The US Supreme Court case involved pro-life medical associations and doctors seeking to rescind FDA approval of the drug mifepristone, used in abortion. The FDA initially approved the drug in 2000 with restrictions, which were relaxed in 2016 and 2021. The plaintiffs argued against the FDA’s actions, but the Court ruled they lacked standing due…
Australia has high levels of UV radiation, leading to an increased risk of skin cancer and eye diseases. One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes, emphasizing the importance of early detection. Solutions include questionnaires for sun-safe behavior, UV-sensing wearable devices, and a desktop system to assess UV damage to eyes. Researchers are working…
Many people are being hit with unexpected bills due to their health insurance not covering out-of-network care fully. A little-known data firm called MultiPlan is working with insurance companies to suggest cuts to coverage, leaving patients to pay the difference. New York Times reporter Chris Hamby investigated MultiPlan’s practices, revealing how they make money and…
A study presented at the EULAR 2024 Congress showed that treatment with nipocalimab, a neonatal Fc receptor blocker, led to significant improvement in patients with Sjögren’s disease compared to placebo at week 24. Nipocalimab targets the underlying causes of Sjögren’s disease by lowering levels of immunoglobulin G autoantibodies. The study included 163 patients, with the…
Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has officially declared firearm violence a public health crisis in the U.S. In a new advisory, he highlights the health toll of gun violence and outlines research and policy interventions to address the issue. Gun violence is a significant problem in the country, with increasing deaths among children and teens. The…
Seizures in children are common, with febrile seizures being the most common in young children between 6 months and 6 years old. These seizures are associated with fever and do not require investigation if the child returns to their baseline neurological status. Afebrile seizures may be provoked or unprovoked, with new onset unprovoked seizures possibly…
A new study by UCL researchers found that the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease is at least twice as high in people over the age of 50 with anxiety compared to those without anxiety. The study used UK primary care data and tracked the development of Parkinson’s features in individuals with anxiety. The researchers also…
Research led by the University of Sydney found that giving very premature babies high concentrations of oxygen after birth could reduce the risk of death by 50%. Doctors may provide extra oxygen through a breathing mask or tube to help premature babies breathe when their lungs are not fully developed. The study suggests that starting…
Addressing patients’ spiritual needs is crucial for their overall well-being, especially in palliative care settings. However, doctors and nurses often lack the time and knowledge to provide spiritual care. A training program called SpECi aims to help healthcare professionals better perceive and meet the spiritual needs of seriously ill patients. The program has shown success…
Obesity is linked to health complications like diabetes and heart disease, but the risk varies based on birth weight. A study found that children with low birth weight are at higher risk of health issues if they become obese. Research from the University of Copenhagen suggests that low birth weight individuals may store fat differently,…
Novant Health’s plans to acquire two North Carolina hospitals from Community Health Systems were called off after an appellate court granted the Federal Trade Commission an emergency injunction to block the $320 million deal. The FTC argued that the deal would harm competition and raise prices in Charlotte’s suburbs. Despite efforts to move forward with…
Tieqiao Zhang experienced severe stomach pain, later diagnosed as a kidney stone, and visited Parkland Health’s Urgent Care Emergency Center near his home in Dallas. The center, operating as a freestanding emergency department, charged him $19,543 for two visits, despite being insured by BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas. Zhang faced difficulties in navigating the differences…
Dr. Adam Cohen discussed the role of quadruplet induction regimens for transplant-ineligible patients with multiple myeloma at the ASCO Annual Meeting. The IMROZ and BENEFIT trials showed that the combination of isatuximab with bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone was more effective for newly diagnosed older patients than the standard treatment option. This suggests that quadruplet regimens…
New research shows that nearly one-third of adults 60 and older are still using aspirin for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, despite recommendations against it. The risk of bleeding outweighs the benefits of preventing a first heart attack or stroke in older adults. Recent clinical trials have highlighted the harms of aspirin, leading to updated…
Philip Banfield, chair of the BMA’s council, spoke at the annual representative meeting in Belfast, addressing the challenges facing the medical profession. He criticized the government for industrial action, funding cuts, and the state of general practice. Banfield also expressed concerns about doctors being afraid to speak out about patient safety. The BMA announced a…
A study of drinking patterns in Europe from 2000 to 2019 identified six distinct clusters based on alcohol consumption. The clusters included wine-drinking countries, high beer/low spirit drinking countries, high beer/binge drinking countries, high spirit drinking countries, high spirit drinking/high lifetime abstinence countries, and countries with high prevalence of current and binge drinking. These patterns…
A recent study in the journal Autism Research examined how family history of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders impacts the developmental outcomes of younger siblings of children with autism. The study found that siblings with a family history of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and intellectual disabilities had different phenotypic outcomes. For example, anxiety disorders were…
