A study found that fish oil supplementation during pregnancy was associated with metabolites linked to inflammation. This effect was only seen in mothers with a specific genotype. The study included 635 mother-child pairs and showed that children born to mothers with the TT genotype who took fish oil had a reduced risk for atopic dermatitis…
Private equity firms, led by Ascension and TowerBrook Capital Partners, are buying out R1 RCM, a major provider of billing services for hospitals. Ascension, R1’s largest client and shareholder, had no intention of giving up their ownership during the process. TowerBrook ultimately partnered with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on the $8.9 billion deal. R1’s hospital…
Wendy Wood had a diverse career, starting as a secretary before becoming a doctor and later transitioning to chemical pathology. She had a passion for thyroid and pituitary diseases and also worked as a psychodynamic counselor after retiring. Wendy was described as kind, wise, intelligent, and broadminded. She sadly suffered from dementia during the COVID-19…
Insulin resistance is associated with 31 diseases and higher odds of early death in women, according to a study presented at the EASD conference. This condition, linked to type 2 diabetes, has connections to conditions like Parkinson’s disease, gout, and sciatica. The study analyzed data from over 400,000 participants and found that insulin resistance was…
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that older women with urinary incontinence can benefit from regular, low-impact exercise, such as yoga, stretching, and strengthening. Participants saw a 65% reduction in incontinence episodes after 12 weeks of yoga. The study aimed to find low-cost, low-risk treatments for this common health issue among women…
At the European Respiratory Society (ERS) 2024 Congress, experts discussed the benefits, risks, and ethical implications of using artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. With over 600 AI-enabled medical devices registered with the FDA, AI is rapidly being integrated into healthcare systems. Traditional bioethical principles remain necessary for evaluating the ethics of AI tools, with the…
Inositol, also known as vitamin B8, is a natural sugar-like compound found in the body that supports cell growth and development. It can be found in foods like meat, fruits, corn, beans, grains, and legumes, as well as in supplement forms like Myo-inositol. Inositol has various health benefits, including helping with conditions like Type 2…
The covid-19 pandemic brought a surge in federal funding for state public health departments, leading to increased staffing and response capabilities. However, as the emergency ends and federal grants sunset, state governments are now facing budget cuts and layoffs, jeopardizing critical public health services like contact tracing and immunizations. Meanwhile, rates of sexually transmitted diseases…
Carrot Fertility has launched CarrotMatch, a provider matching platform focused on maternity care. The platform offers a wide range of services for fertility, pregnancy, menopause, and family-building, using unique datasets to match members with high-quality providers based on quality, cost, and outcomes. Carrot emphasizes the importance of provider selection in determining overall patient experience and…
The Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, co-chaired by Jennifer A. Galvin, MD, and Kimberly Winges, MD, encourages all ophthalmologists, residents, fellows, and medical students to submit their research for the 2025 meeting. The symposium, scheduled for August 7-10 in Amelia Island, Florida, welcomes a diverse range of submissions including clinical studies and basic science. Galvin…
STAT’s First Opinion platform features articles from experts in the life sciences, sparking discussions on various topics. Responses to these articles are published, including one challenging the dismissal of cancer screening in reducing health disparities. Another response calls for better global vaccine distribution, criticizing the World Health Organization. The debate on health care price regulation…
Jean Monro, an 87 year old doctor, has been removed from the UK medical register for treating two young children with unconventional and unproven methods that posed potential harm. She was medical director at Breakspear Medical clinic and was suspended in May 2023 for recommending experimental oxygen mask use for a 6 year old boy….
