Stay informed on the latest in biotech by signing up for the newsletter. Recent developments include scientists discovering a way to target aggressive pediatric tumor cells using tumor-suppressor genes. A U.K. health agency’s decision on an ALS drug by Biogen raises concerns about access to genetic medicines. Generic versions of diabetes drugs could be more…

University of Virginia School of Medicine researchers have identified a gene on the Y chromosome that contributes to the higher incidence of heart failure in men. Y chromosome loss, seen in about 40% of 70-year-old men, leads to heart muscle scarring and deadly heart failure. The loss triggers changes in heart immune cells that promote…

A new study by the Lancet reveals that over 1 billion people worldwide are living with obesity in 2022, with rates doubling among adults and quadrupling among children since 1990. Despite a decrease in undernutrition, it remains a challenge in certain regions. Countries with the highest rates of both underweight and obesity are in the…

When Laura Wells was diagnosed with MS at 39, her focus on health was sporadic due to raising young kids. After kids grew older, she struggled with worsening MS symptoms but found yoga helped her stay active. Wells emphasizes the importance of small daily exercise, healthy eating, and balance in managing MS symptoms. She also…

A study found that full-dose challenges of beta-lactam antibiotics in emergency department patients with moderate, severe, or unknown allergies can safely reduce unnecessary antibiotic regimens, save costs, and preserve future antibiotic effectiveness. The study analyzed data from 184 patients with beta-lactam allergies treated in the ED, with 90% reporting penicillin allergies. Allergic reactions were noted…

Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease that annually kills over a million people worldwide. Recent research has revealed a new risk associated with TB infection: an increased likelihood of developing various types of cancers. TB primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body, leading to complications such as tissue…

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has announced an extension for the submission of annual declaration details by medical colleges. The last date for submission has been extended, but no specific date has been mentioned. This extension allows medical colleges more time to complete and submit the necessary details. By using cookies for analytics and advertising,…

The artificial intelligence (AI) market is expected to exceed $400 billion by 2027, driving demand for professionals with expertise in machine learning, especially in the healthcare sector. To stay competitive, healthcare corporations and academia must empower ambidextrous professionals with skills in both AI and health science. Large healthcare companies are integrating AI to improve efficiencies,…

The National Children’s Research Centre has been incorporated into Children’s Health Ireland, which is expected to improve the hospital’s ability to care for children. The NCRC has been based on the CHI at Crumlin campus and has worked to promote children’s health research and improve child health outcomes in Ireland. The incorporation brings its functions,…

The way patients interact with their doctors is changing, potentially affecting access to and quality of care in the future. More than 100 million Americans lack regular access to primary care, despite a rise in demand partially due to Affordable Care Act enrollment. The traditional model of seeing the same doctor for decades is shifting…

A study found that severe joint pain is more prevalent in Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native patients with arthritis compared to white patients. Less than 60% of patients receive counseling on physical activity, regardless of race. The research, based on data from the CDC 2019 National Health Interview Survey, also showed disparities in…

Public concern has increased regarding the impact of social media on teen mental health following the U.S. surgeon general’s advisory. Calls to ban teens from social media apps have emerged, but researchers suggest that social media could actually offer support for adolescent mental health. Many teens, especially those with minoritized identities, rely on digital spaces…

Former US surgeon general Jerome Adams received a $5,000 medical bill for dehydration treatment in Arizona. He is calling for healthcare reforms to address the high costs and lack of transparency. Adams, a Black physician, highlights the struggles of many Americans with medical debt. He suggests market-based reforms, including more transparency, an arbitration process for…

A recent study published in npj Parkinson’s Disease explores the relationship between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). PD is a common neurodegenerative disease with symptoms like tremors and stiffness, while IBS is a gastrointestinal disease with abdominal discomfort and bowel alterations. The study utilized data from the UK Biobank and found that…

More than half of American women aged 18-49 masturbate regularly, both single and in relationships. Masturbation is a stigma-free way to boost mood, release stress, and increase sexual comfort and confidence. It can help women explore their desires, improve sexual experiences, and experiment with different sensations to reach orgasm. For women experiencing changes during menopause,…

Diet plays a crucial role in managing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with key recommendations including elevating the head of the bed, allowing a gap between meals and bedtime, and weight loss. Caloric intake and lipid content in meals impact esophagogastric physiology, with high-calorie, high-fat, or high-carbohydrate meals promoting reflux symptoms. Recent studies highlight the benefits…

