Scientists worldwide are researching advanced therapeutic medicinal products (ATMPs) to harness the body’s healing potential, revolutionizing healthcare. These living therapies, utilizing cells, proteins, tissues, and nucleic acids, offer curative potential for rare and stubborn diseases. Despite challenges in manufacturing and supply, ATMPs have shown promise, evidenced by 34,400 CAR-T cell therapies delivered. The field is…
Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin will begin testing wearable devices for patients with severe asthma. The devices will be integrated into a digital platform and used by 50 patients on a trial basis. Patients will also receive a home spirometer to measure lung function. The wearable device will allow patients to record various health data,…
Traffic-related pollution is linked to increased neuritic plaques in Alzheimer’s patients, especially in those without APOE ε4 alleles. Exposure to PM2.5 has been associated with dementia and cognitive decline. A study at the Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center found a significant association between PM2.5 and CERAD scores. The study had limitations, including a small…
A study published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair found that augmented reality (AR) headsets can deliver effective virtual dual-task training for people with Parkinson’s Disease to improve their gait. This innovation makes therapy more accessible for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, who often struggle with walking due to symptoms like loss of balance and shuffling gait….
Verily, Alphabet’s life science subsidiary, has shifted its focus to using AI and data science for precision health. Andrew Trister, Verily’s chief medical and science officer, discussed the company’s collaboration with Google, its development of technologies like the Verily Retinal Camera, and its exploration of generative AI models like Med-PaLM and Gemini. Verily aims to…
KFF Health News reporters discussed various health topics in recent podcasts and news segments. Aneri Pattani talked about reporting on addiction and opioid spending in Massachusetts. Rachana Pradhan explored constraints on women’s health care at Catholic hospitals, while Paula Andalo covered Colorado students advocating for carrying naloxone. KFF Health News is a national newsroom focusing…
Heron Therapeutics reported its fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 financial results, achieving a quarterly record of $5.6 million in net product sales from Zynrelef. The company also reported $107.9 million in revenue from its oncology care franchise. CEO Craig Collard expressed optimism for the company’s long-term success and profitability, attributing positive momentum to strategic decisions made…
Pregnancy accelerates biological aging but much of the effect is reversed after delivery, especially in people who breastfeed. Research shows that being pregnant is associated with faster molecular aging, which can be reversed to some extent postpartum. Higher BMI is linked to higher biological age, while breastfeeding accelerates the rate of recovery. Future studies will…
The UK NHS has introduced a new random ranking system for allocating foundation training posts, leaving medical students feeling powerless and deprived of agency. Many students have been assigned to remote locations far from their loved ones, causing distress and disillusionment. The sudden change to a random allocation system has left students unable to predict…
By 2050, the global population of adults 60 and older is expected to double, leading to a rise in dementia cases. University College Cork researchers are investigating the link between dementia risks and blood content, suggesting that changes in the brain may be accelerated due to what is in the blood. Detecting risk factors for…
University of Queensland researchers have used dosing software to speed up the effects of antibiotics in sepsis patients in Intensive Care Units. The software improved antibiotic exposures in adults and children with sepsis, leading to faster recovery, higher quality care, cost savings, and increased bed availability in hospitals. The technique used in the DIRECT study…
Dan Collins has been living with major depressive disorder since he was 16. He experienced a critical episode in 1991 when he felt overwhelmed by despair and anxiety. After struggling, he sought help and was prescribed Prozac, which helped him immensely. He also took up fencing and exercise to manage his depression. He emphasizes the…
The US FDA has expanded the indications for bempedoic acid and bempedoic acid plus ezetimibe combination to prevent heart attacks and cardiovascular procedures in primary- and secondary-prevention patients regardless of statin use. Bempedoic acid is indicated to reduce the risk for MI and coronary revascularization in adults unable to take recommended statin therapy with CVD,…
Researchers found that 68% of children under 6 in Chicago are exposed to lead-contaminated water, with 69% of tests exceeding the safe limit of 1 ppb. Disparities in exposure levels and testing rates were found among racial groups, indicating environmental racism. Lead is toxic, especially for kids, and no level of exposure is safe. Despite…
The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) released its 2023 report, highlighting the impact of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and effective management strategies to reduce the burden of COPD. It also emphasizes the importance of smoking cessation and promoting healthy lifestyles…
Health systems heavily rely on third-party vendors for various services, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. The recent attack on Change Healthcare highlights the disastrous effects of third-party cyberattacks on healthcare providers. Transparency is crucial in responding to cyber incidents, but legal concerns often hinder information sharing. Organizations need time to understand the extent of the…
CORU, the health and social care professionals’ council, has named Sheila McClelland as its new CEO, starting on April 8. McClelland previously served as CEO of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. CORU oversees the professional conduct of 13 different healthcare professions and currently regulates 27,000 professionals, with plans to expand to 40,000 in…
