risk of hormone-driven cancers. Critics say the proposed ban does not go far enough, as it focuses…
STAT publishes selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays for robust, good-faith discussion. Jason Karlawish’s article on Aduhelm’s approval process raises concerns about the roles and incentives of pharmaceutical companies and the FDA. John Haaga supports Karlawish’s points and advocates for public funding of FDA and NIH research for objectivity. Adina…
John Humphrey Wilfred Shaw was a medical doctor who studied at St John’s College, Cambridge, and later joined St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London in 1953. He worked as a GP in Redhill for 34 years and was the managing partner from 1985. After retiring in 1997, he attended literature classes and did research, publishing several…
A study presented during the February 2024 session of the American Society for Clinical Oncology Plenary Series shows that triplet therapy of belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) plus bortezomib and dexamethasone significantly improves outcomes for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), with an acceptable safety profile. The trial found that the median progression-free survival (PFS)…
Distek, Inc. introduces the BIOne 250 Bioprocess Controller, a cost-effective solution for microbial bioprocessing. This model is a process optimized design of the BIOne 1250 benchtop bioreactor system, with a user-friendly interface and scalability for evolving needs. It offers sophisticated functionality and integrates with other bioprocess equipment. The controller’s reliability and precision ensure consistent and…
George Kramb, 29, from San Diego, struggled with what he thought was severe dry skin for years. It was flaky, irritated, and cracked, especially in the winter. He tried over-the-counter ointments without success until he was diagnosed with atopic dermatitis (AD) in his teens. AD causes itchy rashes, skin discoloration, pain, and thickened skin. It’s…
A study found that over half of over-the-counter topical scar products contain allergens. Researchers searched for scar products on various retail websites and found 156 products. Of those, 55.2% contained at least one North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) allergen, with fragrance, phenoxyethanol, parabens, panthenol, and sodium benzoate being the most common. The study also…
Nutrition is crucial for overall health and well-being, especially when it comes to heart health. To improve heart health through diet, it is important to understand expert recommendations on what to eat and what to avoid. Heart-healthy foods include sardines, green tea, and flaxseeds, while it is important to limit the intake of high-fat dairy…
A Parliamentary panel has advised the Health Ministry to keep the evaluation criteria for the NExT exam moderate, allowing ample time for preparation and to release the schedule early. They emphasized the need for a balanced approach to the evaluation process to ensure fairness for all candidates. The panel’s recommendation aims to reduce stress and…
The direct-to-consumer model of healthcare is becoming popular due to its easy access and reduced bureaucracy. However, it lacks continuity of care and efficient follow-up. The provider-to-consumer model aims to address these issues, offering the same benefits as DTC but with better follow-up care and reimbursement for providers. Both models provide easy access to care,…
A new study on climate change resilient healthcare has received almost €2.5 million in funding from the Health Research Board. Led by Prof Deirdre Bennett of University College Cork, the program aims to prepare healthcare professionals to actively contribute to resolving the climate crisis. The study, titled ‘Educating Healthcare Professionals for Climate Change Resilient and…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that invasive breast cancer incidence among US women aged 20 to 49 years increased from 2000 to 2019, with a significant increase after 2016. The study included 217,815 women, and the incidence varied by race and hormone receptor status. The highest incidence rates were seen in non-Hispanic…
Hologic has received FDA clearance to market its Genius Digital Diagnostics System, which integrates AI with imaging technology to aid in detecting cervical cancer cells. The system, already available in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, will be launched commercially later this year. By digitizing glass slides for analysis through the AI algorithm, the system claims…
The covid-19 pandemic in America was predicted to be a wake-up call about the care of vulnerable older adults. The death toll and the chaos in nursing homes and reports of seniors suffering from isolation, depression, and neglect were shocking. There have been around 900,000 older adult deaths due to covid-19, but hoped-for decisive actions…
Special counsel Robert Hur’s report on President Biden’s handling of classified documents focused on the President’s age and alleged memory issues. Medical professionals are skeptical of armchair diagnoses. Memory and aging expert Joel Kramer noted that memory decline with age is not inevitable, and that memory issues in older age do not necessarily indicate underlying…
George Parks had a long and successful career in the medical field. After completing a fellowship at St Mark’s Hospital and the Royal London Hospital, he became a consultant surgeon at Armagh City and South Tyrone Hospital in 1970. In 1971, he took up a position as senior lecturer and consultant surgeon at the Royal…
A study by the Netherlands Cancer Institute found that a new multitarget stool test for colorectal cancer precursors was more effective at detecting these precursors than the current fecal immunochemical test (FIT). This new mtFIT test measures hemoglobin and two additional proteins and can reduce the number of new colorectal cancer cases and mortality resulting…
Researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine have received £2 million in funding to develop vaccines, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The funding is part of a larger award to establish a GlycoCell Engineering Biology Mission Hub at the University of Nottingham. The hub will focus on unlocking the potential of sugars, called glycans,…
High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease, but there are ways to control it. Lower your LDL cholesterol and raise your HDL cholesterol by making simple lifestyle changes. For example, avoiding trans fats, losing weight, getting enough exercise, and incorporating soluble fiber, omega-3 fats, and healthy oils into your diet can help. Reducing…
The content discusses the challenges of treating advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in organ transplant recipients. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is limited due to the potential risk of organ rejection. Organ transplant recipients have a higher risk of developing cSCC, and treatment options are limited due to the impact of immunosuppressant medications….
