The CDC has issued a health advisory for a more serious and infectious variant of the mpox virus reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), now spreading in 22 out of 26 provinces. This variant has a 10% fatality rate, with person-to-person transmission occurring, including through sexual contact and household contact. Health officials…
The Parliament has passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023, which aims to transform the nursing education and practice landscape. The Act will replace the Indian Nursing Council with a modern regulatory structure, elevating standards and enhancing professional conduct. The key provisions include the establishment of National and State Commissions, fixed tenures…
Optivisol blinking is important for eye health, as it cleans and moisturizes the eyes. People with poor eyesight often stare at screens and strain their eyes, leading to dryness and fatigue. Blinking exercises can help keep the eyes moist and relaxed. Daydreaming and lack of outdoor play may also contribute to poor eyesight. Eating bright…
84 people across four states have been made ill by E. coli from contaminated lettuce used at Wendy’s restaurants. In total, 38 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported. A direct source has not been confirmed, but 84% of cases reported eating at Wendy’s before getting sick, with 88% of people saying…
An experimental antibody therapy called ublituximab has been found to reduce symptom flare-ups in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by preventing relapses and areas of inflammatory damage in the brain. If approved by the FDA, it would be the latest in a group of MS therapies called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Recent developments in this field show…
NMC relief for overseas medical students in the Philippines allows students enrolled in BS courses before new regulations to continue their medical education. In Bihar, four doctors and a clerk at a medical institute have been accused of demanding sexual favors from paramedic students in exchange for better grades. Elsewhere, a doctor in Kerala has…
The FDA approved gene therapies from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Bluebird Bio for sickle cell disease. Both treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, use gene therapy to potentially cure the inherited blood disorder and target those aged 12 and older. Sickle Cell Disease is a rare, debilitating, and life-threatening blood disorder with significant unmet need. Healthy red blood…
The author reflects on the power of volunteering and the impact it has on individuals and communities. They share their experiences of witnessing volunteering in the US and in Ireland, highlighting the diversity of volunteer work and the positive effects it has on society. They also speak about their own involvement as a volunteer for…
A recent meta-analysis of 18 studies published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce the intensity of chronic low back pain. This is significant as opioid misuse is common in patients with chronic pain and non-pharmacologic therapies like MBIs are preferred to avoid worsening impairment and disability. The meta-analysis…
Urinary incontinence is a common problem affecting approximately 30% of the world’s population. This includes stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, total incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis. Causes for this include pelvic floor damage, neuromuscular damage, blockage of the urethra, and inability to control bladder movement. In addition, issues with your sleeping patterns and sex life…
The at-home fertility care company Mosie Baby received FDA 510(k) clearance for its over-the-counter intravaginal insemination kit, allowing individuals to perform at-home insemination with fresh or frozen donor semen. The kit retails for $129.99 and includes two syringes and collection cups. Mosie’s CEO, Maureen Brown, expressed pride in helping over 100,000 families. The company plans…
Data demonstrates that Black women and infants in the South face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Black women are more likely to face unfair or indifferent treatment from medical professionals, and the legacy of systemic discrimination has led to poor health outcomes. In states like South Carolina, where abortion bans have been upheld,…
Serge Resnikoff, MD, PhD, chair of the International Myopia Institute, discussed the cost of early management of myopia progression at the FLORetina meeting. He dispelled misconceptions about the high cost, stating that a recent study showed the lifetime cost of myopia management is equivalent to traditional myopia correction with single vision glasses. While special glasses,…
A Colorado state board voted not to place Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ cystic fibrosis medication on a list of drugs for which payment limits will be set for most residents. The board unanimously found the $310,000 medicine to be “not unaffordable.” This decision came amidst a series of meetings reviewing proposed medicines, as Colorado is one of…
The new government of New Zealand (Aotearoa) plans to abandon tobacco control measures, prompting condemnation from the Māori health organization Hāpai Te Hauora. These measures include raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products, reducing retail outlets, and removing nicotine from tobacco products, aimed at creating a smoke-free generation. Smoking is a major cause…
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a highly sensitive e-skin for robotic prostheses in collaboration with the automotive company Honda. This technology allows robotic hands to perform delicate tasks such as grasping an egg or lifting a glass of water without breaking it. The skin is also capable of distinguishing between normal…
The United States has approved breakthrough gene editing therapy using the CRISPR tool to treat sickle cell disease. This is a major advancement in gene therapy for patients with sickle cell disease, which affects over 100,000 Americans, mostly Black individuals. The therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and uses Nobel Prize-winning…
Dr Rosalind Eggo, an Associate Professor at LSHTM, has been awarded over £1.9 million in funding to research health disparities and associated infectious disease burden across England. Health disparities are preventable differences in health outcomes based on factors like income, ethnicity, education, age, gender, or disability. The research will analyze health records for over 20…
The article discusses the benefits and popularity of no-spray, pesticide-free Christmas trees among environmentally concerned customers. It highlights the success of Reed Island Christmas Tree Farm in southern Virginia, which offers eco-friendly trees that attract hundreds of customers. The article also emphasizes that the practice of organic tree farming, such as at Reed Island, is…
The FDA approved two gene-editing treatments for patients aged 12 years or older with severe sickle cell disease, marking the first cell-based gene therapies for the condition. Exa-cel uses CRISPR gene-editing technology and demonstrated success in a clinical trial, while Lovo-cel uses a different technology and also showed positive results. Both treatments were found to…
Researchers conducted a study on the manipulation of gut microbiota using flaxseeds and found that it could be beneficial in the prevention of breast cancer. Flaxseed is known for various health benefits, including relieving constipation, controlling cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation. The study revealed that flaxseeds contain phytoestrogens called lignans that could influence the relationship…