The Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research provided updates on Alzheimer Disease (AD) and AD and related dementias (ADRD) treatments and ongoing research in a virtual meeting. New treatments for AD, such as Leqembi and donanemab, were discussed. Biogen Inc. discontinued Aduhelm in favor of prioritizing lecanemab. Resources for dementia caregivers have increased, including a public…
Johnson & Johnson MedTech has partnered with NVIDIA to incorporate artificial intelligence in surgical procedures. The collaboration aims to enhance real-time analysis and expand the use of AI algorithms in surgery decision-making, education, and collaboration. By utilizing NVIDIA’s AI platform for healthcare, J&J MedTech plans to integrate AI into its surgical technologies to improve patient…
Jason Barton and his family attended the Super Bowl parade in Kansas City, where a tragic shooting occurred. Despite not being officially listed as victims, they experienced trauma and physical injuries. The community has come together to support survivors, address medical and psychological needs, and distribute donations. The Barton family, like many others affected, struggles…
Jasper Therapeutics has initiated a phase 1b/2a clinical trial, called SPOTLIGHT, to evaluate subcutaneous briquilimab for the treatment of chronic inducible urticaria. Briquilimab is a novel antibody therapy that targets c-Kit in mast cell-driven diseases. The first patient has been dosed in the study, which aims to establish proof of concept for mast cell depletion…
The FDA has authorized a new antibody drug, Pemgarda, to protect immunocompromised individuals from Covid-19. This drug by Invivyd is the first available since AstraZeneca’s Evusheld was pulled due to its ineffectiveness against new Omicron variants. Immunocompromised patients, including cancer and transplant recipients, eagerly anticipate this protection as their weakened immune systems may not respond…
John Holman Bentley Williams was born in Eastbourne, the son of a GP, and went on to study medicine at Oxford after completing national service in the Royal Air Force. He was part of the Oxford athletics team as a hurdler and witnessed Roger Bannister’s historic four-minute mile in 1954. After qualifying as a doctor,…
A study conducted in Canada found that physicians, particularly male doctors, are working fewer hours compared to three decades ago. The long-term trend of declining work hours among physicians should be considered in workforce planning and health care policy decisions. The COVID-19 pandemic also had an impact on physician work hours, with a temporary decline…
A recent study in Nature Human Behaviour examined the long-term psychiatric effects and vaccination’s role on mental health in COVID-19 survivors using UK Biobank data. The research found that COVID-19 survivors faced heightened risks of various psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, mood, and anxiety disorders, with increased prescriptions for psychotropic medications. The study also highlighted the…
Living with depression can affect relationships, as psychologist and depression sufferer Deborah Serani explains. Strong relationships can be a buffer against depression, but it can be hard to maintain them when dealing with symptoms like moodiness and difficulty concentrating. It’s important to communicate openly with loved ones about your needs and feelings, and not to…
The European Medicines Agency has recommended granting marketing authorization for two medications – Agilus for the treatment of malignant hyperthermia, and Neoatricon for the treatment of hypotension in neonates, infants, and children. Agilus contains dantrolene sodium and works by preventing the release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Neoatricon contains dopamine hydrochloride and works by…
A recent study funded by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals hospitalized with influenza were more likely to require hospital care for neurological conditions in the following year compared to those with COVID-19. The study, which included 77,272 individuals with COVID-19 and an equal number with influenza, found lower rates of common neurological…
The U.S. FDA has approved a single tablet combination of macitentan and tadalafil for the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension. This medication offers a convenient option for patients with this condition. The combination of macitentan and tadalafil has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms and quality of life for individuals with pulmonary artery…
The digital health industry is facing challenges in funding and financing, with an oversaturation of startups making it difficult for many to succeed in the market. Successful startups are those that can quickly demonstrate ROI for customers and show improved outcomes through measurable data. Health system leaders prioritize ROI when considering new products, with a…
The Minister for Health appointed barrister Mark Connaughton as chair of the new Paediatric Spinal Taskforce for children with scoliosis. The taskforce aims to improve care for children with scoliosis who are currently facing long waits for surgery. The group will include multiple stakeholders with draft terms of reference for their work. Minister Donnelly highlighted…
Social frailty is associated with an increased risk for incident motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) in older adults. A study published in Alzheimer’s and Dementia found that social frailty, defined by factors such as going out less and not feeling confident, independently raised the risk of MCR. The researchers used the Makizako Social Frailty Index…
RNA-focused digital therapeutics company Flamingo Therapeutics appointed Dr. Ezra Cohen to its board of directors. The company specializes in RNA therapies for oncology and is supported by various investors. Dr. Cohen has a background in developing pharmaceuticals, particularly for head and neck cancers. He is optimistic about Flamingo’s potential to improve treatment options in oncology….
