A study published in Psychological Medicine found that veterans with pre-existing psychiatric disorders have an increased risk for long COVID, especially among younger individuals and those with stress-related disorders. Long COVID refers to COVID-19 symptoms persisting beyond 3 months, with overlapping symptoms like fatigue and cognitive impairment. The study looked at health records from over…

AI-driven dermatology platform Cureskin secured $20 million in Series B funding led by HealthQuad with participation from JSW Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and Sharrp Ventures. The funds will enhance AI capabilities and expand solutions, following a $5 million Series A round. Having treated 1.5 million customers, mostly from tier 2 and 3 cities, Cureskin aims for…

Amy Stelly, an advocate living near the Hunter’s Field Playground in New Orleans, is fighting to dismantle the Claiborne Expressway due to noise and pollution concerns. The highway, built in the 1960s, divided Black communities and caused economic decline. Stelly’s group proposed a plan to remove the expressway, but the federal government denied it. They…

Virtual Vision Health has enhanced its Virtual Eye Pro headset with new features including pupillography, color vision testing, and live eye streaming. These additions allow for better diagnosis of eye diseases and improved monitoring during visual field tests. The company is also working on further enhancements to the technology. Bill Shields, the global vice president…

During the pandemic, real estate developers in Greater Boston shifted their focus to life-science laboratories as the future of cities became uncertain with white-collar workers staying home. Biotech companies, like Moderna, thrived and investors saw them as a lucrative opportunity. Money poured in from venture capitalists, the stock market, and the National Institutes of Health,…

In a paper by Kearney et al. published in BMJ, the name Charalambos P Charalambous was corrected in the ARTISAN collaborators list. The corrected name was included in the publication with the reference (BMJ 2024;384:e076925, doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-076925). Source link

Short-term very low calorie diets are safe for teenagers with moderate to severe obesity when closely monitored by an experienced dietitian, according to new research. These diets, which typically involve consuming ≤ 800 calories per day with meal replacements to ensure essential nutrient requirements are met, can be an acceptable way for adolescents to lose…

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that non-invasive brain stimulation can change brain mechanisms related to human behavior, potentially leading to new therapies for brain disorders. Published in Nature Communications, the study used transcranial alternating current stimulation to modulate brain activity, showing neural phase precession where brain activity gradually changes over time due to…

Many U.S. children and teens are not receiving all necessary vaccinations due to lack of information, socio-demographic disparities, and mistrust in science. HPV vaccination rates remain low despite the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing HPV-associated cancers. The CDC reports low rates of HPV vaccination, as well as concerns about parents skipping the MMR vaccine, leading to…

A recent study found that a cell-free DNA blood test aimed at detecting abnormal DNA signals in people with an average risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) was successful in detecting most cases of CRC in confirmed patients. The blood test had a sensitivity of 83% for CRC and 90% specificity for advanced neoplasia, but only…

Researchers conducted an observational study to investigate if food choices affect sleep quality. They found that total protein intake did not significantly impact sleep quality, but plant protein was associated with better sleep compared to animal protein. Participants who consumed processed red meat and poultry had worse sleep quality, while those who ate dairy and…

Junior doctors at VIMSAR are on strike due to pending demands, impacting medical services at the hospital. The strike has been ongoing as doctors demand their demands to be met. This has led to disruptions in medical services at the hospital, affecting patients’ access to care. The doctors are adamant in their stance, continuing the…

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert Garrett discussed the potential of AI in building healthier communities during a keynote address at the HIMSS conference in Orlando. He emphasized the need for healthcare organizations to use AI to address priorities such as increasing access to care, improving patient outcomes, advancing health equity, and addressing climate change. Garrett…

A new study published in The Lancet Neurology reveals that more than 43% of the world’s population, around 3.4 billion people, have a neurological condition. This makes neurological conditions the leading cause of ill health and disease globally. The global burden of neurological conditions has increased by 18% since 1990, surpassing cardiovascular diseases as the…

AstraZeneca is conducting a phase 3 trial on its Breztri Aerosphere inhaler therapy for COPD patients with elevated cardiopulmonary risk. The therapy combines budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate and is approved for COPD maintenance treatment by the FDA. The THARROS trial aims to assess its efficacy in reducing severe cardiopulmonary events in COPD patients at…

Hydration goes beyond just drinking water, delving into cellular hydration for optimal health and wellness. Cellular hydration refers to the ability of cells to hold water, impacting everything from skin health to physical performance and cognitive function. Cellular hydration serums penetrate deeper layers of the skin, providing essential moisture to cells. Achieving optimal cellular hydration…

