A team of scientists led by Dr. Huong T. X. Hoang of Phenikaa University, Vietnam investigated whether mild COVID-19 infections could affect sleep quality. They recruited 1,056 individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 but not hospitalized and sent them a survey regarding their symptoms. 76.1% reported insomnia, with pre-existing chronic conditions and people with anxiety…
The Lancet published peer-reviewed results from a Phase 3 efficacy trial of the R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine. The World Health Organization recently prequalified the vaccine, leading to a global rollout expected to begin in mid-2024. With data from the trial, the vaccine’s effectiveness was reported as 75% in areas with seasonal malaria transmission and 68% in…
Mark Braxton discovered he had vitiligo in 1996 when he noticed white spots on his skin. The condition affected his self-esteem and made him feel insecure and isolated. He tried different treatments but found acceptance and support through the North Carolina Vitiligo Support Community. He now leads the community and hosts a podcast to help…
A new trial, led by Anastasios Charalampidis, MD, PhD, with the Department of Clinical Science, used self-managed physical activity combined with either nighttime bracing for 8 hours or scoliosis-specific exercise to prevent Cobb angle progression in moderate-grade AIS. This trial found that night bracing was more effective than self-managed physical activity or scoliosis-specific exercise alone,…
Candida auris, a deadly fungal infection that is on the rise in the U.S., has been reported for the first time in Washington state. It can cause severe illness in humans and is resistant to antifungal treatments. Four people have tested positive for the infection at Kindred Hospital Seattle First Hill, with the source of…
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that both psychotherapy and antidepressants are viable options for managing depression in patients with heart failure. The study suggests that both treatments can be beneficial for improving depressive symptoms in this population. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing depression in patients…
AI algorithms have the potential to improve health monitoring for older adults, but data gaps risk widening health inequities. Healthcare algorithms are largely built from data that exclude older adults, women, people of color, and those from rural and low-income communities. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors can help bridge this gap by prioritizing solutions that address…
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that extracranial surgery and anesthesia are linked to worsened cognitive and functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, based on data from TRACK-TBI, included 1835 participants with TBI. The researchers found that patients who underwent extracranial surgery had significantly worse outcomes at 2 weeks and 6…
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is spreading among deer populations and has the potential to infect humans. Research shows that the barriers to spillover into humans are less formidable than previously believed. Experts are working on a major initiative to address the threat of CWD, focusing on public health surveillance, lab capacity, diagnostics, risk communication, and…
Biogen announced that it would no longer sell or study Aduhelm, an Alzheimer’s disease treatment that was approved in 2021, due to corporate mistakes and regulatory issues. This marks the end of the road for the drug and serves as a cautionary tale in pharmaceutical history. The decision has significant implications for the biotech industry…
Laura Kudrna and her colleagues argue that for better health outcomes for ethnic minority groups, higher quality and more inclusive health research is necessary. They discuss the current limitations in the peer review process for funding applications, as well as the need to address systemic and interpersonal racism in medicine and society. They propose the…
Fermentation techniques in food production have become popular, with lactic acid fermentation being a significant contributor. Lactic acid bacteria are instrumental in producing a low pH environment that prevents food spoiling. Lactobacillus brevis, a bacterium that thrives in slightly acidic pH, is often present in fermented products like sauerkraut and pickles. The bacteria produce organic…
A recent study published in EBioMedicine found that physical activity levels are associated with changes in the gut microbiota. By using accelerometer-based assessments, researchers collected data from 8416 individuals to determine the impact of sedentary, moderate, and vigorous activity levels on gut microbiome abundances. The study showed that sedentary habits were linked to increased risk…
Erika Page has lived with vitiligo since she was seven years old, and found strength and connection through the vitiligo community. She felt isolated and alone until she connected with others online and in person, and found a sense of normalcy and understanding. This inspired her to create a positive platform, Living Dappled, to share…
Higher scores on the dietary inflammatory index in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were linked to increased pain over 10 years of follow-up. The study involved 944 adults aged 50-80 with KOA, who underwent MRI and completed a pain questionnaire. Results showed that higher dietary inflammatory index scores were associated with greater pain, but not…
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the gut and play a crucial role in supporting women’s health. They promote digestive balance, immune function, and maintain vaginal health. Factors to consider when choosing probiotics for women include strain selection, CFU count, formulation, delayed release, quality and purity, and health goals. Some recommended probiotics for women include…