Antonio Abundis, un padre de tres hijos diagnosticado con leucemia, perdió su cobertura de Medi-Cal en julio pasado debido a una nueva verificación de elegibilidad en California. Esta situación se ha visto reflejada en cientos de miles de latinos que han sido desafiliados de Medi-Cal, lo que ha generado dificultades para reestablecer la cobertura. Algunos…
Dr. Sheri L. Rowen discusses new treatment options for patients with presbyopia at Hawaiian Eye 2024. She mentions successful outcomes with the Light Adjustable Lens+ for a patient needing cataract surgery. Additionally, she highlights a modular shape-changing lens from Atia Vision, a new 0.4% pilocarpine drop, and laser scleral microporation from Ace Vision Group. Dr….
Celebrities used to keep their illnesses private, but that changed in the early 20th century with a growing obsession with celebrities. Athletes like Lou Gehrig and public figures like Betty Ford started the trend of publicizing their illnesses, influencing others to do the same. Disclosure of illnesses like cancer and mental health conditions has helped…
The Czech Republic is facing a significant outbreak of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, with over 3000 cases reported this year. Deputy health minister Josef Pavlovic urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to address any gaps in vaccination status. The government is taking steps to address the outbreak and prevent further…
Lab tests conducted on cannabis flower sold in Colorado revealed that the THC potency reported on labels was often inflated. THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and accurate reporting is crucial for medical patients and recreational users. Misleading information can impact dosages, customer trust, and industry integrity. The study found that 70% of samples…
A study led by NTU Singapore has found that Streptococcus anginosus bacteria play a significant role in causing stomach cancer. These bacteria, which are commonly found in the body, can lead to cell damage and changes that encourage gastric cancer, including inflammation and abnormal cell growth. The researchers also discovered that disrupting a protein on…
In the last 20 years, treatment options for major depressive disorder have significantly improved. Advances in evidence-based treatment have led to the development of more selective antidepressants with fewer side effects. Psychotherapy combined with drug therapy, such as newer medications like citalopram and escitalopram, is found to be the most effective. Newer treatments like ketamine…
The study found that most survivors of childhood cancer in Ontario, Canada do not meet surveillance guidelines for screening adult cancers or other long-term adverse effects of treatment. Only 53% followed recommendations for cardiomyopathy screening, 13% for colorectal cancer screening, and 6% for breast cancer screening. The risk for developing secondary cancers is high among…
Prosopometamorphopsia (PMO) is a rare neurological disorder that distorts facial perception, causing individuals to see demonic-like faces. It has been reported in fewer than 100 cases and is often misdiagnosed as schizophrenia. The condition stems from dysfunction in the brain’s facial processing network and can be triggered by head trauma, stroke, epilepsy, or migraines. A…
A recent study found that children under 2 years who received the MMR vaccine had a reduced rate of antibiotic treatment. The study suggests that the MMR vaccine may have a positive impact on reducing the need for antibiotics in young children. This finding highlights the potential benefits of vaccination beyond just preventing the targeted…
Scientists worldwide are researching advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) to harness the body’s healing potential, revolutionizing healthcare. These living therapies, utilizing cells, proteins, tissues, and nucleic acids, offer curative potential for rare and stubborn diseases. Despite challenges in manufacturing and supply, ATMPs have shown promise, evidenced by 34,400 CAR-T cell therapies delivered. The field is…
Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin will begin testing wearable devices for patients with severe asthma. The devices will be integrated into a digital platform and used by 50 patients on a trial basis. Patients will also receive a home spirometer to measure lung function. The wearable device will allow patients to record various health data,…
Traffic-related pollution is linked to increased neuritic plaques in Alzheimer’s patients, especially in those without APOE ε4 alleles. Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with dementia and cognitive decline. A study at the Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center found a significant association between PM2.5 and CERAD scores. The study had limitations, including a small…
A study published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair found that augmented reality (AR) headsets can deliver effective virtual dual-task training for people with Parkinson’s Disease to improve their gait. This innovation makes therapy more accessible for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, who often struggle with walking due to symptoms like loss of balance and shuffling gait….
