Researchers at the Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG) have discovered that adding interferon gamma (IFNγ) can accelerate the reprogramming of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in mice by one day, saving time and resources. This treatment enhances the production and quality of pluripotent stem cells, which are valuable in disease modeling and drug testing, especially…
A study found a mechanism behind multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) caused by COVID-19. The immune systems of affected children attacked their own tissues after latching onto a part of the coronavirus resembling a human protein. This discovery came from a collaborative effort by scientists from various institutions. Through Phage Immunoprecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq), autoantibodies…
Experts are discussing the definition of obesity and the impact of bias on patient care. There is a consensus that societal views on obesity influence clinical behavior, leading to stigma and discrimination towards individuals with obesity. Lack of education on obesity in medical training contributes to bias in healthcare settings. To combat stigma, clinicians are…
Researchers have found that adding a blend of refined corn flour and corn bran to your meals can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by 5% to 13.3% in just four weeks. In a clinical trial, 70% of participants experienced reductions in LDL cholesterol when consuming the blend, while other groups did not see reductions. The researchers…
The pandemic has highlighted the risks and complications associated with unnecessary hospital visits, especially for seniors. Many health systems are now focusing on providing in-home care by deploying nurses and paramedics to treat patients outside of hospitals. Studies have shown that seniors often experience negative outcomes after hospital visits, such as functional decline and disability….
Alcohol Action Ireland is calling for a 15% increase in excise duty on alcohol to help reduce road deaths. Research shows that a 10% increase in alcohol prices can lead to a 7% reduction in road fatalities. In Ireland, this could mean 13 fewer deaths in a year. AAI CEO Dr. Sheila Gilheany emphasized the…
A recent study in South Korea explored using homomorphic encryption (HE) to protect patient data in training AI models. The study gathered EMR data from three hospitals to predict mortality rates after surgery. The findings suggest HE can be applied to combine data from various sources while maintaining privacy and security. This encryption method allows…
Social media’s impact on the mental health of young people is not fully understood, leading to various legislative actions such as age bans and warning labels for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. While some features of social media can be harmful, it also provides mental health benefits for teenagers, especially those from marginalized groups….
Dr. Cassie Kline discusses the results of the FIREFLY-1 trial at the International Symposium on Pediatric Neuro-Oncology. The phase 2 study focused on treating pediatric low-grade gliomas with tovorafenib to decrease tumor growth velocity, a drug that recently received FDA approval for this specific indication. Dr. Kline is excited about this approval as it is…
Former President Trump’s speech at a rally included tangentiality as he shifted from mocking President Biden to discussing Cary Grant and other topics. Experts noted a decline in Trump’s linguistic complexity and suggested potential cognitive decline. Trump’s speaking style, marked by verbal slips and off-topic ramblings, raised concerns about dementia. Analysis showed an increase in…
Quentin Blake’s drawings have been bringing joy to hospital wards for two decades, but only patients, visitors, and staff have been able to see them. To make the artwork more accessible, a Suffolk museum is working with Blake to display his drawings of swimming babies, helpful dragons, treetop adventures, and poignant landscapes under one roof….
A recent study found significant race and sex-based differences in survival benefits for people who received bystander CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. White adults and men had higher chances of survival compared to Black adults and women, with Native American and white adults seeing the greatest benefits. Individuals who received bystander CPR had a 28%…
Family members of recently discharged hospital patients have a higher risk of contracting antibiotic-resistant infections, particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), even if the patient did not have the infection. Hospitals may contribute to the spread of superbugs into the community through discharged patients. Researchers recommend hospitals enhance infection control practices, including testing for MRSA colonization,…
Middle-aged patients with severe obesity may experience improved hormonal balance proportional to weight loss after bariatric surgery or dietary intervention. In a study of 61 adults, men saw a 0.6% increase in total testosterone levels for every kilogram lost, while women experienced a 0.8% decrease. Women undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric surgery had the greatest testosterone reduction,…
The EPA has issued an emergency ban on the weedkiller DCPA, citing risks to unborn children from exposure to the pesticide. DCPA was used to control weeds on various crops and plants but has been found to have serious risks, including affecting thyroid hormone levels in the fetus and potentially leading to irreversible health issues….
EHRs are a crucial part of healthcare IT, with growing expenditure in the US. Hospital leaders must be careful when choosing and transitioning to a new system to avoid hidden costs. Transparency in cost breakdown is key, along with adaptability, staffing impact, integration with medical devices, and minimizing operational disruptions. The System as a Service…
More than 5,000 people have died in emergency departments (EDs) in the past five years, with over 1,000 deaths occurring last year alone. Cork University Hospital had the highest number of deaths in its ED, with 158 people passing away there last year. Seventeen hospitals saw an increase in ED fatalities compared to pre-pandemic levels….
