A new study suggests that taxes on sugary beverages like soda can reduce demand and may improve public health. Research shows that sugary drinks have little nutritional value, and their consumption can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases. This has led to the introduction of beverage taxes in U.S. and…

The first updated guidelines for specialized epilepsy centers in a decade focus on addressing the overall well-being of patients, including genetic testing and counseling, mental health screening, and special attention to special-needs populations. This shift reflects a move toward comprehensive care beyond seizure management. The guidelines, released by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, were…

Kimchi, a Korean classic, offers more than just great taste. It has probiotic benefits and can help manage blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and protect heart health. A recent study suggested that daily consumption of kimchi could reduce the risk of obesity in men. The study was based on participants over the age of 40 and…

A phase 3 trial found that oral Sulopenem is as effective as Amoxicillin/Clavulanate for treating uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) in women. The study suggests that Sulopenem could be a viable alternative to the commonly prescribed antibiotic for UTIs. The findings of the trial indicate that Sulopenem could potentially provide a new treatment option for…

The U.S. maternal healthcare system is failing, especially for ethnic-racial minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status. Maternal mortality rates are high, with black women being at a significantly higher risk. Complications often arise after childbirth, and the current system does not effectively address the specific health needs of each patient. However, there is hope…

The inquiry into the use of valproate among pregnant women in Ireland remains without a chair six months after being announced. Precautionary steps are being introduced regarding the prescribing of sodium valproate to men due to potential increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The European Medicines Agency advised new precautionary measures, including specialized supervision,…

A combination of sacituzumab govitecan and pembrolizumab showed a “high response rate” in patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma previously treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. In the TROPHY-U-01 trial cohort, 41 patients were treated with the combination, and a 41% objective response rate was observed. The median duration of response was 11.1 months, median progression-free survival was…

CTE awareness month is aimed at promoting dialogue and education about Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, a neurodegenerative disease linked to repeated traumatic brain injuries (TBI) commonly seen in athletes and military veterans. Its symptoms include cognitive, mood, and behavioral changes, with no definitive answer regarding its causes. The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) is dedicated to ending…

Visage Imaging has launched Visage Ease VP, an immersive imaging platform for Apple’s augmented reality headset, Apple Vision Pro. The platform allows users to examine diagnostic images in a virtual, spatial setting using eye and hand gestures for navigation. UC San Diego Health will be the first to pilot the technology. Immersive technology is increasingly…

A 9-year-old boy with autism in a North Carolina classroom was physically restrained and secluded multiple times. Federal law does not prohibit this, leading to a lack of accountability and oversight. Thousands of children, particularly those with disabilities and students of color, are subjected to these practices, which can be dangerous and traumatizing. Legislation to…

Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago has faced a cybersecurity issue, leading to the hospital taking its network offline. They are working with experts and law enforcement while still remaining open. The Department of Health and Human Services has warned of increased cyber threats against hospitals and outlined voluntary cybersecurity goals. Data breaches in the health…

Scotland’s inquiry on the handling of the pandemic reveals that half of the country’s deaths in the first wave occurred in care homes. Former health secretary Jeane Freeman stated regret over these preventable deaths and emphasized that testing capacity was a primary issue. Former first minister Nicola Sturgeon admitted to regrets and said she should…

A new meta-analysis from the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Hackensack Meridian Health Research Institute shows a positive trending shift towards equity and inclusivity in clinical trials and medical research. The analysis of clinical trials from 2017 to 2022 including New Jersey patients reveals more diverse representation and better reporting of race and ethnicity…

Millions of hunters in North America hunt deer each fall and consume the venison. However, experts are concerned about chronic wasting disease (CWD), a rapidly spreading, contagious, and always fatal neurological disease in deer. The prions causing CWD may be evolving to infect humans, and experts are worried about a potential spillover into humans and…

Joan Kathryn, 79, was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in 2008. She has developed wet AMD in her left eye and geographic atrophy (GA) in both eyes. The condition has made it difficult for her to recognize faraway faces, read fine print, and find small objects. Despite the challenges, she has adapted by using…

Organ donations after medical assistance in dying (MAiD) accounted for 14% of total deceased donations in Quebec in 2022, according to new research. The study found that since 2018, there has been an increase in referrals and completed cases for organ donations after MAiD. During the study period, Transplant Québec received 245 referrals for donation…

Dietary fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes offers essential health benefits, such as aiding digestion, controlling blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, and contributing to weight management. If it’s difficult to get enough fiber from regular meals, fiber supplements can help fill the gap. There are various options available, including gummies and capsules, for both…

