Memory decline in old age has long been attributed to the loss of dendritic spines in brain neurons. However, a recent study challenges this belief by demonstrating that the quality, rather than the quantity, of synapses in old age plays a crucial role in memory preservation. Researchers found that larger dendritic spine head diameters are…
Douglass Williams was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 16, which led to significant health challenges including weight loss and limitations in his diet. Despite these challenges, he pursued his passion for cooking and found that focusing on creating dishes he could eat helped him cope with the disease. Managing stress and finding joy in cooking…
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. It is inherited and caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene. SMA has five types based on age of onset and physical milestones reached. Treatments for SMA include medications like Nusinersen and Onasemnogene…
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, 2025-05-07 12:51:00 TOPLINE: In a large cohort study, each additional blistering sunburn before the age of 15 years increased melanoma risk by approximately 3%, and the associated risk was not modified by personal sun sensitivity factors, such as eye and hair color. METHODOLOGY: Researchers analyzed data from 44,021 cancer-free non-Hispanic White participants in the…
McNally’s article discusses how various environmental factors can impact health habits, including clean water, sanitation, and obesity. These factors can either promote or hinder healthy habits. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing physical, social, economic, and cultural factors in promoting good health. Despite some success stories in public health interventions, many people still lack…
Scientists have identified a novel major risk gene, LAG3, associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). This gene variant, found in Icelandic and Finnish populations, reduces the expression of LAG-3 protein in immune cells, leading to a higher risk of AITD. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the importance of a multiomics approach in identifying…
Obesity is linked to health issues, including cancer, with weight gain after age 35 impacting breast cancer risk. A study found a complex relationship between BMI changes and cancer risk, with weight gain during hormonal transitions affecting breast cancer susceptibility. Managing weight during this critical period may reduce breast cancer risk. Women who gained more…
The study found a significant association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and an increased risk for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. MetS and its components were linked to a higher risk for colorectal, esophageal, gallbladder, liver, and pancreatic cancers. Lifestyle changes or medical interventions targeting MetS patients could be potential prevention strategies for GI cancers. MetS components like…
This week’s episode of “The Host” discusses the conflicting health care policies between Democrats and Republicans in the presidential campaign. Sen. JD Vance and Melania Trump made comments to alleviate concerns about abortion access and the Affordable Care Act. Vice President Kamala Harris is using health as a key campaign issue, specifically focusing on the…
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…
GLP-1 drugs are effective for weight loss but face shortages and high costs. Dr. Timothy Law believes doctors should make the call on which patients get access, not insurers. Dr. Melanie Jay disagrees, saying individual providers can’t ensure health equity. Law thinks the responsibility should be on pharmaceutical companies to increase supply and lower prices….
, 2025-05-05 09:05:00 TOPLINE: Racial and ethnic disparities in the use of targeted therapy among patients with ERBB2-positive breast cancer decreased among older Medicare beneficiaries between 2010 and 2019. Black and Hispanic women had significantly lower treatment rates early on, but gaps narrowed by the end of the study period. METHODOLOGY: ERBB2-targeted therapies are the…
Abigail Arellano keeps her son Samuel’s medical bills accumulated since he was shot at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade in a blue folder above the microwave. With bills totaling over $5,000 for ambulance rides and medical care, the family, who is uninsured, relies on a fund that raised nearly $2 million after the…
Elaine Chen , 2025-05-06 13:36:00 Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning, there’s been a lot of discussion lately about how the U.S. can stay competitive in science, biomedical innovation, and drug development. We’ve got several pieces of news relevant…
Carol Rosen, a 70-year-old retired schoolteacher, died in excruciating pain three weeks after taking chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer. She suffered severe side effects from the drug, including kidney and liver failure, due to a genetic deficiency that causes the drug to stay in the body longer than usual. Despite the availability of tests to…
The National Health Service in the United Kingdom has launched a medical drone delivery service in partnership with Apian and Wing to transport blood samples between hospitals. The service aims to provide quicker analysis and decision-making for healthcare workers. The drones operate within strict regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safe operations…
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…
Electronic vapor products (EVPs), also known as e-cigarettes or vaping devices, have an allure because of their marketed image as a safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking and for their variety of appealing flavors. Yet, they contain many substances beyond nicotine, including propylene glycol, glycerin, flavorings and potentially harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and metals,…
Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies may help predict interstitial lung disease (ILD) risk in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. A study found these antibodies increased the odds of ILD by 1.24 but did not predict progression or survival. Researchers suggest incorporating these antibodies into clinical practice for ILD screening, particularly in patients without SSc-specific antibodies. Despite limitations in the…
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Emma Bascom , 2025-06-24 19:49:00 Add topic to email alerts Receive an email when new articles are posted on Please provide your email address to receive an email when new articles are posted on . “ data-action=”subscribe”> Subscribe We were unable to process your request. Please try again later….
