Researchers from Lund University have identified molecular signatures associated with sepsis that could improve diagnosis and prognosis. This research presented at ECCMID 2024 in Barcelona aims to target specific therapies at patients who would benefit most. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by infection, with no singular diagnostic test available. The study analyzed plasma samples…

Blood in insects, called hemolymph, can clot quickly outside the body, but how this happens has remained a mystery. Researchers have discovered that caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth, tobacco hornworms, can seal wounds in a minute by transforming their hemolymph from a water-like substance to a viscoelastic fluid. This change allows the hemolymph to…

For most people with multiple sclerosis (MS), alcohol can be consumed in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Regularly drinking alcohol can worsen neurological damage and function for MS patients, but an occasional glass or beer is unlikely to cause significant issues….

Researchers found no successful malpractice litigation related to active surveillance in managing low-risk cancers such as thyroid, prostate, kidney, and breast cancer or lymphoma from 1990 to 2022. Out of 201 malpractice cases screened, only five, all involving prostate cancer, mentioned active surveillance. Two cases involved incarcerated patients with very-low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma managed with active…

A new study suggests that replacing sugary drinks and fruit juices with whole fruits may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in boys. Researchers found that boys who consumed 8 ounces or more of sugary beverages daily during childhood and adolescence had an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes based on glycemic indicators,…

The Health Minister of Karnataka has written to the Centre requesting a supply of anti-TB drugs. This request comes as the state is facing a shortage of these essential drugs. The Minister highlights the importance of ensuring uninterrupted supply of these medications to effectively combat tuberculosis in the state. The letter emphasizes the urgent need…

This monthly roundup highlights recent hiring news in the healthcare industry. The Coalition for Health AI, the College of American Pathologists, Geisinger, Genuine Health Group, Optum Financial Services, StimScience, University of Florida Health, and US Radiology Specialists have all made recent executive hires. Promotions include the Arizona Department of Health Services naming Eugene Livar as…

Prof Brendan Kelly is continuing his project on Sigmund Freud by examining Volume Fourteen of the Complete Psychological Works of Freud. This volume includes essays on mourning, melancholia, and war, written between 1914 and 1916. Freud discusses the process of mourning as a healthy response to loss, contrasting it with the more complex and internally…

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis may have a bidirectional relationship, with a higher incidence of periodontitis in patients with IBD compared to those without. A study used Mendelian randomization analysis to evaluate the genetic association between IBD and periodontitis. Periodontitis was found to be a risk factor for ulcerative colitis (UC) but not Crohn’s…

Openstream.ai has developed a new patented automated digital twin technology for enterprise virtual assistants (EVAs) that replicate human experts in various fields. These digital twins possess the knowledge and personas of their human counterparts, engaging in empathetic conversations with users in any language, via avatars, voice agents, or virtual agents. This innovation aims to enhance…

Karla Adkins, a former heavy drinker, nearly died from alcohol-related liver failure 10 years ago. Women are increasingly impacted by alcohol use disorder, with rates climbing faster than in men. Current marketing for alcohol targets women, and social drinking is a significant part of American culture. Parenthood used to be a protective factor against excessive…

Syndromic PCR panels may incorrectly identify a measles infection in children who recently received the MMR vaccine. Physicians should assess clinical features and vaccine history after a positive test to avoid misdiagnoses. The CDC has recently warned healthcare providers about a rise in measles cases globally. Around 5% of people may experience a rash after…

Research has found that diabetes drugs in the U.S. are significantly more expensive compared to other high-income countries. The study suggests that a simple change, such as robust generic competition, could lower prices significantly. For example, the cost of producing a generic vial of insulin could be 97% less than the current market price in…

lead to increased access to healthcare and will only undermine the quality of medical care in South Korea,” said the Korean Medical Association in a statement. The government has stood firm in their decision to increase medical school places, stating that the move is necessary to address the country’s doctor shortage and to provide better…

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy, suggests that the optimal body weight range for adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease varies by age. For adults aged 65 or younger, maintaining a BMI within the normal range of 23–25 kg/m² is best,…

Women with premenstrual disorders have a higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa, according to recent research. The study found that almost 3% of women with perinatal depression had premenstrual disorders before pregnancy, compared to only 0.6% of unaffected women. This bidirectional relationship suggests a common underlying mechanism between the two conditions, which could…

Dr. Vincent Macaluso, who was diagnosed with MS in medical school, now treats patients with MS in New Hyde Park, NY. He understands the challenges MS can bring, such as memory problems and depression. Dr. Tim Vartanian notes that cognitive issues, like slowed thinking and fuzzy memory, are common in MS. It is important to…

