Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that abnormal results in prenatal cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing, used to screen for chromosomal disorders in fetuses, revealed previously undetected cancers in almost half of pregnant individuals. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, identified various cancers such as colorectal, breast, lung,…
NIH researchers found that abnormal prenatal cfDNA testing results in pregnant individuals led to the detection of previously undetected cancers in nearly half of cases. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, identified cancers such as colorectal, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers in addition to lymphoma and renal carcinoma. The testing method…
The FDA has granted accelerated approval for zenocutuzumab-zbco (Bizengri) to treat certain adults with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or pancreatic adenocarcinoma who have a neuregulin 1 (NRG1) gene fusion. The approval was based on a study showing an overall response rate of 33% in NSCLC patients and 40% in pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. Common adverse…
Algae oil is an innovative cooking oil endorsed by Chef Daniel Humm for its taste and versatility. Made from microalgae fermented in stainless steel tanks, it has a high smoke point of 535°F, making it ideal for various cooking methods without compromising flavor. Algae oil is high in Omega-9 monounsaturated fats and low in Omega-6…
New data from Eli Lilly shows that their weight loss drug Zepbound helped patients lose more weight on average than Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy. Patients on Zepbound lost 20.2% of their body weight in 72 weeks, compared to 13.7% for those on Wegovy. While Wegovy currently has a larger market share, this new data could sway…
The RCSI is calling for a regulatory body to oversee physician associates (PAs) in Ireland to ensure patient safety and streamline monitoring processes. The Medical Council has stated it is not suitable to regulate PAs due to legal restrictions and potential safety risks. PAs do not replace doctors but enhance medical teams and increase access…
Video marketing is revolutionizing how healthcare providers communicate with patients by providing informative, engaging, and trustworthy content. It allows providers to stand out in the competitive healthcare industry. Effective use of video marketing in healthcare involves understanding the market, creating educational and authentic content, utilizing different types of videos, incorporating storytelling, ensuring compliance with regulations…
Mollee Loveland, a nursing home aide outside Pittsburgh, is concerned about the lack of seriousness around Covid-19. She fears bringing the virus home to her infant daughter, Maya, who is too young to be vaccinated. The CDC report showed that only 4 in 10 nursing home residents received an updated Covid vaccine. Low vaccination rates…
Regener-Eyes has launched new preservative-free, multidose bottles with improved design to prevent backflow and bacterial contamination. The company consulted with physicians and experts to develop the bottles featuring PureFlow technology to maintain system integrity. After discussions with the FDA, they are recalling previous bottles to ensure compliance with standards. The new bottles have a one-way…
The discovery of the hormone leptin 30 years ago was initially hailed as a breakthrough in treating obesity. However, treatments mimicking leptin’s effects did not lead to significant weight loss. A new study has now shown that a molecule targeting specific neurons with both leptin and GLP-1 receptors can induce more weight loss in mice….
Around 300 hospice inpatient beds in England are closed or out of use due to funding and staff shortages. Hospice UK, representing the sector, stated that the income from the NHS has not kept up with rising costs. The government’s decision to increase employers’ national insurance contributions is expected to worsen the situation and lead…
A study conducted in Ethiopia reveals that malnutrition and poor dietary diversity are significant issues for children under five, despite the country’s large livestock population. The research found that only a small percentage of children regularly consume animal-sourced foods such as milk, eggs, or meat, with affordability and lack of awareness being the main barriers….
