Enrollment in the Medicaid program is almost back to pre-pandemic levels after over 16 million people were removed from the program. Many were dropped due to procedural reasons or increased income, but many others have been reenrolled or signed up for the first time. Medicaid enrollment churn is not new, but it has happened in…
Three biotech venture capital veterans, including a co-founder of RayzeBio, have launched a new investment fund called Scion Life Sciences. They raised $310 million for the fund, surpassing their original $250 million target. Scion will take a longer approach than most venture capital firms, with a 20-year plan for its first fund, instead of the…
The BMA Cymru Wales junior doctors committee has announced new strike dates in their ongoing dispute over pay due to a lack of a credible pay offer from the Welsh government. Two further walkouts are scheduled for February and March following a 72 hour full walkout last month. The committee is calling for talks to…
Chronic jet lag can increase the risk of liver cancer for humans, a new study has shown. While people typically associate cancer with chemicals like tobacco and radiation, chronic circadian dysfunction has also been linked to liver cancer risk. The study used humanized mice and found that those subjected to simulated chronic jet lag had…
Parkinson’s disease is a common, disabling condition in Australia with no known cure. Managing and treating pain symptoms is crucial, as 85% of patients experience some form of pain. The University of South Australia is researching the characteristics and treatment of pain in Parkinson’s disease to improve patient-centered pain care services. Pain, which can occur…
Nutritionists are concerned about the impact of dietary consumption on cancer risk. 25% of cancer cases in the US could be prevented by improving nutrition, particularly being overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of certain cancers. Chronic inflammation from a poor diet can lead to mutations and has been linked to cancer. A…
A two-year follow-up study found that while the protection from daily vitamin D supplementation for reducing risk of autoimmune disease disappeared after the supplement was discontinued, the benefits of daily omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) continued for at least 2 additional years. The VITAL trial, involving 25,871 participants, showed vitamin D supplementation for 5 years…
Happy hormones, also known as neurotransmitters, play a significant role in regulating mood, pleasure, and overall well-being. The four main happy hormones are dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. Dopamine is released during pleasurable activities and helps with alertness, happiness, and motivation. Serotonin stabilizes mood and also affects sleep, hunger, and healing. Oxytocin is involved in…
A same-day combination of chemical peels and neurotoxins is a safe and effective cosmetic therapy for treating photoaging. This combination treatment helps to improve the appearance of aging skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of sun damage. The use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is also mentioned in the content….
Eli Lilly’s metabolic disorder medication tirzepatide, which is approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management, has shown positive early clinical data for treating fatty liver disease (NASH) with no FDA-approved drug therapies. In a Phase 2 trial, 74% of participants on the highest dose of tirzepatide achieved absence of NASH with no worsening of…
Dermatologists play an important role in identifying and detecting various types of cancer before they reach later stages. Paraneoplastic diseases are clinical disorders that manifest in association with underlying malignancies. Dermatologists can help identify these diseases based on specific criteria, and they play a significant role in the early detection of internal malignancies. Cutaneous lesions…
Healthcare technology company Intellihealth has hired Annie Lorenzo as its executive vice president of clinical operations. She will manage the clinical operations personnel at Flyte Medical, an affiliate of Intellihealth. Lorenzo has extensive experience in clinical operations and telehealth care delivery, with previous positions at Propeller Health, Higi, Babylon, CirrusMD, and MDLive. Intellihealth CEO Sloan…
Enrollment in Medicaid has fallen by about 9.5 million people since last April due to procedural issues, leaving it on track to cover about 71 million people. The Biden administration underestimated the number of people who would lose coverage, as disenrollments are likely to exceed 17 million, with 70 percent due to procedural reasons. Nationally,…
The House panel passed a bipartisan bill to ban drug middlemen from charging fees based on drug list prices, representing Congress’ first PBM reform efforts. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, would allow PBMs to only charge a flat service fee and would ban spread pricing. Additionally, it would prohibit PBMs from steering patients…
Publicis Groupe, an advertising firm that worked with opioid maker Purdue Pharma, will pay a $350 million settlement to all 50 US states. This is to resolve allegations of using deceptive marketing to increase doctors’ opioid prescriptions. The settlement is the first of its kind to hold an advertising company accountable for its role in…
Two studies have been published in Science Advances and a new platform capable of providing deep insights into T cell responses and TCR activation has been developed. The platform, referred to as T-FINDER, was designed by Dr. John M. Lindner and his research team at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg. The platform is capable…
A new Yale-led study reveals that access to pulmonary rehabilitation, an essential component of care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, is difficult for millions of Americans to access. The study found that while around 80% of Americans live within a 30-minute drive of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, over 14 million people must travel more…