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that semaglutide, a medication for type 2 diabetes, reduces major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and improves metabolic outcomes compared to a placebo, regardless of baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The study analyzed data from two randomized controlled trials and included 6480 participants with type 2 diabetes…
Experts at HIMSS24 emphasized the importance of having a strong executive team and solutions that address providers’ pain points in digital health startups. The financing and funding environment for digital health startups is challenging, with an influx of capital in 2021 creating a crowded market. Investors look for companies that can quickly scale and demonstrate…
Sarah Feldman, de 35 años, recibió cartas amenazantes del Centro Médico Mount Sinai debido a problemas con un acuerdo de precios con UnitedHealthcare. A pesar de las promesas de que sus médicos seguirían en la red, el hospital y la aseguradora terminaron su acuerdo. Estas disputas de contratos entre proveedores y aseguradoras están en aumento,…
Exposure to acid-suppressive medications in infants increases the risk of developing food allergies, anaphylaxis, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. Proton pump inhibitors present the highest risks, with risk ratios ranging from 2.17 to 11.23. Researchers hypothesize that these medications may increase allergy risks by causing gut dysbiosis. The study, which included 56,492 patients prescribed PPIs…
The Supreme Court justices questioned whether the Biden administration coerced social media platforms to regulate Covid-19 content, violating freedom of speech in the case of Murthy v. Missouri. Biden’s lawyers argued they had the right to flag misinformation and press platforms to regulate false information. Some justices doubted the plaintiff’s assertion of coercion and harm…
The BMA has called for an independent inquiry into the use of physician associates in hospitals to replace doctors on medical rotas. They are urging the government to investigate how widespread this practice is in England and how it has been allowed to happen. The BMA has requested the health and social care secretary to…
The increasing global population of patients with diabetic wounds presents a significant challenge, impacting patients’ quality of life and putting a strain on healthcare systems. Traditional wound treatment methods have limitations in drug delivery to the wound bed. Microneedles have emerged as a promising solution due to their efficient drug delivery capabilities and minimal invasiveness….
Researchers from the DZD found that after weight loss, individuals with overweight and obesity showed an increase in the protein Kallistatin in subcutaneous white adipose tissue. This protein has potential therapeutic benefits for those with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Clinical studies revealed that obese individuals have lower levels of Kallistatin, which plays a role…
Vaccinations provide lifetime protection against diseases like hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, polio, MMRV, hepatitis A, and flu. The vaccines are given according to a schedule starting at birth and continuing into childhood, usually before school begins. Side effects of vaccines are mild and infrequent, with soreness at the injection site and…
The addition of pembrolizumab to concurrent chemoradiotherapy for high-risk locally advanced cervical cancer does not harm quality of life, according to patient-reported outcome analyses from the KEYNOTE-A18 trial. The trial showed a 30% reduction in the risk for progression with pembrolizumab compared to placebo, with favorable overall survival trends. Patient-reported outcome instruments used in the…
Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that high-intensity exercise can increase levels of the hormone adiponectin in breast milk, which is beneficial for babies by protecting them against diabetes and regulating their metabolism. The study collected samples of breast milk from new mothers before and after exercise sessions, showing that intense…
Rezafungin and caspofungin are both effective treatment options for invasive candidiasis. Cookies are used on the site for analytics, advertising, and to improve the user experience. By agreeing to the use of cookies, users can benefit from these features. More information on the use of cookies can be found in the Cookie Policy and Cookie…
AI is revolutionizing healthcare by enabling gene-based precision medicine through GenAI technology, which uses advanced algorithms to match molecules with patient conditions. Pharmaceutical companies collect vast amounts of data on drugs, patient populations, and interactions to develop personalized therapies. Sales teams selling precision drugs must utilize this data to understand drug effects, interactions, and target…
In 2023, Ireland had more than 20,000 practicing physicians, with over half of them being male and one-fourth under 35 years old. The majority were generalist medical practitioners, followed by general pediatricians and psychiatrists. Many physicians had obtained their first medical qualification from countries such as Pakistan, Sudan, and the UK. The number of nurses,…
Virtual care staffing vendor Wheel has partnered with Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company, Talkspace, and Health Gorilla to offer mental health services, affordable prescription drug pricing, and diagnostic services through its platform. The partnerships aim to provide patients with more choice, accessibility, and affordability in their healthcare journey. Wheel CEO Michelle Davey emphasized the…
Several states are considering bans on the discredited medical diagnosis of “excited delirium” from death certificates, law enforcement training, incident reports, and court testimony. California was the first state to prohibit this term in official proceedings, with other states like Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, and New York following suit. Families who lost relatives in encounters with…
