AI explainability is crucial in achieving trustworthy AI in industries like healthcare. This concept allows humans to understand how AI arrives at decisions, making the process transparent and fostering trust. In healthcare, explainable AI can help providers validate AI models, identify biases, and ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Without explainability, reliance on AI may…
Withings Health Solutions received FDA clearance for its cellular BP monitor, BPM Pro 2, designed to improve the reliability of at-home BP measurements for adults with specific arm circumferences. The device includes interactive features to capture additional patient information and prompt retakes of readings if necessary. It also allows data syncing with healthcare teams via…
The last Morning Rounds of the year covers Democrats calling for action against UnitedHealth Group, California’s efforts to control bird flu spread, concerns about the future of gender-affirming surgery, the lack of screening for incontinence in women, and a record-breaking kidney transplant chain. Lawmakers want to break up UnitedHealth due to market power, California is…
The first severe case of H5N1 avian influenza in the US has been reported in a patient in Louisiana, bringing the total number of human cases to 61 since April 2024. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, related to other strains. This raises concerns…
A study conducted nearly 20 years ago suggested that infants have a moral sense, preferring helpers over hinderers. However, a recent replication study with a larger sample size of 567 babies from 37 research labs worldwide did not show evidence of this early moral sense. This challenges the original findings and raises questions about whether…
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with limited ability for the heart to regenerate itself. Scientists at Korea University have developed a method to reprogram fibroblasts into mature and functional induced cardiomyocytes, potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine for heart repair. By activating the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, they have successfully generated fully reprogrammed cardiomyocytes…
A trial conducted on 84 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction found that the administration of potassium nitrate (KNO3) did not improve exercise capacity or quality of life compared to potassium chloride (KCl). While KNO3 did increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, it did not result in significant improvements in peak oxygen…
Healthcare organizations are facing numerous challenges, such as cyberattacks, turnover, and escalating costs, while trying to provide quality care. However, the use of multiple software solutions to address these issues often leads to confusion and inefficiency. The solution lies in consolidating technology solutions to create a more streamlined and cohesive operating environment. Shared governance involving…
Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden conducted a study to determine the impact of ADHD medication on college admissions test scores. They found that individuals with ADHD who were treated with medication scored higher on the tests compared to those who were not medicated. The study analyzed over 61,000 individuals with ADHD and found…
Rhinovirus infections in children with a nascent type 2 inflammatory signature may increase the risk for asthma, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. More than a quarter of children with refractory wheeze were positive for rhinovirus without symptoms, indicating indolent infections. The study found…
Stay informed on the latest biotech developments by signing up for the newsletter. In the latest edition, Bristol Myers Squibb reported positive results for Sotyktu in treating psoriatic arthritis. Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug, CagriSema, fell short of weight loss projections, impacting the company’s stock value. The FDA granted breakthrough status to medical devices like Neuralink’s…
GPs in Wales have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed General Medical Services contract from the Welsh government. In a ballot by the BMA, 98.7% of doctors voted against the contract for 2024-25, with just 14 doctors in favor. The offer included a 6% pay increase for GPs and practice staff, additional funding for practice expenses, and…
The color of your snot can indicate various aspects of your immune health. Mucus is a crucial part of the body’s defense system, trapping harmful pathogens and preventing them from entering deeper parts of the respiratory system. Changes in mucus color can reveal information about your immune response, with clear mucus indicating health, white mucus…
Cardiovascular diseases are a global health crisis, necessitating innovative diagnostic tools for early detection and treatment. Wearable heart sound devices offer continuous monitoring, potentially revolutionizing cardiovascular care. While traditional tools like stethoscopes are limited in continuous tracking, wearable technology provides real-time insights into heart health. Challenges such as sensitivity and accuracy hinder widespread adoption, emphasizing…
Middle-aged women who engaged in short bursts of vigorous-intensity exercise as brief as 3 minutes a day had a 45% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The activity involved intense movement, like quick stair climbs, repeated multiple times daily. The benefits of this type of exercise were shown in a study involving thousands of…
Artificial intelligence technology company SandboxAQ has raised $300 million to accelerate development of large quantitative models (LQMs) for use in various industries, with a focus on life sciences. The funding will support the processing and analysis of large datasets for applications such as drug research and optimization of experimental medicines. SandboxAQ, a spinout of Alphabet,…
The American Optometric Association Health Policy Institute has released a new brief to educate the public on blepharitis, its symptoms, and treatment options. Blepharitis can cause significant ocular surface disease and infection, with Demodex blepharitis being a commonly underdiagnosed condition. Treatment options include selenium, antiparasitics, topical and oral antibiotics, intense pulsed light, and microblepharoexfoliation. The…