Recent research has linked yoga to a wide range of health benefits, including brain function enhancement, stress reduction, mood boosting, and protection against various health conditions. It has therapeutic effects on conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Parkinson’s, irritable bowel syndrome, and menopause. Yoga is accessible and can be made safe for people with…
A study published in the JAMA tracked 3613 gout patients aged 40-69 and found that aiming for serum urate levels of less than 5 or 6 mg/dL could prevent a majority of gout flares and hospitalizations. The study was conducted from 2006-2010 to 2017 or 2020 among 86% men. The study showed that patients with…
Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of suicide attempts, with a study finding an eight-fold higher risk compared to those without the condition. PCOS affects around 10% of women and is associated with increased production of male sex hormones, causing infertility, acne, hirsutism, and obesity. It is also linked to cardiovascular…
A study has shown that individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have an increased risk of developing hypertension. The study suggests that the chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with GERD could contribute to the development of hypertension. The findings highlight the potential connection between GERD and cardiovascular health, emphasizing the importance of addressing…
CDC reports 42% of Americans are obese and face a shortage of specialists and medications. A webinar on March 6 will discuss how physician practices can help patients with weight loss medications and generate revenue. Compounded versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro can be obtained for patients. The webinar will cover topics such as GLP-1 weight…
The HSE has approved seven new treatments for osteoporosis, antimicrobial-resistant infections, and cancer, among other conditions. The drugs will be funded from a €20 million allocation for new medicines this year. HSE’s chief clinical officer, Dr. Colm Henry, highlighted the significance of these new medications in meeting previously unmet needs and targeting specific at-risk groups….
The bipartisan Train More Nurses Act was unanimously passed in the Senate. The bill focuses on increasing the number of nurses, especially in underserved areas, and aims to strengthen career pathways for nurses. The legislation also seeks to facilitate the transition from LPNs to RNs. The bill awaits a vote in the House of Representatives…
Cedars-Sinai has introduced Xaia, a virtual psychotherapy companion accessible on the Apple Vision Pro headset. Xaia aims to assist people with anxiety, addiction, depression, and pain management through spatial-computing and AI technology. The experience, called “generated reality,” merges technology and therapy and uses mixed-reality environments to augment emotions and provide therapeutic techniques. Xaia remembers and…
Many states are using Medicaid funding for housing aid in response to the growing homelessness epidemic in the US. California is allocating $12 billion for the initiative, while Arizona is dedicating $550 million and Oregon is spending over $1 billion. The Biden administration is encouraging other states to follow suit. There is a debate on…
Biden officials urged social media platforms to remove misleading posts about vaccine safety, mask effectiveness, Covid-19 origins, and federal shutdowns. The Supreme Court is set to decide whether the government violated First Amendment rights with these actions. The case, Murthy v. Missouri, alleges that federal officials coerced social media and search giants to remove or…
The United States’ global leadership in health, including pandemic preparedness, faces uncertainty as the 2024 elections approach. Attention and policy are dominated by geopolitical crises, climate issues, and humanitarian crises, making it unlikely that global health will play a prominent role in the campaign. However, amidst the pessimism, there is hope. The US has contributed…
The study by Amsterdam UMC in collaboration with UMC Groningen and 17 other Dutch hospitals found that a Doppler ultrasound can be used to detect placenta problems in small unborn babies. Deviations from Doppler measurements can indicate a higher risk of oxygen deficiency and other health problems for the baby. Small babies with a malfunctioning…
A recent study investigated the effects of pomegranate seed oil (PSO) on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) outcomes. The study included 80 participants with half consuming PSO and a Mediterranean diet and the other half only following the diet. The findings revealed that participants consuming PSO displayed significantly better cognitive outcomes compared to those only following…
Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes depigmentation of the skin, affecting 0.5% to 2% of the population. It can have a significant psychological impact on patients and affects people of all ethnic groups. Treatments include immunosuppressant medications, phototherapy, and laser treatments. Recent research has led to the development of promising new drugs that target…
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are up to eight times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those without the disorder. This highlights the need for mental health screening in patients with PCOS. The study included nearly 19,000 women with PCOS and…
Bold eye makeup can steal the spotlight, but the delicate undereye area needs care. Dark circles and eye bags often result from lack of sleep or poor skincare. Quality eye creams can hydrate, brighten, and reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness. Some recommended eye creams are Gerovl Retinol Under Eye Cream, LOVE CINEMA Collagen Retinol…
A study found that maintaining good oral health can improve psychological well-being in older adults. The research suggests that taking care of oral health can lead to a better overall sense of well-being. The study also emphasizes the importance of oral health in older adults and its impact on their psychological health. It highlights the…