Intermittent fasting has been shown to have potential health benefits, but a new study in mice suggests it may increase the risk of cancer. Research has found intermittent fasting can improve metabolism and overall health, but there are concerns about potential cancer risks, especially with genetic mutations. Studies in animals show intermittent fasting can aid…
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment for depression, and new research from Stanford Medicine has found that it can lead to lasting changes in the brain if matched with the right patients. The study focused on adults with depression and obesity, showing that problem-solving therapy could reduce depression in one-third of patients. The therapy…
There has been a significant increase in doctors joining unions due to changes in the healthcare industry, with approximately 8% of physicians belonging to a union. Despite the American Medical Association’s support for physician collective bargaining, they do not track membership. Forming a union is challenging due to varying state laws and hospital regulations, but…
Knee braces are orthopedic devices that provide support, stability, and pain relief to the knee joint, used for managing injuries, chronic conditions, and rehabilitation. Braces come in different styles with specific purposes, such as injury recovery, arthritis management, and preventative care during physical activities. Features to consider when choosing a knee brace include purpose, support…
Oral Genome and Global Group, Inc. are launching a new program called “Bridging Oral Health Disparities” to address oral health disparities in underserved regions using cutting-edge technology. The initiative utilizes Salivary Test Kits and a mobile health app to assess risks for dental issues, diabetes, and enhance early detection and treatment. The program aims to…
The findings presented at the HSE National Health Conference show that over half of patients assessed by GPs under the Opportunistic Case Finding Programme are at high risk of cardiovascular disease or diabetes and are receiving medical intervention. The programme has identified over 100,000 high-risk patients and 6,000 previously undiagnosed cases of chronic disease. Additionally,…
Genetic Leap, an AI and RNA genetic-medicine company, is partnering with Eli Lilly to develop genetic medicine therapeutics using their RNA-targeted AI platform. The collaboration aims to produce oligonucleotide drugs for crucial therapeutic areas chosen by Lilly. Lilly will provide Genetic Leap with $409 million in upfront payments and royalties. RNA plays a key role…
KFF Health News correspondents discussed various health issues on different radio stations, including farmworkers at risk of bird flu, HIV rates among Latinos in San Francisco, and certificate of need laws in Georgia. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and the policy issues impacting healthcare access. KFF Health News is a national…
A study published in the Journal of Public Health found that highlighting the potential harms of not being vaccinated, rather than the benefits of vaccination, was a more effective motivator for getting vaccinated. The study included 1,085 participants in China who had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Participants who were counseled on the harms of…
Laurie Glimcher made headlines last September for breaking Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s partnership with Brigham & Women’s to build a standalone hospital. Now, at 73, Glimcher has announced she will step down as CEO on Oct. 1 to make way for a new leader. She believes it is the right time to pass the torch to…
Ramzi Ajjan and colleagues emphasize the importance of measuring patient related outcomes (PROs) to assess the effects of treatment on individuals. They argue that focusing solely on clinical outcomes in consultations overlooks the day-to-day challenges patients face managing long-term conditions. PROs, measured through validated questionnaires known as patient related outcome measures (PROMs), capture the lived…
Researchers at Stanford Medicine discovered that tailoring treatments for depression based on the type of depression a patient has can increase the likelihood of success. A study focused on adults with depression and obesity found that cognitive behavioral therapy focused on problem-solving led to a reduction in depression symptoms in a third of patients. This…
The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation received a multi-million grant from the NIH to research organ transplantation and antibody-mediated rejection. The funding will support the development of a multi-organs-on-a-chip platform to study transplant rejection and immune tolerance. Organ transplantation is effective but requires immunosuppressive therapy that poses health risks. Current preclinical models do not accurately…
The same dye used in Twinkies has been found to make lab mice temporarily transparent, allowing researchers to observe their internal structures without making incisions. This breakthrough could have applications in biology, diagnostics, and cosmetics if it can eventually be applied to humans. The dye, FD&C Yellow 5, could potentially be used in medical imaging…
Children commonly get colds, causing anxiety for parents due to the risk of severe respiratory infections and spreading the illness. A recent study presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress suggests that using nasal saline drops can reduce the duration of colds in children by two days. The study involved 407 children under six, with…
Four years after the Covid-19 pandemic, the healthcare industry is still struggling, with 52% of Americans finding healthcare quality in the US subpar. Patient feedback indicates common complaints about ‘wait time’, staff professionalism, quality of care, and food quality. Real-time feedback systems can help improve patient experience by identifying and addressing issues promptly. AI technology…
A new Braille and audio resource called ‘Safe Harbour’ has been launched for children dealing with the loss of a loved one through suicide. This publication, written by Patricia Forde and illustrated by Bronagh Lee, tells the story of a young child coping with the suicide of their father. The initiative is a collaboration between…
Abbott’s continuous glucose monitoring system Lingo can now be purchased in the U.S. without a prescription. The system tracks glucose in real time, giving users insights and coaching to improve overall health. This move aligns with a trend of health companies developing innovative technologies, such as Abbott’s Vertigo Coach app and CardioMEMS implantable cardiac sensor…
Stacey Freeman, a regional field organizer for PowerUp NC, struggles with energy poverty, unable to afford utilities to heat or cool her mobile home. This puts her at risk of respiratory issues, heart problems, and other health conditions exacerbated by extreme heat. Energy poverty disproportionately affects communities of color and those in poverty. Policymakers are…