This content is an excerpt from STAT’s Health Care Inc email newsletter, focusing on how lawmakers view UnitedHealth Group. The authors spent a significant amount of time in 2024 talking to doctors and individuals working within the conglomerate, as well as reviewing documents and data related to UnitedHealth. They heard frustrations from people regarding UnitedHealth’s…
In a BMJ opinion article, there was an error in stating that a measles outbreak in the following year infected an estimated 57,000 people and caused 83 deaths, when in fact the correct number was 5707 infected individuals. The article has been corrected to reflect this accurate information. Source link
Physician-researchers at City of Hope have developed a new system to engineer T cells in order to overcome resistance to CAR T cell therapy. The system involves using a dual-vector approach to increase the genetic information capacity, allowing for the simultaneous targeting of multiple antigens and the incorporation of switch receptors. This approach has shown…
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation have announced the first-ever World Hormone Day to be held annually on 24 April 2025. The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of good hormone health and the role hormones play in various aspects of health and well-being. The campaign includes…
Americans are losing sleep over the economy, gun violence, and hate crimes, according to a survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Anxiety about international conflicts, the election, and the holidays also contribute to stress levels. Many are choosing to limit their news consumption to protect their mental health. A separate poll showed that many…
Companies are grappling with the challenge of balancing the need for high-quality healthcare plans for employees with the rising costs of healthcare. In a webinar sponsored by Personify Health, executives from Dow and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions discussed strategies for managing costs, including passing more expenses onto employees, eliminating duplication of services…
Research throughout 2024 has shown the significant impact of prevention efforts and tools for HIV, such as PrEP and PEP. Despite the lack of an HIV vaccine, advancements have been made in prevention methods like a vaginal ring for PrEP. Issues of disparities and underutilization among certain populations remain. Important topics discussed in 2024 include…
Retractions in scientific journals are essential for maintaining the integrity of research. Recent examples, such as the retraction of a controversial paper on hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment, highlight the importance of correcting flawed information. However, retractions can also be misinterpreted or exploited by those skeptical of science, leading to distrust. A study on social…
The UK Medical Research Council plans to redirect funding to new centres of research excellence (CoREs), potentially forcing existing MRC research units to close. More than 500 scientists and academics have expressed concern in an open letter to the science minister, warning that the new funding model will award large grants to newly created CoREs…
Scientists at Korea University have developed a new technique to reprogram fibroblast cells into mature and functional induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) by combining fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C. This approach activates the JAK2–STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to improved cell structure and function. The findings offer promising possibilities for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular…
In a study conducted by University of California, Berkeley biologists, it was found that several species of fruit fly have stolen a successful defense from bacteria to survive predation by parasitic wasps. The stolen defense, a gene that encodes a toxin, can be edited into the genome of other fruit fly species, making them resistant…
A study found that implementing a home-based exercise program after lung cancer surgery did not significantly improve patients’ self-reported physical function at 3, 6, or 12 months, compared to usual care. However, the program did enhance exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and exercise self-efficacy. Overall, patients in the exercise group showed improved exercise capacity…
Alecia Lashier reflects on her unexpected journey from a college student to a passionate programmer in the pharmaceutical industry. She discusses the challenges and trends in the industry, focusing on the need to address pharmacist burnout, medication demand, patient satisfaction, and changing perceptions of pharmacists’ roles. Looking ahead to 2025, she emphasizes the importance of…
Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, particularly those with oligoarticular JIA, receive biologic DMARD therapy sooner on public insurance compared to private insurance. A study conducted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that publicly insured patients started biologic DMARDs earlier but took longer to achieve clinically inactive disease compared to those with private insurance. This…
In 2024, telehealth services in the United States experienced a sudden decline, with major players like Walmart and UnitedHealth’s Optum shutting down their virtual care services. Despite the challenges, telehealth usage remains higher than before the pandemic, with clinicians and patients advocating for its benefits. The Trump administration dealt with the cultural shift towards digital…
Israel has reportedly ordered the closure and evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, endangering the lives of dozens of patients, including babies in incubators. The hospital has been under attack for weeks, with staff killed, medical aid blocked, and essential supplies damaged. The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, has stated they have…
The article discusses the importance of wearable heart sound devices in monitoring cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for early intervention and continuous monitoring. Traditional tools like stethoscopes are limited in providing real-time insights, prompting the development of wearable technology. Challenges such as sensitivity, comfort, and data accuracy are being addressed through advancements in sensor types,…
A new scanning method allows experts to monitor lung function in real-time by showing how air moves in and out of the lungs. This method is effective for patients with asthma, COPD, and lung transplant recipients. The scans use a special gas visible on an MRI scanner to assess lung ventilation and response to treatment….