Verily, Alphabet’s life science subsidiary, has shifted its focus to using AI and data science for precision health. Andrew Trister, Verily’s chief medical and science officer, discussed the company’s collaboration with Google, its development of technologies like the Verily Retinal Camera, and its exploration of generative AI models like Med-PaLM and Gemini. Verily aims to…
KFF Health News reporters discussed various health topics in recent podcasts and news segments. Aneri Pattani talked about reporting on addiction and opioid spending in Massachusetts. Rachana Pradhan explored constraints on women’s health care at Catholic hospitals, while Paula Andalo covered Colorado students advocating for carrying naloxone. KFF Health News is a national newsroom focusing…
Heron Therapeutics reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results, achieving a quarterly record of $5.6 million in net product sales from Zynrelef. The company also reported $107.9 million in revenue from its oncology care franchise. CEO Craig Collard expressed optimism for the company’s long-term success and profitability, attributing positive momentum to strategic decisions made…
Pregnancy accelerates biological aging but much of the effect is reversed after delivery, especially in people who breastfeed. Research shows that being pregnant is associated with faster molecular aging, which can be reversed to some extent postpartum. Higher BMI is linked to higher biological age, while breastfeeding accelerates the rate of recovery. Future studies will…
The UK NHS has introduced a new random ranking system for allocating foundation training posts, leaving medical students feeling powerless and deprived of agency. Many students have been assigned to remote locations far from their loved ones, causing distress and disillusionment. The sudden change to a random allocation system has left students unable to predict…
By 2050, the global population of adults 60 and older is expected to double, leading to a rise in dementia cases. University College Cork researchers are investigating the link between dementia risks and blood content, suggesting that changes in the brain may be accelerated due to what is in the blood. Detecting risk factors for…
University of Queensland researchers have used dosing software to speed up the effects of antibiotics in sepsis patients in Intensive Care Units. The software improved antibiotic exposures in adults and children with sepsis, leading to faster recovery, higher quality care, cost savings, and increased bed availability in hospitals. The technique used in the DIRECT study…
Dan Collins has been living with major depressive disorder since he was 16. He experienced a critical episode in 1991 when he felt overwhelmed by despair and anxiety. After struggling, he sought help and was prescribed Prozac, which helped him immensely. He also took up fencing and exercise to manage his depression. He emphasizes the…
The US FDA has expanded the indications for bempedoic acid and bempedoic acid plus ezetimibe combination to prevent heart attacks and cardiovascular procedures in primary- and secondary-prevention patients regardless of statin use. Bempedoic acid is indicated to reduce the risk for MI and coronary revascularization in adults unable to take recommended statin therapy with CVD,…
Researchers found that 68% of children under 6 in Chicago are exposed to lead-contaminated water, with 69% of tests exceeding the safe limit of 1 ppb. Disparities in exposure levels and testing rates were found among racial groups, indicating environmental racism. Lead is toxic, especially for kids, and no level of exposure is safe. Despite…
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) released its 2023 report, highlighting the impact of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective management strategies to reduce the burden of COPD. It also emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation and promoting healthy lifestyles…
Health systems heavily rely on third-party vendors for various services, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The recent attack on Change Healthcare highlights the disastrous effects of third-party cyberattacks on healthcare providers. Transparency is crucial in responding to cyber incidents, but legal concerns often hinder information sharing. Organizations need time to understand the extent of the…
CORU, the health and social care professionals’ council, has named Sheila McClelland as its new CEO, starting on April 8. McClelland previously served as CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. CORU oversees the professional conduct of 13 different healthcare professions and currently regulates 27,000 professionals, with plans to expand to 40,000 in…
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that semaglutide, a medication for type 2 diabetes, reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and improves metabolic outcomes compared to a placebo, regardless of baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The study analyzed data from two randomized controlled trials and included 6480 participants with type 2 diabetes…
Experts at HIMSS24 emphasized the importance of having a strong executive team and solutions that address providers’ pain points in digital health startups. The financing and funding environment for digital health startups is challenging, with an influx of capital in 2021 creating a crowded market. Investors look for companies that can quickly scale and demonstrate…
Sarah Feldman, de 35 años, recibió cartas amenazantes del Centro Médico Mount Sinai debido a problemas con un acuerdo de precios con UnitedHealthcare. A pesar de las promesas de que sus médicos seguirían en la red, el hospital y la aseguradora terminaron su acuerdo. Estas disputas de contratos entre proveedores y aseguradoras están en aumento,…
Exposure to acid-suppressive medications in infants increases the risk of developing food allergies, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Proton pump inhibitors present the highest risks, with risk ratios ranging from 2.17 to 11.23. Researchers hypothesize that these medications may increase allergy risks by causing gut dysbiosis. The study, which included 56,492 patients prescribed PPIs…
The Supreme Court justices questioned whether the Biden administration coerced social media platforms to regulate Covid-19 content, violating freedom of speech in the case of Murthy v. Missouri. Biden’s lawyers argued they had the right to flag misinformation and press platforms to regulate false information. Some justices doubted the plaintiff’s assertion of coercion and harm…
The BMA has called for an independent inquiry into the use of physician associates in hospitals to replace doctors on medical rotas. They are urging the government to investigate how widespread this practice is in England and how it has been allowed to happen. The BMA has requested the health and social care secretary to…
The increasing global population of patients with diabetic wounds presents a significant challenge, impacting patients’ quality of life and putting a strain on healthcare systems. Traditional wound treatment methods have limitations in drug delivery to the wound bed. Microneedles have emerged as a promising solution due to their efficient drug delivery capabilities and minimal invasiveness….