In the Bhubaneshwar Doctor Couple murder case, five persons have been sentenced to life imprisonment. The couple was brutally murdered, and the perpetrators have been held accountable for their actions. This case has brought justice to the victims and their families. The sentencing of the perpetrators marks the culmination of a long and difficult legal…

Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) health issues like rectal bleeding and inflammatory bowel disease need timely colonoscopies and endoscopies for individualized treatment plans. However, insurance practices like prior authorization often delay or deny necessary care, leading to adverse health impacts, hospitalizations, and patients abandoning treatment. Insurers prioritize cost over patient health by requiring prior authorization for…

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of infant mortality and disability globally, affecting 2-3 per 1,000 live births in high-income countries and up to 30 per 1,000 live births in low and middle-income countries. Early recognition of HIE is crucial for improved outcomes. Advocacy for better understanding and support for infants with HIE…

A study found that psychological distress related to a cancer diagnosis can lead to intentional delays in treatment. Patients often felt an urgency to start treatment but also identified fear as a barrier. This fear could both result from treatment delays and drive them. Educating patients about their treatment regimen and providing anticipatory guidance may…

Adam’s Biotech Scorecard is a new newsletter offering insights on the biotech industry by senior reporter Adam Feuerstein. In the latest issue, topics include FDA approval for Akebia Therapeutics’ Vafseo, Gilead Sciences licensing an experimental cancer drug, and the world’s costliest drug, Lenmeldy, priced at $4.25 million. The newsletter also discusses immune senescence and potential…

Children and teenagers who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop high blood pressure as adults, according to new research presented at the European Congress on Obesity. The study found that even small increases in BMI during childhood and puberty can lead to higher blood pressure in midlife, increasing the risk of cardiovascular…

Researchers in a study published in Nature found that DNA damage in the hippocampus neurons during learning triggers a cascade of molecular events leading to memory formation. The study focused on the role of toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in repairing the double-stranded DNA damage in neuronal clusters. Transcriptional profiles were analyzed in murine models subjected…

Parenting a teenager or tween can be challenging as they test limits and push boundaries. It is important to focus on your child’s interests and hobbies, even if you don’t fully understand them. Rather than relying solely on parenting books, trust your instincts and communicate your family’s values clearly. Stay involved and watch for signs…

The U.S. CDC has issued an advisory about an increase in invasive meningococcal disease, urging healthcare providers to ensure necessary vaccinations. Caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, the disease affects the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream. There have been 143 reported cases so far this year, up from 81 at the same time last year,…

This monthly roundup highlights major funding rounds in the payer/employer space. This month, HiLabs raised $39 million in Series B funding for its AI-driven data management products, Pelago secured $58 million in Series C funding for its virtual clinic for substance use management, Brightside Health received $33 million in Series C funding for its telemental…

Ortho Development Corporation received FDA 510(k) clearance for its Trivicta hip system, which utilizes a triple-taper stem for stability in total hip arthroplasty. The system will be available in the US in the second quarter of 2024. The company’s president and CEO, Brent Bartholomew, highlighted Trivicta’s versatility in addressing a range of patient needs and…

The United Kingdom has released detailed data on clinical trial registrations, making it the first country to do so. The Health Research Authority shared information on 1,545 trials, showing a 92% registration rate in 2022, an improvement from previous years. Most trials were registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, a U.S. database. This move was applauded by transparency…

A study presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found an association between tuberculosis (TB) infection and an increased risk of various cancers. The study, conducted in South Korea, revealed that TB patients had a significantly higher incidence of cancer compared to the general population, including lung, blood, gynecological, colorectal, thyroid,…

Social media use among patients considering or undergoing plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) procedures can enhance patient empowerment, leading to increased autonomy and better decision-making. A study found that patients seeking information online had higher empowerment scores, especially on social media platforms like Facebook and RealSelf. Plastic surgeons are encouraged to engage and contribute to…

Teenagers are experts at manipulating their parents to get what they want, avoid trouble, or feel powerful. Experts suggest countering this manipulation with tactics such as setting boundaries, enforcing consequences, and being consistent. Parents should establish rules and stick to them, even in the face of emotional blackmail or sulking. By setting limits on activities,…

