In 2023, six out of nine planetary boundaries were crossed, posing a threat to Earth’s stability due to disease outbreaks like Ebola, Zika, and Covid-19. The interconnection between planetary and human health requires urgent integration. While progress has been made in recognizing this link, critical gaps in joint action, political commitment, and governance hinder meaningful…
A study led by Rutgers Health suggests that providing more blood to anemic patients after a heart attack may reduce mortality rates. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, is based on previous research conducted in 2023 that found an increased risk of death or recurrent heart attacks in anemic patients who received fewer blood transfusions….
A study led by Rutgers Health suggests that giving more blood to anemic patients after a heart attack may save lives. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, analyzed data from four clinical trials involving 4,311 patients with heart attacks and low blood count. Results indicated that giving more blood transfusions was associated with a decreased…
Dr. Edward W. Cowen is a senior clinician at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, leading multiple initiatives related to dermatology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is an expert in cutaneous graft vs host disease and has made significant contributions to the field through his research. Dr. Cowen…
Charlie Rolstone, a 44-year-old woman from the U.K., believed her migraines, motion sickness, and occasional blackouts were due to spending too much time on her phone. However, a medical emergency revealed she had a rare brain disorder, Chiari malformation, caused by an abnormal skull structure. A seizure led to the diagnosis, which also uncovered epilepsy,…
Bristol Myers Squibb’s drug Sotyktu, originally approved for plaque psoriasis, has shown positive results in two pivotal tests for psoriatic arthritis. Expanding approval to include this condition could increase revenue for the drug. Sotykut targets the enzyme TYK2, offering patients an alternative treatment option with potentially better safety than other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The…
In Las Vegas, case manager Bryon Johnson searches underground tunnels beneath the city to find homeless clients living in unsafe conditions. Many people hide in these tunnels to avoid encampment sweeps, extreme weather, and high housing costs. Outreach workers have observed an increase in drug addiction and health issues among those living underground, making it…
Healio highlights the most-read research, topics, and news in orthopedic sports medicine in 2024. Some key points include the projected increase in orthopedic-related sports injuries in patients aged at least 65 years by 2040, a decline in sports participation and physical activity from middle school to high school, the benefits of ACL reconstruction augmentation, and…
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has brought attention to the health insurance industry, with criticism focused on executives prioritizing profits over customer health. STAT journalists have investigated UnitedHealth Group’s impact on American health for two years, revealing how the company leveraged its physician empire for profit and used AI algorithms to deny care….
The feature article discusses mRNA technology in vaccines, excluding the mention of Provenge as it is not an mRNA vaccine for prostate cancer. The article delves into the advancements of mRNA vaccines, their potential impact on healthcare, and current challenges. Significant progress has been made with mRNA vaccines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article…
Improving brain health in the new year can start with a discussion with your neurologist or primary care physician about 12 factors outlined in an article developed by the American Academy of Neurology. These factors include sleep, mental health, diet, exercise, social interactions, trauma avoidance, blood pressure, genetic factors, affordability, infection, negative exposures, and social…
Experts from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University are warning people to beware of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, not just abroad, but also in the UK. Recent cases in Istanbul, Laos, and Fiji have highlighted the dangers of toxic alcohol. Counterfeit spirits can make up a significant portion of consumption in…
The FDA has approved a generic version of the GLP-1 RA liraglutide for people with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. This follows the approval of a generic version of exenatide last month to improve access to GLP-1 medications due to shortages. The FDA supports the development of generic drugs, including GLP-1s, to increase…
President Biden signed a new spending bill that excluded key healthcare provisions, including drug pricing and prior authorization reforms. The excluded provisions would have limited the number of patents pharmaceutical companies can apply to biologics, clarified ingredient differences in generic drugs, and disconnected pharmacy benefit managers’ revenue from drug prices in Medicare Part D. Advocacy…
Maurice Clark, a homeless man in Las Vegas, felt uncomfortable answering personal questions from outreach workers to determine housing eligibility, citing concerns about systemic racism. Vulnerability questionnaires used to prioritize housing placements have been criticized for favoring white people and exacerbating racial disparities in homelessness. Some experts are calling for a reevaluation of these assessment…
Patients with lupus and type 2 diabetes who receive glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have a lower risk of cardiac events and kidney disease progression compared to those using dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. This is particularly important as the risk for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease is higher in patients with lupus. Data presented at ACR…
Three pharmaceutical companies have left the brand-drug lobby PhRMA following the passage of Democrats’ drug pricing law in 2022. This resulted in the organization collecting $100 million less in annual membership dues, according to new tax filings. This development highlights the impact of the new legislation on industry associations and their members. For more information,…
Jason O’Rourke previously stated that the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) had Nestlé on its board, but he was actually referring to the advisory committee. Currently, the BNF has a Kellogg’s representative on its board and a PepsiCo representative on its advisory committee. This clarification was made in response to an earlier version of an article….