Consuming protein before exercising can reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. This is important as hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can have negative effects on performance and overall health. It is recommended to include protein in pre-exercise meals or snacks to help stabilize blood sugar levels. This information is helpful for individuals looking to optimize their…
A new partnership has been formed between digital health providers Talkspace and Bicycle Health to support adults with co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Talkspace offers therapy, psychiatry, and medication management, while Bicycle Health provides medication for addiction treatment, therapy, and peer support groups. This partnership allows patients to receive comprehensive care for…
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation reported that Limerick, Cork, and Galway hospitals had the highest levels of overcrowding in January. More than 12,000 patients, including 278 children, were without a hospital bed. This was the second-worst January for overcrowding since trolley counts began in 2006. The INMO called for more beds and staff to…
A retrospective cohort study found that switching from dual therapy to monotherapy for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) did not result in different outcomes for patients. The study, conducted at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, included 140 patients with MRSA who received dual therapy with ceftaroline and daptomycin, and were then either…
Taliyah Murphy and other transgender women incarcerated in men’s prisons in Colorado faced sexual harassment and violence. However, a historic legal settlement in the form of a consent decree is expected, which will establish two new voluntary housing units for trans women, making Colorado the first state to offer a separate unit for them. The…
ARCH Venture Partners, a leading investor in the biotech industry, is in the process of raising $3 billion for its 13th namesake fund. The Chicago-based firm filed paperwork with the SEC and expects to raise a similar amount to its previous fund in 2022. ARCH declined to comment on the new fundraising. For the full…
The NHS is currently facing its most severe crisis, with funding constraints, workforce shortages, and high demand from an aging population. The BMJ Commission on the Future of the NHS has called for bold leadership from the next government to rebuild the service and prioritize health in all policies. They urge the next government to…
Research published in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report indicates that the number of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) cases remained low in 2022 despite an increase in enterovirus (EV)-D68 circulation in the United States. Previous increases in AFM cases were associated with EV-D68 infection, but the number of…
The Immunity journal has published a study exploring possible pharmacological targets in leukocytes. The study revealed CBP/p300 histone acetyltransferase inhibitors increased leukocyte count in bone marrow, blood, and tissues, without adverse side effects. The study used A485 in mice, which accumulated in selected tissues; coincidentally, leukocyte count increased. The research raised queries about the drug’s…
Andisheh Nouraee of Atlanta struggled to sleep, tried wearable and smartwatch tracking and made lifestyle changes that led to better sleep. While technology can track sleep, the key is changing habits to improve sleep quality. Tech enthusiast Bret Brantley found short term behavioral changes but ultimately stopped using sleep tracking. Few people report “very good”…
Recent research suggests that the atypical antipsychotic cariprazine may play a potential role in treating anxiety, which is a commonly overlooked symptom in bipolar I disorder. The drug does not have typical metabolic side effects seen with other medications in its class, making it a promising treatment for anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. A…
Proper oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and toothpaste plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health. While the Canadian Dental Association recommends using a pea-sized amount for adults, the best toothpaste for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Some popular options include Crest Pro-Health Advanced Gum Protection, Colgate Total Clean Mint,…
The GSK vaccine Arexvy has been accepted for regulatory review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in adults aged 50-59 who are at increased risk for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This vaccine is being considered for approval to protect this at-risk population from RSV. Additionally, the website uses cookies for analytics, advertising, and…
Altos Neuroscience is bringing precision medicine to psychiatric drug research with its technology, which analyzes biomarkers to match patients with the most effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. The company’s recent IPO has raised $128.6 million, with shares trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Founded in 2019 by Stanford psychiatry professor Amit Etkin, the company’s…
A new survey from the Medical Protection Society (MPS) showed that medical justice is slow in Ireland, which is devastating for patients and doctors. The process costs twice as much as in the UK and takes longer than anywhere else in the world. A report shows that case time actually increased in the years up…
Cytisine, a potential drug therapy for smoking cessation, was found to double the chances of successful smoking cessation compared to placebo in a study published in Addiction. Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing cytisine with placebo, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and varenicline alongside behavioral therapies for smoking…
AION Labs, an AI-enabled drug discovery partnership, has launched a new startup called TenAces. TenAces will use AI to discover molecular glue therapies to enhance targeted protein degradation, potentially treating cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The company will integrate biology into its machine learning algorithms and work with pharma partners to develop and commercialize solutions. AION…
