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The development of artificial intelligence in healthcare holds great promise, but it is crucial to address possible pitfalls that could worsen existing inequities in healthcare outcomes. Founders and entrepreneurs must prioritize ethical AI, bias mitigation, cultural competence in UX design, and community engagement to ensure equitable and meaningful solutions. By detecting and addressing biases in…

Dr. Tony Holohan’s appointment as a consultant in public health medicine in the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme has sparked controversy due to his salary of up to €257,000. Questions have been raised about the necessity of such a high salary for this type of role, especially considering his previous involvement in the Cervical Check…

Tirzepatide may reduce blood pressure in patients with a BMI of 27 or higher, both during the day and at night. The SURMOUNT-1 trial evaluated the effects of tirzepatide on blood pressure in adults with high BMI. The study showed that all doses of tirzepatide led to a decrease in 24-hour systolic blood pressure compared…

In the world of sports and health, safety and performance are top priorities. Sports medical certificates are crucial for ensuring athletes are fit to compete. Mounjaro, a new medication, offers hope for managing conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Sports medical certificates involve thorough examinations to assess fitness. Mounjaro works differently from other diabetes medications and…

Waltz Health, a digital search engine for prescription pricing and reimbursement, is entering the Medicare market to help health plans support beneficiaries in accessing lower drug prices. They will provide health plans with an AI-enabled search engine called Marketplace Search to find lower-cost medications and track medication adherence trends. The first payer to use this…

El Cirujano General de Florida, Joseph Ladapo, revierte una norma de salud pública que permitía a niños no vacunados asistir a la escuela durante un brote de sarampión. Esto va en contra del consejo de los CDC y genera preocupaciones sobre la propagación de la enfermedad. A pesar de la seguridad de la vacuna, el…

Tapinarof, a steroid-free topical treatment targeting atopic dermatitis, showed significant improvement in symptoms, especially itch, for patients in a clinical trial presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Meeting. The cream, named Vtama, has been submitted for FDA approval for patients aged 2 years and older. The treatment is considered suitable…

A portion of a state law in Oregon that required pharmaceutical companies to report on price increases has been suspended. This decision came after a U.S. District Court judge ruled in favor of a pharmaceutical industry trade group that argued the reporting requirements were unconstitutional. The industry group contended that disclosing information about marketing and…

The changes to the allocation process for academic foundation jobs in the UK are not expected to address the barriers that prevent clinicians from pursuing research careers. The decision by the UK Foundation Programme Office to implement a preference informed allocation system for all foundation doctors has been met with frustration. The random allocation system…

A new non-invasive brain stimulation technique called Patterned Low-Intensity Low-Frequency Ultrasound (LILFUS) has been developed by the Institute for Basic Science. This technique has shown promising results in inducing long-lasting changes in brain function by precisely stimulating specific brain regions with ultrasound. The study found that ultrasound can modulate neural plasticity through key molecular pathways,…

University of Surrey scientists have developed a new technique for electrospinning 3D scaffolds that can be used to grow skin grafts from a patient’s own skin. This method, which involves electrifying liquid droplets to form fibers, has shown promising results in terms of cell viability and growth compared to traditional 2D structures. The scaffolds are…

Black Americans in the U.S. have a higher risk of experiencing a stroke compared to other racial groups, with worse outcomes and higher mortality rates. Initiatives like Ziengbe, founded by Eseosa Ighodaro, aim to address these disparities. Knowing the symptoms of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulties, numbness, and vision loss,…

Electrolytes are essential minerals with an electric charge found in the body, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. They play vital roles in bodily functions like regulating heartbeat, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Electrolyte drinks are designed to replenish these minerals after sweating or dehydration. The top 5 electrolyte drink options include PowderVitamin…

A recent study highlighted the challenges of managing blood pressure in patients with lymphoid malignancies who are being treated with Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The study revealed that these inhibitors can lead to fluctuations in blood pressure and require close monitoring and management. The findings emphasize the importance of assessing and addressing hypertension in patients…

Health insurers are starting to use AI for prior authorization decisions, sparking debate on transparency and potential biases in the algorithms. Experts at a KFF panel discussed concerns about outdated data, lack of transparency, and potential delays in patient care. While some see AI as a way to improve efficiency, others worry about the impact…

Irish employers may face legal action for not making workplaces menopause-friendly, following new UK guidelines. Severe menopausal symptoms may now be considered a disability, impacting employee performance. Irish Equality Minister commissioned research on menopause and menstrual health in the workplace, expecting new guidelines this year. UK guidelines recommend ‘reasonable adjustments’, such as temperature control and…