Primary shoulder replacements are now approved to be performed in ambulatory surgery centers by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, with reasonable reimbursement rates to encourage the shift from hospitals. As eligibility criteria for ASCs relax, evidence shows that patients with a wider range of comorbidities can undergo outpatient surgery. New perioperative pain management…
The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to empagliflozin for the treatment of adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. This designation was based on the results of a phase 3 trial, EMPEROR-Preserved, which showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure by 21%. It also slowed kidney…
GE HealthCare has received FDA clearance for its Novii+ maternal and fetal monitoring solution, allowing for noninvasive measurement and display of fetal and maternal heart rates and uterine activity. The device is wearable and wireless, providing continuous monitoring for high-risk pregnancies. It offers personalized status views and alerts care teams for changes during labor, while…
State leaders in California are adopting sweeping policies in response to the growing health impacts of climate change to fend off the worst effects and encourage similar measures in other countries. This includes steps taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality to protect public health. While California wants to be a leader,…
Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to weaken the Inflation Reduction Act’s Medicare drug price negotiation program. They found support from a Democrat, Rep. Don Davis of North Carolina, who was not in Congress when the original bill was voted on and received donations from pharmaceutical companies in 2023. Davis said in a statement that he supports…
Sarah Alderson, an academic GP at the University of Leeds, has discovered that fire performing helps her to clear her head and escape from work pressures. This hobby grew out of her interest in Morris dancing and she now performs with a local group called Hellfyre Magpie. Fire performing involves dancing or performing with items…
The article discusses the role of dAcsl enzyme in regulating systemic lipid homeostasis and lipid transport. Lipid homeostasis and interorgan lipid transport are crucial for organism development and maintenance of physiological function. Dyslipidemia, which is the disruption of lipid homeostasis, can lead to physiological disorders such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and developmental defects. Research…
Antidepressants that target the serotonin transporter are commonly prescribed, but can have significant side effects. Researchers from MedUni Vienna led a study to identify the basic principles of serotonin transport in order to develop novel drugs with improved selectivity and fewer undesirable effects. By determining the serotonin transporter’s recognition of the neurotransmitter serotonin, they aimed…
The article discusses the difficulty people face in sticking to their fitness goals, despite the high number of Americans making fitness-centered New Year’s resolutions. The piece offers practical advice from fitness experts, such as personal trainer Gunnar Peterson, who stresses the importance of consistency and prioritization in establishing a year-round fitness routine. He emphasizes that…
The arrival of GLP-1 receptor agonists has revolutionized treatment options for obesity. Medscape Medical News hosted a panel of experts to discuss these potentially life-changing medications and answer questions from the audience. GLP-1 RAs can be used as a primary drug for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. They do not need to be…
Compression socks offer versatile benefits in situations like pregnancy, work, workouts, running, or travel by promoting improved blood flow and circulation, alleviating achiness, and preventing swelling. Athletes appreciate the advantages of enhanced circulation during workouts and running to minimize lactic acid buildup and decrease post-exercise muscle soreness. A snug fit, circulation pressure, and relief from…
Weight-bearing CT scans have been found to improve the precision of surgery planning for patients with flatfoot. These scans allow for a more accurate understanding of the patient’s foot anatomy and alignment, leading to more precise surgical plans. The use of these scans can help reduce the need for revision surgery and improve patient outcomes….
Healthcare consumers face a challenging and frustrating patient journey with numerous choices and a fragmented system. The burden of navigating this system often falls on patients, leading to long waits, being bounced around, and a lack of assistance. Technology such as automation and AI can streamline patient encounters, improve customer self-service, and support contact center…
Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale’s campaign ad claims that Dr. Anthony Fauci brought COVID to Montana a year before it broke out in the U.S. This ad is part of his fundraising efforts in his run for a Republican nomination. However, these claims are false. The study Rosendale references from the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in…
Amgen is testing their obesity drug candidate, MariTide, to see if they can wean patients toward lower doses over time. Very early data suggests that MariTide may provide longer-lasting weight loss than other popular obesity drugs and could potentially be taken less frequently. Amgen’s unique strategy is to transition patients to a less intensive dosing…
The NHS in England is offering a national gene testing program for Jewish people to identify the faulty BRCA gene, which increases the risk of certain cancers. Jewish people are more likely to have a faulty BRCA gene, putting them at higher risk for breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. The program will invite individuals…