Obesity affects 1 in 8 people globally, increasing the risk of chronic diseases. Different weight loss methods like altering calorie distribution, eating fewer meals, or intermittent fasting yielded similar outcomes in terms of weight loss in a study of almost 2,500 people. Eating earlier in the day seems to improve metabolic function, while consuming fewer…
Exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy poses serious risks, including preterm birth and hypertensive complications, due to global temperature rise. A study published in Nature Medicine reviewed heat exposure impacts on maternal, fetal, and newborn health globally. Maternal outcomes include preterm birth, low birth weight, hypertensive disorders, and gestational diabetes. Fetal outcomes include stillbirth and…
Heat waves are linked to increased emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths among dually eligible individuals over 65 years old. A study analyzed Medicare and Medicaid data from 2016 to 2019, including over 5 million individuals, across 50 states and Washington, DC. Results showed a 10% increase in heat-related emergency department visits, a 7% increase…
A recent study explored the impact of non-fermented and fermented milk on heart health in women and men. The research found that high intake of non-fermented milk was associated with an increased risk of heart disease, while switching to fermented options like yogurt could reduce the risk. Women who consumed over 1.25 cups of milk…
Health systems have been creating new leadership roles such as chief innovation officer and chief wellness officer. Whitney Haggerson, vice president of health equity and Medicaid at Providence, focuses on advancing health equity within the organization. Her team ensures employees are equipped to provide quality care for patients on Medicaid. Providence has established a health…
In a Healio Video Perspective from the Euretina congress, Dr. Jordi Monés discusses an investigational optogenetic therapy for geographic atrophy. This therapy utilizes laser-activated nanoparticles of gold to target the area of atrophy in the retina. This new ambient light-activated therapy developed by Nanoscope Therapeutics shows promise for the treatment of advanced geographic atrophy (GA)….
STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds provides daily health and medicine updates. The “Make America Healthy Again” movement, spearheaded by individuals like Calley and Casey Means, Del Bigtree, and Vani Hari, aims to eradicate chronic diseases. With RFK Jr. potentially influencing health care in Trump’s administration, the focus shifts to vaccine regulation and distribution. Meanwhile, monkeys…
The demand for secondhand and vintage clothing is increasing as consumers see it as a more affordable and eco-friendly way to expand their wardrobe. However, it’s crucial to properly disinfect secondhand clothes before wearing them, as they can harbor infectious pathogens from the skin microbiome of previous owners. These pathogens include bacteria like Staphylococcus and…
Intense public pressure on teachers during COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated feelings of being undervalued, leading some to reconsider their careers. Research by the Universities of Cambridge and York found declining wellbeing among teachers due to negative portrayals in the media, where they were seen as ‘lazy’ despite increased workloads. Public narratives demanding schools reopen and blaming…
New research suggests that anti-obesity medications, including GLP-1s, are linked to reduced alcohol use. The study involved over 14,000 participants in a weight management program and was presented at Obesity Week 2024. Different classes of AOMs showed similar reductions in alcohol consumption, indicating a potential additional mechanism for energy intake reduction. Participants who reported any…
Building trust with marginalized and underserved communities in healthcare is crucial for effective care. This trust can be built by being transparent about what an organization can and cannot do, acknowledging historical exploitation, asking specific questions, and understanding what the patient truly wants. Panelists at the Behavioral Health Tech conference emphasized the importance of establishing…
Roflumilast cream 0.15% showed high efficacy rates among patients aged 6 years and older with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in a study conducted by Eric L. Simpson, MD, and colleagues. The study found that more patients treated with roflumilast vs. vehicle achieved a validated IGA-AD score of 0/1, with minimal application site irritation reported….
The FDA is proposing to remove oral phenylephrine, an ingredient in cold and cough syrups, due to lack of efficacy. Meanwhile, Eisai’s sales growth for Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi has been less than expected, with challenges in regulatory approval and reimbursement decisions. Phenylephrine is a common ingredient in OTC medicines, while Leqembi sales have not met…
A new study utilizing AI technology suggests that nearly 23% of U.S. adults may be experiencing symptoms of long COVID, which is much higher than previously estimated. The AI tool developed by researchers can identify subtle symptoms associated with long COVID in electronic health records, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis. Symptoms such as fatigue,…
Liver diseases, both acute and chronic, present clinical challenges with high morbidity and mortality rates. High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein plays a significant role in liver injury caused by various factors, influencing inflammatory responses in conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-associated liver disease. HMGB1 binds to receptors, triggering inflammation and liver damage, while…
France has raised its bird flu risk assessment to ‘high’ due to the rapid spread of avian influenza among poultry in the European Union. This decision follows confirmed infections in migratory wild birds in neighboring countries. The heightened status will trigger reinforced security measures around poultry farms to prevent the potential for human-to-human transmission. The…
Autolus Therapeutics has received FDA approval for its cell therapy to treat aggressive blood cancer. The therapy, known as Aucatzyl, targets B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia by engineering T cells to go after CD19, a protein abundant in abnormal cells. Aucatzyl offers better safety and efficacy compared to other treatments, with a faster “off-rate” designed…
Dr. Sumon Nandi discussed a total joint arthroplasty discharge protocol that allows for same-day discharge without the need for formal physical therapy clearance. The protocol resulted in more patients going home the same day of surgery without increased risk of adverse events. This approach optimized care, reduced complications, decreased costs, and maximized operating room throughput….
