A dangerous bacterial infection known as streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is on the rise in Japan, with a record high of 941 cases reported last year. This year, 378 cases have been reported in just the first two months of 2024. The infection, caused by the Strep A bacterium, can lead to severe tissue…
A 19-year-old NEET aspirant was found hanging from a ceiling fan. The tragic incident is under investigation. It is a reminder of the mental health struggles many young people face while pursuing their dreams. The use of cookies on the website for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is necessary. By continuing to use the site,…
Labcorp has acquired certain laboratory assets from BioReference Health for $237.5 million, excluding assets in New York and New Jersey. This acquisition will broaden Labcorp’s testing capabilities in clinical diagnostics and reproductive women’s health, generating about $100 million in annual revenue. Labcorp, founded in 1969, reentered drug development services in 2015 through acquisition. The acquisition…
Health officials and the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) met to discuss the impact of a recruitment freeze on healthcare services. The HSE is urging the public to consider alternative care options due to increased pressure on emergency departments (EDs) during the Easter weekend. INMO reported 549 patients waiting for a bed in hospitals,…
Ophthalmologists can use pay-per-click advertising campaigns to attract patients online, but they need to monitor the return on investment (ROI) to ensure effectiveness. In a Healio Video Perspective, Cynthia A. Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA, discuss the role of pay-per-click advertising and how to measure its efficacy. They emphasize the importance of…
Stay updated on the latest developments in the biotech industry by signing up for a newsletter. The latest biotech IPO, Boundless Bio, raised $100 million before experiencing a 9% share price drop. Congress is considering legislation that could impact Chinese life sciences companies like WuXi AppTec, which is accused of sharing American intellectual property with…
The rise of social media has led to unrealistic body image standards, increasing body dissatisfaction among youth. Eating disorders, affecting one million Canadians, are on the rise, especially among young people. These disorders impact every aspect of life, with serious complications and high mortality rates. Recognizing signs of disordered eating is crucial for parents and…
The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and World Health Organization (WHO) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding at the 148th IPU Assembly, emphasizing the important role of parliamentarians in promoting good health for stable societies. The agreement focuses on areas such as universal health coverage, global health security, health promotion, and reducing health inequities. Additional areas of…
Excessive sweating, especially in comfortable temperatures, waking up at night drenched in sweat, may be symptoms of secondary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating caused by medications or a medical condition, leading to overactive sweat glands producing more sweat than necessary. This condition may be accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and heavy sweating at…
Artificial intelligence has identified two plant-based bioactive compounds that could potentially serve as weight-loss drugs by activating the GLP-1R receptor. GLP-1 agonists have shown effectiveness in trials but come with side effects and the need for injection. AI was used to identify natural compounds that could activate GLP-1R without these drawbacks. Two plant-derived compounds, Compound…
The CDC is urging increased vaccination against measles in the U.S. and internationally, particularly for young children traveling abroad. There have been 58 confirmed cases of measles in the U.S. this year, primarily linked to international travel. Countries like Austria, the Philippines, Romania, and the UK are experiencing outbreaks. The CDC recommends two doses of…
CT waiver is not being considered for Sun Pharma’s pulmonary fixed-dose combination (FDC) product. The CDSCO panel has instructed Sun Pharma to conduct a bioavailability (BA) study for the product. Cookies are used on the website for analytics, advertising, and site improvement. By continuing to use the site, the user agrees to the use of…
Eli Lilly’s decision to sell medications directly to patients highlights the growing competition in the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers must address core challenges to meet patients’ needs and maintain a competitive edge. Traditional providers struggle to innovate and compete due to costly administration processes. Increasing service rates to maintain profitability leads to higher insurance premiums….
The Department of Health in Ireland has launched a 2024 Waiting List Action Plan to address the growing number of people on waiting lists for inpatient or day-case procedures. The plan aims to remove over 1.8 million people from waiting lists this year, with a net reduction of around 39,000. There is a focus on…
FOLX Health, an LGBTQIA+ focused digital healthcare provider, has partnered with Crisis Text Line to offer free text-based mental health support to FOLX members 24/7. The partnership aims to address the mental health epidemic affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, with 50% of Crisis Text Line users identifying as LGBTQIA+. FOLX Health has secured funding and expanded…
The article discusses the challenges faced by a 67-year-old woman, Susanne Gilliam, as she navigates the complexities of the American healthcare system after slipping on black ice and injuring her knee and ankle. The story highlights the difficulties of coordinating care, multiple specialist appointments, and the burden placed on older adults dealing with multiple medical…
Cost was found to be the main barrier to dermatologic care for university-age students, leading them to seek skin-related health information on social media. This trend has resulted in adverse reactions from social media-influenced at-home treatments. A survey of Michigan State University students showed that TikTok and Instagram were the most used platforms for seeking…
Major U.S. health insurers have agreed to cover the Wegovy weight-loss drug for certain people on Medicare with heart conditions. CVS Health, Elevance Health, and Kaiser Permanente will now reimburse the drug for those who meet specific criteria. However, Eli Lilly has disclosed potential shortages of their Zepbound weight loss drug due to high demand….