A study from Monash University suggests that human and microbial proteins found in feces could indicate a long-term risk for cardiovascular conditions. This non-invasive method could potentially replace costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. Using a new method called metaproteomics, researchers identified proteins in fecal samples that could predict the risk of heart attack or stroke,…
The presence of human waste in water bodies poses a significant public health risk, requiring continuous testing for fecal contamination. Current methods rely on fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) but are limited in detecting low-level contamination and determining sources. Microbial source tracking (MST) using CrAss-like phages (CLPs) shows promise in overcoming these challenges. A new study…
The FDA issued a final rule updating the “healthy” nutrient claim on food labels, with compliance by manufacturers being voluntary. To qualify as “healthy,” a food product must contain recommended food group equivalents and meet specified limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Certain foods like nuts, seeds, and oils that were previously excluded…
Between 1975 and 2010, the healthcare industry saw a significant increase in healthcare administrators compared to physicians, attributed to factors such as consolidation, regulations, and technology adoption. The future of healthcare administration is projected to see continued growth due to factors like an aging population and increased data volumes. Large language models (LLMs) are being…
Since 2017, the University of Galway has been hosting an annual Sensory Friendly Santa’s Grotto event for children with additional needs. This year, more than 40 families were given the opportunity to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment, created by staff and students from the School of Psychology. The event aims to give children with…
Researchers have identified specific brain pathways in the medial preoptic area that are responsible for premenstrual depression-like symptoms in mice. These GABAergic neurons, which regulate mood, become less active when estrogen levels drop, leading to depressive behaviors. By studying the impact of hormone fluctuations on mood in female mice and mapping the brain circuitry involved,…
The story of Denny Buehler’s softball tournament to raise money for medical expenses has turned into a tradition raising money for others in need. In 2019, the Denny Buehler Memorial Foundation, now known as Undue Medical Debt, has erased billions in old medical debt by buying it for pennies on the dollar and forgiving it….
US dialysis facility closures from 2018 to 2023 have raised concerns about access to vital care, especially in rural communities. Despite an increase in adults diagnosed with end-stage renal disease, there has been a decrease in facility openings. Additionally, a study found that clinicians do not consistently use algorithms for dosing methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta…
UnitedHealth Group, the largest physician empire in the United States, faces calls from Democratic lawmakers to address its monopolistic practices. Lawmakers argue that the company’s size and influence are undermining competition, corrupting Medicare, and harming patients. There are calls for a possible breakup of the business empire to restore public confidence in the healthcare system….
Investments are being made in a five-year trial of the weight loss drug tirzepatide, with a focus on prioritizing patients who can return to work. Health Secretary Wes Streeting highlighted the economic impact of obesity, stating that it not only affects health but also hinders the economy. This announcement aligns with concerns raised in the…
Abortion opponents are increasingly targeting access to abortion pills, the most common way to end a pregnancy in the U.S. The Texas attorney general has filed a lawsuit against a New York doctor for prescribing abortion pills to a patient in Texas via telemedicine, challenging New York’s law protecting providers who prescribe such drugs. Other…
A study has found that the common cough medicine ingredient Dextromethorphan may be effective in treating lung fibrosis, a condition caused by excess scarring in the lungs. Lung fibrosis can result from various causes, including exposure to irritants, chemotherapy side effects, and autoimmune diseases. Dextromethorphan was shown to reduce scarring in mouse models of lung…
A husband sought to donate his deceased wife’s pacemaker for reuse, leading doctors at the University of Michigan to explore the idea. They established Project My Heart Your Heart, refurbishing and redistributing pacemakers to impoverished nations with high cardiovascular disease burdens. A clinical trial comparing new and refurbished devices showed promising results with no significant…
Fitness coach Jenna Rizzo offers a “lazy girl guide” with three simple tips to achieve a flatter stomach without much effort. Firstly, staying hydrated by drinking water is essential for healthy skin and digestion. Secondly, cutting down on alcohol can reduce inflammation and bloating. Lastly, aiming for a small calorie deficit by eating slightly less…
Sleep apnea, a sleep disorder treated with medical devices, now has its first FDA-approved drug therapy, Zepbound, by Eli Lilly. The drug, initially developed for metabolic conditions, is an injectable medication used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Zepbound activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and aid in…
Symvess, a sterile, cell-free tissue engineered vessel made of human extracellular matrix proteins, has been approved by the FDA as a vascular conduit for extremity arterial injuries in adults. In a study of 54 patients, 67% retained primary patency and 72% retained secondary patency after treatment with Symvess. The product received priority review and regenerative…