The FDA recently approved monoclonal antibody drugs like Donanemab for Alzheimer’s treatment. These drugs target amyloid plaques in the brain, believed to be linked to cognitive decline. Clinical trials show a delay in cognitive decline, but also risk of brain bleeding and swelling. Donanemab appears to be most effective, while Aducanumab has been discontinued. Patients…
Hims & Hers Health reported a significant increase in revenue, net income, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the same period last year. The company raised its full-year revenue and adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2024. Talkspace also saw a revenue increase driven by payor revenue and reduced…
Roger Severino, from the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services, worked to protect health workers who refused to perform procedures like abortion for religious reasons. After Trump left office, Severino helped develop a plan with the Heritage Foundation to refocus the department on traditional marriage and family. This vision, outlined in Project 2025,…
A study evaluated the AI application ChatGPT’s knowledge of glaucoma by asking it common questions about the disease. ChatGPT answered 88.7% of the questions correctly, with no completely incorrect answers. The study found that ChatGPT provided accurate information about glaucoma, with some answers being insufficient or misleading. Researchers believe that the widespread use of AI…
Vice President Kamala Harris selected Tim Walz as her running mate, sparking backlash from Trump’s campaign. Walz’s Covid-19 response, including stay-at-home orders and mask mandates, has been contentious. Republicans criticized him for imposing strict policies, while public health officials supported his efforts to curb hospitalizations. Minnesota had low death rates but faced criticism for extended…
Katie Bramall-Stainer, head of England’s GPs, stated that the collective action taken by general practices to protect services and staff could be sustained long term. This action, voted for by GP partners, can be initiated at any time without needing permission. Bramall-Stainer emphasized the importance of maintaining this collective effort to ensure the continued success…
An editorial in BMJ Global Health urges the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to end its partnership with Coca-Cola, citing concerns about athletes endorsing unhealthy sugary drinks and the company’s influence over political and corporate leaders. Despite evidence linking sugary drinks to health issues, Coca-Cola remains a top-tier sponsor of the Olympics until at least 2032….
Researchers at the RIKEN Center for Brain Science in Japan have discovered a new way to combat Alzheimer’s disease using dopamine. The study, published in Science Signaling, found that dopamine promotes the production of the enzyme neprilysin, which can break down harmful plaques in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. Using a mouse model, the researchers…
The FDA approved vorasidenib for the treatment of certain IDH-mutant diffuse gliomas, the first targeted therapy for these types of brain tumors. This oral inhibitor is for adults and children aged 12 or older with grade 2 astrocytoma or oligodendroglioma with a susceptible IDH1 or IDH2 mutation. Prior to this approval, patients had limited treatment…
Collagen supplements are increasingly popular for skin, joint, and bone health benefits. Collagen is a key protein in the body, supporting tissues like skin and bones. Supplements can be sourced from bovine, marine, porcine, and plant-based options. Bovine collagen is rich in types I and III beneficial for skin, while marine collagen offers types I…
Red Queen Therapeutics, named after the Red Queen hypothesis in evolutionary biology, has emerged with a technology platform and drug pipeline to combat viral threats. The startup, backed by a $55 million Series A commitment from Apple Tree Partners, focuses on developing antivirals using stapled peptides that block viral fusion to cells. This novel approach…
The Dillon Quirke Foundation, established to prevent young people from dying of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), has conducted cardiac screenings for over 7,000 young individuals across all counties in Ireland in partnership with sports clubs. The charity, founded in memory of Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke, aims to raise awareness of cardiac screening’s importance and…
If you are planning a trip to Japan this summer, be aware of the rise in cases of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS), a potentially fatal bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting, which can quickly progress to organ failure. To protect yourself, practice good…
A research team at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in South Korea has developed AI technology to predict the risk of developing dementia based on recorded conversations of elderly individuals. The AI achieved 87.3% accuracy in recognizing Alzheimer’s disease. The technology has been incorporated into a mobile app for trials at senior welfare centers….