Vitamin supplements are a $45 billion industry in the US, but experts say most people don’t need them if they have a well-balanced diet. Some populations, such as pregnant women, seniors with osteoporosis, vegans, and high-intensity athletes, may benefit from specific supplements. Taking excessive vitamins can be harmful and often unnecessary, as the body will…
A recent study by The Lancet Neurology reveals that over 3 billion people worldwide were living with neurological conditions in 2021, making it the leading cause of ill health and disability globally. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions and increased access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation for those affected. Neurological conditions…
Stephen Rawlings, MD, PhD, was conducting HIV and SARS-CoV-2 research during the COVID-19 pandemic when a couple, both COVID-19 survivors, wanted to donate convalescent plasma. However, they were unable to donate due to restrictions on blood donations from gay men. The current U.S. blood donation policy includes various criteria and deferral periods, including a 3-month…
Short-term exposure to high outdoor temperatures can weaken the immune system, leading to an increased inflammatory response and reduction in infection-fighting cells, according to a new study. Researchers found that even modest increases in temperature can impact immune system functioning, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disorders and infections. The study, presented at the American…
A recent study has raised concerns about the popular intermittent fasting technique of 8-hour time-restricted eating, linking it to a higher risk of death from heart disease. The study, conducted on over 20,000 adults, found that those following an 8-hour eating schedule had a 91% higher risk of cardiovascular death. While this eating pattern has…
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A recent report from Ernst & Young (EY) showed that 65% of healthcare organizations have had a positive return on health equity efforts and 83% have seen improved health outcomes. The report, based on a survey of 500 health equity leaders, found that most organizations believe prioritization and financial investment in health equity will increase….
New findings suggest that Artificial intelligence (AI) could help in understanding the origins and development of Parkinson’s disease. Preliminary results from a study using the AI software programme, NetraAI, identified markers associated with Parkinson’s disease, particularly related to immune system responses. This research has the potential to improve clinical trials and accelerate the development of…
DarioHealth reported a significant decrease in revenue for Q4 2023 compared to the previous year, with a net loss also increasing. The company attributed the decrease in revenue to lower consumer and strategic partner channels. Despite this, DarioHealth’s CEO expressed optimism about the company’s pivot to a new business model, which includes the recent acquisition…
Céline Gounder, Andy Miller, and Arielle Zionts, all senior fellows and editors at KFF Health News, discussed various health-related topics on different platforms in March. Gounder talked about the 2024 U.S. measles outbreak on WAMU’s “A1” show, Miller discussed Medicaid expansion on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia,” and Zionts focused on Montana’s abortion access on…
Adagrasib, a RAS GTPase inhibitor, has shown promise in improving progression-free survival and overall response rate in adults with KRASG12C-mutated non-small cell lung cancer, according to results from a phase 3 trial. The drug received accelerated FDA approval for use in previously treated patients. The study found that adagrasib was superior to standard chemotherapy, meeting…
A new analysis found that people in Republican-voting states were more likely to report adverse events after receiving a Covid-19 vaccination compared to those in Democratic-leaning states. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that a 10% increase in Republican votes in the last presidential election was associated with increased reporting of adverse events….
Ann Robinson reviews the latest research on the use of aspirin in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. A preliminary study found that taking a low dose of aspirin for six months reduced hepatic fat quantity significantly. However, further research with a larger sample size is needed. In another study, text message and patient portal…
Researchers from Lund University have identified molecular signatures associated with sepsis that could improve diagnosis and prognosis. This research presented at ECCMID 2024 in Barcelona aims to target specific therapies at patients who would benefit most. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by infection, with no singular diagnostic test available. The study analyzed plasma samples…
Blood in insects, called hemolymph, can clot quickly outside the body, but how this happens has remained a mystery. Researchers have discovered that caterpillars of the Carolina sphinx moth, tobacco hornworms, can seal wounds in a minute by transforming their hemolymph from a water-like substance to a viscoelastic fluid. This change allows the hemolymph to…
For most people with multiple sclerosis (MS), alcohol can be consumed in moderation. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend no more than one drink a day for women and two for men. Regularly drinking alcohol can worsen neurological damage and function for MS patients, but an occasional glass or beer is unlikely to cause significant issues….
