Amazon Pharmacy has expanded its same-day medication delivery services to New York City and Los Angeles, offering quick access to prescription drugs for common conditions. The company uses small facilities near major metropolitan areas to store medications and employs AI tools for accurate processing. Delivery methods are eco-friendly, with bikes in Manhattan and electric vehicles…

The federal government is negotiating with drugmakers to lower the price of expensive drugs for Medicare patients. Colorado is going a step further with a new Prescription Drug Affordability Review Board, setting an “upper payment limit” for unaffordable drugs. Enbrel and Stelara are the first drugs under review. Colorado’s plan covers all patients and aims…

New FDA-approved biologics have changed the treatment landscape for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), a devastating autoimmune disorder. Monoclonal antibodies like ravulizumab have shown promise in preventing recurrence of optic neuritis and myelitis. Eculizumab, satralizumab, and inebilizumab have also been approved for NMOSD treatment, with eculizumab demonstrating a significant reduction in relapse risk. The challenge…

The new headquarters of Foundation Medicine is located in a 16-story building at 400 Summer St, Boston. The building features contemporary paintings by artists who have overcome homelessness or disabilities in the lobby. Employees can order lunches from local restaurants in the cafeteria, like barbecued pulled pork sandwiches from Pennypacker’s. The top floor offers a…

Marcus Munafò, a professor at the University of Bristol, notes that there is a well-established link between consuming ultra-processed food and negative health effects. However, it is important to determine if this association is causal. To do so, Munafò suggests that researchers need to move beyond just conducting larger studies and instead focus on interventions…

Nonbinary individuals have unmet medical needs due to fitting into a binary medical system. They often face discrimination leading to higher rates of depression and suicide compared to other gender identities. Nonbinary identities are broad, with specific labels like genderqueer, genderfluid, and agender falling under the umbrella term. Many nonbinary Australians seek hormone therapy and…

A new study reveals a significant connection between oral bacteria, particularly Porphyromonas gingivalis, and the development of pancreatic cancer in mice. Prof. Gabriel Nussbaum and his team at Hebrew University uncover how P. gingivalis accelerates pancreatic cancer progression by translocating from the oral cavity to the pancreas, impacting the microbial balance. The research highlights that…

George Galioto struggled with chronic insomnia for over a decade due to his erratic work schedule and ADHD medication. He often slept only 4 hours per night and tried various over-the-counter sleep aids without success. Eventually diagnosed with chronic insomnia, he began taking medication and undergoing light therapy. The diagnosis provided relief and allowed him…

Viking Therapeutics’ experimental weight loss tablet VK2735 showed potential in reducing weight by up to 3.3% in a small early-stage trial, meeting market expectations and boosting the company’s shares by 15%. The drug, given orally, is seen as a more convenient alternative to under-the-skin injections from competitors like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Viking plans…

Researchers at Penn State found that daily avocado consumption can improve overall diet quality, which is important for reducing the risk of diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The study involved 1,008 participants with abdominal obesity who either restricted avocado intake or added one avocado to their diet daily for 26 weeks. Those…

A study published in JAMA suggests that low exposure to antibiotics in newborns may not necessarily increase the risk of early-onset sepsis. The research indicates that some newborns may not require antibiotics as a preventive measure. The findings may help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in newborns, potentially lowering the risk of antibiotic resistance. However, further…

The famous quote “perfection is the enemy of the good” is rarely applied to artificial intelligence in the life sciences industry. Despite concerns and hesitancy, organizations are turning to automation and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) to address data management challenges and improve efficiency. However, hesitancy remains due to risks such as bias, lack of reliability,…

Ireland’s workplace smoking ban, implemented 20 years ago, saved more than 3,700 lives in the first three-and-a-half years. Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who introduced the legislation, highlighted its impact on public health. Despite its success, there is still work to be done in the fight against smoking and vaping. The Irish Heart Foundation advocates for raising…

Treatment with brexpiprazole has shown significant reductions in agitation among patients with dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease. Agitation is difficult to manage and often indicates disease progression. Brexpiprazole was evaluated in two 12-week trials and showed improvement in agitation and psychosis symptoms compared to placebo. The drug was found to be effective regardless of dementia…

Digital ultrasound company Butterfly Network has obtained EU MDR certification for its Butterfly IQ+ ultrasound system, allowing it to enter the European market. The system includes AI-enabled software like Auto B-Line Counter and Pulse Wave Doppler. Auto B-Line Counter uses AI to identify abnormalities by measuring B-lines, while Pulse Wave Doppler displays blood flow velocity….