The University of Mississippi’s School of Medicine in Jackson is hosting African American Visit Day to recruit more Black students. Medical schools nationwide are trying to enroll more underrepresented minority students. Republican opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in higher education could worsen health disparities for people of color. School administrators are concerned about…
The CDC issued a health alert in June about the increased risk of dengue infection in the U.S., with reported cases more than doubling compared to the previous year. There have been 2,869 cases of dengue reported in 48 U.S. jurisdictions, mostly in Puerto Rico. Florida is the only state reporting local infections. The impact…
The FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health is facing a change in leadership as Jeff Shuren departs. Shuren’s legacy includes building trust with the medical device industry but facing criticism for risky products slipping through regulations. The FDA has also established its first advisory committee for digital health, focusing on AI-enabled medical devices. Meanwhile,…
Kent Buse, Simon Barquera, and Maggie Wetzel argue that following WHO guidance on sports sponsorship is crucial for promoting healthy and athletic populations during global sporting events like the Olympics. They highlight the negative health outcomes associated with sugar-sweetened beverages and call for stricter regulations on their marketing and consumption. They emphasize the need for…
Stephen Nedoroscik, an Olympic gymnast known for his bronze-winning talent, has captured attention not just for his performance, but also for his eyeglasses due to his eye conditions, strabismus and coloboma. These conditions impact his vision, with strabismus causing misalignment and coloboma leading to missing parts of the eye. Despite these challenges, Nedoroscik has succeeded…
Beckman Coulter Life Sciences and Illumina have collaborated to introduce a new automated solution for oncology research. The Illumina TruSightâ„¢ Oncology 500 DNA/RNA assay on the Biomek NGeniuS System offers faster results with reduced manual touchpoints. The application allows for comprehensive genomic profiling of tumor samples, detecting various cancer biomarkers. Library preparation can be completed…
A new study reported that private equity (PE) firms tend to buy hospitals with less debt than their counterparts. Hospitals acquired by PE firms between 2005 and 2018 had significantly less debt than control hospitals. However, there was no significant difference in financial metrics or clinical outcomes before acquisition. Critics argue that PE firms harm…
A survey of U.S. adults found that 15 million people consume botanicals that can harm the liver, with turmeric being the most popular. Despite claims of health benefits, studies have not shown significant positive effects. The lack of regulation in the botanical industry can lead to discrepancies and misinformation, potentially causing harm to consumers. The…
Physician burnout hit a record high of 62.8% in 2021 but has since fallen below 50% due to factors such as the end of the pandemic, increased support staff ratios, and the introduction of clinician wellness programs. New technology, including AI tools, has also helped reduce documentation burdens, with more than 40% of physicians spending…
Prof Eamonn Rogers has been appointed as co-lead of the National Clinical Programme for Surgery (NCPS), joining gastrointestinal surgeon Mr Ken Mealy. Prof Rogers, a consultant urologist, has served as the national clinical advisor for urology for nine years. The NCPS aims to provide safer, timely, and cost-effective care for surgical patients. Prof Rogers will…
Andy Molnar, CEO of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, has been selected to serve on the FDA’s Digital Health Advisory Committee (DHAC). The committee advises the FDA commissioner on digital health technologies like AI, machine learning, and virtual reality, ensuring safe and effective regulation. Molnar will be responsible for areas like real-world data, digital diagnostics, and…
Access to data is crucial for public health decision-making, but tribal epidemiologists and public health workers for Native American communities are often in the dark due to restrictions from state and federal agencies. The 2010 reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act granted tribal epidemiology centers public health authority, but access to data remains…
Underrepresented groups may be less likely to undergo reverse shoulder arthroplasty for humerus fractures compared to white patients. A study analyzed data from 7,499 patients who underwent surgical treatment for proximal humeral fractures and found that underrepresented groups and male patients had significantly lower odds of receiving reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Patients older than 65 years,…
The national uninsured rate rose from 7.7% to 8.2% earlier this year due to millions of Americans losing their Medicaid coverage. More than 27 million people were uninsured as of March 2024, with many losing coverage due to states re-evaluating eligibility. Some individuals shifted to ACA plans, leading to record enrollment in those marketplaces. Health…
Richard Smith, chair of the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, emphasizes the importance of kindness in healthcare. He shares stories from a hospital patient and a novel to illustrate the impact of simple acts of kindness. Smith discusses the novels “The Secret Scripture” by Sebastian Barry and “Question 7” by Richard Flanagan, highlighting themes…
Doctors recommend incorporating fruits and vegetables into the treatment of patients with hypertension as they can lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. A study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that the DASH diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, can be an effective first-line treatment for hypertension. The study…
Doctors recommend incorporating fruits and vegetables into the treatment of patients with hypertension due to their ability to lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve kidney health. A five-year study published in The American Journal of Medicine found that a diet high in fruits and vegetables led to improvements in kidney health, blood pressure,…
A study compared ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) and stellate ganglion block (SGB) for chronic upper arm pain treatment. TPVB was found to be more effective, providing better pain relief and increasing hand temperature more significantly. In the study, TPVB showed higher success rates in providing nerve block and resulted in lower pain scores compared…
Magnesium is an essential mineral crucial for various bodily functions, obtained naturally from food sources but many Americans don’t get enough. Deficiency can lead to various health problems, aggravated by conditions like diabetes and certain medications. Magnesium glycinate stands out as an easily absorbable form. Research shows it can benefit bone health, heart health, blood…