Researchers found no successful malpractice litigation related to active surveillance in managing low-risk cancers such as thyroid, prostate, kidney, and breast cancer or lymphoma from 1990 to 2022. Out of 201 malpractice cases screened, only five, all involving prostate cancer, mentioned active surveillance. Two cases involved incarcerated patients with very-low-risk prostate adenocarcinoma managed with active…
A new study suggests that replacing sugary drinks and fruit juices with whole fruits may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes in boys. Researchers found that boys who consumed 8 ounces or more of sugary beverages daily during childhood and adolescence had an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes based on glycemic indicators,…
The Health Minister of Karnataka has written to the Centre requesting a supply of anti-TB drugs. This request comes as the state is facing a shortage of these essential drugs. The Minister highlights the importance of ensuring uninterrupted supply of these medications to effectively combat tuberculosis in the state. The letter emphasizes the urgent need…
This monthly roundup highlights recent hiring news in the healthcare industry. The Coalition for Health AI, the College of American Pathologists, Geisinger, Genuine Health Group, Optum Financial Services, StimScience, University of Florida Health, and US Radiology Specialists have all made recent executive hires. Promotions include the Arizona Department of Health Services naming Eugene Livar as…
Prof Brendan Kelly is continuing his project on Sigmund Freud by examining Volume Fourteen of the Complete Psychological Works of Freud. This volume includes essays on mourning, melancholia, and war, written between 1914 and 1916. Freud discusses the process of mourning as a healthy response to loss, contrasting it with the more complex and internally…
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and periodontitis may have a bidirectional relationship, with a higher incidence of periodontitis in patients with IBD compared to those without. A study used Mendelian randomization analysis to evaluate the genetic association between IBD and periodontitis. Periodontitis was found to be a risk factor for ulcerative colitis (UC) but not Crohn’s…
Openstream.ai has developed a new patented automated digital twin technology for enterprise virtual assistants (EVAs) that replicate human experts in various fields. These digital twins possess the knowledge and personas of their human counterparts, engaging in empathetic conversations with users in any language, via avatars, voice agents, or virtual agents. This innovation aims to enhance…
Karla Adkins, a former heavy drinker, nearly died from alcohol-related liver failure 10 years ago. Women are increasingly impacted by alcohol use disorder, with rates climbing faster than in men. Current marketing for alcohol targets women, and social drinking is a significant part of American culture. Parenthood used to be a protective factor against excessive…
Syndromic PCR panels may incorrectly identify a measles infection in children who recently received the MMR vaccine. Physicians should assess clinical features and vaccine history after a positive test to avoid misdiagnoses. The CDC has recently warned healthcare providers about a rise in measles cases globally. Around 5% of people may experience a rash after…
Research has found that diabetes drugs in the U.S. are significantly more expensive compared to other high-income countries. The study suggests that a simple change, such as robust generic competition, could lower prices significantly. For example, the cost of producing a generic vial of insulin could be 97% less than the current market price in…
lead to increased access to healthcare and will only undermine the quality of medical care in South Korea,” said the Korean Medical Association in a statement. The government has stood firm in their decision to increase medical school places, stating that the move is necessary to address the country’s doctor shortage and to provide better…
New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Venice, Italy, suggests that the optimal body weight range for adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease varies by age. For adults aged 65 or younger, maintaining a BMI within the normal range of 23–25 kg/m² is best,…
Women with premenstrual disorders have a higher risk of perinatal depression, and vice versa, according to recent research. The study found that almost 3% of women with perinatal depression had premenstrual disorders before pregnancy, compared to only 0.6% of unaffected women. This bidirectional relationship suggests a common underlying mechanism between the two conditions, which could…
Dr. Vincent Macaluso, who was diagnosed with MS in medical school, now treats patients with MS in New Hyde Park, NY. He understands the challenges MS can bring, such as memory problems and depression. Dr. Tim Vartanian notes that cognitive issues, like slowed thinking and fuzzy memory, are common in MS. It is important to…
A study comparing cervical pessary and vaginal progesterone for preventing preterm birth in women with a short cervix found no significant difference in perinatal complications. Among women with a cervical length of ≤ 25 mm, pessaries appeared less effective at preventing spontaneous preterm birth and adverse outcomes. The open-label, randomized controlled trial included 635 women…
Individuals with joint hypermobility, commonly termed “double jointed,” are more likely to experience persistent fatigue associated with long COVID. Researchers have found that hypermobile individuals have a 30% higher chance of not fully recovering from COVID-19 and suffering from lingering fatigue. While hypermobility is not proven to be a causal factor of long COVID, the…