Irish researchers have developed a non-invasive method to study gene activity in the living human brain. By analyzing RNA and DNA collected from electrodes implanted in epilepsy patients’ brains, researchers were able to link gene activity with electrical recordings and gain insight into seizure networks. This breakthrough, published in JCI Insight, has the potential to…
Parents play a crucial role in their child’s growth and development journey, including their height. While genetic factors play a major role in determining height, nutritional supplements can make a difference. Supplements like NuBest® have been specially formulated to support bone development during critical growth periods. Factors such as nutrition, sleep, and physical activity also…
The Affordable Care Act open enrollment season is facing new federal guardrails against fraud to prevent unauthorized enrollments and switches by rogue agents and entities. Some experts fear that the new rules may slow consumer sign-ups for 2025 coverage. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have implemented stricter rules, such as requiring three-way calls…
A study conducted in Sweden compared an escalating monotherapy regimen with a multitherapy regimen for patients with untreated glaucoma. The study found that while the multitherapy regimen showed more pronounced visual outcomes among patients with higher baseline IOP, there was no significant difference in the overall rate of progression of visual field damage between the…
President-elect Trump has chosen Stanford University professor Jay Bhattacharya to lead the National Institutes of Health, with the aim of implementing bold reforms. Bhattacharya’s appointment comes amid a more combative political climate, with potential plans to replace NIH employees and shift focus from infectious diseases to chronic diseases. Bhattacharya’s controversial research on Covid-19 seroprevalence and…
New proposals aim to hold NHS managers accountable for silencing whistleblowers or putting patients at risk. Those found guilty could be sacked and barred from working in the NHS permanently. This move is intended to address a culture of cover-up in the health service that has played a role in patient safety scandals. Health minister…
A study from the University of Bristol found that factors beyond carbohydrates have a significant impact on blood glucose levels in people with type 1 diabetes, challenging current automated insulin delivery systems. The research revealed that unexpected patterns in insulin needs are common, highlighting the complexity of glucose regulation in type 1 diabetes. The study…
A study conducted by the USDA Forest Service highlights the importance of public forests in providing food and medicine to millions of people. Researchers estimated that over a ten-year period, about 9.25 million liters and 2000 metric tons of food and medicine were harvested from US forest public lands, accounting for almost two million servings…
The FTC’s national ban on noncompete clauses is facing legal challenges and may not survive under the Trump administration. The ban was intended to save the healthcare system billions of dollars by prohibiting noncompete agreements for physicians. However, a federal court ruling has put the ban on hold, and it is unlikely that the Trump…
Concerns have been raised about levothyroxine, a commonly prescribed thyroid medication for older adults in the U.S., as new research links its use to bone loss. Levothyroxine is used to treat underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and depression. Many older adults continue taking levothyroxine for years without reevaluating if…
In this episode of MedCity FemFwd, Dr. Piraye Yurttas Beim, founder and CEO of Celmatix, joins to discuss the $3.5 million funding awarded to Celmatix by ARPA-H through the Sprint for Women’s Health program. She talks about how Celmatix plans to use the funding to further their work in women’s health biotech. To learn more…
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has seized over 1,400 units of weight loss medications bought online this year, warning that these products may contain unknown substances and pose health risks. Consumers are advised to only source GLP-1 medicines from registered pharmacies with a valid prescription. Products detained include tablets, pens, and vials containing powder…
Optometrists need to focus on activities and strategies to attract more clients, especially in competitive areas. Conduct market research to identify gaps and opportunities, invest in marketing to increase visibility, and consider expanding services to stay competitive. Having a strong administrative team and utilizing advanced technology can also enhance the efficiency and growth of the…
Julie Rovner is the host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy news podcast “What the Health?”. Public health is discussed in a recent episode, focusing on issues such as the connection to nutrition, environment, and safety. The podcast also covers concerns around President-elect Donald Trump’s administration and its impact on public health. Healthbeat is…
A California jury ruled in favor of ImprimisRx in a trademark infringement lawsuit against OSRX and Ocular Science, awarding $34.9 million in damages. ImprimisRx’s CEO, Mark L. Baum, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, emphasizing the defense of their intellectual property. However, OSRX has stated that the legal battle is not over, citing unresolved issues such…
The use of AI in radiology did not reduce burnout among radiologists in China, according to a recent study. The FDA’s categorization of AI medical devices as “CADt” may contribute to this issue, as these devices can only prioritize patient scans without indicating specific findings. The FDA’s digital health advisory committee also discussed the challenges…
The COP29 climate talks in Baku concluded with a finance deal that promised at least $300bn a year for low and middle income countries by 2035 to phase out fossil fuels and adapt to climate change. This was seen as a significant improvement from the previous target of $100bn set in 2009, but fell short…