A study found that older adults with celiac disease (CeD) have a higher risk of developing frailty within 5 years compared to those without the condition. The research, conducted in Sweden, involved 4646 individuals with CeD and 21,944 controls. Frailty was assessed using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), with 54.4% of older adults with…
Drinking coffee and tea daily can reduce the risk of head and neck cancers, according to recent research. People who drank more than 4 cups of coffee had a 17% reduced risk of head and neck cancers, while those who drank 3–4 cups daily had a 22% lower risk of oropharyngeal cancer. Even decaffeinated coffee…
Healthcare marketing is facing significant changes as we approach 2025, with traditional models intersecting with technological innovation and evolving consumer behavior. Strategic brand partnerships, AI-driven healthcare information delivery, and a shift in social media engagement paradigms are reshaping marketing strategies. The partnership between Amazon One Medical and Cleveland Clinic signifies a major shift in healthcare…
Bill Hall, a 71-year-old gay man living in Seattle, has been battling HIV since 1986, along with various other health issues. Due to a traumatic childhood and a lack of intimate relationships, he struggles with mental exhaustion. Like many LGBTQ+ seniors, Hall faces isolation and health challenges. The older LGBTQ+ population, expected to double by…
A recent study by Epic Research found that patients with diabetes who were prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists had a reduced likelihood of dementia diagnosis, ranging from 23% to 44%. The study included older adults with type 2 diabetes and assessed the risk of dementia within 5 years of starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist…
Blood stem cell transplants have been crucial in treating blood cancers, but recent advances in immune and targeted therapies have led to a decline in the use of these transplants, especially for lymphomas. Autologous transplants involve using a patient’s own stem cells, while allogeneic transplants use donor stem cells. The shift away from autologous transplants…
Judith M Neaves, a general practitioner and musculoskeletal physician in Kendal, UK, questions the UK government’s plans to introduce a league table of NHS providers with rewards for the leaders. While managers may receive more pay for better performance, Neaves raises concerns about what the staff who actually do the work will receive. She suggests…
Facial nerve injuries are often treated with autografts, which have limitations such as donor site damage and uncertain functional recovery. Researchers are exploring synthetic alternatives like engineered conduits made with stem cells to support nerve regeneration. At the University of Pittsburgh, bioengineers developed implantable conduits that facilitated nerve regeneration in rats, matching the results of…
Bill Hall, a 71-year-old HIV survivor, has faced numerous health issues including depression, heart disease, and cancer. He contracted HIV from anonymous sex and has lived alone for most of his adult life. LGBTQ+ seniors, like Hall and others, often struggle with isolation, anxiety, and depression due to past trauma and the AIDS epidemic. Many…
More than two thirds of American counties don’t have an endocrinologist, leaving 50 million people at risk for poor health outcomes. Areas with no endocrinologists have higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and stroke. GoodRx’s analysis showed that endocrinologists are clustered on the coasts and major cities, leaving rural areas underserved. The lack of endocrinologists leads…
During the holiday season, it is important to be aware of potential dangers that can lead to accidental poisoning, especially for young children. More than 90% of poison exposures happen at home, with medications, cleaning products, alcohol, nicotine, food, and seasonal plants being common culprits. Taking simple precautions, such as storing medications out of reach,…
Ascension recently suffered a cyberattack resulting in the exposure of 5.6 million patients’ personal and health information. The health system is offering affected individuals credit monitoring and identity protection services for free. While there is no evidence of data theft from Ascension’s EHR or clinical systems, the attack had significant impacts on patient safety, operational…
Leaders in Florida’s most populous county are facing opposition from residents over plans to build the nation’s largest trash incinerator near diverse communities. Residents fear property devaluation, environmental damage, and health risks. The issue highlights broader concerns about environmental and racial justice, with communities of color bearing the brunt of pollution from incinerators. Debate continues…
Dr. Halle Moore discusses the long-term results of the OlympiA trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The study observed patients with BRCA mutations and high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer treated with adjuvant olaparib after chemotherapy. Results showed continued benefits of adjuvant olaparib for patients with BRCA mutations and no increased risk of myelodysplasia…
In response to the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Sister Mary Haddad of the Catholic Health Association calls for reflection and action in the healthcare industry. She emphasizes the need for a renewed commitment to healing the broken American healthcare system, with a focus on unity, shared principles, and bold change. Sister Mary…