Shera Chok, chair and founder of The Shuri Network, highlights the need to address racism and misogyny in the NHS and health technology industry following Frank Hester’s alleged derogatory comments in 2019. The comments, which included discriminatory remarks about black, Indian, and Malaysian people, underscore the broader issue of discrimination in the healthcare and digital…
A study found that babies fixate on the same meaningful regions in photos as adults, showing an inclination to focus on interesting or important information as they age. This research offers insights into visual development that could aid in the early detection of vision problems. The study utilized adult-generated meaning maps to analyze where infants…
A study published in Scientific Reports evaluated sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) parameters to predict truck collisions caused by microsleep-related behaviors in professional truck drivers. Findings showed that oxygen desaturation index, nadir oxygen saturation, and night-time driving were associated with collisions. SDB, a common issue among truck drivers, can lead to various health problems and motor vehicle…
Alexa Federico, a certified nutritional therapy practitioner with Crohn’s disease, shares her experiences of dating and intimacy while managing her condition. She emphasizes the importance of being open and honest with partners about her health, which has led to understanding and acceptance. Dr. Megan Elizabeth Riehl stresses the significance of communication and finding a supportive…
Ovarian cancer is a deadly disease with one in seven women dying within two months of diagnosis in the United Kingdom. Early detection is crucial as nine out of ten women survive when diagnosed at the earliest stage. However, two-thirds of women are diagnosed late, making treatment more challenging. Diagnosis is difficult due to misconceptions…
Getting insufficient sleep can make you feel older than you actually are, according to a new study. Researchers at Stockholm University found that just two nights of inadequate sleep can add more than four years to your perceived aging. Participants in the study reported feeling an average of 0.23 years older for every night of…
A recent study found that exposure to outdoor light at night and air pollution are both linked to a higher risk of stroke. These factors can have negative impacts on health and increase the likelihood of experiencing a stroke. It is important to be aware of these risks and take steps to minimize exposure to…
A Novocure medical device that uses electricity to kill tumors has shown promising results in slowing the progression of lung cancer that has spread to the brain. The device, which uses “Tumor Treating Fields” to exert physical forces on cancer cells, was tested in a Phase 3 trial with adult non-small cell lung cancer patients…
Dr Austin O’Carroll has been appointed as the new chairperson of Dublin’s North Inner-City Drugs and Alcohol Task Force, overseeing €2.25 million in funding for local drug services. The Task Force aims to ensure the effective delivery of services and address gaps in provision. This move follows the Government’s decision to re-constitute the Task Force,…
NEC Corporation and Tokyo Medical and Dental University have developed AI technology to support individuals with chronic lower back pain by estimating its causes. The tool uses NEC’s human pose estimation technology to analyze body parts’ relationships, including joint flexion and back shape, to determine the cause of pain. Abductive reasoning technology processes image and…
Fiona Lu fell into depression in ninth grade but couldn’t get therapy due to her Medi-Cal plan requiring parental consent. She later campaigned for a new law allowing young patients covered by Medicaid to get mental health counseling without parental consent. The law faced opposition from parents concerned about losing control over their children’s health…
A study published in Biomedicines found that a blood sample analysis using Raman spectroscopy, combined with statistical modeling, was able to diagnose fibromyalgia accurately. The method, using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with gold particles, showed 100% diagnostic accuracy in discriminating fibromyalgia from other rheumatic disorders. This could potentially lead to a rapid and cost-effective diagnostic test…
The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) is known for critiquing drug prices, but they recently valued a new treatment at $3.9 million, the highest in history. This treatment, now approved as Lenmeldy, has the potential to cure babies with metachromatic leukodystrophy, allowing them to lead normal lives. This showcases the power of gene…
David J Hunter and colleagues highlight the decline of public health in the UK since 2010 due to factors like austerity, Brexit, and covid-19. They emphasize the need for stronger policy and leadership to address rising obesity levels, stalled life expectancy gains, widening health inequalities, and the weakening of public health agencies. The government’s opposition…
A Japanese drugmaker, Kobayashi Pharmaceutical, has reported two more deaths potentially related to its dietary supplements containing red yeast rice. Last week, the company recalled three supplement brands due to customer complaints of kidney problems. The total number of deaths being investigated is now four, with over 100 others hospitalized. Red yeast rice is known…
A recent review article in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition discussed the impact of food allergies (FA) on the economic, psychological, and social quality of life (QoL) of individuals. FA affects more than 10% of adults and 8% of children, with common allergens being milk, shellfish, nuts, and eggs. Managing FA leads to psychosocial burdens,…
Research has debunked the belief that men have higher sex drives than women due to societal norms and biases influencing how sexual behaviors are reported. Factors like biology, age, and societal attitudes impact sexual interest for both men and women. Studies have found that men and women report similar levels of sexual activity when societal…