A study led by researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Korea’s Yonsei University found that DNA secreted by tumor cells in extracellular vesicles can trigger an immune response that inhibits the spread of tumors to the liver. The findings suggest a new understanding of cancer progression and anti-cancer immunity, with…
Between 2010 and 2022, a significant decline in hospital-based obstetric care in the US was observed, with more than half of rural hospitals and over one third of urban hospitals not offering obstetric services by 2022. A total of 537 hospitals lost obstetric services, with rural hospitals affected more than urban hospitals. The study, led…
The chemicals called phthalates are commonly found in everyday makeup and personal care products, and can be harmful to the body by disrupting hormones and affecting development and fertility. Higher levels of phthalates have been linked to lower sperm concentration, early puberty in girls, and preterm birth in pregnant women. Regular exposure to phthalates can…
Washington, D.C.-based Morgan Health, a JPMorgan Chase unit focusing on employer-sponsored insurance, invested $25 million in Merative, a data and technology provider based in Michigan. Merative offers solutions for various sectors, including Truven, a real-world data application for employers and payers, and Health Insights for healthcare analytics. The investment aims to help employers access and…
The 2024 Healthy Ireland study reveals an increase in binge drinking and a decrease in meeting physical activity guidelines among Irish people. Alcohol consumption and binge drinking have risen, while fewer people are meeting the recommended levels of physical activity. Consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks has also increased, while the number of people eating fruit and…
With the return of Donald Trump to the White House and Republicans taking full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is at risk of being cut. Nine states, including Arizona, Arkansas, and Indiana, have trigger laws that would end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding decreases. This could potentially leave…
A study analyzed the underrepresentation of Black men in physician assistant/associate programs in the United States from 2013 to 2021. Despite growth in training programs, Black men were significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 2.2% of applicants and 1.2% of matriculants, despite representing 8.7% of individuals in the relevant age group. The study emphasized the urgent…
“St. Denis Medical” is a new NBC medical comedy that fills the gap left by “Scrubs” in 2010. The show focuses on the relationships between doctors, nurses, and hospital administrators, providing plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. It successfully balances the experiences of both physicians and nurses, a refreshing change from other medical shows. While not perfect,…
The government has decided to increase the personal injury discount rate in England and Wales, a move welcomed by medical defence experts. This change could potentially save the NHS millions of pounds in compensation payments. The discount rate is used by courts to determine the lump sum paid to those who suffer serious and long-term…
A central California teacher, Leah Seneng, died after being bitten by a bat in her classroom, presumably with rabies. Despite fewer than 10 rabies-related deaths each year in the U.S., it is almost always fatal if not treated quickly. Seneng found the bat in mid-October and was bitten while trying to remove it. She did…
A review published in Oncotarget’s Volume 15 discusses the potential role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in cancer treatment. MSCs can target tumors and deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing side effects. However, challenges exist, as under certain conditions MSCs may unintentionally promote tumor growth. Clinical trials are…
A new long-acting injectable drug called lenacapavir has shown promising results in preventing HIV infection in multiple trials, providing almost complete protection to individuals at risk. However, concerns have been raised regarding the drug’s accessibility due to its high cost and limited availability in middle- and high-income countries where HIV incidence is increasing. The current…
With the widespread legalization of cannabis in the country, a rare and painful disorder known as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is emerging. CHS is characterized by severe bouts of nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and even tooth loss. The condition is primarily seen in long-term marijuana users who use cannabis more than four days a week…
The Radiological Society of North America’s annual meeting in Chicago showcased the latest innovations in radiology. GE HealthCare unveiled its new SPECT/CT machine called Aurora, aimed at improving diagnostic accuracy and patient comfort. The machine offers faster rotation speeds and reduced radiation doses. A new version of the Pristina mammography system was also released to…
St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services has successfully implemented 100 cycles of its dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) program, which helps individuals with histories of suicidal behavior, self-harm, or intense emotions. The program focuses on teaching coping skills to manage emotions and improve overall well-being. Over 14,000 individuals have attended the program in the past 16 years….
Patient and consumer advocates are concerned that the incoming Trump administration may roll back federal efforts to address medical debt. They are now looking to states to provide support for individuals struggling to pay medical bills. Some states have already implemented initiatives to protect people from accumulating medical debt, such as removing medical bills from…
New research from Italy shows that children born with type 1 spinal muscular atrophy after 2016 had better outcomes and survival rates compared to those born before then. Of the 241 children born with type 1 SMA since 2016, 199 were still alive at the time of the last follow-up. Disease-modifying therapies have significantly improved…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earned over $20,000 per week as chairman of Children’s Health Defense before leaving to run for president in 2023. He founded the nonprofit in 2007 and served as chairman and chief legal counsel. Despite spending only three and a half months at the organization last year, Kennedy received $326,056 as compensation….