Gut health is crucial for overall bodily function, affecting digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, metabolism, and mental health. Prioritizing gut health supports reduced inflammation, enhanced digestion, and lower risk of chronic diseases. The article introduces the top 5 gut health supplements: ColonBroom, Simply Nature’s Promise – ColonSweep, Dr. Tobias Colon 14 Day Cleanse, Health Plus…
A study found that the superior trunk block (STB) is an effective phrenic-sparing alternative to the interscalene block for shoulder arthroscopy. The STB was found to provide comparable analgesia and motor block while avoiding the potential risk of phrenic nerve paralysis associated with the interscalene block. The study suggests that the STB can be a…
Everly Health is partnering with the National Kidney Foundation to improve education around chronic kidney disease and expanding its diabetes monitoring and kidney health testing suite for health plans and employers. Through this partnership, Everly Health’s health plan customers will identify patients at risk for chronic kidney disease, such as those with diabetes, and send…
A new drug combination, enfortumab vedotin in combination with pembrolizumab, has been found to significantly reduce the risk of death in patients with advanced bladder cancer. The treatment improved median overall survival by over 15 months and almost doubled the length of median progression-free survival compared to standard chemotherapy. The Phase 3 trial involved 886…
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that pediatric patients receiving veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for severe heart disease have a short-term mortality of 45.6%. The analysis included 28 studies with 1736 patients, showing a lower mortality rate for children with acute fulminant myocarditis compared to those with congenital heart…
Unlearn, an AI-enabled company, raised $50 million in Series C funding, bringing its total raise to over $130 million. The company creates digital twins of clinical trial participants using machine learning, providing researchers with insight into the participants’ health outcomes. Unlearn aims to run smaller clinical trials more quickly, and plans to invest in its…
The Senate Finance Committee discussed the use of artificial intelligence in health care. Democrats want regulations for AI to prevent biased recommendations that result in inadequate or inappropriate care. The committee’s chairman, Ron Wyden, expressed concern about flawed algorithms and AI systems and has proposed the “Algorithmic Accountability Act.” The debate over the need for…
The article discusses various biotech topics, including the use of artificial intelligence in biotech, a Senate hearing led by Bernie Sanders on drug pricing, and updates on Gritstone’s personalized cancer vaccine and Moderna’s RSV vaccine. The podcast “The Readout LOUD” covers the use of AI in finding new drug targets and therapies. There is also…
MPs have reported that the 10-year government strategy to reduce illegal drug use, drug-related deaths, and crime has failed to deliver. Despite a budget of £903m for 2022-25, there has been no reduction in drug-related deaths and harms. The chair of the Public Accounts Committee, Meg Hillier, expressed concern over the rising deaths from drugs…
Richard Cadbury, son of John Cadbury, is credited with inventing heart-shaped boxes filled with chocolates in 1861. These boxes were intended to store love letters and other sentimental items once the candy was consumed. Chocolate has a long history, with cocoa beans being used over 5,000 years ago in Ecuador to create a bitter beverage….