Pharmaceutical company GSK is leaving the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, the biotech industry’s largest trade group. This decision marks a significant move in the industry landscape. For more details on this development, readers can access the full story on STAT+. Source link
A study conducted by researchers at Wenzhou Medical University in China found that changes in sleep patterns as individuals age are linked to successful aging. Successful aging was defined as the absence of major chronic diseases, physical impairments, high cognitive function, good mental health, and active engagement with life. The study analyzed sleep duration trajectories…
A new data map from the Centre for Mental Health and Kooth reveals disparities in children’s mental health across the UK. One in five children aged 8-19 in England faces a mental health issue, with rates increasing as they get older. Areas with high child poverty have higher mental health risks and need more funding…
A study found that the use of semaglutide, a GLP-1 RA, does not increase the risk of developing NAION in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or both. The study included a large, multinational, real-world population and found no significant association between semaglutide use and NAION risk over 1, 2, and 3 years of follow-up….
Digital health companies face numerous challenges, including regulatory hurdles, funding difficulties, product shortcomings, and skepticism from conservative customers. Trust is identified as the key factor for success in the sector. To earn trust, companies should demonstrate expertise through thought leadership, back their claims with data, provide social proof from satisfied customers, use PR to build…
A study presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting found that manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) with or without lysis of adhesion (LOA) after total knee arthroplasty can provide a gain of 30° of knee flexion. While the improvement declined after 90 days, MUA showed similar results to LOA with a…
Genascence has hired Jeymi Tambiah as their chief medical officer, who previously worked at Biosplice Therapeutics. The company encourages readers to share any new hires, promotions, or successful placements. They highlight different individuals each week, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance for employees. To read more about Tambiah’s background and career progression, readers can access…
New guidelines aim to prevent strokes by emphasizing the importance of nutrition, exercise, and identifying risk factors. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the US, with more than half a million Americans suffering from it annually. Up to 80% of strokes are preventable through lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet,…
Johnson & Johnson has received marketing authorization for BALVERSA® (erdafitinib) as a treatment for adults with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (UC) in the UK. This targeted therapy is for patients with fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) genetic alterations who have not responded to other treatments. The authorization is based on the positive results…
The US FDA allows some cancer drugs with accelerated approvals to remain on the market even if confirmatory trials fail, due to design issues rather than the drug itself being ineffective. Withdrawals are carefully considered, with factors such as lack of alternative treatments and absence of major toxicities or survival issues taken into account. Although…
Generative artificial intelligence is being used in various sectors, including healthcare, to transform lives and improve outcomes. AI technologies are assisting in medical research, diagnostics, and drug development. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google are investing in medical AI, with the global market projected to grow significantly in the next decade. However, there are concerns…
Miebo eye drops improved comfort for contact lens wearers without negative effects on tear film osmolarity, corneal staining, or visual acuity. A study presented at Academy 2024 showed that using the eye drops four times a day for a month significantly improved comfort scores for both daily and monthly contact lens wearers. Researchers found no…
The morning after the election, a therapist tries to compose herself before her sessions with distressed patients. Clients bring up the election results, sharing emotions of despair, fear, and hopelessness. The therapist connects with some patients but struggles to empathize with others whose perspectives differ. Patients express concerns about the future and the state of…
Toxicologists have sounded the alarm on a significant increase in drug overdose deaths in England linked to nitazenes, a group of powerful synthetic opioids. These substances have been found in street drugs like heroin and cocaine, as well as in illegal vaping substances and counterfeit prescription medications bought on the internet. Some new forms of…
Climate change is having a significant impact on human health worldwide. Extreme heat, rising air pollution levels, and the spread of infectious diseases are becoming more prevalent due to global warming. The latest UN climate talks are approaching amidst record-breaking temperatures and skepticism from world leaders. The effects of climate change on health are severe,…
A study from The University of Manchester explores how young children understand the meaning of words. Children slowly fine-tune their word meanings as they hear more language, initially grasping a general idea of what words mean. The researchers conducted an experiment with children aged three to eight, focusing on size comparisons. They found that children’s…