Generation Z is shifting drinking habits, consuming less alcohol compared to previous generations. This trend is global, with a decline in alcohol use among U.S. adults aged 18 to 34 and a decreased priority on spending on alcoholic beverages in the UK. Factors driving this change include growing health consciousness, increased awareness of alcohol’s health…
University of Chicago Medicine researchers are focused on understanding and providing accessible treatment for primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare form of dementia that impairs language abilities over time. They have found that PPA significantly impacts quality of life and have demonstrated the feasibility of international telemedicine interventions. Their studies have shown that PPA affects…
A study conducted in Sweden from 2006 to 2023 found that the use of the GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide and liraglutide was associated with a lower risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) related hospitalizations compared to traditional AUD medications. Participants using semaglutide had the lowest risk of AUD-related hospitalization, followed by participants using liraglutide. Both…
Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but a recent study found that it still affects circulation and overall health. The study, to be presented at the RSNA meeting, showed that vaping can impact brain circulation and decrease blood flow in the superficial femoral artery. This was observed in both e-cigarettes with…
Cortica, a provider for children with autism and neurodivergent conditions, secured $80 million in funding led by Morgan Health and Nexus NeuroTech Ventures. The company offers a variety of services including therapy and diagnostic testing at 24 locations across eight states. This funding will help Cortica expand nationally, invest in technology, and transition to value-based…
Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews recent clinical papers on osteoporosis treatment. Osteoporosis is defined by low bone mass and increased risk of fractures. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures bone mineral density. FRAX, a fracture risk calculator, helps determine further investigation and treatment. Treatment decisions should be tailored based on individual risk factors. Osteoporosis also affects children and…
Two rival hospitals in Terre Haute, Indiana, withdrew their merger application amidst backlash just before the state was set to rule. The proposed merger between Union Health and Terre Haute Regional Hospital would have created a medical monopoly in the county and left residents with only one hospital operator. The hospitals sought the merger under…
Approximately 20% of patients meeting the 2016 fibromyalgia criteria report post-exertional malaise, which may be key to understanding long COVID and fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases. Chronic fatigue is the dominant symptom in patients with long COVID, and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome is important in patients with rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. A study examined…
John Kilian and Allison Cecil, both supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement, have differing views on vaccines. Kilian, a retired professional in Connecticut, sees the benefits of vaccines and plans to get a flu shot. Cecil, a teacher in Kentucky, is skeptical of vaccine ingredients and hesitant about giving them…
Maurice King was not ambitious for prestigious titles but wanted to make the world a better place. He believed in improving healthcare and expressed his ideas in a way that was sometimes misunderstood. In 1990, a Guardian news story misinterpreted his paper, “Health is a sustainable state,” as advocating for sick children in developing countries…
A comprehensive analysis of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists shows significant benefits in kidney and cardiovascular outcomes for individuals with and without diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists are known for treating diabetes and obesity by mimicking glucagon-like peptide 1 hormone actions. A meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving over 85,000 participants confirmed a 19% reduction in…
Depressed individuals who try to suppress their initial emotional responses to negative memories may have a low tolerance for distress and are more likely to experience increased suicidal thoughts in response to stress. A study in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging aimed to understand how stress contributes to suicide risk in depression. Suicide rates…
Bird flu is a growing concern for humans with over 55 cases reported in the US this year. The virus, H5N1, has been circulating worldwide since 1996 and is now affecting various animals, including dairy cattle. While the current virus strain is less lethal and not spreading among humans, experts worry about the potential for…
Meditation cushions are essential tools to enhance comfort and promote proper posture during meditation sessions. They elevate the hips, alleviate strain on the lower back and knees, and help maintain proper spinal alignment. Available in various shapes, sizes, and materials, these cushions offer customizable support for individual preferences. Beyond physical benefits, using a meditation cushion…
This monograph discusses the issue of undermanaged surgical pain despite advancements in techniques. It introduces an IV formulation of meloxicam as an opioid alternative, providing up to 24 hours of pain relief. This medication has been studied in over 1,400 patients undergoing various types of surgical procedures. Source link
outcomes for certain cancer surgeries, it also found that a subset of high-volume surgeons did not achieve optimal results. This challenges the traditional belief that high-volume surgeons consistently provide high-quality care. The study presented at the ssO 2020 Annual Cancer Symposium highlighted the importance of evaluating outcomes on an individual surgeon basis, rather than solely…
Lucid Diagnostics, a subsidiary of PAVmed, has developed a quick, office-based test called EsoCheck to detect esophageal precancer in patients with heartburn or acid reflux. This test aims to address the lack of early detection programs for esophageal cancer, which is often diagnosed late with poor outcomes. EsoCheck, a noninvasive device, collects cells from the…