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed that the US needs to improve care for older adults. There has been a high death toll among this demographic, but advocates hoped to see decisive action to improve care quality in nursing homes. Reports of chaos and neglect in nursing homes have been shocking. There is a lack of…
Lavern McDonald was diagnosed with stage IV inoperable lung cancer in 2018, but through innovative treatments and a supportive care team, she has turned it into a chronic disease. Despite a delayed diagnosis, she was able to receive a new FDA-approved treatment that halved her tumors. While her cancer briefly recurred, she participated in a…
The RESILIENT-Extend trial, conducted in Brazil, shows that thrombectomy can be beneficial for patients with a large vessel occlusion stroke in an extended time window (8-24 hours) without the need for advanced and costly imaging. However, it was noted that there was no benefit with thrombectomy in older patients over 68 years of age, possibly…
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed smart earrings called Thermal Earrings that can continuously monitor a person’s earlobe temperature. The prototype is the size of a small paperclip and can track signs of ovulation, stress, eating, and exercise with a 28-day battery life. The earrings can be personalized with fashion designs and are…
Mankind Pharma promoters have sold 1.6 percent of their stake in the company, amounting to Rs 1367 crore. This move is part of the company’s strategic diversification and growth plans. The promoters have decided to divest a small portion of their stake to fuel the company’s expansion and ensure a strong financial footing. This decision…
Kyverna Therapeutics, a biotech company specializing in cell therapy, recently raised $319 million in an IPO to fund clinical testing of their pipeline focused on rheumatology and neurology. The company has developed CAR T-therapies designed to be safer and more tolerable for patients with autoimmune diseases. Kyverna’s lead program, KYV-101, is being tested for lupus…
Eileen Byrne from Clanwilliam Ireland discusses the evolving healthcare data landscape, emphasizing the importance of advancing healthcare interoperability and data security. The article highlights Clanwilliam’s role in navigating these changes and ensuring the protection of healthcare data. This includes addressing the challenges of sharing data across different systems while maintaining its security. Overall, the article…
The study found that certain risk factors, such as chronic liver disease, hematological malignancies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cerebrovascular disease, mechanical ventilation, renal replacement therapy, and the use of corticosteroids or interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors for COVID-19, were associated with COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) in patients with severe COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis were…
Everside Health and Marathon Health are merging to offer primary care services to patients, employees, and union-sponsored clients. This will include direct care without insurance, health centers, virtual care, and various health services. Marathon Health is known for providing onsite and virtual care services to employees, and both companies have large client bases and a…
A Michigan mother of a school shooter has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter, marking the first time a parent has been convicted on charges related to their child’s mass-shooting crime. A prominent publisher of medical journals has retracted two articles used in court decisions about the abortion pill mifepristone. The Supreme Court is set to…
Jamie Lin, a nephrologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center, made significant findings three years ago that could help cancer patients and advance her career. She alleges that a prominent oncologist derailed the publication of her work, threatened her career, and made defamatory comments after she resisted adding the senior researcher as an author and stated…
King Charles called Richard Smith, who had cancer, seeking advice after reading his blog about the meaning of cancer. Smith recommended reading books by cancer researchers, critiqued the King’s decision not to disclose his type of cancer, and advised against rushing into aggressive treatment. They also discussed the environmental impact of cancer treatment and the…
A study in The Lancet Oncology shows that the drug enobosarm has anti-tumor effects in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients. It is the first clinical proof that this can lead to clinical benefit. For at least 40 years, treatment of this type of breast cancer has focused on directly targeting and inhibiting the activity of…
Cornell University researchers have developed nanofiber-coated cotton bandages that utilize the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of a botanical compound. This development is significant due to the increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study showed that the experimental dressing had excellent antibacterial performance and effectively eradicated E. coli and staph bacteria. The researchers used lawsone, a…
Chronic pain can be treated in various ways depending on the duration, severity, and cause of the pain. Treatments include radiofrequency ablation, nerve root blocks, epidural steroid injections, trigger point injections, pain pumps, opioids, and various other pain medications. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga may also be effective. Over-the-counter medications like aspirin…
Are there doctors in the house is a series that provides medical professionals in emergency situations. Dr. Bill Madden and Dr. Ron Quinta described an experience at a nursery in 1996. A shooting occurred, two workers died and several others were injured. Madden and Quinta used their medical knowledge to help the injured individuals and…
GLO24K is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative skincare companies of 2023, founded by experienced skincare specialists. The brand aims to make 24k gold skincare accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. After collaborating with U.S. laboratories for over two years, they created the “Unleash the Power of Gold” skincare line, offering high-quality,…
A study suggests that positioning stroke patients’ heads at a zero-degree angle before surgery may improve their neurological function. This finding could have implications for improving outcomes for stroke patients undergoing surgical interventions. The study highlights the potential impact of head positioning on neurological function and the importance of considering this factor in the pre-operative…
The author, as a healthcare consumer and journalist, has felt frustrated by the lack of critical commentary about the healthcare industry, which often focuses on self-congratulatory statements and happy talk. As a response, the author has started a show called Debunked: Slaughtering Myths, Bad Practices and Sacred Cows in Healthcare, with the goal of providing…
The Asthma Society of Ireland has launched a new e-referral platform for healthcare professionals to refer patients or carers with asthma or COPD concerns to the Adviceline service. The Adviceline has been operating for over 25 years and allows users to speak to respiratory specialist nurses or physiotherapists for support and information. Healthcare professionals can…