A study showed that being obsessed with happiness can actually lead to less happiness, as constantly overthinking and worrying about being happy can negatively affect well-being. The study examined how strongly someone values happiness as a goal and how much they worry about their current happiness, and found that excessive concern about happiness can lead…
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studied how often large language models (LLMs) tend to produce false or misleading information, known as hallucinations, while generating medical summaries. The study analyzed 100 medical summaries from two up-to-date LLMs, GPT-4o and Llama-3, finding hallucinations in almost all of them. The most common hallucinations were related to…
A study on carboxytherapy showed that abdominal skin treated with this method experienced an increase in epidermal and dermal thickness. Carboxytherapy involves injecting carbon dioxide into the skin for cosmetic and dermatologic purposes. The study included 15 women with visible signs of aging on their abdominal skin. Results showed a significant increase in thickness, collagen,…
Former President Trump is avoiding discussion of abortion in his potential 2024 presidential campaign, but his unclear stance on mifepristone has Democrats concerned about reproductive rights. Trump’s response to a question about revoking access to mifepristone was vague, leaving room for interpretation. Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats quickly criticized Trump’s stance, suggesting that…
Pneumatic compression therapy is a technique that uses mechanical compression devices to enhance blood flow and lymphatic fluid movement, aiding in recovery after exercise. Originally used in medicine, it is now popular among athletes and wellness businesses to reduce swelling, enhance muscle recovery, and improve cardiovascular health. The therapy dates back to ancient Egypt and…
Taylor Takla, a Ph.D. candidate at Wayne State University, received a grant of $96,812 to study fear of falling in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Fear of falling is a major concern for those with MS, leading to negative health and quality of life outcomes. Takla aims to break the cycle of fear of falling…
A new study suggests that patients with fibromyalgia who are not “morning people” may respond differently to serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) treatment. Patients with less pain relief on SNRIs reported rougher mornings and worse sleep. Chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and circadian rhythm disruptions can exacerbate each other in fibromyalgia patients. SNRIs can help…
Researchers from the University of Bath studied the effects of the Keto diet on 53 healthy adults compared to a low-sugar diet. While both diets led to weight loss, the Keto diet also raised cholesterol levels and disrupted gut bacteria. The Keto diet reduced glucose tolerance levels and beneficial gut bacteria, which could lead to…
The post-pandemic world has changed patient care expectations, with a focus on patient-centered care, engagement, and integration of preferences. Urgent care clinics must prioritize quality, efficiency, and patient impressions to drive repeat business and referrals. Goal setting, technology integration, and staying in touch with patients are key strategies for success. Technology tools and revenue cycle…
At the ASRS meeting, Dr. Michael A. Singer discussed the topline results of the phase 2b/3 RESTORE study on MCO-010 for treating retinitis pigmentosa. The study investigated two doses of optogenetic therapy compared to sham, focusing on changes in vision over 52 weeks as the primary endpoint. Results showed significant improvement in vision with no…
The global health investor and public health advocate expresses concern over the re-emergence of a smallpox-like disease called mpox, which has caused thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths. Despite available vaccines and treatments, limited resources and bureaucratic challenges hinder widespread access. The global response to mpox has been reactive rather than proactive, with efforts…
Recent years have seen a decline in the number of full-time equivalent GPs in the UK, despite government promises to increase their numbers. Instead, there has been an increase in non-medical staff, such as physician associates (PAs), working in general practices. This shift in healthcare provision could worsen existing health inequalities and compromise patient safety….