The author is leaving Morning Rounds to start a new AI newsletter called AI Prognosis. The FDA has updated its definition of “healthy” food to include foods like salmon, nuts, seeds, and certain oils. There are discrepancies in counting maternal mortality rates in the U.S., and experts emphasize the need to focus on prevention. House…
Australians are exposed to high levels of solar UV radiation, which can have short-term and long-term effects on the eyes and skin. Sunglasses are important for protecting our eyes from UV damage, as excessive exposure can lead to conditions like photokeratitis, cataracts, and skin cancers. Choosing the right pair of sunglasses is crucial, with categories…
Scientists have developed a test called FlowScore, which measures the shape of red blood cells to assess their ability to deliver oxygen. This test could improve specialist transplant and transfusion practices as well as blood banking. Healthy red blood cells have a specific shape that allows for efficient oxygen release, but this shape changes during…
Keith Poulsen, a veterinarian, was shocked by the efforts of farmers to treat sick cows during a bird flu outbreak at the World Dairy Expo in Wisconsin. The virus has spread across 16 states, infecting at least 875 herds. Experts have lost faith in the government’s ability to contain the outbreak. The outbreak poses the…
Dexcom has integrated generative AI into its Stelo continuous glucose monitor, making it the first medical device company to do so. The AI platform analyzes data from the biosensor, meal logging, and other wearable technologies to provide personalized insights and recommendations for users. The AI capabilities are powered by Google Cloud’s AI models, enabling Dexcom…
Healio compiled a list of the most-read FDA approvals in dermatology in 2024. The top approval was Zelsuvmi for molluscum contagiosum, followed by Xeomin, Klisyri, Zoryve, and others. Zelsuvmi is a topical antiviral gel for viral skin infections in children. Xeomin was approved for facial lines, Klisyri for actinic keratosis on larger areas, Zoryve for…
Sign up for the biotech newsletter to stay informed about the latest developments in science and politics driving the biotech industry. This morning, Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema results disappointed investors, leading to a significant drop in their stock value. Ionis Pharmaceuticals received FDA approval for their rare disease therapy, marking a strategic shift towards independent commercialization….
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is prevalent in patients with cirrhosis, but cirrhosis itself does not significantly increase the risk of CAD, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology. Through a review of 51 studies, researchers found that CAD, acute coronary syndromes, and myocardial infarction (MI) incidences were relatively low…
A recent study published in NPJ Metabolic Health and Disease suggests that the degradation of endogenously secreted insulin, termed ‘chain-splitting,’ is a key mechanism underlying insulin resistance. The study challenges the commonly held belief that insulin receptor signaling defects are responsible for insulin resistance. Researchers demonstrate that chain-splitting of human insulin chains A and B…
A clinical trial in Finland is exploring the use of whole blood for transfusions by emergency services before patients reach the hospital, in an effort to improve outcomes for patients with acute bleeding. Previous trials in the UK and France have suggested that whole blood may be a viable replacement for current blood products in…
The clinical research field is undergoing significant technological advancements that are reshaping how studies are conducted for enhanced efficiency, accuracy, and patient-centric focus. Five major advances include advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, wearable health devices for real-time monitoring, decentralized clinical trials, patient engagement and feedback technologies, and blockchain for secure data sharing. These technologies…
Walgreens is considering selling itself to private equity firm Sycamore Partners after years of financial struggles and a declining stock price. The sale could be worth $9.2 to $10 billion. Experts believe that selling to a private equity buyer could help the company make operational improvements and focus on high-growth segments. Sycamore Partners, despite lacking…
A new study found that more than half of older people on the island of Ireland visit an emergency department in their last year of life, with the practice being more common in the Republic than in Northern Ireland. The report highlights differences in end-of-life healthcare between the two jurisdictions, with higher rates of hospital…
Tom Contos, an avid runner, experienced rectal bleeding and underwent a diagnostic colonoscopy due to a family history of colon issues. The procedure found precancerous polyps and hemorrhoids but no cancer. The hospital charged $19,206, but after insurance negotiation, Contos was left with a $4,047 bill due to the hospital billing for two colonoscopies, which…
Healio highlights key findings in total knee arthroplasty research in 2024. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to poorer outcomes post-TKA, but supplementation may help. Low-dose aspirin is effective for preventing venous thromboembolism after TKA. GLP-1 receptor agonists can benefit TKA patients without diabetes. All-polyethylene TKA components may decrease revision risk compared to metal-backed components. Robotic-assisted…
Lipigon Pharmaceuticals has appointed Johan Liwing as their new CEO. If you have any exciting updates about new hires, promotions, or hard-to-fill spots being filled, share them with us to be featured in our regular feature in the new year. Everyone is curious about who is coming and going in the industry, so don’t hesitate…