Many GPs are dissatisfied with changes to how income from treating patients with medical and GP visit cards will be taxed this year. Revenue guidance proposed that GMS income would be treated as individual income, leading to concerns among clinics. Amendments to the Finance Act were introduced in December, but a survey found that 44.1%…

A study published in Cornea found that quantum molecular resonance, a technique using low-intensity, high-frequency electric currents to treat dry eye disease (DED), improved symptoms and some signs of the disorder. The study included 40 participants with DED and compared quantum molecular resonance treatment to sham treatment. Patients who underwent quantum molecular resonance reported significantly…

Forta, an AI-enabled, family-powered autism therapy company, closed a $55 million Series A funding round led by Insight Partners, with participation from several high-profile investors. The company combines AI and LLMs with a 50-hour training course for parents to provide personalized ABA therapy for autism. They plan to use the funds to grow their therapy…

Montana lawmakers are in a standoff with the state’s health department over a package of changes to child care licensing rules, including a provision to allow religious exemptions to routine vaccinations for children and workers. Both Republican and Democratic legislators have voted to renew their informal objection to the proposed rules, preventing the adoption until…

During a Healio Video Perspective from Hawaiian Eye 2024, John A. Hovanesian, MD, FACS, discusses future developments in cataract surgery. He anticipates the introduction of robotics to reduce the time, effort, and manpower required for cataract surgery. He also expects promising developments in accommodating lenses. This talk took place at Hawaiian Eye 2024 in Wailea,…

Novartis received a scolding from the FDA for airing a television ad in 2022 that made false and misleading statements about the breast cancer drug Kisqali. The FDA claimed that Novartis referenced data in the ad that did not support the benefits of the medicine and failed to demonstrate that it helps preserve quality of…

The British Medical Association (BMA) is urging MPs to carefully consider plans to allow the General Medical Council to regulate physician associates and anaesthesia associates. Many medical organizations, including the BMA and the Doctors’ Association UK, have raised concerns about the regulation of these roles by the regulator of doctors. They are calling for the…

Measles is a highly infectious disease that has caused millions of deaths since the 20th century. Although several countries were declared measles-free, cases are resurfacing due to a declining vaccine coverage caused by vaccine hesitancy. The MMR vaccine, being the principal weapon against measles, provides immunity not only to children but also to adults. As…

The article discusses Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) as a target for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies that block its signaling to boost T-cell activity and its various functions across cell and cancer types. A study led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital identified PD-1 as an intrinsic receptor that promotes Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) growth through…

The content, gathered from various medical professionals and academic publications, focuses on the impact and management of endometriosis. It covers a wide range of topics related to endometriosis, including mental health challenges, pain symptoms, pelvic floor rehabilitation, exercise, infertility, and coping strategies. The sources also discuss the association between endometriosis and other conditions such as…

At the beginning of 2024, manufacturers of popular diabetes drugs that are also used for weight loss, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, raised their medication prices. The monthly price of Ozempic increased by 3.5% to almost $970, and the cost of Mounjaro rose 4.5% to almost $1,070. Pharmaceutical companies have increased list prices on…

A study has suggested that daily supplementation of multivitamins may slow cognitive decline in older adults. The findings are based on a meta-analysis of three cognitive studies and a clinical trial involving over 500 participants. Researchers found a beneficial effect on both global cognition and episodic memory. However, the specific vitamins and minerals responsible for…

This study published in JAMA examines the effect of maternal COVID-19 vaccination timing on the antibody levels of preterm infants. The researchers found that preterm infants born to vaccinated mothers had higher levels of antibodies than those born to unvaccinated mothers. The timing of maternal vaccination during pregnancy also impacted the level of antibodies in…

According to the American Medical Association, burnout is a growing crisis for healthcare providers and patients. A Mayo Clinic study showed that 62% of physicians experienced burnout symptoms in 2021, up from 39% the year before. Administrative tasks, electronic medical record documentation, and lack of time per patient contribute to burnout, as do the demands…

The General Practitioner Access to Community Diagnostics (GPACD) Scheme has seen a significant increase in demand, with over 700,000 radiology scans completed since its launch. The budget for the scheme has also increased to support its continued provision. The initiative allows GPs to refer patients directly for diagnostic scans such as X-ray, DXA, CT, and…

Testosterone treatment in middle-aged and older men with hypogonadism was found to significantly increase the risk of clinical fractures, according to a recent analysis. The study, which involved over 5000 men, found that the testosterone group had a 43% increased risk for clinical fractures compared to the placebo group. The most common fracture sites were…