Insomnia symptoms and short sleep duration are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) gathered data from over 2,900 women aged 42 to 52 over a 19-year period. Participants with persistent high insomnia had a higher risk of CVD, as did those…

A study by Public Health Scotland found that the HPV vaccine is successful in reducing cervical cancer cases in young women, with the best results seen in those vaccinated between ages 11 and 13. The vaccine reduces the risk of aggressive cervical cancers to zero and has significantly decreased cases of invasive cervical cancer in…

Best Practice Software is integrating a transcription tool powered by generative AI into its practice management system. The tool, Lyrebird Scribe, automates the generation of medical documentation like patient notes, letters, and referrals within minutes. Telstra Health has launched the Smart Connected Care suite, which includes platforms like Smart Clinician, Smart Manager, and Smart Marketplace,…

Southern states have resisted Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, with the majority of uninsured Americans who would benefit living in non-expansion states in the South. North Carolina recently expanded Medicaid, leading to potential shifts in other Southern states like Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Analysts predict that eventually, all states will expand Medicaid. The…

A study led by Dr. Dinushika Mohottige found that neighborhoods with economic shortcomings and higher area deprivation had a higher prevalence of chronic health conditions. The study, conducted in Durham County, North Carolina, explored the relationship between structural racism indicators and chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Results showed that neighborhoods with a lower percentage…

Annovis Bio made a late change to the design of a Phase 3 study in Parkinson’s disease, raising concerns initially. However, CEO Maria Maccecchini provided an explanation that eased worries. The company’s drug, buntanetap, is being investigated in the study, with results delayed due to ongoing data cleaning efforts. The primary endpoint of the study…

The Home Office policy of disregarding independent medical assessments in favor of those made by a government-appointed doctor for asylum seekers has been deemed illegal by a High Court judge. This came after a challenge by charity Medical Justice, which argued that the policy was causing delays in decisions on whether vulnerable individuals should be…

There has been a resurgence of measles cases in South Florida, with six confirmed cases linked to a Broward elementary school. Measles is spreading in Florida due to low vaccination rates, with 3% of students at Manatee Bay Elementary in Weston being unvaccinated. The situation is exacerbated by a general decline in childhood vaccinations across…

Optibrium has released StarDrop 7.6, an updated version of its platform for small molecule design, optimization, and analysis. The new extension, Idea Tracker, allows medicinal chemists to track molecular design and optimization decisions from idea conception to candidate selection for synthesis. Idea Tracker fills a gap in tracking the genesis and progression of initial ideas…

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that has been approved for use in treating childhood obesity. However, understanding this complex issue is key before determining if Wegovy should be used. Childhood obesity is affected by genetic, physiological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, and there are misconceptions and stigmas surrounding the disease. Treatment options aside from bariatric…

The consumption of certain food emulsifiers has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, particularly breast and prostate cancer, according to a large cohort study. Ultraprocessed foods, which make up around 30% of energy intake in France, often contain these emulsifiers. The study found that emulsifiers may alter gut microbiota and lead to…

Heart attacks occur every 40 seconds and are the leading cause of death for both men and women. It is important to recognize the different symptoms of heart attacks in men and women. Common symptoms in men include chest pain, while women may have heart attacks without chest pain, reporting symptoms such as neck, back,…

The Union Health Minister recently spoke at the launch event of the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative on Digital Health. The event focused on the importance of leveraging digital technology to improve healthcare globally. The minister emphasized the potential of digital health initiatives to increase access to healthcare services and improve health outcomes. He also…

Perelel, a vitamin company founded by OB/GYNs, has pledged $10 million to support women’s health research and close gaps in maternal health. The company offers targeted vitamin packs to support women throughout their reproductive health journey and plans to donate products and funding grants to the Magee-Womens Research Institute and the Good+Foundation by 2027. This…

The research published in the British Journal of Haematology found that early progression after quadruplet combinations for multiple myeloma (MM) predicts subsequent early progression on later treatment lines. Among patients with newly diagnosed MM, quadruplet combinations are a main treatment. There are no standardized guidelines for progressing transplant-eligible patients after quadruplet therapy. The study evaluated…

Philips has introduced a new radiation-free imaging technology called LumiGuide, which uses light reflections to create 3D images of devices within the body. The tool, powered by fiber optic technology, allows surgeons to visualize devices within the body without radiation exposure. It offers real-time 3D device guidance and uses light instead of X-ray to diminish…

The Alabama Supreme Court’s decision on embryonic personhood has ignited a national debate about reproductive rights. President Trump is considering endorsing a national abortion ban at 16 weeks, and former aides are planning reproductive health restrictions if he wins a second term. There are concerns about the impact of Catholic hospital directives on patients’ reproductive…