Women with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and obesity, with or without diabetes, show benefits from the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide just like men do. The study analyzed trials comparing semaglutide with a placebo on over 1,000 participants, with similar benefits for both sexes. Women lost more weight but had similar improvements in…
Researchers have found that cannabis use doubles the risk of severe COVID infections and hospitalizations. Factors such as age, smoking history, BMI, and comorbidities like diabetes can increase susceptibility to severe COVID-19. A study in JAMA Network Open from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that cannabis users with COVID-19 had a…
About 28% of American adults struggle to afford prescription drugs, with the U.S. spending more on medications than other countries. Merith Basey of Patients for Affordable Drugs blames pharmaceutical companies for maintaining monopolies with patents and preventing Medicare from negotiating drug prices. Meanwhile, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) claims pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs)…
Progyny, a publicly traded fertility and family building company, has acquired Berlin-based fertility benefits platform Apryl, expanding its global reach. Progyny offers benefits focusing on family building, fertility, and women’s reproductive health, including IVF, adoption, IUI, and surrogacy. Apryl allows companies to customize offerings for employees, providing guidance, fertility planning, reproductive technology, and adoption and…
Fernando Hermida sought asylum in the U.S. and was diagnosed with HIV in January 2022. Despite efforts to address the HIV epidemic, Latino communities are experiencing disproportionate rates of new infections and diagnoses. Latino health policy advocates call for more funding and targeted outreach to address the issue. Hermida struggled with navigating the healthcare system,…
The first generic GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide 1.8 mg, has been launched in the U.S. by Teva Pharmaceuticals. This medication is indicated for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in certain patients. The brand-name version of this medication had annual sales of $1.656 billion. Common…
A new analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics found that since Texas implemented its abortion ban, infant deaths in the state increased by nearly 13%, compared to less than 2% in the rest of the country. Researchers attribute this increase to the restrictive SB 8 law, which prohibits abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy. The…
Karen L Hargrave, a freelance researcher and policy analyst based in London, UK, shares her experience of being diagnosed with long covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) along with her husband. She developed long covid in 2020 and her husband in 2022. While she is more functional with limitations on exertion, her husband is…
A study led by researchers at the National Cancer Centre Singapore and A*STAR’s Genome Institute of Singapore has revealed unexpected molecular heterogeneity within liver tumors. More than 40% of hepatocellular carcinoma cases exhibit multiple molecular subtypes within the same tumor, with the most aggressive subtype predicting patient outcomes. This “bad apple effect” highlights the need…
A recent study explores the important role of gut microbiota in the development and management of diabetes mellitus (DM), specifically type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The study found that T2DM patients had compositional changes in their gut microbiota, including lower levels of certain bacteria and increased presence of pathogens. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome can impact…
A study conducted in New Zealand analyzed 2763 eyes of 2092 patients with acute anterior uveitis to understand the risk for recurrence and precipitants for relapse. Approximately half of the patients experienced recurrence in the same eye, with a quarter having recurrence in the other eye, particularly in cases linked to viral causes. The study…
Intermittent fasting, such as the 5:2 technique combined with meal replacements, may help individuals with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. A study involving 405 obese or overweight adults in China found that participants following the 5:2 meal replacement plan experienced better glycemic control, weight loss, and reduced waist and hip circumference compared…
The U.S. healthcare system is facing financial challenges post-2020, with a need to balance patient outcomes with financial health. Health systems are focusing on staff management, operational efficiency, and increased access to care as areas for innovation. Solutions like nurse marketplaces, staff development investments, and AI for operational efficiency are gaining traction. Improved access to…
The Dietary Guidelines for America recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of total calories, based on the outdated diet-lipid-heart hypothesis that saturated fats cause heart disease. However, recent scientific studies have shown that saturated fats do not increase the risk of heart disease. The hypothesis was initially proposed by Ancel Keys in the…
Biomedical engineers at RMIT University and São Paulo State University have developed an AI-powered smartphone feature to screen patients for stroke by analyzing facial symmetry and muscle movements. The tool achieved 82% accuracy in detecting stroke in seconds and researchers are now seeking collaborations to turn it into a mobile application. This innovation addresses the…
Fernando Hermida, un inmigrante que buscó asilo en Estados Unidos, fue diagnosticado con VIH a los 31 años después de luchar por encontrar atención médica adecuada. A pesar de los esfuerzos federales para acabar con la epidemia de VIH en el país, los latinos siguen experimentando tasas desproporcionadamente altas de infecciones y diagnósticos. Se enfrentan…