Healthcare technology company Syra Health, based in Indiana, has signed a one-year $480,000 contract with the Indiana Department of Health to assess the impact of public health risks on infrastructure and behavioral health in the state. The company provides population health tools, including health equity and epidemiology-focused solutions, and offers analytics on social determinants of…

Aneri Pattani, senior correspondent at KFF Health News, discussed how businesses are positioning themselves to access opioid settlement funds on “Marketplace” and how state and local governments are using the money on “The 21st Show.” She also wrote a series called “Payback: Tracking the Opioid Settlement Cash.” KFF Health News is a national newsroom that…

A study presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium showed that the multikinase inhibitor Tinengotinib exhibited activity among heavily pretreated patients with hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer or those with triple-negative disease. The majority of patients in the study experienced treatment-related adverse events, but they were manageable. Efficacy results included objective responses and clinical…

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is retracting one paper and correcting others due to an investigation of data manipulation. Leaders within the institute are among those investigated, including CEO Laurie Glimcher and COO William Hahn. Claims started to be reviewed over a year ago, and a research integrity officer stated that the allegations are credible and being…

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that without urgent action to increase measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake, outbreaks of measles will spread to other towns and cities in the UK. The agency declared the current outbreak in Birmingham a national incident, allowing for more resources to be allocated to tackling the…

A report published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality found that diagnostic accuracy is generally high in emergency departments, with only about 5.7 percent of patients receiving an incorrect diagnosis. Out of these misdiagnosed patients, 2 percent suffered adverse events as a result, and 0.3 percent of these were serious. The report emphasizes…

The coronavirus outbreak has resulted in a global health crisis, prompting researchers to investigate the potential impact of blood-brain barrier impairment on neurological problems during COVID-19 progression. The blood-brain barrier is a filtering mechanism for blood vessels carrying blood to the brain and spinal cord, preventing the passage of certain toxic substances. The study found…

Respiratory illnesses are on the rise, leading to confusion when trying to identify symptoms. COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are all circulating at high levels, along with other flu-like illnesses. Antiviral medications may help if caught early, but the best course of action is to stay hydrated, rest, and wear a mask in public. COVID-19…

The FDA has updated the label of the osteoporosis drug denosumab to include a boxed warning about increased risk for severe hypocalcemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). This new warning is based on evidence indicating a significant risk for hypocalcemia in patients with CKD-MBD. Healthcare professionals are advised to assess patients’ kidney…

The increasing popularity of energy drinks among children and young adults has raised concerns about their safety. A recent study found that these beverages can cause disrupted sleep, depression, suicide, ADHD, and anxiety. Despite being marketed as ways to improve physical and cognitive performance, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Energy drinks…

There is a growing concern about the increase in cases of gastric outlet obstruction, which has been linked to drug abuse. This issue has sparked worries among healthcare professionals, as the condition can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The surge in cases has raised alarms about the potential impacts of drug abuse…

The United States is experiencing a significant demographic shift with an accelerated aging population. The number of people aged 65 and older is expected to nearly double by 2060 due to increased life expectancy and declining birth rates. This shift presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need for innovative solutions for healthcare, social services,…

The content is about the RCPI Faculty Occupational Medicine Smiley Lecture, which was delivered by Prof Neil Greenberg. The lecture was attended by Dr Sheelagh O’Brien, Dean of the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, and Dr Diarmuid O’Shea, President of RCPI. The article mentions that the reader has accessed 1 of 15 free articles allowed for…

A phase 2 study showed that the novel selective aldosterone synthase inhibitor BI 690517 improved albuminuria reduction in patients with chronic kidney disease. When combined with empagliflozin, it provided kidney protection without increasing hyperkalemia risk. The study included 714 participants who had been on an ACE inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker for at least 4…

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy, characterized by abnormally high blood pressure and other symptoms. It can lead to serious complications for both the mother and baby. Early diagnosis and careful management are crucial. Treatment involves close monitoring of blood pressure, and in some cases, early delivery of the baby. Lifestyle changes,…

Samsung Electronics has signed a three-year contract with Lunit to integrate the company’s AI solutions into its premium X-ray devices. The AI-integrated X-ray devices will initially be available in the United States, Canada, and Europe before expanding to other regions. Canon Medical and Olympus Corporation have also announced a collaboration to develop advanced endoscopic ultrasound…

The Biden administration is drafting federal rules to protect workers from extreme heat due to the rising threat of climate change. OSHA plans to publish a proposed heat standard this year, requiring worker protections when temperatures hit certain levels. However, the fate of the rule is uncertain due to potential political changes. Heat is the…