A study found that higher levels of apolipoprotein A-I were associated with the development of giant cell arteritis (GCA) in patients. The study included data from the Malmö Diet Cancer Study and revealed that patients who later developed GCA had higher levels of apolipoprotein A-I at baseline compared to controls. Apolipoprotein B levels did not…
The content discusses the importance of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) in counteracting the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The author, a psychiatrist, shares a personal story of working with a mother struggling with depression and anxiety after her child’s birth. They emphasize the need to focus on cultivating positive experiences to promote resilience…
Bernard Guratsky, a graduate of Quarry Bank Grammar School and Liverpool University Medical School, was a consultant anaesthetist at Arrowe Park Hospital from 1982 to 2005. He was proud of his Jewish and Liverpool backgrounds and played a key role in integrating staff at the new hospital. He initiated the epidural analgesia service at the…
A recent report commissioned by Swim England found evidence of a “culture of fear” in swimming clubs where children are treated more like professional athletes, prioritizing sporting performance above all else. While sport can have a positive impact on children’s well-being, issues arise when their athletic identity overshadows their identity as children. This can lead…
Researchers reviewed existing studies on post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), a rare condition with limited knowledge. Symptoms include nasal congestion, fatigue, and itchiness following ejaculation, with onset within minutes and lasting up to seven days. Primary POIS occurs during puberty, while secondary develops later. Diagnosis requires specific symptom clusters and timing. Causes may involve immune hypersensitivity,…
By the time your baby is a year old, they’ll need at least 16 vaccinations, which may cause temporary pain but are crucial for protecting against dangerous childhood diseases like polio and measles. Techniques like the Five S’s (side/stomach position, shushing, swinging, swaddling, and sucking), numbing medicine, breastfeeding, and tandem shots can help reduce vaccine…
Nemolizumab, an IL-31 inhibitor, has shown good efficacy and safety in treating prurigo nodularis over 52 weeks. It has also been found effective in treating atopic dermatitis, with positive long-term maintenance data. Current treatments for prurigo nodularis are not effective or well-tolerated, making the promise of nemolizumab significant. The drug has shown sustained improvement in…
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to negative health outcomes such as risky behaviors, mental health issues, and premature death. However, a recent study of 148,000 individuals in Sweden found that initiating ADHD medication can reduce the overall mortality risk, particularly from unnatural causes like accidents and drug overdose. The study suggests…
A study found that smoking is linked to a lower ratio of coronary volume to myocardial mass, indicating potential negative effects on heart health. The research suggests that smoking may be associated with reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This insight highlights the importance of quitting…
The HIMSS conference in Orlando brought together healthcare technology leaders to discuss and network. Google Cloud unveiled new clinical generative AI tools to help healthcare organizations better utilize their data. GE HealthCare and Mass General Brigham are integrating foundation models into their AI research to accelerate the development of healthcare AI tools. Philips and AWS…
St James’s Hospital in Dublin has received prestigious European recognition for their department of cardiothoracic surgery, caring for over half of lung cancer patients in Ireland. The hospital has the largest thoracic surgical oncology program in the country and has seen improved survival rates for lung cancer patients. The accreditation by the European Society of…
A study published in Chest found that critically ill COVID-19 patients are at increased risk for hospital-acquired infections (HAI), including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and bloodstream infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The study included 774 patients with severe COVID-19, with 47% developing a total of 759 HAIs, 35% of which were caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Patients…
AI-enabled virtual care assistants are changing patient care, but providers need to build trust as technology advances. Northwell Health and Providence Health have been using chatbots to improve patient experience, reduce readmissions, and answer administrative questions. It is important to ensure that AI algorithms are functioning correctly and that conversations with chatbots are meaningful and…
The content discussed in the podcast includes the beginning of the general election campaign for president, where health care is a critical issue, especially with Trump considering cuts to Medicare and Social Security. The panelists also talked about the cybersecurity breach at Change Healthcare, impacting medical billing across the industry. Additionally, the discussion covered Republican…
At the Hawaiian Eye 2024 conference, Dr. Richard S. Davidson discussed the importance of capsular tension rings (CTRs) in cataract surgery. He highlighted that CTRs can act as a safety net during challenging cases, making them a valuable tool for ophthalmologists. Davidson emphasized the significance of knowing when to use CTRs and ensuring that they…
Researchers and scientists argue that our understanding of sex is still primitive and outdated. They suggest that “sex” should not be the primary variable in research, but rather measurable factors like the presence of a uterus, hormone levels, and genetics. Using sex as a proxy for specific variables can lead to inaccuracies in research, such…
Fayek Dimitri Salama was a thoracic surgeon born in Cairo, who trained in the UK and worked as a consultant in Nottingham until his retirement. He obtained his medical degree from Ain-Shams Medical School and specialized in thoracic surgery. He trained as a registrar in various hospitals in the UK, including Hawkmoor Hospital, Broomfield Hospital,…