Fertility specialists are incorporating GLP-1 RA drugs into preconception care plans to help overweight individuals lose weight and improve reproductive health. Weight loss with these drugs can be motivating for individuals wanting to have children. However, there are risks associated with stopping the medications, such as rapid weight regain, which can impact pregnancy outcomes. It’s…
Many older adults prefer to age at home rather than in assisted living facilities. It is important for seniors to discuss their care preferences with doctors and loved ones before urgent needs arise. Primary care physicians should initiate these conversations to help seniors plan for their future care. In-home care offers a variety of benefits,…
California has expanded its Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, to cover all eligible residents regardless of immigration status. This expansion costs an estimated $157 billion annually, serving about 15 million low-income residents, including 1.5 million undocumented immigrants. While this expansion has reduced the uninsured rate to a record low of 6.4%, there are concerns about access to…
Vascular injuries can occur during total knee arthroplasty, with the most common being injury to the popliteal artery. Surgeons need to remain calm, communicate effectively, consult a vascular surgeon, and assess the extent of the injury. In case of a vascular injury in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC), a plan should be in place for…
With Republicans taking control in Washington, there is a big opportunity for the party to implement their health care goals. Congressional Republicans and Trump campaign surrogates are looking to make changes to public health agencies, dismantle pandemic response infrastructure, and target the pharmaceutical industry. RFK Jr. has been influential in challenging chronic disease, vaccines, and…
The Medical Protection Society is advocating for specialized training for all NHS trust staff involved in disciplinary investigations to ensure fair and compassionate treatment of doctors. Data from 145 NHS trusts in England revealed that over a third do not require mandatory training for case managers handling disciplinary procedures. Of the 86 trusts that responded,…
Biomedical engineers at the University of Melbourne have developed a high-speed 3D bioprinter that can create structures resembling various human tissues, including brain tissue, cartilage, and bone. This technology offers cancer researchers a powerful tool for organ and tissue replication, enhancing drug discovery and reducing the need for animal testing. The bioprinter uses acoustic waves…
Researchers have found 22 pesticides consistently associated with prostate cancer incidence in the US, with four also linked to prostate cancer mortality. They conducted an analysis of 295 pesticides across US counties, with a lag period of 10-18 years to account for slow-growing prostate cancers. Among the pesticides associated with prostate cancer were 2,4-D, a…
The new guidelines for managing thyroid disease in pregnancy, set to be published in 2025, emphasize personalized treatment and shared decision-making. Key changes include not routine treatment with levothyroxine for patients with euthyroid TPO antibodies but monitoring their thyroid levels, as well as recommending treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed in the first trimester but not…
The journey from innovation to impact for startups is challenging, with funding sources scarce and a murky talent pool. The AI boom has magnified the misalignment between product teams and customer needs. Despite these obstacles, founders can reinforce the resiliency of their business by focusing on capital efficiency, customer discovery, and fostering adaptability. It is…
The National Clinical Trials Oversight Group in Ireland has recommended measures to support more clinical trials in the country, including a clear national policy on data protection compliance and a standardized template for trial contracts. The group also called for a unified framework to control trial costs and increase patient access to cutting-edge treatments. Health…
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining focus and memory is a challenge. Vitamins like B complex, vitamin D, E, and minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc play a crucial role in brain function. B vitamins, especially B6, help neurotransmitter production. Folate and B12 support cell growth and healthy nerve cells. Vitamin D protects the brain and regulates…
A new federal watchdog audit revealed that Medicare Advantage health plans pocketed $7.5 billion in 2023 from diagnosing health conditions that didn’t result in any medical treatment, with UnitedHealthcare being the largest contractor. The audit also found that many health plans were adding new diagnoses from home visits to increase revenue without providing any treatment….
In a Healio Video Perspective, Dr. Nandini Venkateswaran discusses real-world data on the use of Dextenza in patients with glaucoma. Data from over 10,000 patients collected through the IRIS registry showed comparable IOP outcomes after implantation with Dextenza in patients with and without a history of glaucoma. This data supports Dextenza as a viable treatment…
Biotech analyst Brian Skorney and biotech executive Daphne Zohar discuss the potential impact of a new Trump administration on the FDA, biotech industry, and stocks on “The Readout LOUD.” The conversation covers key points about the future direction of regulations and policies under a new administration. Listeners can access the full episode for more details….
In this episode of Sharp Scratch, the panel discusses reasons why students may take time off from medical school. They highlight the stigma surrounding this decision and emphasize the potential benefits of taking a break, regardless of the reason. The panel, consisting of George Webster, Éabha and Nat, is joined by Kate Owen, director of…