Bristol Myers Squibb’s experimental drug for Crohn’s disease, ozanimod, did not help patients achieve disease remission in a late-stage study. Crohn’s is a chronic bowel disease causing inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. The drug, acquired through a buyout of Celgene, did not result in a significant…

A recent study has found that Deucravacitinib can improve outcomes in patients with psoriatic arthritis. The drug showed promising results in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with this condition. The study highlights the potential benefits of Deucravacitinib as a treatment option for psoriatic arthritis. By continuing to use the site, you…

Akebia Therapeutics’ drug, Vafseo, has received FDA approval for treating anemia in adults with chronic kidney disease. The drug, vadadustat, is an oral medication that mimics the effects of high altitude to stimulate the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that regulates red blood cell production. Despite safety concerns, including a black box warning for cardiovascular…

Irish researchers have found a promising new treatment combination for multiple myeloma, a difficult-to-treat cancer. They discovered that combining the drug venetolax with 5-azacytidine significantly increased its effectiveness across many cancer cell lines, offering potential benefits for a broader patient population. The research, led by the RCSI Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, also showed…

Google has changed its search algorithm to show a broader range of results for keywords, potentially affecting the precision of pay-per-click advertising campaigns for ophthalmologists. This could lead to lower return on investment as ads for unrelated services may show up in search results. Cynthia A. Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss…

The content discusses the implications of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic on patients undergoing surgeries and endoscopies, as these drugs can delay stomach emptying, leading to concerns of food being breathed into the lungs during procedures. Additionally, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders called on Novo Nordisk to lower the prices of its drugs after a study revealed…

Researchers at USC have discovered that activating the Piezo1 protein reduces inflammation caused by immune cells in the lungs in response to allergens. ILC2s, a type of immune cell, play a crucial role in allergic asthma by driving inflammation in the lungs, leading to airway tightening. Activation of Piezo1 channels by a drug called Yoda1…

Researchers from Lund University in Sweden have discovered molecular signatures linked to the clinical signs of sepsis that could improve diagnosis and prognosis, as well as guide personalized treatment. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by infection that can lead to organ failure and death. Current diagnostic tests for sepsis lack accuracy, prompting the need…

Transitioning from bottle to cup for your child is an important step to ensure their health and development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends saying goodbye to the bottle before 18 months old, with age 2 being the ideal time to make the switch. Extended bottle use is linked to tooth decay, obesity, and potential…

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the use of antibiotic therapy versus surgical treatment for uncomplicated adult appendicitis was conducted to assess safety, cost, and efficacy. Results showed a primary failure rate of 29.5% with antibiotics, increasing to 35.6% at 1 year, but no significant differences in complications or hospital stay compared to surgery….

Research suggests that ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, can assist dental students in retaining knowledge and improving their performance. This tool may provide personalized learning experiences, answer questions, and offer explanations to help students better understand complex concepts. By utilizing ChatGPT, dental students can potentially enhance their learning experience and achieve better academic results. Furthermore, cookies…

Apple has faced various legal battles, including one with medical device company AliveCor over patent infringement related to the Apple Watch. Despite Apple’s commercial success, smaller companies like AliveCor have accused Apple of stealing intellectual property. The legal issues have escalated to involve multiple lawsuits, including an antitrust case and a battle at the International…

Irish Medical Times is evolving from paper to cyber, citing the necessity for change and the comfort of success. The owner of the site is criticized for promoting hate and far-right ideas, leading to extreme racism and homophobia. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook are also under fire for allowing hate speech and harmful…

A study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting found that children with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have a higher weight and BMI, but lower height compared to healthy children. The study included 1,329 children with AD, showing that 50% of boys and 51% of girls with AD were above the 50th…

A recent analysis found that drug and device makers have made over 85 million payments totaling $12.1 billion to 826,300 physicians from 2013 to 2022. 94% of these payments were associated with marketed medical products, including blood thinners and a robotic surgical system. 57% of all physicians received payments, with a median payment of $48…

Canada’s government announced that it will cover the full cost of contraception for women as part of a major health care reform. This initiative will include popular contraceptive methods such as IUDs, contraceptive pills, hormonal implants, and the day-after pill for nine million Canadian women. The plan, unveiled in February, aims to be the largest…

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity identifies the optimal body weight range for adults with type 2 diabetes to minimize the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a BMI of 23-25 kg/m² was best for those aged 65 or younger, while a BMI of 26-28 kg/m² was ideal for those over…