A study comparing cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth in women with a short cervix found no significant difference in perinatal complications. Among women with a cervical length of ≤ 25 mm, pessaries appeared less effective at preventing spontaneous preterm birth and adverse outcomes. The open-label, randomized controlled trial included 635 women…

Individuals with joint hypermobility, commonly termed “double jointed,” are more likely to experience persistent fatigue associated with long COVID. Researchers have found that hypermobile individuals have a 30% higher chance of not fully recovering from COVID-19 and suffering from lingering fatigue. While hypermobility is not proven to be a causal factor of long COVID, the…

A recent study has found that the use of febuxostat among gout patients is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that patients taking this medication should be monitored closely for potential cardiovascular complications. It is important for healthcare providers to consider this risk when prescribing febuxostat to patients with gout….

The MedCity Moves Podcast discusses recent executive appointments, promotions, exits, and layoffs in the healthcare industry. Katie Adams explores new leaders at Geisinger and Cedars-Sinai, as well as recent job cuts at Johnson & Johnson and Highmark Health. The podcast also features an interview with Brian Anderson, the new CEO of the Coalition for Health…

Listen To Your Microbes is a graphic story that tells the evolution of microorganisms on Earth over the past 3.7 billion years. Written by Fergus Shanahan and Laura Gowers, the book explains how microbes made the planet habitable for humans by generating oxygen, removing methane, and producing soil, plants, and animals. It also explores how…

A study published in The Lancet Digital Health found that using computer-aided detection (CAD) software during nonimmunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) screening and surveillance colonoscopies can reduce the adenoma miss rate (AMR) compared to conventional colonoscopy. The study, a randomized controlled trial, showed that the CAD system increased the detection of adenomas in colonoscopies….

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has launched Virtual Urgent Care, allowing children and young adults up to 21 years old to receive after-hours care for non-emergency illnesses or injuries via video meetings with CHLA providers. This service treats ailments like fever, respiratory infections, minor injuries, and more, providing prescriptions and discharge instructions when necessary. The hospital…

Bart and Barbara Klion faced a dilemma when their Humana Medicare Advantage plan was dropped by Saratoga Hospital, threatening their access to their doctors. Bart fought to keep his doctors, contacting multiple organizations for help. Medicare Advantage plans have become popular but have downsides, such as limited provider networks and disputes between insurers and providers…

Three major pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca, Boehringer, and GSK, have agreed to cap the price of asthma inhalers at $35, effective June 1. This decision came after pressure from Democratic lawmakers to lower inhaler prices due to high costs. The companies are also focusing on making respiratory medications more accessible to uninsured and underinsured patients. The…

Share your new hires, promotions, and other changes with us so we can share them with our readers. Don’t be shy, everyone wants to know who is coming and going. This week, Ocugen has hired Huma Qamar as chief medical officer, previously working at Medicus Pharma. Remember, all work and no play can make for…

Ellie Jackson and Harshit Kondapally from Sheffield, UK advocate for reform of rotational training, especially during the foundation years. They highlight the benefits of short rotations which offer exposure to different specialties and help develop clinical skills. They acknowledge that the effectiveness of these rotations depends on the specific placements. They also mention that a…

Researchers have developed a new super-resolution imaging method called SUM-PAINT, which allows for fast and detailed visualization of proteins in 3D neuronal cells. This technique has revealed a previously unknown type of synapse and has the potential to revolutionize the study of protein organization and neurological disorders. The team created a detailed atlas of neuronal…

2,6-DHNPs, a group of disinfection byproducts, are a significant concern for public health as they are more toxic and resistant to traditional water cleaning methods. A recent study found that these DBPs are 248 times more toxic than regulated pollutants in zebrafish embryos, leading to severe cardiotoxic effects. Boiling and filtration were found to be…

Medical illustrations are a crucial part of medical education, helping students and doctors understand the body and diagnose conditions. However, there is a lack of diversity in medical illustrations, particularly in showcasing skin tones of color. Efforts are being made by organizations like the Association of Medical Illustrators to address this disparity and promote diversity…

Many medical professionals, including surgeons at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, have superstitions and rituals to ward off bad luck and boost their confidence. These rituals range from specific pre-surgery routines to wearing lucky items like Wonder Woman clogs. While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these practices, many doctors…

Spring brings gentler temperatures and flowers but can be tough for those with seasonal allergies. Early diagnosis and precautions can help manage symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Dr. Reenal Patel, an Allergist, says 25% of adults have seasonal allergies, which can develop in adulthood. Symptoms can affect eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs,…

