Ophthalmologists should track whether they attract patients through SEO or word of mouth to gauge the success of their online presence and marketing company. In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the difference between attracting patients through successful SEO vs. their practice’s existing brand. They emphasize the…
STAT is now publishing selected Letters to the Editor in response to First Opinion essays to encourage discussion on difficult issues. The letters include one from a former FDA associate commissioner who strongly disagrees with an article casting doubt on the agency. A patient advocate in Canada provides a different perspective on advocating for treatment…
England’s health and social care secretary, Victoria Atkins, has urged junior doctors’ leaders to end their latest round of strikes and resume talks with the government over a pay dispute. Atkins stated that many junior doctors would be uncomfortable with the timing of the strikes due to the impact on services and colleagues. The latest…
A new variant of COVID-19 called JN.1 is responsible for a sudden increase in infections in the United States. This variant has evolved from another variant called BA.2.86. It is likely either more transmissible or better at evading the immune system. However, the updated COVID booster shot should provide protection against this variant. Despite this,…
Microglia, small immune cells in the brain, play a significant role in regulating the body’s response to general anesthesia. The understanding of how different anesthetics block consciousness is still not fully comprehended, but researchers uncovered that microglia impact the effectiveness of anesthesia and regulate brain network activity in a region-specific manner. This discovery was unintentionally…
Many people are torn between wanting to spend time alone and fearing the risk of loneliness. Memes on social media capture this dilemma, with some people begging for alone time while others struggle with the negative emotions that come with it. Researchers have found that the relationship between time spent alone and loneliness varies by…
The European Food Safety Authority reevaluated the safety of erythritol, a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in food products. They found concerns over its laxative effects and set new guidelines for acceptable daily intake. The evaluation investigated erythritol’s manufacturing process, contaminants, and human exposure. The report established an acceptable daily intake of 0.5 g/kg…
Researchers have found a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and delayed language development in children, particularly in males and when used in the third trimester. Acetaminophen is commonly used for pain relief and fever and is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, the study does not prove a direct cause and effect relationship…
Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, is set to acquire an established products portfolio in Europe and Canada from Sanofi for Rs 91 crore. The acquisition aims to expand Lupin’s presence in these regions and strengthen its product portfolio. This move will also contribute to Lupin’s growth strategy and market competitiveness. The company’s decision to invest in…
Reproductive health has been a major issue since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022. In 2023, some states enacted total bans on abortion, while others worked to protect reproductive rights. The Guttmacher Institute and NFPRHA found several wins in 2023, including second-highest number of abortion protections enacted and the approval of Opill, the…
Five inpatient mental health centers in Ireland were found to be non-compliant with regulations on premises, staffing, and access to physical healthcare. The lowest compliance was found at Cork University Hospital’s acute mental health unit, with only 58 percent compliance. The inspection reports by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) found common concerns across all five…
New research presented at the American Epilepsy Society Annual Meeting in 2023 found that intellectually healthy adolescents seen in epilepsy clinics have a high prevalence of eating disorders (EDs), particularly those diagnosed with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). The study involved a 10-year observational study of adolescents with comorbid EDs seen in epilepsy clinics and found…
Stem cells, in the forms of embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent, offer potential for regenerative medicine. Ethical concerns arise from the use of embryonic stem cells due to the destruction of embryos, but induced pluripotent stem cells offer a less controversial alternative. The potential applications of stem cells include regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug development,…
A Tennessee dentist, Steve Galella, has invented and trained dentists to use a dental device called the Anterior Growth Guidance Appliance (AGGA) for TMJ and sleep apnea conditions. However, he has been sued by multiple patients claiming harm and tooth loss due to the device. Galella has settled almost all the lawsuits and rebranded the…
The BET inhibitor BMS986158 has shown promising preliminary data of potential disease modification in patients with intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis when used in combination with ruxolitinib and fedratinib. The phase 1/phase 2 CA011-023 study, led by Dr. Haifa Kathrin Al-Ali, head of the Krukenberg Cancer Center at University Hospital of Halle in Germany, examined 16…
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a new warning label for Legend Biotech and Janssen’s myeloma CAR-T, Carvykti or cilta-cel, due to the occurrence of some secondary blood cancers following treatment. Oncologists and CAR-T experts believe this label update will not change anything about the use of Carvykti and that physicians already have discussions…
The European Medicines Agency suspended the marketing authorizations of 365 generic drugs after concerns were raised about the reliability of the testing conducted by Synapse Labs, a contract research organization in India. Out of 400 drugs reviewed, only 35 were found to be reliable. This raises significant concerns about the quality and safety of generic…
A new study indicates that the severity of amyloid deposition in the brain, rather than just age, may be a key factor in determining who will benefit from new anti-amyloid therapies in order to delay the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that the baseline amyloid burden and overall brain health may be stronger predictors…
A study published in The BMJ found that sales of emergency contraception in the US rise by around 10% in the week after the New Year holiday. Other holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Independence Day were also associated with increased sales, though to a lesser extent. The increased sales are indicative of unmet contraceptive…
The content discusses the holiday blues and ways to protect your mental health during the festive season. WebMD’s Chief Medical Officer John Whyte explains the symptoms of holiday blues, strategies to overcome them, and also addresses viewer questions. The risk factors for holiday blues are highlighted, and tips for protecting yourself from them are provided….