The FDA has proposed removing oral phenylephrine from over-the-counter medications for nasal congestion due to its ineffectiveness. They found that older studies relied on unreliable measurements for nasal congestion relief, prompting the review of newer data. Phenylephrine works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, making breathing easier. This proposal only affects oral phenylephrine…
Los cambios no autorizados en los planes médicos de la ACA han disminuido en las últimas semanas, según informaron los reguladores federales, con menos quejas de los consumidores. Las medidas adoptadas para prevenir problemas de inscripción y cambios de planes parecen estar funcionando, aunque también podrían ralentizar el proceso de inscripción. Los corredores son fundamentales…
A study found that up to 33.1% of adults eligible for GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment were excluded from clinical trials due to medical and psychiatric conditions. Conditions such as major depressive disorder, uncontrolled hypertension, and liver disease were common exclusion criteria. The researchers emphasized the importance of screening for these conditions before prescribing these medications,…
Alector Therapeutics announced that its Phase 2 trial for an experimental Alzheimer’s antibody, AL002, has failed. The drug was designed to activate microglia, neuronal immune cells, in an attempt to slow the progression of the neurodegenerative disease. However, in the 381-person trial, patients who received AL002 did not show slower decline compared to those on…
Al Aynsley-Green, a professor of compassionate care at the University of Northampton, highlights the importance of reintroducing compassion into healthcare services. He emphasizes that compassion involves actively doing something to help others, rather than just empathizing with them. Research has shown that compassion is often lacking in hospital cultures, leading to suboptimal care for patients…
A randomized phase 3 trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group found that combining temozolomide chemotherapy with radiation therapy significantly improves the long-term survival of patients with slow-growing, low-grade gliomas compared to radiation therapy alone. The trial followed 172 patients for over 10 years and showed a 70% survival rate with combined treatment versus 47%…
A study led by UCL researchers found that the loss of brain volume associated with new immunotherapies for Alzheimer’s disease is likely due to the removal of amyloid plaques, rather than the loss of neurons or brain tissue. The excess volume loss was consistent across trials and correlated with the effectiveness of the therapy in…
GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are blockbuster weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs that offer a wide range of benefits, including controlling blood sugar, significant weight loss, and potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes. Recent research suggests these drugs may also slow kidney disease progression, relieve sleep apnea, and possibly treat Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s…
Standing desks have become popular to combat the health risks of sitting at work, but new research warns that prolonged standing may negatively impact blood pressure. A study monitored the physical activity and blood pressure of 156 employees nearing retirement age. It was found that standing for long periods can increase blood pressure, leading to…
Shanda is a cardiovascular nurse with a background in horticulture, who helps hospitals and health systems to lessen their environmental footprint. She is involved in the Nurses Climate Challenge at Health Care Without Harm, where she leads a national campaign to educate 50,000 health professionals about the health effects of climate change. Shanda’s unique combination…
Retrospective studies have shown that negative emotions like anxiety and fear play a significant role in patients with breast cancer choosing contralateral prophylactic mastectomy over less invasive options. A recent randomized controlled trial further supports this claim. Rates of CPM for early-stage breast cancer are increasing despite no proven survival benefit, with various proposed reasons…
Provider credentialing is essential for ensuring physician qualifications, patient safety, and access to care. Despite advancements, there is no centralized database for credentialing data, causing delays and inefficiencies. A single source of truth for credentialing would involve a continuously updated database accessible across the healthcare sector, streamlining the verification process. This would eliminate redundant checks,…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking a Consultant Anaesthetist for their Altnagelvin location, offering a salary range of £100,400 to £132,000 per annum. The job reference number is 54589073 and the closing date for applications is Friday, 20 December 2024 at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full criteria, job description, and…
Physical therapy can be necessary following an injury to regain functionality and prevent long-term negative impacts on your life. Whether it’s a car crash, slip-and-fall, or sports injury, physical therapy can help you get back on your feet. The process involves a combination of stretching, strengthening exercises, and more. Costs can vary depending on your…
Unauthorized plan switching in the Affordable Care Act has decreased, with a drop in complaints indicating progress. The annual open enrollment period is testing changes to prevent fraud by rogue agents while maintaining enrollment numbers. Tightened requirements, suspensions of agents involved in switching, and increased support operations aim to curb unauthorized changes. Despite these efforts,…
The article introduces a guest editorial by Mike Schweitz, MD, who recently retired after 42 years of practice in rheumatology. Schweitz has been involved in advocacy and leadership within the field, particularly with organizations like the Florida Society of Rheumatology and the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations. The editorial discusses Schweitz’s passion for wine and…