Pain management specialist Pavan Tankha, DO, emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between mental and physical distress in breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Tankha argues that healthcare specialties have a critical disconnect regarding pain management and that there is a lack of comprehensive instruction on pain in medical training. Tankha suggests that minimizing…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration stated that it does not plan to impose stricter penalties against clinical trial sponsors and researchers who fail to register studies or report results. This decision is based on potential strain on resources. The agency prefers to rely on voluntary compliance and retains the right to exercise regulatory discretion…

The General Medical Council (GMC) has issued an apology for its past mistreatment of LGBTQ+ doctors, acknowledging the historical legal, public, and professional harassment they faced. However, this apology has raised questions about whether it goes far enough to address the distress and impact on careers and families experienced by LGBTQ+ staff. The apology comes…

A study led by the University of Sydney has found that there is no clear connection between weather changes and back, knee, or hip pain. There has been a common belief that changes in weather can trigger or worsen musculoskeletal pain or arthritis, but this study contradicted that. It found that high temperatures and low…

Living in violent neighborhoods can impact children’s brain development, leading to negative mental health outcomes. A study by the American Psychological Association found that exposure to community violence can result in increased amygdala reactivity in children, impacting their ability to process threats and fear. Adolescents with nurturing parents were less likely to experience the negative…

The focus is on boosting your gut microbiome to support weight loss and health. Injectable weight loss drugs may not be for everyone, and boosting your gut microbiome can be an alternative approach. Research has shown that gut health is connected to body weight, and processed foods negatively impact the gut microbiome. Feeding your gut…

Exposure to a specific red light has been shown to reduce the rise in blood sugar levels following meals, a study conducted with 30 healthy participants has shown. LED lighting can have long-term health consequences as it does not emit sufficient red light, which is essential for the body’s energy production. Red light has shown…

A recent study suggests that diet has an influence on sleep apnea, a common sleep disorder. According to the study, individuals who eat a healthy plant-based diet are 19% less likely to develop sleep apnea, while those who consume an unhealthy plant-based diet are 22% more likely to have the condition. The study, which examined…

Healthcare startups in health tech, diagnostics, medtech, or biotech can apply for the MedCity News startup pitch contest at the MedCity INVEST conference in Chicago on May 21-22. The application deadline is February 29. The contest has four tracks, each focused on a different specialty within the healthcare industry. Six finalists will be selected for…

Recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) is a safe and effective therapy for treating breakthrough bleeds (BTBs) in patients with hemophilia A, according to a study published in Haemophilia. Although emicizumab is an effective therapy for preventing bleeding, many patients still experience BTBs. Activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC) is used for managing hemophilia-associated bleeding but is…

According to a survey from the Cleveland Clinic, patients are still hesitant about using AI in medical diagnosis, despite the increasing demand for virtual healthcare solutions. The survey found that the availability of virtual second opinion (VSO) services increased the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion. However, almost 40% of respondents are wary of…

Nikki Haley, a GOP candidate for the presidential nomination, supports birth control despite being pro-life. However, in conservative circles, birth control is controversial and linked to abortion. The support for birth control remains strong among all voters. The conflation of birth control and abortion began in the late 1990s. Title X, a federal family planning…

The American Lung Association’s latest report examines the potential benefits of zero-emission transportation and electricity for children’s health. The report predicts a significant improvement in children’s health if all new cars and trucks are zero-emission by 2035 and if clean energy powers the nation’s electric grid by 2035. Transportation pollution poses a significant risk to…

Novavax has agreed to refund up to $400 million to an international organization after a dispute over Covid-19 shots. Gavi, a public-private partnership, found itself with vaccines that were no longer needed as demand dried up last year. This agreement follows events surrounding the initial efforts to create a global vaccination program where vaccine makers…

A man in his 50s experienced left-sided tongue paralysis, difficulty speaking and swallowing after a mixed drug overdose in the intensive care unit. He required respiratory support and was intubated four times, including once after removing the tube himself. Laryngoscopy showed reduced movement of the left vocal cord and pooling of saliva. Further imaging did…

The team of scientists from Trinity College Dublin has discovered the underlying cause of brain fog linked with long COVID. They found that patients suffering from long COVID and brain fog have disrupted blood vessels in the brain and a hyperactive immune system. Understanding this cause is important as it will allow for the development…

Selkirk Pharma, Inc. has completed the Aseptic Process Simulation (APS) qualification of its sterile manufacturing facility, increasing its fill/finish capacity for injectable drugs, vaccines, and biological therapeutics. The purpose-built facility operates with advanced technology to ensure high quality and high yields, meeting Annex 1 compliance standards for European markets and the highest quality standards for…