A study in Ontario, Canada found that only 4.1% of hospital visits for opioid use disorder (OUD) resulted in community-based initiation of opioid agonist therapy (OAT) within 7 days of discharge. This low rate, despite the proven effectiveness of OAT in reducing morbidity and mortality, reflects missed opportunities to engage patients in treatment for OUD….
A new study by the American Psychological Association found that lack of proper sleep reduces positivity and increases the risk for anxiety symptoms in individuals. The study looked at data from 154 studies with 5,715 participants over 50 years to evaluate the impact of disrupted sleep on emotional well-being. It found that all three types…
A study has found that environmental exposure to metals is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Researchers found higher levels of metals such as cadmium, chromium, and lead in the urine of women with breast cancer compared to those without the disease. The findings suggest that environmental metal exposure may play a role…
Health equity in the U.S. healthcare system is a serious issue, with many patients lacking necessary resources or facing discrimination based on factors like income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or ZIP code. Some healthcare organizations are accused of using health equity as a buzzword without making a genuine commitment to tackling systemic barriers. Acknowledging past…
Local care facilities across the country are making an effort to create a festive atmosphere for residents, patients, and staff during the Christmas season. Marymount Hospice in Cork has released a special Christmas video to showcase the friendly and festive environment they provide for visitors. They also held a tree lighting ceremony and are running…
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine for individuals in the US traveling to TBE endemic areas with extensive outdoor exposure to infected ticks, as well as for laboratory workers. The vaccine was approved by the FDA in August 2021 for individuals aged 1 year and older. Studies conducted…
Our brains are essential to who we are, but when they are not operating well, it can be challenging to thrive. Mental illness and neurodiversity are common and affect many people, making it difficult to function in a world that expects everyone to function in the same way. However, with the right support, including diagnosis,…
Peptris Technologies, an Indian AI drug discovery firm, received $1 million to expand research to rare diseases. Cipla, a pharmaceutical company, increased its stake in GoApptiv to improve access to medications in underserved communities. Lydia AI, a Canadian insurtech, has partnered with South Korean companies to integrate its AI technology into health insurance applications. Ubie,…
66-year-old Ron Winters, a Marine Corps veteran, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in August 2022. He had to seek care through the VA’s Community Care Program due to VA delays in prior authorizations. This process has been a nightmare, causing delays in treatments and surgeries for Winters. Research has also shown that prior authorization is…
Verrica reported a net loss of $24.8 million in the third quarter of 2023, with a year-to-date net loss of $42.4 million. Despite this, the company made $2.8 million in product revenue from the sale of Ycanth to distributor FFF Enterprises Inc. The increase in expenses was attributed to commercial activities for Ycanth and compensation…
In the days leading up to Christmas, children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are prepared to be sent home, but for parents of children receiving in-home care, the hospital can be a relief. The nurses and doctors in the PICU try to make the hospital festive, and the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania rallies…
In order to prevent cervical cancer and work towards its elimination globally, greater action is needed to reduce disparities in vaccination, screening, and treatment, particularly in low and middle income countries (LMICs). High income countries such as Australia, England, and the US are making progress towards near elimination of cervical cancer through public health infrastructure…
Vision is a complex process in the brain, decoded by the combination of different wavelengths of light. Photoreceptors in the retina convert light into electrical impulses. The electrical nerve impulses are then transmitted to ganglion cells in the retina and subsequently to the visual cortex in the brain, which processes this neural activity into a…
Researchers have discovered a new class of antibodies that can neutralize multiple forms of flu virus, potentially leading to the development of more broadly protective flu vaccines. These antibodies can bind to a viral protein called hemagglutinin on the exterior of the flu virus, blocking it from entering cells. The research, published in the journal…
In 2013, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos announced that customers would receive drone deliveries in 30 minutes within 5 years, but as of 2023, drones haven’t become widespread outside of healthcare. Several hospitals are partnering with drone delivery companies for prescription and medical supply deliveries, aiming to improve patient care and health outcomes. Amazon Pharmacy and…
