Vertex Pharmaceuticals is acquiring Alpine Immune Sciences for $4.9 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date. The deal includes a promising drug called povetacicept, which is designed to treat IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney autoimmune disorder affecting 130,000 people in the U.S. The drug will enter Phase 3 clinical development later this year. This acquisition…

Scarlett McNally, a professor and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, shares how small changes can lead to improved quality of life. By doing Dry January and using an alarm clock instead of relying on her phone, she has been able to break habits and make better choices for her health. She emphasizes the importance of changing behaviors…

The study focused on STON2 variations related to synaptic dysfunction and schizophrenia-like behaviors. The C-C (307Pro-851Ala) haplotype of STON2 was found to increase susceptibility to schizophrenia in the Chinese Han population. This variation leads to deficits in synaptic transmission, short-term plasticity, and schizophrenia-like behaviors in mice. Pharmacogenomic data showed that patients with this haplotype responded…

Two systematic reviews found that evidence on the use of puberty blockers and hormones for children and young people with gender-related distress is inadequate, leading to uncertainty about their effectiveness and impact on health. The studies showed limited quality and inconsistent evidence on key outcomes. Clinical guidelines are often not evidence-based, and the need for…

S.A.R.A.H. is an interactive artificial intelligence resource developed by the World Health Organization to provide information on health topics such as eating right, stress management, smoking cessation, mental health, and various diseases. S.A.R.A.H. is designed to be culturally sensitive and free of bias, speaking eight languages and providing personalized responses. The technology, powered by Open…

A new liquid biopsy assay combining a microRNA signature and a pancreatic cancer biomarker has shown 97% accuracy in detecting stage I/II pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Developed by Ajay Goel and colleagues, the test was tested in Japan, China, South Korea, and the US, with promising results. Adding the biomarker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 increased accuracy to…

Researchers have found a simple technique to help people struggling with anger management. By writing down their feelings on a piece of paper and then discarding it, individuals can effectively reduce their anger. This method was proven to be highly effective in a study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Participants who wrote about a…

A study called REDUCE-AMI found that using beta-blockers after a heart attack with preserved ejection fraction does not offer any benefits. This trial suggests that continuing to use beta-blockers in this specific situation may not be necessary. The study emphasizes the importance of personalized medicine and tailoring treatment plans to individual patients. The results of…

As hospitals face increasing cyberattacks, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in healthcare must navigate challenges including keeping up with technological advancements, making impactful IT investments, and championing cybersecurity practices across the organization. Balancing innovation with security is crucial, as CISOs work to streamline processes, demonstrate the value of IT investments, and educate staff on security…

Simon Harris has appointed Colm Burke as the Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing, and the National Drugs Strategy. Burke, a Cork North Central TD and former Fine Gael health spokesperson, replaces Hildegarde Naughton in the role. Naughton was given a new position in special education and inclusion as part of a reshuffle. Burke…

The National Institutes of Health is increasing funding for research on TMJ disorders, which affect millions of Americans, mostly women. Despite its prevalence, TMJ remains under-researched and ineffective treatments are common. The NIH recently doubled annual funding for TMJ research and funded a new collaborative effort in 2023. The lack of proven treatments for TMJ…

Researchers presented results at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting showing that an artificial intelligence-driven algorithm using a liquid biopsy assay can differentiate women with ovarian cancer from healthy patients. The study found sensitivity rates ranging from 69% to 100% for different stages of ovarian cancer. The algorithm also had high specificity for…

In the pharmaceutical industry, Harrow justifies a 486% price increase for an injectable eye treatment due to the need for investment in supply restoration and perceived underpricing. Novartis plans to cut up to 680 jobs in product development, with 440 in Switzerland and up to 240 in the U.S., separate from a larger restructuring program….

A recent survey by the Royal College of Anaesthetists found that most anaesthetists have a negative view of anaesthesia associates (AAs). Consultants who regularly work with AAs have a more positive view, while those in training who have never worked with AAs hold the most negative opinions. The survey, conducted by Research by Design, had…

A study by researchers at Nagoya University in Japan reveals that aldehydes are metabolic byproducts linked to premature aging, with implications for aging diseases and potential ways to combat aging by controlling exposure to aldehyde-inducing substances like alcohol, pollution, and smoke. Aldehydes damage DNA and proteins by forming DNA-protein crosslinks, leading to cellular processes malfunctioning…

Rep. Brad Wenstrup urged federal lawmakers to continue telehealth payment changes past year-end deadline, highlighting benefits of virtual care. Congress faces decision on allowing telehealth services to remain accessible, impacting Medicare and private insurance plans. Telehealth surged during the pandemic, with Medicare and Medicaid enrollees using it the most. Lawmakers and policymakers are considering temporary…