Researchers found that almost one in five patients diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) using the 2020 definition would not be diagnosed using the updated 2023 definition. The syndrome is associated with SARS-CoV-2 and usually occurs 2 to 6 weeks after a child is infected. The new definition no longer requires the presence…
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…
KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed opioid settlements and the Supreme Court overturning a bankruptcy deal involving Purdue Pharma on podcasts. She also talked about how much settlement money Pennsylvania is receiving, who makes spending decisions, and public involvement. KFF contributor Andy Miller discussed selecting a nursing home that fits one’s needs on…
Hospitals’ finances have remained stable, but high labor costs are still a major threat to their bottom lines. Data from Kaufman Hall shows a slight decrease in operating margins, with inpatient revenue increasing. Hospitals are treating more high-acuity patients, resulting in higher expenses for drugs and supplies. Physicians are facing financial instability due to low…
[gpt3]Summarize this content to 100 words: Vitamin supplements have become a staple in many people’s wellness routines, but do they really live up to the promises they make? While some swear by their benefits, conflicting studies have raised concerns, with some even linking daily supplement use to an increased risk of early death. For those…
, 2025-05-05 18:22:00 Data sharing technology company Datavant has expanded its collaboration with pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim to support Boehringer’s real-world evidence initiatives. The extended collaboration aims to leverage Datavant’s privacy-preserving tokenization and data connectivity technologies to strengthen clinical development and initiate strategies across 75 additional clinical trials and multiple new molecular entities. Through Datavant…
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…
Sanjay Basu , 2025-05-08 08:30:00 As a primary care physician serving Medicaid patients, I recently witnessed a preventable hospitalization that perfectly illustrates America’s health care dysfunction. My homebound patient with heart failure needed a routine lab test to adjust their medication. While commercially insured patients can access electronic lab orders, my patient’s Medicaid plan contracted…
Yonsei University Health System has launched Connect-DTx, a platform that integrates hospitals, insurers, and medical device manufacturers to seamlessly connect the entire care process. The platform allows for the collection of real-time health data from patients using digital therapeutics (DTx) and hospital EMRs, which can be used to personalize treatments. It also facilitates communication with…
Costco is expanding its healthcare services by offering a weight loss program through Sesame for $179. This program includes virtual consultations with healthcare providers, insurance coordination for prescriptions, and unlimited messaging support. Prescriptions for weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be filled at Costco pharmacies. Sesame’s healthcare marketplace connects consumers with outpatient providers…
The content highlights the disparities in cancer care based on race and ethnicity. Studies from various sources discuss how factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, and implicit biases affect the outcomes of patients with cancer. Research also points to the importance of diversity in healthcare and the need to address these disparities to ensure equitable…
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and World Health Organization (WHO) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding at the 148th IPU Assembly, emphasizing the important role of parliamentarians in promoting good health for stable societies. The agreement focuses on areas such as universal health coverage, global health security, health promotion, and reducing health inequities. Additional areas of…
Psychedelic substances such as esketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA are being reintroduced as potential therapies for severe psychiatric disorders. While some countries have approved esketamine-based antidepressants and substances like MDMA and psilocybin for certain conditions, the evidence supporting these treatments is weak. The unique effects of psychedelics pose challenges in standard double-blind clinical trials, potentially skewing…
STAT offers a free newsletter called Morning Rounds that provides daily updates on health and medicine news. The newsletter discusses various topics such as women’s health under RFK Jr., drug prices after patent expiration, the case against eponyms, DIY data detectives uncovering scientific misconduct, challenges faced by adults with cerebral palsy, and the Marburg outbreak…