Sarcopenic obesity (SO) increases the risk of earlier death, but screening for muscle function can help with intervention. A study in the Netherlands evaluated 5888 older adults and found that those with sarcopenia had a higher risk of all-cause mortality. Participants with SO and altered body composition had an even higher risk. The researchers suggest…
“Popcorn brain,” a term describing scattered thoughts and lack of focus often caused by excessive screen time, can lead to decreased attention spans and productivity. The effects of excess screen time can impact brain development in children, disrupt sleep patterns, and contribute to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. Mental health counselor Natalie Rosado suggests limiting…
Diabetes can be managed through a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medication. Junk food consumption can contribute to the development of diabetes due to its high sugar, fat, and calorie content. It is important to be mindful of the foods we eat and make healthier choices to prevent or manage diabetes. Consulting with a healthcare…
Mass General Brigham aims to transition 10% of its medical patients to at-home care, with potential to move up to 30-40% eventually. The health system partners with Best Buy for at-home care services, focusing on patients with conditions like heart failure, COPD, and pneumonia. The Covid-19 pandemic has increased acceptance of virtual and at-home care,…
A new report has shown that rates of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) in Ireland increased by almost one third last year, with significant rises seen among young women and girls. Gonorrhoea saw a 68% rise in cases, while chlamydia grew by 25%. Overall, 23,272 STI cases were reported, with the majority relating to chlamydia and gonorrhoea….
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that adding the histone deacetylase inhibitor romidepsin to the standard CHOP regimen did not improve outcomes in patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The study included adult patients who received either Ro-CHOP or CHOP as frontline treatment. After a median follow-up of 6 years, there were…
Funding of A$6.5 million has been awarded to four genomics-focused research projects at the University of Melbourne. These projects aim to establish patient datasets for inherited retinal diseases, develop new solutions for endometrial-related health issues, and improve prostate cancer diagnosis using genomic testing. The projects will have access to DNA sequencing technology at the TAGC…
Assisted living facilities in Montana are facing financial struggles due to delays in Medicaid payments for residents. Providers are waiting for payments ranging from weeks to months, leading to financial strain and challenges in providing care. The state’s Medicaid redetermination process has caused disruptions in payments to providers, affecting long-term care facilities, substance use disorder…
ChatGPT, an AI language model, scored well in producing high-quality and accurate summaries of medical abstracts, according to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine. While it struggled to classify the relevance of abstracts to medical specialties, the researchers suggested that ChatGPT could help busy clinicians by summarizing literature efficiently. The summaries were…
Researchers have found that a specific bacteria species in the gut, Akkermansia muciniphila, can strip sugar from antibodies and make them unrecognizable to the immune system. This process may contribute to the development of IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune kidney disease. The bacteria alters the antibodies in a way that leads to kidney inflammation and potential…
Healthcare organizations are urging the government to reinstate funding for evidence-based mental health and wellbeing services for NHS and social care staff. A coalition of 17 organizations, including medical royal colleges and the BMA, have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Victoria Atkins, demanding the restoration of ringfenced funding for…
Researchers used Google Street View to study the built environment and its impact on coronary artery disease. The study, published in the European Heart Journal, revealed that features visible in these images can predict 63% of the variation in the risk of cardiovascular disease between different areas. Factors like green spaces and walkable roads were…
A study published in Science Advances has found that combining low doses of DNMT and EZH2 inhibitors can be more effective in treating colorectal cancers and other solid tumors than either drug alone. The research, led by Van Andel Institute scientists, showed that the two medications work together to sensitize cancer cells to treatment. This…
Losing your hearing can be concerning, but many forms of hearing loss are treatable. Earwax buildup can cause hearing issues, but can often be treated at home using oil drops or over-the-counter products. Ear infections and sudden hearing loss can also be treated with medications or medical procedures. Gradual hearing loss due to aging or…
Blood-based screening for colorectal cancer (CRC), known as a “liquid biopsy,” may be used for patients who skip traditional screening tests, but cannot replace colonoscopy as the gold standard due to higher rates of false positives and false negatives. Two modeling studies and expert consensus suggest that while blood tests may be more convenient, they…
A study published in Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes found that migraines have a significant association with the incidence of stroke in young adults, comparable to established risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking. The study, based on data from over 2,600 adults aged 18 to 55 who had strokes, found that nontraditional…
A rare and serious complication, known as a stuck hemodialysis catheter, occurred in a patient after a kidney transplantation. This issue can be difficult to resolve and may require immediate medical attention. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies for analytics and advertising purposes. For more information on how…
