Melbourne startup Kismet has secured $8.2 million in seed funding to expand its community engagement ecosystem connecting care receivers, caregivers, health insurance, and healthcare providers globally. The platform, Kismet Participant, helps users find and book healthcare services based on their needs and insurance benefits. The company aims to address fraud and non-compliance in the disability…
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Proposition 1, aimed at addressing the state’s homelessness crisis through funding housing units and treatment beds, is leading by a narrow margin post-election. The measure has sparked skepticism among voters regarding the effectiveness of Newsom’s policies. Newsom has invested billions into homelessness interventions, with minimal progress evident. Homelessness has increased by…
Menas Kizoulis, senior director of global scientific engagement at Kenvue, discusses the company’s latest research on skincare products presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. The research includes innovations like the hydro boost water cream and studies on acne treatments such as acne patches. Kenvue is also presenting scientific posters on the use…
Acadia Pharmaceuticals announced that their medication Nuplazid did not show improvement in the social and emotional symptoms of schizophrenia in a Phase 3 clinical trial. This is a setback for the company’s plans to expand the use of Nuplazid for schizophrenia treatment, as it is currently only approved for Parkinson’s disease psychosis. Acadia’s CEO expressed…
President Biden used his final state of the union speech before the upcoming election to promise to protect reproductive rights and restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the right to choose and other freedoms. The 1973 Supreme Court decision legalized abortion, but conservative justices appointed…
A study found that across 300 bars and restaurants in the San Francisco Bay area, only 21% of establishments refused to serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated patrons, despite laws banning this practice in almost every state. Researchers conducted the study using “pseudo-patrons” who pretended to be drunk. Factors such as the gender of the patron…
Researchers developed a “GPS nanoparticle” that targets cancer cells to deliver a genetic punch, potentially treating basal-like breast cancers more effectively. This technology, published in ACS Nano, uses a Trojan horse nanoparticle disguised with special lipids carrying CRISPR-Cas9 molecules to target and knock down cancer-causing genes. The nanoparticles are designed to respond in the low…
At-home medical diagnostic testing is a booming market, expected to reach $45.6 billion by 2031, with a variety of tests available for conditions like thyroid disease, STDs, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s. These tests offer convenience and can be done at home, but accuracy and privacy concerns exist. While FDA-approved tests are safe, results may not…
Maternal hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is linked to adverse birth outcomes and childhood morbidities, including respiratory, metabolic, central nervous system conditions. A study found that children born to mothers with HS had an increased risk of preterm birth, neonatal death, birth defects, congenital heart defects, and orofacial defects. These children were also more likely to experience…
Lazy eye in childhood has been linked to an increased risk of developing obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and heart attacks in adulthood, according to a study. Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a condition that causes reduced vision in one eye due to a breakdown in brain and eye coordination. Signs of the condition…
A study found that Vitamin D supplementation can reduce CRP levels in postmenopausal women. CRP levels are a marker of inflammation in the body, and reducing them can help improve overall health. The study highlights the potential benefits of Vitamin D supplementation for postmenopausal women in managing inflammation. The findings suggest that incorporating Vitamin D…
UpLift, a behavioral health company, has acquired TAO Connect, a mental health company focused on higher education institutions. UpLift offers virtual talk therapy and medication management services with a network of nearly 2,000 providers. TAO Connect provides online interactive programs for mental health in higher education. The acquisition will result in a comprehensive mental healthcare…
New figures show that over 889,000 people were on healthcare waiting lists at the end of February. The majority were waiting for outpatient consultations, inpatient treatments, or GI endoscopies. The Irish Hospital Consultants Association warned that without increased capacity, any action plan to address this issue may not be effective. The government has invested over…
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that the AHA 2022 algorithm resulted in more potential kidney transplant candidates being recommended for cardiology referral or cardiac screening compared to the previous 2012 algorithm. The study included 529 potential candidates and showed that the 2022 algorithm led to increased referrals for cardiac…
A German man received over 200 COVID-19 vaccine doses in two years without any adverse effects. This case study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, provides data on vaccine safety. The man had a variety of vaccine brands and technologies, and his immune system responded normally to the repeated doses. Health checks showed no poisoning…
Experts at a healthcare conference emphasized that financial return on investment is not the only important factor when implementing virtual care technologies. They stressed the need to focus on patient experience, clinical outcomes, and operational efficiency. Three essential aspects to consider for ROI are direct program view, cost avoidance, and downstream benefits. Evaluating costs and…