The Global Fund has partnered with VinBrain to support Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Prevention Campaign through the use of AI technology. VinBrain will provide 32 AI licenses to aid in screening a million suspected TB cases, with the goal of eliminating TB in the country by 2035. Additionally, VinBrain has signed agreements to integrate their AI…

Sarah Feldman, 35, received letters warning of a pricing dispute between Mount Sinai Medical and UnitedHealthcare, her insurer. This led to stress and uncertainty for her as she faced the possibility of changing doctors due to the hospital being out-of-network. Contract disputes between hospitals and insurers are increasing, leaving patients at risk of losing coverage…

A study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting found that a 2.5 mg/mL dose of triamcinolone acetonide is equally effective in treating nail psoriasis compared to higher doses. The study included 10 adult patients with isolated nail psoriasis and found that lower concentrations of the treatment were superior to higher concentrations for…

John Green, a popular novelist and YouTuber, has announced a public-private funding partnership with USAID and the Philippines to fight tuberculosis. Green, along with his family, will contribute $4 million of the $57 million in new funding to test and treat tuberculosis in the Philippines. His ultimate dream is to see a world where tuberculosis…

Robert Geoffrey Chaytor was a medical school graduate from King’s College who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in various locations. He later trained as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and became a consultant in 1952. Chaytor played a key role in opening the new Walkergate Hospital in Newcastle, which was repurposed from…

A blood test for colon cancer by Guardant Health, called Shield, performed well in a study, catching 83% of cancers but missing precancerous growths. The test costs $895 and is not yet FDA-approved. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening, but some avoid it due to inconvenience. Guardant recommends testing every three years. The study…

SOPHiA GENETICS collaborated with the French Kidney Cancer Research Network (UroCCR) on a study using an AI algorithm to predict post-operative outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, with results published in npj Precision Oncology. The study showed the AI model provided strong prediction compared to usual prognostic scores. UroCCR, a collaborative network focusing on…

As summer approaches, young adults are considering using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to lose weight for “bikini season.” However, experts warn that these medications are not the best first option for weight loss, especially for those without obesity-related conditions. Teens should focus on eating nutritious foods and exercising before considering medication. For overweight or obese…

US medical school graduates discovered their residency placements on Match Day 2024, revealing a decrease in interest in pediatrics and a resurgence in emergency medicine. The number of available residency positions increased by 3%, with emergency medicine filling 99.5% of positions and pediatrics having an 8% unfilled rate. The medical community closely watches Match Day…

World Sleep Day highlights the importance of sleep, with 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. not getting enough rest. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, with children and teens requiring more. Sleep deprivation can lead to memory and focus issues, skin problems, eye appearance changes, food cravings, weight gain, mental health issues, fatigue,…

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that most commonly occur in the legs. They can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. The main causes of varicose veins include genetics, age, pregnancy, and obesity. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, and medical procedures such as vein ablation or sclerotherapy. If…

Technology company Solera Health has partnered with Aon to offer personalized health benefits to employers and measure return on investment. Solera’s HALO Platform allows employers to manage various health solutions in one place, connecting employees to services like WeightWatchers, Sword Health, and Headspace. Aon’s Health Risk Navigator identifies high-risk individuals in need of intervention. The…

The lack of focus on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication is highlighted due to male-dominated executive leadership in the companies that produce it. The shortage of HRT medication is discussed in comparison to other global shortages. The author shares their personal experience with menopause and the positive impact of HRT. The fear factor associated with…

The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to elritercept (KER-050) for the treatment of anemia in adults with low- or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Elritercept is a fusion protein designed to increase red blood cell production and platelet production. Initial data from a phase 2 trial showed promising results, with 50% of patients achieving an erythroid…

Perimenopause is the transitional period to menopause, characterized by hormonal changes leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings. The average age for perimenopause onset is between 40 and 44, but it can affect women as young as 30. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options can help manage…

AION Labs, an Israel-based AI-enabled drug discovery partnership, has launched a new startup company called CombinAble.AI to accelerate therapeutics development by focusing on antibody design challenges. CombinAble.AI was established after an AION Labs startup challenge aimed at using AI for therapeutic antibodies. The company will use a platform integrating AI and computational methods for biomolecule…

President Biden addressed key issues in his State of the Union speech without explicitly naming them, namely Donald Trump and abortion. Biden, a devout Catholic, has historically supported abortion rights but has struggled to talk about it. In his speech, he avoided saying the word “abortion” but focused on protecting reproductive rights. Biden’s administration has…

Optometrists play a crucial role in recognizing adverse effects of systemic medications, according to Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO. At Vision Expo East, she emphasized the importance of collaboration with prescribing physicians to assess the risk of continuing medication on ocular health and visual function. Two medications for gynecological cancers have ocular toxicity warnings….