A study published in JAMA found that children with mild sleep disordered breathing (SDB) did not show improvement in executive function or attention after undergoing adenotonsillectomy compared to those who did not have the surgery. The study followed 458 children with mild SDB, and while the primary outcomes did not show significant improvement, several secondary…
Researchers have found that probiotics, particularly lactobacillus, could delay COVID-19 infection and reduce symptoms in unvaccinated people. The study involved 182 participants who had been in contact with COVID-19 patients, with half taking a probiotic of lactobacillus and the other half receiving a placebo. Researchers found that those taking the probiotic were 60% less likely…
The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana has achieved its sales target of Rs 1000 crore in the fiscal year 2023-24. This initiative aims to provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices to the masses. The achievement of this sales target is a significant milestone for the program, indicating its success in making essential medicines accessible…
A new report from KFF found that lower-income adults with employer-sponsored insurance face more challenges than their higher-income counterparts. They struggle to pay for healthcare services and often experience a decline in health. Data from a sample of 3,605 U.S. adults revealed that 31% of lower-income adults had trouble paying medical bills, compared to 13%…
Ireland’s first organ transplant took place 60 years ago in Dublin. Ted Tobin, a 21-year-old man suffering from kidney failure, became the first transplant recipient. The surgery, involving a deceased donor, was groundbreaking and sparked national celebration. Although initially successful, Ted experienced complications and passed away two months later. His family expressed gratitude to the…
A study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found that national coverage of state-required vaccines among kindergarten children is below prepandemic levels, with an increase in vaccine exemptions in 41 states. Researchers evaluated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine administration for the 2022 to 2023 school year, finding low coverage rates for…
The article highlights five cutting-edge weight loss strategies: mindful eating, the link between sleep and weight loss, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), vibration plate training, and gut health. Mindful eating encourages savoring each bite and being present while eating, leading to fewer calories consumed and better digestion. Adequate sleep regulates hunger hormones and boosts metabolism, while…
GuideHealth, a value-based care provider, has acquired Arcadia’s value-based care services division and managed services organization. It will use Arcadia’s data analytics platform in conjunction with its AI to provide insights and virtual health guides to healthcare providers. Arcadia’s managed services organization offers tools for network administration and improving processes. GuideHealth’s CEO believes the acquisition…
The podcast “The Host” discusses various health policy issues from the year 2023, including rising health care costs, insurance coverage, pregnancy complications, and abortion debates. The Biden administration’s accomplishments in health care are being touted, but challenges with corporate ownership in the health system and access to care remain. Issues with insurance approval for care…
The FDA has issued a complete response letter declining to approve a new drug application for gefapixant as a treatment for adults with refractory or unexplained chronic cough. This decision follows a recommendation given by the FDA’s Pulmonary-Allergy Drug Advisory Committee, and is not related to the safety of the drug. There are currently no…
In the last episode of “The Readout LOUD,” STAT’s biotech podcast, the hosts reflect on the biggest stories of 2023, discuss the best and worst CEOs in the industry, and make predictions for the drug industry in 2024. They also question what it means to be a bad CEO, whether biotech can withstand another election…
The Winter Coronavirus Infection Study in England and Scotland found that around 4.3% of people had Covid-19 in December, up from 1.8% in November. The highest rates were observed in those aged 18 to 44, with London being the worst affected. The study collected 30,000 self-reported lateral flow test results and questionnaire responses each week…
Immediate allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) after primary induction failure (PIF) offers long-term survival benefits for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Study findings showed a disease-free and overall survival rate at five and 10 years of 25.2 and 18.7 percent and 29.8 and 21.6 percent, respectively. Disease relapse occurred in 48.8 percent of…
Amino acids are essential building blocks in the human body, critical for the production of proteins and various cellular functions. TORC1, a master protein regulator, is switched on with the presence of amino acids, causing cells to grow and proteins to be made. Researchers from Osaka University discovered that the amino acid cysteine is a…
Cardiac rehabilitation is a supervised program that helps individuals with heart failure do more and feel better through exercise-based therapy, education, and nutrition. The program is tailored to each individual and supervised by knowledgeable health care providers. Aerobic exercise is recommended, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, along with strength training and flexibility exercises. The…