The FDA has added a boxed warning to denosumab (Prolia, Amgen) due to an increased risk for severe hypocalcemia for people with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those on dialysis. A study published in JAMA found that women on dialysis who initiated treatment with denosumab had a higher risk for severe hypocalcemia compared to…

Share your new hires, promotions, and job changes with us, and we will share them with others. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going. This week, SimBioSys hired Barry Rosen as chief medical officer. He previously worked at Clearcut Medical in the same position. But all work and no play can make for…

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many services moving online, creating a “digital first” approach. However, this transition has raised concerns about leaving behind digitally excluded and vulnerable individuals. The NHS’s push for “digital transformation” is at risk of worsening existing inequalities, particularly in accessing healthcare. Bola Akinwale, of the NHS, emphasized the importance of…

Scientists have developed a new form of insulin that can be taken orally in the form of a capsule or chocolate and next steps are to begin human trials. By having insulin coated with a protective layer that is broken down in the liver only, it can be released rapidly and lead to fewer side…

Recent UCL study explores the role of generative AI in explaining how memories enable learning, imagination, and planning. The study uses a generative neural network to simulate how the brain’s neural networks learn from and remember events. The hippocampus and neocortex work together during memory, imagination, and planning. The AI networks suggest that replaying memories…

CIA officers in Havana, Cuba started having unexplained health issues in 2016, leading to symptoms like persistent piercing sounds, headaches, nausea, vertigo, trouble concentrating, and memory loss. The incidents, called Havana syndrome, have been recorded in several global locations. Many attribute the illness to stress but there are theories about it being a result of…

A recent study from the Nurses’ Health Study suggests that intake of protein, especially from plants, in middle age is associated with higher odds of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health status in older women. Plant proteins have significant health benefits and contribute to healthier diets, while animal protein intake has been linked…

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures, leading to organ failure and potentially death. Around 1,300 people die of hypothermia in the U.S. every year. Complications may include frostbite and permanent tissue damage. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, and confusion. Prevention involves minimizing cold exposure, and treatment includes…

Coaching centers for the NEET exam are now prohibited from enrolling students under the age of 16. This new regulation aims to improve the quality of education and ensure that students have a suitable level of maturity and understanding before preparing for the entrance exam. Additionally, the use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site…

Artificial Intelligence has the potential to improve clinical care and support value-based care, but also comes with risks. A panel discussion at CES 2024 discussed the role of AI in value-based care models. Chris Jagmin of CVS Health’s Aetna suggested using AI in low-risk areas like clinical decision-making and claims payment. Dr. Maria Ansari of…

RCSI held an Open Day on January 13, 2024, attracting over 450 second-level students interested in studying medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and advanced therapeutic technologies. The event allowed students to explore the RCSI campus and experience life as a health sciences student. Attendees were also able to participate in workshops at RCSI’s simulation centre, where they…

Dr. Marc Taub is a leading optometrist specializing in brain injuries and visual rehabilitation. He has developed unconventional methods for treating patients who have vision difficulties due to brain injuries, and he shares his expertise in his book, From Fracture to Function: Clinical Insights into the Visual Aspects of Acquired Brain Injury. He believes that…

The U.S. Court of Appeals upheld the ban on Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, but Apple found a way to make the Watches available by removing the disputed blood oxygen feature. This is part of an ongoing dispute with medtech company Masimo, which sued Apple for allegedly stealing trade secrets related to…

The Supreme Court is considering a case that could impact the way federal agencies administer laws passed by Congress. There is also a debate over whether to ban menthol-flavored cigarettes among African American smokers. Meanwhile, Congress is set to pass another temporary spending bill to keep the government running, and there are concerns about understaffing…

Dr. Danny A. Mammo presented data at Hawaiian Eye 2024 on the 0.18 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant for treating noninfectious uveitis in the posterior segment. The study showed that 80% of patients had one or more uveitis recurrences within a year prior to implantation, but this dropped to 10% at 24 months after implantation. The…

Timothy Stenzel, the head of the FDA’s diagnostics division during the Covid-19 pandemic, has retired. He was in the middle of a turf battle between the CDC and FDA over the regulation of Covid tests. The FDA found it difficult to control lab-developed tests, especially in the case of Covid-19 PCR tests. This was a…

Stoicism originated in the third century BCE and is associated with notable philosophers including Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism focuses on recognizing what can and cannot be controlled, emphasizing acceptance and indifference to many things good and bad, recognizing the inevitability and value of death, and the central role of relationships and communities in…