The history of telemedicine dates back to the 19th century when the idea of healing at a distance emerged. Through the evolution of technology such as the telephone, radio, and internet, telemedicine has progressed from science fiction to reality. Futuristic concepts like the Teledactyl and the Medical Mantis have inspired advancements in telemedicine. Initial applications…
The study conducted by a research team at the Medical University of South Carolina focused on how drug-context associations are regulated in the brain, specifically in the nucleus accumbens, by NPAS4. This transcription factor plays a crucial role in forming these associations, which can trigger drug-seeking behaviors in individuals with substance use disorders. The study…
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have higher odds of developing eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and disordered eating, regardless of weight. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 20 cross-sectional studies involving nearly 30,000 women with PCOS showed a 53% higher odds of any eating disorder compared to women without PCOS. The…
Recent research has shown that drinking from plastic water bottles can lead to microplastics entering the bloodstream, potentially increasing blood pressure. A study conducted by researchers in Austria found that avoiding plastic usage for just two weeks could help lower blood pressure. The study involved eight participants who switched from bottled beverages to tap water…
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee (BCBST) has partnered with FarmboxRx to provide healthy food deliveries to 3.5 million members in Tennessee who complete preventive health screenings. FarmboxRx, a Boston-based company, delivers produce boxes, cooking kits, educational materials, and pantry items to patients’ doors. This partnership aims to address food insecurity in Tennessee, where one…
Researchers at the University of Galway have developed a portable device for testing water quality to detect a dangerous pathogen, Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC). The technology is accurate and sensitive, providing quick results. The research found 61% of water samples in Galway positive for the pathogen. STEC, commonly found in healthy animals, can cause…
Senator Bernie Sanders wrote a letter urging Novo Nordisk to lower prices for its diabetes and weight loss drugs in the U.S. However, Denmark, where the company is based, was also facing challenges with the high costs of the drugs. Other countries negotiate lower prices for the same drugs, leading to budget constraints in healthcare…
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that exposure to fine particulate matter of 2.5 µm or less (PM2.5) was associated with an increased risk for adverse events in Medicare beneficiaries with preexisting heart failure. Patients younger than 75 years, Asian individuals, and those living in rural areas were at…
The FDA’s decision not to approve Lykos Therapeutics’ application for MDMA therapy for PTSD was not surprising given the advisory panel’s vote. Despite this, there is potential for psychedelics in healthcare, as seen in the progress of reproductive health. The approval of emergency contraception and mifepristone involved overcoming political hurdles and ensuring safety and effectiveness….
The health ombudsman in England has advised integrated care boards to learn from errors to prevent families from facing financial difficulties due to inadequate funding for elderly care. A case involving a woman from Beverley in East Yorkshire highlights a failure by the East Riding of Yorkshire Clinical Commissioning Group to properly arrange and fund…
Independence Health System has introduced Memory Clinics offering new therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease. Lecanemab and soon Donanemab are provided to patients at Excela Health and Butler Health System campuses. These drugs have been approved by the FDA and target amyloid-beta plaques associated with Alzheimer’s. While some praise them as breakthrough therapies, controversy surrounds their…
Climate-driven wildfires are causing harmful particulate matter containing toxic chemicals to compromise air quality in New Jersey and New York City, according to a study by Rutgers Health. This study, the first to report on the physical and chemical characteristics of wildfire-related particulate matter in the Northeast, found high levels of cancer-causing organic compounds in…
Ophthalmologists often have to choose retinal treatments based on financial constraints, rather than what is best for the patient long-term. A study presented at the ASRS Annual Meeting showed hidden costs of treatments, affecting patients’ quality of life and societal impact. Factors such as transportation, frequency of injections, and caregiver costs contribute to overall treatment…
Ashwagandha, an ancient herb native to India and Southeast Asia, is known for its Ayurvedic healing properties. It has gained popularity as a supplement with claims of various health benefits, from stress reduction to athletic performance enhancement. Research supports its potential to reduce stress, anxiety, and enhance cognitive function. Ashwagandha may also improve athletic performance,…
MedCity’s INVEST and INVEST Digital Health events bring together healthcare innovation stakeholders including startups, investors, executives, and government agencies. The latest eBook highlights discussions from conferences in Chicago and Dallas, covering topics like AI, women’s health, and cybersecurity. It features insights on funding, investor perspectives, clinical trials, and cybersecurity, as well as winners of the…
Dublin-born Aidan O’Leary, director of the WHO’s Polio Eradication Programme, passed away suddenly this week. President Higgins and WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus paid tribute to O’Leary, highlighting his dedication to helping vulnerable populations in conflict zones. O’Leary held various roles in global development, including in Gaza, Yemen, Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. The…
A team from the University of Hong Kong has created an AI-powered mobile app, Vitogram, that uses smartphones as a stethoscope to detect heart disease symptoms. The app analyzes heart sounds by placing the phone on the chest and has shown 81% accuracy in detecting valvular heart disease. The team plans to expand their study…
Roderick Givens, a rural Mississippi Delta radiation oncologist, advocates for Medicaid expansion to help uninsured patients. Despite Mississippi Legislature’s failure to expand Medicaid, Givens and others believe it’s necessary for low-income residents. Many Southern states, like North Carolina, have adopted Medicaid expansion, but political polarization remains a barrier. States that haven’t expanded Medicaid leave thousands…