Carol Rosen, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher, died in excruciating pain three weeks after taking chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. She suffered severe side effects from the drug, including kidney and liver failure, due to a genetic deficiency that causes the drug to stay in the body longer than usual. Despite the availability of tests to…

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that fasted patients taking once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) before elective procedures under anesthesia had a higher prevalence of increased residual gastric content, increasing their risk for aspiration. The study included 124 adult patients, with 62 taking GLP-1RAs. Results showed a 30.5% higher prevalence of increased residual…

The law requiring a 30-day waiting period for Medicaid recipients seeking sterilization was put in place to protect against coerced sterilization, stemming from a history of unethical and nonconsensual procedures on marginalized populations. However, this waiting period now presents a barrier to access to permanent fertility control. Eliminating this waiting period, or at least reducing…

Scarlett McNally, a professor and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment in the NHS. Drawing parallels between karate and surgery, she highlights the need for retaining experienced clinicians and managers. McNally stresses the importance of bite-sized education, shared resources, and promoting diversity in leadership positions. She also addresses the challenges faced…

Research found a temporary rise in U.S. traffic accidents around a solar eclipse in 2017, with a 31% increase in fatal accidents during the eclipse. The rise in accidents was likely due to increased traffic as people traveled to view the eclipse. The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8 is within driving range for…

Scientists conducted a study on wearable breath sensors for healthcare monitoring, focusing on tracking respiratory parameters and biomarkers for disease detection. They discussed traditional breath analysis methods and advancements in wearable devices that enable real-time monitoring of systemic health. The review explored various breath sampling techniques, biomarker detection methods, and monitoring respiratory parameters like temperature…

Overactive bladder can have physical and emotional impacts, affecting social interactions, intimacy, and sleep quality. The loss of control over one’s bladder can be devastating, leading to feelings of shame and self-blame, especially in younger individuals. Seeking help and treatment is important, as there are options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life….

The annual report from the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that approximately 6.9 million older adults in the US are living with Alzheimer’s disease, with another 200,000 under age 65 having younger-onset AD. Despite little change in prevalence since 2023, the number of people over 65 with AD is predicted to almost double by 2050. The report…

Vaping is viewed as a safer way to consume substances like nicotine and cannabis compared to smoking, as it involves heating liquid into vapor instead of burning. However, a new study revealed that cannabis vaping liquids may contain toxic metal particles, even in unused cartridges. Lead, nickel, zinc, and copper nanoparticles were found in the…

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a warning to medical colleges about a scam involving fake letters. These letters are being used to trap medical colleges in fraudulent activities. The NMC is urging medical colleges to be cautious and verify the authenticity of any letters received. This warning comes as a precautionary measure to…

Brain fog is a common symptom of menopause that can be worrying for women with a family history of dementia. Midi Health, a virtual care clinic for menopausal women, has partnered with Neurotrack to offer cognitive screenings to help differentiate between menopause brain fog and more serious cognitive conditions like Alzheimer’s. The screening uses Neurotrack’s…

The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland now offers paid leave for staff who become parents through surrogacy. The new surrogacy leave policy allows for 24 weeks of paid leave and 16 weeks of unpaid leave, matching the university’s adoptive leave policy. Staff will retain all annual leave, privilege, and public holiday entitlements while on…

Long-term adherence to a plant-based diet is not linked to an increased risk of hip fracture in postmenopausal individuals, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Researchers analyzed data from the Nurses’ Health Study from 1984 to 2014 and found that both healthful and unhealthful plant-based diets were not associated with hip fracture…

Midi Health, a women’s health clinic, is partnering with Neurotrack to help midlife women determine if brain fog is a symptom of menopause or a sign of cognitive impairment like early dementia. Patients can complete a three-minute cognitive screening test on their smartphone, tablet, or computer, allowing for quicker assessment compared to traditional methods. Patients…

Sara England’s baby, Amari Vaca, needed emergency care after struggling to breathe following open-heart surgery. Despite having insurance, Cigna denied coverage for the $97,599 air-ambulance flight, claiming it was not medically necessary. Legal safeguards under the No Surprises Act could have protected them, but insurers have the final say on what is considered medically necessary….