Colorado is trying to join Florida in importing prescription drugs from Canada, but they are facing obstacles from drugmakers and the FDA. Drug companies typically sell medications for less in Canada due to price controls, but they have no interest in helping Americans obtain these drugs. Colorado has faced resistance from nearly two dozen drug…
The American Academy of Dermatology’s Advisory Board decided not to adopt the resolution to remove all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. They will instead discuss three of the five resolutions at their meeting in May. These include proposals to segregate small practices in the Merit-based Incentive Payment system, make statements on geopolitical issues, and expand…
The FDA approved a label expansion for Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy, highlighting its heart benefits. A large trial showed a 20% reduction in cardiovascular problems for overweight or obese individuals with heart disease. Novo Nordisk is also addressing counterfeit versions of its diabetes drug Ozempic in multiple countries, with reports of patient harm. The…
The FDA has approved the first over-the-counter continuous blood glucose monitor, the Stelo Glucose Biosensor System by Dexcom. It will be available in the US this summer for people over 18 who do not use insulin to treat their diabetes. The device allows individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels continuously without the need for…
California has passed a law allowing trained physician assistants to perform first-trimester abortions without a supervising physician. This move aims to increase access to abortion care, particularly in rural areas where access is limited. The state has seen a 20% increase in abortions since 2020, as other states have implemented restrictions. The American Medical Association…
Metrion Biosciences has promoted Clare Rutty to CFO and hired Sue Peffer as Head of Marketing and Leanne Clarke as HR Officer. The company has recently secured new equity financing and is focused on continued growth. Clare Rutty has been crucial in financial growth, with turnover increasing from £1.5m in 2018 to £5.3m in 2022….
For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, it may take time to find the right medication that works. There are over two dozen safe and effective antidepressants available, but doctors cannot predict how individuals will respond to each one due to various factors such as genetics and stressors. Strategies for treatment-resistant depression include ensuring medication adherence, giving…
The medical precept “When you hear hoofbeats, think of horses, not zebras” emphasizes the importance of considering common diagnoses over rare diseases. However, primary care pediatricians often encounter rare diseases in their practice, posing a challenge in knowing when to suspect them. Diagnostic delays, diagnostic tests’ cost, and the desire to reassure parents can complicate…
Recent research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology suggests that wearing makeup, especially foundation cream, while exercising can impact skin health. The study compared individuals exercising with and without makeup and found that wearing makeup can lead to clogged pores and potentially spark acne breakouts. The researchers recommend opting for lighter makeup or oil-free…
Ranjit Shahani, former Chief of Novartis India, has passed away. This news was reported in an article that uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, the user agrees to the use of cookies. To learn more, the user can refer to the Cookie Policy and Cookie Settings on…
Recent settlements related to claims against advertising and pharmaceutical companies involved in the opioid crisis are providing hope for accountability and funding for treatment. However, concerns remain about the impact of these settlements on the epidemic, as past lawsuits did not lead to significant changes in marketing practices. Studies have shown a link between aggressive…
A Consultant Chemical Pathologist position is available at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry with a salary range of £88,799 – £119,723 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday, April 5, 2024, at 3:30pm. Interested candidates can find the full criteria, job description, and application form on jobs.hscni.net and apply online. A waiting list…
Two new studies published in JAMA Network Open show that both recurrent and severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) in children lead to worse outcomes. Infants with recurrent AKI have longer hospital stays compared to those with a single episode. Risk factors for recurrent AKI include younger gestational age, lower…
Healthcare executives must monitor the pharmaceutical supply chain to combat counterfeit drugs, as overdose deaths related to fake pills have been rising. The Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) aims to address this issue by establishing a track-and-trace system for prescription drugs. Gee Mathen, director at Texas Children’s Hospital, will discuss the impact of DSCSA…
Top officials in Washington, including White House officials and senior military leaders, have been receiving preferential treatment through a little-known health care program run by the military. This has raised concerns as these privileges have potentially compromised care for other patients, including active-duty service members. The program, known as executive medicine, allows for special treatment…
The Skin of Color Society opposes a resolution to eliminate DEI programs at the American Academy of Dermatology. The resolution, introduced by Brian Raphael, MD, and co-signed by 92 physicians, cites antisemitism as a reason to dissolve the program. However, a counter-resolution filed by three co-authors argues that the DEI initiative is necessary to address…
Medicare is offering advance payments to healthcare providers affected by the Change Healthcare cyberattack on February 21. These payments, up to 30 days based on past Medicare payments, are for providers unable to submit claims due to the cyberattack. Providers are expected to repay the amount within 90 days with interest. The American Hospital Association…