FOLX Health, a digital health provider for the LGBTQIA+ community, has partnered with Crisis Text Line to offer 24/7 text-based mental health support to its members. This partnership allows FOLX members to access crisis counselors by texting a dedicated number. The initiative was driven by the firsthand experience of John Moore, FOLX Health’s VP of…
The Workplace Relations Commission is mediating a dispute between the HSE and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation over the health service recruitment freeze. A conciliation conference will be held to address concerns about patient and staff safety due to the freeze. The INMO highlighted the high number of patients waiting for beds and on…
A study in Heart Rhythm O2 found that using an adherent skin barrier drape during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) procedures led to a significant decrease in hospitalization for CIED infections. The study analyzed data from 14,225 procedures over a 13-year period, with an infection rate of 0.73%. Patients with adherent skin barrier use were…
A recent study published in Nature Communications explores the genetic factors that contribute to male pattern baldness. Researchers analyzed the DNA of over 70,000 British men to identify genes associated with hair loss. They discovered five genes, including EDA2R, WNT10A, HEPH, CEPT1, and EIF3F, that were linked to hair growth and follicle health. These genes…
AI-enabled virtual healthcare clinic Curai Health has partnered with Tufts Medicine to expand access to virtual care in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Curai Health offers personalized primary care, urgent care, referral management, and more through its AI-powered software. Patients can access virtual care through the MyTuftsMed patient portal app, powered by Curai, or chat with…
Insurers are increasingly denying coverage for costly air-ambulance rides for critically ill patients, citing lack of medical necessity. The No Surprises Act, enacted in 2022, is partly blamed for this trend. In one case, a mother was left with a $97,000 bill for an air-ambulance ride for her 3-month-old baby. Insurers and providers can haggle…
A study conducted by Alexander J. Acuña, MD, and colleagues from Rush University Medical Center found that elevated BMI did not increase the risks of dislocation or revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The study included 8,931 patients who underwent elective primary THA for osteoarthritis between 2010 and 2022. Patients with higher BMI did not…
Researchers have been studying multiple sclerosis (MS) in hopes of identifying subgroups of the disease to improve treatment outcomes. A new study from Germany identified three MS subtypes based on immune markers in patients’ blood, each with different disease progression. The study confirmed existing findings and also discovered new immunological activation patterns unique to each…
Paul Wallace, an emeritus professor of primary healthcare at UCL, believed that GPs were experts in normality and less likely to over-investigate than hospital specialists. Born to Kindertransport children who fled Nazi persecution, Wallace never felt fully at home in the UK despite his academic success. He identified as an internationalist and had a passion…
A Rutgers Health study found that African American and Black immigrant men prioritize their health and have the skills for proactive gastrointestinal (GI) health management. Led by Daina Potter, the study emphasizes the strengths and resilience of this population in dealing with GI conditions. The research approach focused on the positive aspects of health-seeking behaviors…
A recent study published in BMJ Open examined the relationship between physical activity and sleep outcomes in adults over a 10-year period. The study found that maintaining adequate physical activity levels was associated with lower incidence of short or long sleep durations, reduced risk of insomnia symptoms, and achieving recommended hours of sleep. While physical…
Families face forces that could pull them apart, but communication is key to maintaining connection and support. Good family communication is important for emotional, esteem, network, informational, and tangible support. Different forms of communication, such as emails or texts, can be misunderstood, but something is better than nothing. Understanding and asking for communication, rather than…
The investigational bispecific T-cell engager tarlatamab showed durable responses in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), particularly at lower doses, with encouraging survival outcomes. The therapy targeted cancer cells expressing DLL3 and demonstrated clinical activity in pretreated patients. Data from phase 1 and phase 2 trials showed overall response rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival….
Regular physical activity, specifically 2-3 times a week, can reduce the risk of insomnia and help achieve the recommended 6-9 hours of sleep per night. Factors such as gender, age, weight, and overall health play a role in this association. The study found that participants who consistently exercised were less likely to have difficulty falling…
A study found that robot-assisted prostatectomy led to better recovery of continence and erectile function after surgery. This method was found to be more effective compared to traditional prostatectomy. The study highlights the benefits of using robotic assistance in this procedure. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies for…
DocuSign and Velatura have partnered to streamline the patient consent form capture process for protected health information (PHI) in a pilot project. This aims to remove administrative burdens for healthcare providers, allowing more time for clinical consultations and decision-making. The partnership modernizes and facilitates the efficient completion of consent forms, providing patients with convenience and…