Dr. John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer, addresses access to health care issues for older adults, including cost, transportation, and quality of care. He emphasizes the importance of technology, such as sensors, trackers, and virtual reality tools, in managing health conditions. COVID-19 has shifted doctor-patient interactions towards virtual visits, highlighting the need for persistence when…

Zoom dysmorphia is a negative perception of one’s body image exacerbated by frequent video calls, causing anxiety, self-esteem issues, and a desire for cosmetic procedures. Dr. George Kroumpouzos and colleagues proposed a screening tool to identify zoom dysmorphia, as no diagnostic criteria exist. The tool includes open-ended questions and specific inquiries related to concerns about…

A recent study suggests that replacing red meat with forage fish in diets could prevent 750,000 deaths annually by 2050. Forage fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients, have the potential to reduce the prevalence of diet-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The recommended dietary shift could be particularly beneficial…

AIIMS INI CET July 2024 is an entrance exam for admission to postgraduate medical courses. The eligibility criteria, schedule, and other details are important for candidates to know. The exam is scheduled for July 2024 and candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria to apply. By continuing to use the site, users agree to the use…

Healthcare leaders worldwide are discussing the responsible integration of AI into clinical care, lacking a shared framework to govern its development and deployment. Collaboration among healthcare organizations is essential to establish guidelines for ethical AI use. Start with low-risk, high-reward use cases for generative AI models, such as nurse handoffs or medical research search tools….

The new president of the Irish Medical Organisation claims that Ireland’s medical negligence litigation is causing doctors to leave the country. Hospital staff are facing challenges due to staff shortages and resource issues. The legal landscape in Ireland is increasing referrals from primary to secondary care, which could lead to collapse. Consultant shortages are also…

Individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP) exhibit cognitive impairment across all domains before receiving antipsychotic treatment, as shown in a systematic review and meta-analysis. This emphasizes the importance of identifying patients with severe cognitive challenges who may benefit from cognitive remediation. Cognitive deficits were observed in FEP patients compared to healthy controls, with the largest…

Clarius Mobile Health and ThinkSono have partnered to create an AI-enabled application called ThinkSono Guidance in Europe for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection. Clarius handheld wireless AI-powered ultrasound scanners connect to smartphones, providing high-resolution images to clinicians. ThinkSono Guidance allows non-trained health providers to collect DVT data using Clarius scanners for review by qualified physicians….

In the past two decades, mortality rates in rural areas of the U.S. have significantly increased compared to urban areas. This trend is concerning for experts, as factors such as chronic diseases, cancer, and lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the widening gap. Specifically, the mortality rates among women in rural areas have…

The Vision Council has launched PolicyWatch, an online regulatory monitoring service for the optical industry focused on teleoptometry-related legislative issues. The resource provides real-time updates on laws and regulations specific to teleoptometry in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It offers detailed state-level insights, information on reimbursement and payer implications, as well as email alerts…

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed a bill that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board in Virginia with the aim of capping the cost of prescription drugs. This concept is being explored by lawmakers in various states as a way to control state spending on medicines. While seven states have already established such boards,…

Developing a new NHS service for young people with gender dysphoria has been a significant challenge due to poor data on long-term outcomes of treatment. A review found that existing guidelines for treating children with gender issues were developed in breach of international standards. The review highlighted issues with the evidence base for treatments, lack…

A study led by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found no evidence to suggest that GLP-1 analogs, popular drugs used to treat diabetes and obesity, increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The study, published in The BMJ, analyzed data from about 145,000 patients treated with GLP-1 analogs and 290,000 patients treated with another diabetes drug. Results…

Aptamer Group plc has filed a patent application to protect recently developed Optimer binder sequences for use in fast moving consumer goods through its partnership with Unilever. The patent submission on March 28, 2024, reinforces the commercial protection of Aptamer Group’s technology in high-performance binders. The binders were developed as part of a fee-for-service project…

Finding a transgender-friendly OB/GYN is crucial for those who are pregnant or trying to conceive. Resources like LGBTQ+ health websites and insurance provider directories can help in locating inclusive healthcare providers. Word-of-mouth recommendations and consulting with local LGBTQ+ communities can also be beneficial. When visiting a gender-affirming OB/GYN, the office staff should respect preferred names…

Some specialists are suggesting replacing the term AIDS with “advanced HIV” as they believe the acronym is redundant, stigmatizing, and potentially harmful. The term AIDS was initially coined in 1982 by the CDC to describe a disease affecting people with weakened immunity. While some organizations have already removed AIDS from their names, others argue that…

Having a baby is a crucial time for parents, with every decision carefully made for the well-being of their child. Choosing the right baby milk formula is essential for providing the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Five top picks include a2 Platinum® Premium Infant Formula, Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula, Gerber Good Start…