, 2025-04-18 22:10:00 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New research presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025, Malaga, Spain, 11–14 May) shows that the internationally recognized body mass index (BMI) cut-off points greatly overestimate overweight and obesity in male athletes. The study, from Italy, also proposes new cut-off points for overweight and obesity…
Andrea Greco , 2025-05-21 13:49:00 America’s healthcare system is in the midst of major shifts. From proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, to recent restructuring within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), change is constant. These developments reflect a system under stress — and one in which consistency in care is more critical…
The government in England is seeking feedback on the future of incentive schemes in general practice, potentially leading to changes or the elimination of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF). The consultation will run until March 7, 2024, and will focus on the QOF and the Investment and Impact Fund (IIF) as part of general…
During a presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology meeting, dermatologist Jenny Murase discussed safe options for treating infections in pregnant women, cautioning about certain drugs with potential risks. For bacterial infections, first-line treatments include mupirocin, penicillin, and dicloxacillin. Clindamycin is recommended for MRSA. Antibiotics like penicillin and cephalosporins are suggested for general infections. Erythromycin…
Meghana Keshavan , 2025-04-17 13:39:00 Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Morning. Today, we talk about Arkansas making a bold move to curb PBM power, analyze Trump’s executive order in regards to drug prices, and more. A big GLP-1 advance for…
A new trial called TELE-ACS showed that patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent PCI had a 76% lower rate of hospital readmission after 6 months if they participated in a remote monitoring protocol. The protocol included consultation with a cardiologist who reviewed home-monitoring data. Results also showed lower rates of emergency department visits, unplanned…
, 2025-04-28 19:25:00 Teams of health care providers called Accountable Care Organizations participating in the Medicare Shared Savings Program have saved Medicare between $4.1 billion and $8.1 billion from 2012 through 2019, according to a new study from Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. The study, published April 28 in JAMA, is thought to be the first…
Two studies by University of Michigan physicians suggest that inadequate record-keeping in clinics and emergency departments may hinder efforts to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use. Approximately 10% of children and 35% of adults receiving antibiotic prescriptions lacked a specific reason in their record. The studies show higher rates of inappropriate prescribing in adults with Medicaid coverage…
, 2025-05-11 14:10:00 Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Spend too long on social media and you might start to hear the term “cortisol face” used to describe someone with supposedly puffy eyes or cheeks. The phrase describes the physical signs that some believe result from prolonged stress, particularly elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. It’s often…
A finger-prick blood test can accurately identify p-tau217, a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, without the need for special storage or temperature control measures. Researchers found a good correlation between p-tau217 levels obtained from standard venous blood sampling and from a single finger prick. This method could overcome the limitations of traditional blood collection methods,…
Bob Herman , 2025-04-28 16:36:00 Bob Herman covers health insurance, government programs, hospitals, physicians, and other providers — reporting on how money influences those businesses and shapes what we all pay for care. He is also the author of the Health Care Inc. newsletter. You can reach Bob on Signal at bobjherman.09. This is the…
, 2025-06-24 07:58:00 TOPLINE: In patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), liver transplantation was associated with a 34% reduction in the risk for colorectal neoplasia. However, 21% of transplant recipients still developed neoplasia. METHODOLOGY: PSC affects 4%-8% of patients with IBD, increasing their risk for colorectal neoplasia. About 40% of…
, 2025-04-22 05:38:00 Workouts are great, but what happens when your commitment to fitness pushes your body beyond its limit? It can even be deadly. For a 41-year-old fitness enthusiast from Scotland with an orange belt in karate, what began as an intense session soon spiraled into a medical emergency most gym-goers are unaware of….
Elaine Chen , 2025-05-08 13:35:00 Want to stay on top of the science and politics driving biotech today? Sign up to get our biotech newsletter in your inbox. Good morning, we’ve got more news today about Vinay Prasad — let’s get into it. Vinay Prasad makes his debut at FDA One day after he was named the…