Hair-straightening products have been found to be linked to an increased risk of acute kidney failure, according to research. The findings emphasize the potential dangers associated with these products. The study highlights the importance of being cautious when using such products and being aware of the potential health risks they may pose. It is important…

Join nearly 300 healthcare investors, startups, and executives at MedCity INVEST 2024 in Chicago on May 21-22 at the Ritz Carlton. This event is a leading healthcare investment conference in the U.S., featuring networking opportunities and panels on healthcare investment trends, GLP-1 drugs, women’s health, and more. Speakers include executives from GE Healthcare, National Institutes…

The article discusses the RCPI Changing Horizons event, which focused on the future of training delivery in healthcare up to 2030 and beyond. The event featured speakers such as Dr. Suzanne Crowe, Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea, and Prof. Maeve Skelly from RCPI, as well as Dr. Siobhan Ni Bhriain and Mr. Liam Woods from HSE. The…

Abridge, a generative AI company, has partnered with Sutter Health to bring their clinical documentation software to Sutter clinicians, reducing provider workload by automating note-taking. The software will be integrated into Sutter’s Epic EMR system to improve patient experiences and reduce provider burnout. Abridge has received significant funding and investments, including a Series B led…

Smallpox was certified eradicated in 1980, sparking interest in the disease’s history. A podcast called “Epidemic: Eradicating Smallpox” delves deeply into the South Asian side of the eradication campaign. The program’s success in eradicating smallpox was attributed to the careful planning and implementation of a targeted vaccine strategy in India. However, it also exposed a…

The Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah has a high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, with a long waiting list to see a rheumatologist. Factors such as poor funding, lack of political will, and patient mistrust due to historical trauma have impeded efforts to improve access to care. Initiatives like the Rheumatology Access Expansion…

The content discusses the benefits of human milk, particularly focusing on complex sugars called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are believed to support the microbiome in infants, leading to numerous health benefits such as a stronger immune system and protection against diseases. Researchers are exploring the potential of harnessing these benefits for adults, particularly immunocompromised…

Richard M. Hoffman from the University of Hertfordshire discusses the significance of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in the fight against tobacco control. With poor diet surpassing smoking as the leading cause of death in many Western countries, he suggests the need for a coalition against ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A new umbrella review supports…

A new study found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in food does not increase hunger and can help reduce blood sugar levels. The research was conducted through a double-blind randomized controlled trial and showed that sweeteners did not impact appetite negatively, and even provided benefits such as lowering blood sugar, which is…

Sotatercept (WINREVAIR™) by Merck has been FDA approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition with a high risk of heart failure. Sotatercept disrupts signaling pathways by sequestering activin, a protein that promotes growth in the pulmonary arteries. ACVR2A, the target of Sotatercept, also plays a crucial role in various diseases beyond…

Holding on to past romantic attachments can lead to distrust and hinder a new relationship. Signs that your partner may still be hung up on an ex include constantly talking about them, keeping in touch online, and being emotionally unavailable. It’s important to communicate your feelings and set boundaries if necessary. Physical intimacy issues can…

Studies presented at the 67th German Congress of Endocrinology discussed the potential of targeting brown fat tissue for fat burning, as obesity rates are high in Germany. While current treatments focus on reducing energy intake, a more sustainable option could be to increase energy expenditure by activating brown fat tissue. Brown fat burns calories to…

Dr. Jason Shumard is redefining alternative healthcare with his unique blend of chiropractic knowledge and functional medicine expertise, dedicating his nearly 20-year career to exploring complex health conditions. His journey, sparked by the loss of his mother to type 2 diabetes, aims to reverse this condition and enhance the quality of life for countless individuals….

Lupin has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for Eslicarbazepine Acetate Tablets, used for treating partial-onset seizures. The company’s latest pharmaceutical offering will help in managing this specific type of seizure disorder. Lupin’s achievement signifies another milestone in its commitment to providing effective treatments for various medical conditions. Additionally, the company’s use…

This roundup highlights some of the notable funding rounds in the provider technology space that took place in March. Zephyr AI secured $111M in Series A funding to develop a precision medicine platform. Nalu Medical obtained $85M in Series E funding to advance its neurostimulation system for chronic pain treatment. Hippocratic AI closed a $53M…

Sedatives and anabolic steroids made up more than half of the nearly 875,000 units of illegal medicines seized by health authorities last year. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) warned of the health risks of buying prescription drugs online or from unauthorized sources. The detained medications also included erectile dysfunction treatments, analgesics, stimulants, and cosmetic…

A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that increased systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure in midlife are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in later life. The study, conducted with participants from the ARIC study, showed that elevated blood pressure was linked to a…