The increased accessibility of cannabis and cannabinoids has created challenges for clinicians treating cancer patients, as many patients are turning to these products for symptom relief or cancer treatment without sufficient evidence. An ASCO guideline provides recommendations for the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids in adults with cancer. The lack of scientific evidence is…
The H5N1 avian flu outbreak in dairy herds is approaching the three-month mark, prompting the U.S. Department of Agriculture to emphasize the importance of biosecurity measures in containing the virus. Despite resources and support from the USDA, uptake has been low, with only four herds participating in a voluntary testing pilot program. The virus has…
African countries are working to vaccinate more young girls against the human papillomavirus (HPV) to reduce rates of cervical cancer, which is high in the region. However, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, fueled by rumors and religious beliefs, pose challenges. Despite efforts by health workers, only a few countries have reached the 90% coverage goal. Limited…
A recent study published in Diabetes Care examined the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in dementia-free adults. MetS is a public health concern characterized by vascular and cardiometabolic risk factors. The study used data from the UK Biobank and found that participants with MetS had lower gray matter, total brain,…
Brain imaging combined with artificial intelligence has identified six unique “biotypes” of depression and anxiety, leading to more personalized and effective treatment. This research has immediate clinical implications, with plans to make the technology accessible to more clinicians and patients. The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that these biotypes predict response to different interventions,…
Penis cancer cases are on the rise globally, with a predicted 77% increase in the next three decades. A study by researchers in China analyzed data from 44 populations in 43 countries from 1973 to 2012, revealing an estimated 36,068 new cases and 13,211 deaths per 100,000 cases in 2020. Incidence is increasing in 15…
Behavioral health companies are consolidating to meet the rising demand for mental health services. NeuroFlow, a behavioral health software startup, recently acquired Owl, a provider of measurement-based behavioral health care. NeuroFlow’s platform allows providers to assess patients’ mental health, engage with personalized self-care activities, and measure progress. The acquisition of Owl will expand NeuroFlow’s reach…
A recent international study conducted by Nanyang Technological University Singapore looked at the perceptions of 165 gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan regarding the use of AI in healthcare. The research found that around 80% trust and accept AI in diagnosing and assessing colorectal polyps, while about 70% trust AI…
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) metrics can predict imminent stage 3 type 1 diabetes for individuals who are islet autoantibody positive. A study compared predictive models using data from five study groups and found that CGM metrics alone outperformed baseline characteristics for predicting type 1 diabetes risk. Combining patient characteristics with CGM metrics provided the best…
Kaiser Permanente announced the acquisition of Cone Health in North Carolina, expanding its Risant Health network. Cone Health includes four acute-care hospitals, over 700 doctors, an accountable care organization, and a health plan. The terms of the deal were not disclosed, and neither Kaiser nor Cone provided immediate comments. This move will further strengthen Kaiser…
A study conducted at the Jackson Laboratory focused on hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow of middle-aged mice, revealing variations in cell aging among individuals. The research found that the decline in growth factors produced by surrounding mesenchymal stromal cells correlated with age-associated changes in stem cells. This study, which looked at individual mice…
A recent study in Nature Communications focused on circulating swine influenza viruses, particularly the α-H1N2 virus, to assess their potential to cause a future pandemic. Swine flu viruses have the ability to evolve and pose a risk of interspecies transmission, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and characterizing these viruses. The study utilized a decision tree…
Using fixed-ratio insulin combinations (FRC) can reduce side effects in treating diabetes, making clinicians more willing to consider these drugs. Dr. Liana K. Billings presented at the ADA 84th Scientific Sessions, highlighting the advantages of FRC, such as reduced nausea and increased convenience for patients. Studies show FRCs like insulin degludec/liraglutide (IDegLira) have lower rates…
Roche has partnered with Ascidian Therapeutics, a startup focused on editing RNA to address mutations driving diseases. Ascidian’s technology edits RNA exons to potentially solve issues in devastating diseases. Unlike traditional gene editing, Ascidian’s approach focuses on protein-coding segments of RNA to replace mutated exons with functional ones. This avoids immune responses and off-target edits….
Lori Taylor of Annexon Biosciences presented data on ANX007 for the treatment of geographic atrophy at Clinical Trials at the Summit in Park City, Utah. The data focus on the preservation of photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelial cells in the foveal center, potentially explaining the visual acuity benefit seen with ANX007. The presentation highlighted the…
FDA Commissioner Robert Califf highlighted the concerning trend of deteriorating health outcomes in the U.S., particularly in relation to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. While advancements in technology and innovation are abundant, they have not translated into better health for the population. Califf emphasized the need for more research on bariatric surgery and the…
Extreme heat poses risks for people spending time outdoors, such as runners, workers, and children. It is essential to adjust activities to avoid the hottest part of the day, hydrate properly, listen to the body for warning signs of heat illness, choose appropriate clothing, and prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. Older adults and children…