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science compared the use of a visual midline gauge to the current manual clinical method for measuring visual midline shifts in patients following a stroke. The visual midline gauge provided more quantitative results and was found to be repeatable. The study included 93 adults without vision impairments or…
A person in Missouri tested positive for H5 bird flu without contact with animals, with unclear origins of infection. The individual, hospitalized on Aug. 22, had underlying health issues but has since recovered. This is the first H5 bird flu case detected through the national flu surveillance system. The CDC is analyzing the virus’s genetic…
The content discusses the Grenfell Tower tragedy and the inquiry report that attributes blame to politicians and companies for the fire that killed 72 people. The report highlights political failures, ignored warnings, and regulatory deficiencies that contributed to the disaster. It also criticizes the lack of implementation of recommendations and the disregard for residents’ concerns…
Researchers at USC Dornsife found that older adults vulnerable to financial scams may have brain changes linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Nearly 7 million Americans have Alzheimer’s, with healthcare costs of $360 billion annually. The study used MRI scans to examine the entorhinal cortex of participants over 50, finding a correlation between…
A study led by researchers at the UAB Institut de Neurociències shows that daily administration of cannabidiol (CBD) extends lifespan and improves symptoms in animal models of Leigh syndrome, a severe mitochondrial disease in children that has no approved treatments. CBD improves cellular functions and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticonvulsant effects. It activates a protein…
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers, with low survival rates once the disease metastasizes. Current treatments, including chemotherapy combinations, have modest outcomes. However, recent developments in KRAS inhibitors, previously considered “undruggable,” show promise for treating pancreatic cancer. Two inhibitors have been approved for other cancers, with several others in development specifically targeting pancreatic…
A recent study found that following a low-carb, high-fat diet may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%. Previous studies have shown that increased carbohydrate intake raises the risk of diabetes. While low-carb diets may help manage diabetes, they may not prevent it. The study analyzed participants aged 40-69 over two periods…
Mayo Clinic has partnered with Exer AI, a startup focused on improving care for patients with hand conditions. The AI platform from Exer will be used to diagnose and treat various hand and wrist conditions. Exer’s technology can understand human motion and perform functional assessments quickly and accurately. The goal is to improve diagnosis and…
A recent RCSI study explores the current technology-enabled trends in surgery, highlighting the importance of supporting future technologies in health systems. The report, based on the input of 30 surgeons, surgical trainees, and researchers, identified biomaterials, robotics, digital platforms, data analytics, and 3D-reconstructive models as key technologies for surgery. Participants also foresee artificial intelligence, wearables,…
Autumn brings a season of change, both joys and challenges for the elderly. This guide provides tips for seniors to thrive during fall, including embracing outdoor activities, staying active indoors, and nourishing the body with seasonal foods. It also emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, boosting the immune system, creating a cozy home environment,…
A growing community of people are finding relief from the inability to burp through a procedure involving Botox injections into the cricopharyngeal muscle. The condition, known as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction or “no-burp syndrome,” causes bloating, pain, and gurgling in the neck and chest. The first person known to receive this treatment, Daryl Moody, experienced significant…
A recent study showed that patients with end-stage kidney disease treated with hemodialysis worldwide have seen improved survival rates over a 20-year period. The biggest gains were in the United States, with reduced mortality rates. Factors such as reducing serum phosphorus, improved fluid management, and better Kt/V among patients have contributed to this improvement. The…
Sign up for STAT’s Morning Rounds newsletter for daily health and medicine updates. Anil Oza is the new Sharon Begley Fellow at STAT, with exciting stories to come. Scientists are making mice transparent using yellow food dye to study diseases. Vaping rates among US kids have declined, a win for public health officials. A study…
Rafael Dal-Ré and colleagues discuss the challenges of new requirements for sharing individual participant data from US federally funded trials conducted in other countries in a recent publication. Despite previous discussions on the transparency of clinical trials, sharing of de-identified individual participant data remains uncommon. However, two new US regulations aim to increase sharing of…
A study of UK infants found that newborns have one of three pioneer bacteria in their gut, potentially useful for developing personalized infant probiotics. Published in Nature Microbiology, the research identified a bacterium that thrives on breast milk nutrients and blocks harmful pathogens, suggesting its potential as a natural probiotic. The findings could lead to…
Lucie Rosenthal, a Denver resident, experienced her second burp ever at age 26, thanks to a medical procedure to fix retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction, also known as “no-burp syndrome.” This condition can cause bloating, pain, and other digestive issues, and the procedure involves injecting Botox into the upper cricopharyngeal muscle. More than a thousand people have…
A study on patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy found that treatment with panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) followed by anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) led to more complications and the need for eye surgery compared to the reverse treatment sequence. The study included over 2000 patients and found that those who received PRP first had higher rates…
A recent study found that consuming fish during pregnancy can reduce the risk of autism in children, particularly in female offspring. However, taking omega-3 supplements did not show the same benefit. The study, published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, included around 4,000 participants whose fish consumption during pregnancy was evaluated. Those who ate…
A panel discussion at the INVEST Digital Health conference in Dallas focused on the challenges of implementing new technology in hospitals after successfully persuading them to adopt it. Cyril Philip, from Bon Secours Mercy Health, discussed his role in implementing new tech at health systems. Challenges include budget constraints, difficulties in evaluating new technology such…