A study revealed that normothermic regional perfusion leads to better outcomes for liver transplantation from donors after circulatory death (DCD). This technique helps improve the quality of DCD liver allografts. By perfusing the liver with oxygenated blood and nutrients while maintaining it at normal body temperature, the viability of the organ is preserved, resulting in…

Seaport Therapeutics, a startup backed by $100 million in financing, is developing drugs that use a novel delivery approach to address dosing and safety limitations seen in depression drugs. The company’s technology platform, Glyph, leverages the lymphatic system for drug delivery, allowing for better absorption and retention of active ingredients in the body. Seaport’s lead…

The author suggests that the healthcare industry can learn from other industries managing overcrowding and queuing in innovative ways. The article describes the overcrowding issues in healthcare, particularly in Emergency Departments, and presents various unconventional ideas to address the problem, such as live streaming, group triage, and mandatory entrance fees. The author encourages thinking outside…

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors at a younger age than their peers without ASD. The study used data from the Interactive Autism Network and found that 40.5% of children with ASD expressed a wish to die, 19.3% wanted to end their…

eLuma, a company offering special education and mental health services for K-12 schools, has named Andy Myers as CEO, bringing expertise in scaling operations. Clario, a clinical-trial company, has appointed Julia James as chief legal and administrative officer, citing her extensive legal work in clinical trials. Kevin Sowers, president of Johns Hopkins Health System, has…

Readers responded to an article on the impact of ethical and religious directives on healthcare at Catholic hospitals. A woman shared her difficulty accessing care due to a lack of transparency in affiliations with the Catholic Church. The topic sparked a debate on the implications of religion in healthcare. Other letters addressed issues like the…

The study compared the effectiveness of two imaging devices, Visante OCT and Keratograph 5M, in visualizing meibomian glands in the eyelids. Results showed that the Visante OCT, with its longer wavelength, provided better visibility of the glands compared to the Keratograph 5M. Meiboscores were significantly different for the lower eyelid between the two devices, with…

The company Philips, responsible for a global recall of sleep apnea machines, will not be allowed to resume production in U.S. facilities until safety requirements are met. The settlement requires Philips to overhaul manufacturing and quality control systems, replace or repair defective devices, and hire independent experts to monitor changes. The recall affects over 5…

BMA Cymru Wales has suspended upcoming industrial action for consultants and SAS doctors after a positive meeting with the Welsh government regarding pay disputes. The government made a significant proposal to resolve issues for all secondary care doctors in Wales, including junior doctors. Committees representing doctors from all three branches of practice have agreed to…

The bitter taste of some medications can be a barrier to taking them as prescribed, especially for those sensitive to bitter taste. A study found that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone can partially block the bitter taste of some especially bad-tasting medications. Adding rosiglitazone to other medicines could make them taste better. This discovery provides new…

Researchers at Huntsman Cancer Institute found a link between male infertility and an increased risk of certain cancers in families. This discovery could improve personalized cancer risk assessments and prevention. Approximately 9% of men at reproductive age experience fertility problems, which are associated with various health issues including cancer. The study used the Utah Population…

Bob Dickey, a freight broker from Menifee, CA, refused to let the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, disrupt his routine after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2010. Taking anti-nausea medicine was a lesson he learned the hard way after getting sick in a parking lot following chemotherapy. To help manage side…

show that 57% of clinicians believe that social media has a negative impact on women’s health decisions, with misinformation and myths spreading quickly. It is crucial for healthcare providers to educate patients on the accurate and evidence-based information regarding contraception to help combat misinformation. This includes discussing the risks and benefits, as well as addressing…

The annual tradition of taking a cold plunge on New Year’s Day has become a global phenomenon thanks to social media influencers and celebrities like Drake and Justin Bieber. This has led to a surge in the purchase of cold plunge tubs, with people spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on them for the convenience…

A recent study found that cannabis use during pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of ADHD, autism, and intellectual disability in children. The study suggests that the use of cannabis during pregnancy can have negative impacts on the development of the child’s brain. It is important for pregnant women to be aware of the…

At the MedCity INVEST conference, healthcare startups showcased their innovative solutions in the Pitch Perfect contest, focusing on burnout and operational efficiency in the healthcare industry. Finalists in the Payer/Provider track presented health tech solutions in areas such as physical therapy, critical illness, health data privacy and more. The conference, taking place at the Ritz…

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder with symptoms that include motor and non-motor issues. Diagnosis is based on specific cardinal features, with a differential diagnosis to consider. Treatment involves dopaminergic therapy and other adjuncts to manage motor symptoms, with device-assisted therapy for motor complications. Non-motor features can be more intrusive and require individualized…