An expert panel advised the FDA to expand the use of CAR-T therapy in blood cancer, voting in favor of Carvykti and Abecma for multiple myeloma patients. Despite concerns about side effects, the panel found that the benefits outweighed the risks, especially for patients who have not responded to initial treatments. Both drugs showed significant…

be an innovative way to deliver care that promotes peer support and allows for more efficient use of healthcare providers’ time. However, the study found that while patients generally expressed satisfaction with shared appointments, there was no evidence of improved health outcomes or reduced healthcare service utilization compared to individual appointments. More research is needed…

A study led by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine found that many COVID-19 patients hospitalized in 2020 experienced gastrointestinal problems and psychological trauma over a year later. The research emphasizes the connection between the intestines and the brain, shedding light on long COVID symptoms. More than 60% of participants in the study met…

In a study published in BMC Medicine, researchers examined the challenges of vaccinating high-risk children against malaria, emphasizing health system-related risks and proposed solutions for universal protection. Limited government health financing and vaccine allocation frameworks were identified as significant barriers, necessitating transformative changes in health financing to ensure wide accessibility. Strengthening vaccine allocation frameworks, updating…

A world-renowned researcher has made groundbreaking discoveries in Crohn’s disease that have benefitted millions of people, including himself. His innovative studies have led to significant advancements in understanding and treating the condition. His contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of patients with Crohn’s disease, improving their quality of life and overall health….

Measles cases in the United States are on the rise due to unvaccinated travelers, low vaccination rates, and misinformation. The CDC has reported 45 cases in 17 jurisdictions, with outbreaks in Chicago and elsewhere. Measles can have serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccine misinformation plays a role in the uptick in cases, despite the…

A recent study found that children with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and neurodevelopmental comorbidities, such as ADHD or learning disabilities, are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment, including memory and learning difficulties. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often leading to other conditions like food allergies, hay…

A study found that high folic acid levels during early pregnancy may increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The study suggests that women should be cautious about taking excessive folic acid supplements during pregnancy. Cookies are used on the site for analytics, advertising, and to improve the user experience. By continuing to use the…

There is a need to address online misinformation and stigma surrounding sexual health, especially with the rise in STD rates reported globally. The emergence of AI-driven technologies offers hope in improving STD detection, diagnosis, and prevention. AI can streamline and enhance STD diagnosis, provide accurate sexual health information through chatbots and virtual assistants, assist healthcare…

The National Ambulance Service is facing significant challenges with demand for services exceeding capacity, impacting staff well-being and retention. The HSE recruitment freeze has affected middle management and specialist expertise. The NAS needs 1,080 additional staff to address immediate challenges. A strategic plan has been approved by the HSE Board but is awaiting Government sign-off….

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 63.5% increase in antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults, mainly driven by girls and women. The study tracked antidepressant prescriptions from 2016 to 2022, finding a rise in new initiations and monthly dispensing rates after the pandemic began. Female patients saw a significant increase in dispensing rates,…

Pawan Kohli, a strategic advisor at Redesign Health, spoke at HIMSS24 Venture Connect about learning from failure in the digital health market. Global digital health funding decreased significantly in 2023, with a drop in deals and mega-rounds. Companies like Olive and Pear Therapeutics shut down in 2023. Kohli suggested buying small rural health systems could…

In early 2019, Jennifer Hepworth and her husband were surprised by a bill of $3,500 for their daughter’s cystic fibrosis medication, which had previously cost $30. This increase was due to a change in their health insurance plan that no longer counted copay assistance towards their deductible. This practice, known as copay accumulator programs, allows…

The Contact Lens Institute’s “See Tomorrow” initiative revealed that nearly half of glasses wearers are interested in contact lenses, but only one in 10 were suggested them by their eye care provider. Survey results showed that patients were not trying contact lenses due to lack of information or recommendation from their eye care practice. Factors…

Scientists faced public backlash following the publication of genomic sequencing results from the All of Us Research Program. The study aimed to diversify genetic datasets with 1 million volunteers from underrepresented backgrounds, but critics found issues with how race and ethnicity were portrayed in the data using UMAP graphs. The controversy highlights the importance of…