GPs in England have been taking collective action over contractual terms and funding, with some practices implementing safe working limits to limit patient contacts to 25 a day. LMC representatives gathered for an annual conference to share experiences and discuss next steps. In Beds and Herts, workshops have targeted unfunded work, such as monitoring PSA…
Short, intense bursts of physical activity lasting less than a minute each can significantly reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in women who do not regularly exercise. Studies show that 1.5-4.0 minutes of vigorous routine activities can mitigate cardiovascular disease risks among those unwilling or unable to engage in structured exercise. The research found…
A study published in Nature Microbiology identified a strong association between coffee consumption and the abundance of specific gut microorganisms. Coffee intake was linked to the increased presence of Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, a Gram-positive bacterium. The study analyzed over 35,000 metagenomic samples from multiple study cohorts, including healthy individuals, newborns, non-Western populations, and individuals with specific…
Roivant has decided to stop developing its drug namilumab for chronic active pulmonary sarcoidosis after it failed to show benefits in a mid-stage trial. Shares of the company dropped 4% after the announcement. The disease causes inflammatory cell lumps in the lungs and other organs leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. Current treatments only suppress…
A recent study compared surgery and antibiotics as treatment options for uncomplicated appendicitis in children. The study found that nonoperative management with antibiotics was a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgery, with lower costs and similar quality-adjusted life years. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 patients and found that nonoperative management was both less…
Takeda Pharmaceutical has acquired rights to a drug called elritercept from Keros Therapeutics for $200 million, excluding rights in China. Elritercept is being studied for use in treating blood cancers like myelodysplastic syndrome and myelofibrosis, which lead to anemia. This drug could compete with Bristol Myers Squibb’s Reblozyl, which generated $1.2 billion in revenue in…
The Medical Council stated that they are not the appropriate body to regulate physician associates (PAs), emphasizing that PAs should not be viewed as substitutes for doctors. They highlighted concerns about patient safety, professional responsibilities, and the need for clarification on the scope of practice for PAs. The RCSI, which oversees PA training, supports the…
California’s CARE Court initiative aims to compel treatment for severely mentally ill residents living on the streets, but it’s falling short of objectives as only 557 petitions were filed in the first nine months. State officials are confident they can help 2,000 adults by the end of the year as the program expands to all…
The American College of Rheumatology is part of a coalition advocating for Medicare reimbursement reform for biosimilars due to providers being underpaid for administering these medications. The coalition, made up of over 40 organizations, has sent a letter to congressional leaders expressing concerns about the financial burden on providers and potential negative impacts on patient…
Orexo, a Swedish pharmaceutical company, has decided to stop pursuing an app for treating depression called Deprexis. The company had been struggling to sell the product and announced that it will no longer license it from the German manufacturer GAIA. This decision comes after years of working on Deprexis in the United States and having…
Audit Scotland has highlighted the need for the NHS in Scotland to make tough decisions on reducing services in order to free up funds for critical healthcare. The current spending levels are unsustainable and a detailed delivery plan is necessary to ensure the future health of the nation. This will require prioritizing high-priority care over…
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new bioprinting technique called HITS-Bio that uses spheroids to create complex tissue structures. This technique improves precision and scalability, allowing the rapid bioprinting of tissues 10 times faster than existing methods. The team was able to fabricate cartilage tissue in less than 40 minutes and demonstrated the technique’s…
RAND research has found that cognitive ability, physical health, and functional limitations can predict the risk of developing dementia, with lifestyle factors such as exercise and hobbies influencing the likelihood of developing the disease. Early detection of cognitive impairments can help individuals prepare for future financial and physical challenges. The study also found that out-of-pocket…
In November, the FDA approved three new drugs, including obe-cel for adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, revumenib for acute leukemia with a gene translocation, and zanidatamab for HER2-positive biliary tract cancer. The FDA also approved a liquid formulation of imatinib for leukemia and other cancers. Drug labeling for fludarabine phosphate was updated to include new…
A recent study in Texas found that even low levels of arsenic in drinking water could increase the risk of kidney cancer. Researchers from Texas A&M University linked arsenic levels in water to kidney cancer rates in 240 counties. Factors like being male, African American, family history of kidney cancer, lifestyle choices, and health conditions…
AI is revolutionizing healthcare by improving efficiency, scalability, and personalized care. However, healthcare organizations face challenges in developing AI strategies due to regulations and data quality issues. A recent survey by Define Ventures found that leaders in payers and providers are enthusiastic about AI but proceeding cautiously. They are focused on governance, establishing priorities, ROI…
Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews the latest clinical papers on HIV, highlighting the global impact of the virus with millions infected and deceased. Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), the development of an effective HIV vaccine remains challenging due to the virus’s genetic variability and latency. Clinical trials of potential vaccines have shown limited efficacy, leading…
The Covid-19 pandemic led to over 172,000 deaths in nursing homes and sparked a reform requiring minimum nurse staffing. The nursing home industry is pressuring to overturn this regulation under the Trump administration, fearing the cost and staffing shortages. Advocates worry about the impact on resident care and quality. The Biden administration planned to invest…
A study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting found that treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors increased the risk of venous thromboembolism in adults with metastatic lung cancer. Specifically, those who received anti-PD-1 therapy had a higher risk for pulmonary embolism compared to those who received anti-PD-L1 agents. The study, which reviewed data from the TriNetX…
The Medicare Advantage program has been a profitable venture for insurers, with costs exceeding $500 billion this year. The program has faced recent regulatory challenges that could affect profitability. Under the Biden administration, insurers saw a significant payment increase, but changes in coding and audits have aimed to reduce overpayments and care denials. Despite expected…