The health budget for 2024 has been announced, with a focus on key healthcare initiatives. The initiatives aim to improve the overall healthcare system and address current challenges. The budget will allocate funds to support the implementation of these initiatives, including investments in technology, infrastructure, and healthcare services. The goal is to enhance the quality…

Cigna is selling its Medicare Advantage, supplemental benefits, Medicare Part D, and CareAllies businesses to Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) for $3.7 billion. This move is expected to close in early 2025 and will reduce the regulatory challenges Cigna might face if it were to combine with Humana. HCSC is a licensee of the Blue…

The HSE has agreed to introduce interim discipline managers in Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) after concerns were raised by various professional organizations about clinical governance and risk management in children’s disability services. The new roadmap for service improvement aims to address an imbalance in service provision and improve access to services for children and…

Prenatal infections could be a risk factor for psychiatric symptoms in children, according to recent research. The study, based on the Generation R Study, found that exposure to prenatal infection was linked to higher total, internalizing, and externalizing problems across development. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,500 mother-child pairs, used linear mixed-effects models…

Scientists have discovered a mutual dependence between human microbiota and our health, particularly in relation to the onset of Crohn’s disease. New research from the University of Toronto has shown that genetics, environmental factors, and gut flora can trigger Crohn’s disease. DNA sequencing has allowed for the identification of bacteria in the gut, and researchers…

Kakao Healthcare has launched the PASTA app for diabetes management, which provides real-time blood sugar data and nutrition information. Microsoft has partnered with South Korean company Seegene to integrate its AI services into the SG OneSystem for PCR-based diagnostic solutions. Aevice Health and Jiva.ai are working on an AI-driven system to predict asthma exacerbations using…

Julie Rovner hosts KFF Health News’ weekly health policy news podcast, “What the Health?” In the latest episode, panelists discuss abortion laws, medical bills, and misinformation. They also share recommendations for relevant health policy stories. The panelists also highlight the upcoming oral arguments in the Supreme Court regarding the future of the abortion pill mifepristone…

This episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast, covers a range of topics including what makes a blockbuster drug, the implications of Aduhelm for biotech, and the retirement of a significant FDA figure. They also discuss Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ novel pain drug and its success in clinical trials. The episode offers more information on these…

The Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman has warned that patients with mental health conditions are at risk when leaving hospital care in the UK. Ombudsman Rob Behrens called for urgent action from the government to bring in reforms in the mental health bill to ensure better care and treatment for those detained under the Mental…

The NIDUS-Family package of care and support focuses on helping people with dementia and their family caregivers attain their personal goals. The package can be delivered by phone, video call, or in person and aims to help the recipient meet their own individual goals, including increasing activity, improving mood, sleep, and appetite, enhancing relationships, and…

A study in JAMA Network Open compares the outcomes of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for weight loss surgery. Since 2017, SG has become more popular than RYGB, despite previous studies showing RYGB provides better long-term weight control. The study found that both surgeries had similar perioperative complications, but RYGB…

The author discusses her decision to pursue treatment for geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). She explains her experience living with GA, her decision-making process, and her concerns about potential long-term side effects and the risky treatment for GA. She expresses her hope that the treatment will slow the…

Pickleball’s popularity has led to a rise in injuries and associated medical costs in the US. However, some healthcare organizations are now partnering with the pickleball community to provide injury prevention education, care, and build lasting relationships with players. For example, the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles and Humana have formed partnerships with the…

Having oily hair can be uncomfortable and erode self-confidence, but proper hair care routines and the right shampoo can help manage and balance oily hair. Some of the best shampoos for oily hair include Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Shampoo, L’Oreal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Rebalancing Shampoo, Aveeno Scalp Soothing Apple Cider Vinegar Blend Shampoo, Paul Mitchell…

A study has found that deucravacitinib is both safer and more effective than apremilast for treating moderate to severe scalp psoriasis. These findings suggest that deucravacitinib may be a promising treatment option for individuals with this condition. The study’s results provide valuable information for healthcare providers and patients seeking effective treatments for scalp psoriasis. This…

Medicaid is a vital healthcare safety net in the U.S., with $824 billion in spending in 2022. One important but lesser-known aspect is the coordination of benefits, which ensures efficient management of funding sources and prevents overutilization of services. This practice also maximizes financial resources, promotes fair distribution of resources, and mitigates fraud and abuse….