English Heritage has recently announced their decision to start putting up blue plaques in areas outside of London. The first plaque outside London, placed in 2024 in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, commemorates Daphne Steele, the first black nursing matron in the NHS. This move by English Heritage is to address the imbalance in the number of…
A study of polyglots, individuals who speak five or more languages, found that their brain processes their native language differently. When listening to any language they speak, the same language regions of the brain light up. However, the brain showed less activity when processing the native language compared to other languages, suggesting that processing the…
A study found that retinoic acid receptors (RARa) in the proximal tubules of the kidney are essential in preventing kidney injury that can lead to kidney failure. When RARa in the proximal tubules stop working, chronic kidney disease can develop. Current treatment options for kidney disease are limited, with dialysis or kidney replacement being the…
Heart disease is common among people with diabetes, with their risk of heart disease death and stroke being more than twice as high. Type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher prevalence of heart disease, making it the leading cause of death among individuals with this type of diabetes. The Framingham Study highlighted the increased…
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…
Kidney diseases are a major cause of death in the United States, with millions of adults suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This National Kidney Month, expert Lindsay Ducharme emphasizes the importance of dietary habits in preventing and managing kidney diseases. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating fluids,…
Single lung ventilation with double endotracheal tubes is an effective technique for isolating and ventilating one lung during certain surgical procedures. The use of two tubes can provide better lung isolation, improved oxygenation, and reduced incidence of complications compared to using a single tube. However, proper placement and monitoring are crucial for successful outcomes. The…
Wheel, a virtual care platform, has partnered with prescription drug company Cost Plus Drugs, mental health company Talkspace, and data sharing platform Health Gorilla to enhance its virtual care ecosystem. Wheel provides infrastructure for virtual care, connecting patients with clinicians nationwide. Through these partnerships, patients can access mental health services, home delivery pharmacy services, and…
The Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) has released new educational resources for GPs on contraception and fertility management. The Quick Reference Guide (QRG) on Contraception Management provides detailed information on counseling and prescribing different types of contraception. The government’s introduction of free contraceptive services for women aged 17-31 is seen as a positive step…
Cybercrime in the healthcare industry is on the rise, impacting patient care and leading to lawsuits. A survey found that disruptions to patient care, poor outcomes, and increased complications are common due to cyberattacks. Health care organizations are facing multiple attacks annually with an average cost of nearly $5 million per attack. Supply chain attacks…
Magentus partners with Google Cloud to enhance customer data management using generative AI. They aim to simplify access to medical information for clinicians through AI solutions. Amwell is selected by Medibank to support preventative care programs with technology for lifestyle management. The ACCC approves Westpac’s acquisition of Dedalus’s HealthPoint, allowing the bank to compete in…
California could face over $40 million in fines for failing to improve suicide prevention measures in state prisons despite a federal judge’s warning. Chief U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller had threatened financial penalties for each violation if the state did not implement 15 suicide prevention protocols that had been lacking for almost a decade. The…
Silk Road Medical has launched a new tapered configuration of their transcarotid stent system in the U.S. This system is indicated for patients with carotid artery stenosis at elevated risk for adverse events from carotid endarterectomy. The Tapered Enroute Transcarotid Stent System provides additional configurations for tailored transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) with a short delivery…
U.S. regulators have approved a label expansion for Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy, highlighting its benefits for the heart. This move is expected to increase demand and insurance coverage for the popular treatment. The new label indicates that Wegovy can help reduce the risk of major heart complications for individuals with overweight or obesity and…
Junior doctors in Northern Ireland went on strike to protect patient care due to doctors leaving for countries with better pay and conditions. The strike, the first in Northern Ireland, was supported by 97.6% of doctors in a BMA vote. Doctors on the picket line at Ulster Hospital in Belfast expressed that they were at…
Matthew Treviño and Emily Fletcher are participating in a clinical trial at UC Davis Health to test a reversible hormonal birth control gel for men. The gel, developed by the Population Council and the NIH, is applied to the shoulders and works by suppressing sperm production while maintaining testosterone levels. The couple decided to participate…
Diabetes management requires regular blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration, usually through painful finger pricks. Researchers are exploring non-invasive methods using modern electronics. While infrared light has been proposed, near-infrared light (NIR) is more accessible. A study by Tomoya Nakazawa’s team developed a metabolic index based on the phase delay between oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin signals…