En 2018, Taliyah Murphy recibió una carta sobre una demanda colectiva en nombre de mujeres transgénero en cárceles de hombres en Colorado, lo que generó esperanza. Las mujeres trans en Colorado han enfrentado acoso sexual y violencia en las cárceles de hombres, y se les ha negado tratamiento médico y vivienda segura. Un acuerdo legal…
At a recent public meeting, attendees testified that the FDA should do more to ensure that pulse oximeters work well in patients with darker skin, better inform clinicians about shortcomings, and recall problematic versions. This follows studies showing that the devices don’t work as well for Black patients, which has led to inaccurate or delayed…
Radosław Stupak, a psychologist and lecturer at the University of the National Education Commission in Krakow, Poland, expresses support for a letter calling for the UK government to reduce the rate of antidepressant prescribing. He hopes that this action will lead to changes in mental health systems globally, moving towards a more socially conscious and…
Cape Verde has been certified as malaria-free by the World Health Organization, making it the third African country to achieve this status. The archipelago has had a long journey to eliminate malaria, which was endemic since the 15th century. The process to get certified malaria-free is stringent, requiring no cases of indigenous transmission for at…
A new off-the-shelf vaccine shows promising early results as a treatment for pancreatic cancer, targeting tumors with mutations in the KRAS gene. The vaccine, tested in a phase 1 trial, is found to be safe and effective in stimulating the immune system to create cancer-fighting cells in patients with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. The vaccine…
The CDC announced that recent COVID-19 vaccinations provide 54% more protection against symptoms compared to unvaccinated individuals. The vaccine is effective against various COVID variants, including the XBB and JN.1 variants. Only 22% of American adults have received the updated vaccine, and public health experts are concerned about the lack of uptake. The vaccine is…
The FDA has approved Edwards Lifesciences’ Evoque tricuspid valve replacement system, the first transcatheter therapy for tricuspid regurgitation in the United States. It is indicated for improving health status in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation despite optimal medical therapy, offering a less risky option for older patients. The system, which includes a self-expanding frame, intra-annular…
A high-quality diet during infancy has been found to reduce the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) later in life. The researchers recommend incorporating plenty of fish and vegetables in an infant’s diet while minimizing the consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks. Children who had a higher intake of vegetables, fruit, and fish, and a lower…
Lupin, a pharmaceutical company, has launched a Cyanocobalamin Nasal Spray in the United States. This product is designed to provide a convenient and effective way for patients to receive vitamin B12 supplementation. The nasal spray will be available for purchase and is expected to provide a new option for individuals with B12 deficiencies. Lupin’s introduction…
The focus of the content is on the need to bridge the gap in cancer care and research to ensure equitable access to prevention, treatment, and survival for all. The content emphasizes the importance of redirecting funds towards advancing affordable and equitable care and addressing persistent disparities in cancer outcomes. It also highlights the role…
The Irish government has opened a public consultation for new proposals to protect vulnerable adults from abuse while receiving care. The consultation is seeking submissions from the public before the formation of the country’s first national policy on adult safeguarding in the health and social care sector. The proposed policy aims to prevent, respond to,…
The 21-gene recurrence score can predict the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy for certain breast cancer patients, but its effectiveness varies by race. A study published found that the score is a predictive biomarker for most early-stage estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer cases. Asian or Pacific Islander patients did not benefit from the score, and…
Teletherapy company Talkspace and virtual opioid use disorder treatment company Bicycle Health are partnering to expand access to virtual care for patients. Talkspace offers therapy for adults, teens, and couples, as well as psychiatric services and medication management, while Bicycle offers virtual treatment for opioid use disorder. Through the partnership, Talkspace patients will have access…
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Vape maker Juul was revealed to have aggressively pursued partnerships with Black leaders, including discussions of multi-million dollar partnerships with civil rights organizations. internal emails and documents released as part of a legal settlement with the state of North Carolina highlighted this strategy. The company aimed to get Black leaders to publicly support its e-cigarettes,…
The BMA’s General Practitioners Committee for England has warned that many general practices face closure or staff redundancies unless the government improves its contractual offer. The proposed 1.9% increase in funding for general medical services is inadequate and will not prevent practices from reducing services or closing down. The committee expressed concerns that this offer…
Pancreatic cancer is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, with a poor survival rate, largely due to metastasis. A study published in Advanced Science by University of California, Davis researchers revealed that the protein Engrailed-1 (EN1) promotes pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis in vitro and in mouse models. EN1 was also…