A study showed that an annual COVID-19 vaccination campaign with a second dose for at-risk populations reduced disease burden and health care costs by over $3 billion in a year. The optimal time interval between doses was found to be around 5 months, with possible range of 3 to 6 months. The study, led by…

Chick-fil-A is easing its commitment to using chickens raised without antibiotics due to concerns about antibiotic resistance. The company will now switch to chickens raised without antibiotics important to human health at its over 3,000 locations in the U.S. This change comes a decade after Chick-fil-A announced a “No Antibiotics Ever” policy by 2019. The…

Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston has successfully transplanted a genetically edited pig kidney into a 62-year-old man with end-stage kidney disease, marking a medical milestone. This is the third transplant of a pig organ into a living human, following two failed attempts with pig hearts in 2022 and 2023. The patient, Richard Slayman, is recovering…

Researchers from King’s College London found that 60% of stroke survivors would experience depression within 18 years, much higher than previously thought. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health, analyzed data from 6,600 stroke survivors and found that 90% of depression cases occurred within five years post-stroke. Severe depression tended to occur earlier and…

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric health care, specifically looking at foregone care and missed well-child or vaccination-related visits. Data was collected from a nationwide longitudinal survey administered to parents of children aged five to 12. Findings show that a significant percentage of children had not received necessary health care,…

Kate, Princess of Wales, recently disclosed a cancer diagnosis and undergoing chemotherapy. She mentioned the challenge of discussing it with her children, George, Charlotte, and Louis. Wendy Baer, MD, director of psychiatric oncology at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, advises caregivers to understand their diagnosis and treatment plan before talking to children. She suggests…

In the aftermath of a cyberattack on the Change Healthcare claims clearinghouse, some clinicians have resorted to workarounds, applying for advanced payments, or switching back to paper claims. UnitedHealth Group is working to process $14 billion in delayed claims and restore services. Officials are focused on helping clinicians facing cash flow issues, particularly in underserved…

A study found that women with pregnancy complications or poor heart health post-pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. Maintaining or improving cardiovascular health through lifestyle changes can reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank on 500,000 adults, finding that higher Life’s Essential 8 scores,…

A study published in JAMA found that patients with SGLT2i-associated ketoacidosis receive significantly lower insulin doses compared to those with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) ketoacidosis. The study highlights the importance of personalized treatment for different types of diabetic ketoacidosis. The findings suggest that insulin dosages should be adjusted based on the specific underlying cause of…

AbbVie is acquiring Landos Biopharma for $20.42 per share, a 155% premium, to expand its scope in treating ulcerative colitis. Landos’s drug, NX-13, targets the NLRX1 receptor associated with inflammatory disorders in the gut. In Phase 1b trials, NX-13 showed safety and clinical improvement in patients with ulcerative colitis. A Phase 2 trial is ongoing….

Dr. Eilish Cleary, an Irish doctor and former chief medical officer in New Brunswick, Canada, passed away at the age of 60 in Fredericton. She served as the CMO in the province and was well-respected in the medical community. Dr. Cleary’s death was announced in the Irish Medical Times, where she was remembered for her…

Easy-to-read fact sheets offer valuable information for clinicians to share with patients and caregivers. Obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and weight loss goals are crucial for managing the condition. Medications like metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists can help with weight loss and blood sugar control. Studies show the…

Boston-based Neurable has partnered with Healthspan Digital to bring its brain-computer interface technology to health and longevity clinics. Neurable’s technology collects brain signals and translates them into commands for external devices, using signal processing technology from the University of Michigan. Healthspan Digital provides personalized health options through analytics and technology, including AI-enabled predictive analytics and…

Conservative Christian lawyers aim to restrict access to abortion pills nationwide, challenging the FDA’s regulation of mifepristone, the drug used in 63% of U.S. abortions. The case could lead to a de facto nationwide abortion ban. Anti-abortion groups have previously petitioned to limit mifepristone’s availability, citing safety concerns that have since been discredited. If successful,…

A study found that the use of a predictive tool did not significantly affect patients’ willingness to undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial with 211 patients with knee osteoarthritis and found that access to an online tool did not decrease patients’ willingness to undergo surgery at 6 months. However,…

Vertex Pharmaceuticals moved from Cambridge to Boston’s Seaport a decade ago, sparking new development in the area. Now, with its lease set to expire in 2028, the company is considering relocating within the neighborhood. This potential move may impact the prominent headquarters that Vertex currently occupies on Fan Pier. The decision reflects the changing dynamics…

A diagnostics company, Randox Health, removed advertisements for its type 1 diabetes genetic test after complaints that it used fear tactics. The advertisements referred to type 1 diabetes as a “silent killer” and suggested it could be in your genes. The company claimed their test could determine future risk of developing the condition. The type…

A study conducted in Sweden found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity among three- and four-year-olds decreased after the pandemic, indicating that the weight gains during the pandemic were temporary. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, involved data from over 50,000 children aged three to five. The researchers observed a decrease in obesity rates…

A study conducted in Sweden found that the prevalence of overweight and obesity in 3- and 4-year-olds decreased after the pandemic, indicating that the increase during the pandemic was temporary. The study, based on data from over 50,000 children, showed that weight trends in 5-year-olds remained stable. The findings suggest that changes in dietary habits…