This content is about the RCPI Faculty of Public Health Medicine Winter Scientific Meeting, featuring Dr. John Cuddihy, Prof. Breda Smyth, Prof. Patricia Fitzpatrick, and Prof. Cecily Kelleher. The article is one of 15 free-access articles allowed for 30 days, and it includes a photo by David Coleman/BobbyStudio. Source link

Combining sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) therapy is associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and a recent acute myocardial infarction. The study found that the combination therapy had a reduced incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to either therapy alone. The…

The article provides an analysis of the Cerner and Epic EMR healthcare software platforms, outlining their features, pros and cons, and pricing. Cerner EMR, owned by Oracle, offers an adaptable, integrated solution for healthcare organizations, catering to various specialties and providing valuable resources for patient care. However, it may have navigation issues and limited capabilities…

Singapore-based startup Mesh Bio has raised $3.5 million in a funding round led by East Ventures, with participation from Elev8, Seed Capitals, and other shareholders. The company plans to use the funds to scale the deployment of its digital twin offering across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, with a focus on addressing the prevalent and…

Federal policymakers are increasing funding and proposing legislation to address the shortage of primary care providers in underserved areas. However, there is a lack of consistent national data to accurately identify these shortage areas and measure the effectiveness of policies. The existing shortage list has areas that have been on it for over 40 years,…

In biotech news, Merck reported strong fourth-quarter earnings and a forecast for 2024 sales with an increase of 6%, while Roche and Sanofi also reported their earnings. The biotech industry is affected by the Federal Reserve’s decision not to cut interest rates, causing a 2% dip in the XBI index. Bluebird Bio’s financial results will…

Consultant plastic surgeon Nora Nugent from the UK refutes misinformation about breast implant illness and discusses the difficulty in definitively attributing systemic symptoms to silicone breast implants. She describes the numerous symptoms reported by women, and the challenges in diagnosing the condition. She also highlights the lack of evidence linking silicone implants to autoimmune or…

The World Health Organization’s cancer agency has warned that the number of new cancer cases will rise to over 35 million in 2050, a 77% increase from 2022. Factors such as tobacco, alcohol, obesity, and air pollution contribute to this rise. The most developed countries are expected to see the highest increase in case numbers,…

Researchers conducted a review on the role of vitamin D in immunocompetence and how it is affected by aging. Vitamin D influences bone health and immunity, and its deficiency affects the production of active vitamin D metabolites. Vitamin D responsiveness varies among individuals due to genetic and epigenetic factors. Vitamin D influences gene expression and…

A new research study called PowerMom, led by Tolúwalàṣé (Laṣé) Ajayi, aims to address disparities and inequities in maternity care for pregnant individuals in the United States. The study uses a smartphone app that collects data from expectant mothers, including health-related information, to help identify the patterns and common concerns experienced during healthy pregnancies. The…

A study found that individuals with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have lower cognitive test scores and worse brain tissue integrity compared to those without the condition. The study used data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Women’s Study, including over 900 women, 66 of whom had PCOS. The PCOS group showed…

Exposure to the naturally occurring radioactive gas radon has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, according to a new study published in the medical journal Neurology. Radon, which has no smell, taste, or color, is produced from the breakdown of metals in rocks and soil and can make its way into homes through…

In the last 10 years, 16 AIIMS and 315 medical colleges have been established, doubling the number of MBBS seats available. This expansion in the medical education sector is aimed at increasing access to healthcare and addressing the shortage of doctors in India. Additionally, the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is…

The ACO REACH program offers a chance for risk-bearing organizations to focus on health equity and improve patient outcomes. The program encourages participants to work with underserved communities and address health equity barriers. However, there are challenges, including managing unfamiliar patient populations and providers, and navigating the Dunning-Kruger Effect. Many organizations struggle with ROI, but…

A group of Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) doctors are concerned about proposed legislation to legalize cannabis possession for personal use and remove the stigma of a criminal conviction for such offenses. The doctors argue that decriminalization, as recommended by the Citizens’ Assembly, would be a more suitable approach. They have written to government officials ahead…

Research published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry indicates that ADHD and ASD share certain genetic variants and genes. Colocalization analyses found that 37.5% of ASD SNPs colocalized with ADHD SNPs, and 19.6% of ADHD SNPs colocalized with ASD SNPs. The study also identified 8 genes, including 2 novel ones, associated with both…

Valendo Health, a diabetes-focused endocrinology company, has launched with $4 million in seed funding and two providers. The company, part of Redesign Health, aims to increase revenue for endocrinologists and assist with the transition to a value-based care model. It offers telehealth and remote patient monitoring services, an endocrinology-focused EMR, data analytics, and help with…