A study found that nemolizumab doses of 30 mg and 60 mg, when used with topical corticosteroid treatment, were effective in reducing itch scores in adolescent patients with prurigo nodularis. The highest mean percentage reduction in itch scores was seen in the 30 mg group at 61.1%, followed by the 60 mg group at 56%…
The FDA rejected MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, despite promising Phase 3 trial results. Lykos Therapeutics received a denial letter citing data issues and research bias. The FDA requested another Phase 3 trial for MDMA, disappointing advocates and veterans. Concerns about data integrity, therapy regulation, and therapist misconduct during trials were raised. The decision…
Health officials are emphasizing the importance of pregnant women getting vaccinated against whooping cough to protect their infants. Cases of whooping cough in England have risen to 10,000 this year, with one infant death in June. The UK Health Security Agency reported 2,427 cases in June, bringing the total to 10,493 for the first half…
Muscle soreness after a workout is a common phenomenon that arises from complex biological processes that are not fully understood by the scientific community. Aches and pains result from micro-lesions in muscle tissue that trigger physiological reactions, including leakage of enzymes and proteins, inflammatory responses, and immune reactions. These reactions can lead to functional impacts…
NASA data shows July 22, 2024, as the hottest day on record, sparking concerns about heat-related illnesses. An Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that most know heat illness symptoms but lack awareness of cooling center locations. More people now link extreme heat to climate change, with increasing belief in the frequency and intensity of…
The FDA has approved a new epinephrine nasal spray called neffy to treat serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis in adults and children over 66 pounds. Anaphylaxis can cause trouble breathing, swelling, stomach issues, and a drop in blood pressure. Neffy is a needle-free single-dose spray that achieves similar levels of epinephrine as an injection. It…
A study suggests that even short exposure to “pro-anorexia” content on TikTok can harm women’s mental health and body image satisfaction. The study found that watching just 8 minutes of videos glamorizing disordered eating behavior can negatively impact body image states and internalization of appearance ideals. Women who watched this content reported a decrease in…
The healthcare industry has seen an increase in Friendly-PC models, where a management services organization (MSO) backed by private equity funds partners with a physician-owned Professional Corporation (PC) to provide management services. These models aim to maintain compliance with the Corporate Practice of Medicine doctrine and are adaptable to telehealth services. Business considerations for MSOs…
A study of almost 750,000 mothers found that women who develop gestational diabetes are not more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Gestational diabetes affects 14% of pregnant women globally and is more common in those with obesity, family history of diabetes, or older age. While gestational diabetes is linked to other health risks…
MobiHealthNews is focusing on digital health investments, with the first part of their series discussing the $5.7 billion raised by U.S. startups in the first half of 2024. Daisy Wolf from Andreessen Horowitz emphasized the positive impact of technology in healthcare, particularly AI. She highlighted the need for founders to understand investor preferences and aim…
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Smith & Nephew has partnered with Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company to collaborate on AI solutions for ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs). The partnership will provide a comprehensive digital and AI analytics platform for ASC procedures. This collaboration aims to improve patient outcomes, drive efficiencies, and enhance the value of products and services in orthopedic surgery. Both…
STAT’s First Opinion platform features articles by biotech insiders, healthcare workers, and researchers discussing topics in the life sciences. The platform also publishes Letters to the Editor to facilitate discussion around these articles. Authors like Fred D. Ledley argue that the pharmaceutical industry can create affordable products without compromising profits, while others like Kim Meyers…
Hannah D Walker, a retired RAF officer and NHS worker from Thornford, UK, agrees with Salisbury’s point that the word “care” is losing its meaning. The word originates from Old English meaning to be anxious or solicitous, grieve, feel concern, or interest. Walker believes the fundamental purpose of a health service is to assist in…
A recent study has gained media attention on the role of plastics, specifically bisphenol A (BPA), in the development of autism in boys. While the study does not prove that plastics cause autism, it suggests that BPA may impact estrogen levels in boys, affecting their risk of autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by…
The University of Massachusetts Amherst and Tufts Medical Center are conducting a study with a $4.74 million grant from NIDA to provide HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for incarcerated individuals with opioid use disorders in Boston. Dr. Elizabeth Evans and Dr. Alysse Wurcel are leading the research to improve access to HIV care in justice…
A recent study at the Cleveland Clinic suggests that consuming erythritol, a common sweetener in sugar-free and keto products, may increase the risk of blood clotting and heart disease in individuals with cardiometabolic risk factors. The study involved 10 participants who experienced enhanced platelet aggregation after consuming erythritol. The sweetener does not activate platelets directly…
A study found that even small increases in skin-to-skin time with preemies can lead to significant improvements in their neurologic development in the first year. Kangaroo care, where newborns are held close to the chest in just a diaper, has been shown to benefit both preterm and full-term infants by improving their cognitive skills, parent-child…
During the summer break, children experience a “summer slump” as they deviate from routines and social interactions, leading to learning loss and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Parents, with physician support, can combat this slump through activities like behavioral activation and open conversations about mental health. Supervision and food insecurity can pose challenges,…
The diversity of talent and success among medical professionals is highlighted by Dr. Chris Luke, citing examples of doctors who have excelled in various fields outside of traditional medical practice. The achievements of medical professionals, including those in sports, politics, literature, and entertainment, are praised for their impact and influence. Dr. Paul O’Donovan, a successful…