Retractions in scientific journals are essential for maintaining the integrity of research. Recent examples, such as the retraction of a controversial paper on hydroxychloroquine as a Covid-19 treatment, highlight the importance of correcting flawed information. However, retractions can also be misinterpreted or exploited by those skeptical of science, leading to distrust. A study on social…
The UK Medical Research Council plans to redirect funding to new centres of research excellence (CoREs), potentially forcing existing MRC research units to close. More than 500 scientists and academics have expressed concern in an open letter to the science minister, warning that the new funding model will award large grants to newly created CoREs…
Scientists at Korea University have developed a new technique to reprogram fibroblast cells into mature and functional induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) by combining fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) with vitamin C. This approach activates the JAK2–STAT3 signaling pathway, leading to improved cell structure and function. The findings offer promising possibilities for regenerative medicine in treating cardiovascular…
In a study conducted by University of California, Berkeley biologists, it was found that several species of fruit fly have stolen a successful defense from bacteria to survive predation by parasitic wasps. The stolen defense, a gene that encodes a toxin, can be edited into the genome of other fruit fly species, making them resistant…
A study found that implementing a home-based exercise program after lung cancer surgery did not significantly improve patients’ self-reported physical function at 3, 6, or 12 months, compared to usual care. However, the program did enhance exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, and exercise self-efficacy. Overall, patients in the exercise group showed improved exercise capacity…
Alecia Lashier reflects on her unexpected journey from a college student to a passionate programmer in the pharmaceutical industry. She discusses the challenges and trends in the industry, focusing on the need to address pharmacist burnout, medication demand, patient satisfaction, and changing perceptions of pharmacists’ roles. Looking ahead to 2025, she emphasizes the importance of…
Patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, particularly those with oligoarticular JIA, receive biologic DMARD therapy sooner on public insurance compared to private insurance. A study conducted at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center found that publicly insured patients started biologic DMARDs earlier but took longer to achieve clinically inactive disease compared to those with private insurance. This…
In 2024, telehealth services in the United States experienced a sudden decline, with major players like Walmart and UnitedHealth’s Optum shutting down their virtual care services. Despite the challenges, telehealth usage remains higher than before the pandemic, with clinicians and patients advocating for its benefits. The Trump administration dealt with the cultural shift towards digital…
Israel has reportedly ordered the closure and evacuation of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, endangering the lives of dozens of patients, including babies in incubators. The hospital has been under attack for weeks, with staff killed, medical aid blocked, and essential supplies damaged. The hospital’s director, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, has stated they have…
The article discusses the importance of wearable heart sound devices in monitoring cardiovascular diseases, highlighting the need for early intervention and continuous monitoring. Traditional tools like stethoscopes are limited in providing real-time insights, prompting the development of wearable technology. Challenges such as sensitivity, comfort, and data accuracy are being addressed through advancements in sensor types,…
A new scanning method allows experts to monitor lung function in real-time by showing how air moves in and out of the lungs. This method is effective for patients with asthma, COPD, and lung transplant recipients. The scans use a special gas visible on an MRI scanner to assess lung ventilation and response to treatment….
A study found that older adults with celiac disease (CeD) have a higher risk of developing frailty within 5 years compared to those without the condition. The research, conducted in Sweden, involved 4646 individuals with CeD and 21,944 controls. Frailty was assessed using the Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS), with 54.4% of older adults with…
Drinking coffee and tea daily can reduce the risk of head and neck cancers, according to recent research. People who drank more than 4 cups of coffee had a 17% reduced risk of head and neck cancers, while those who drank 3–4 cups daily had a 22% lower risk of oropharyngeal cancer. Even decaffeinated coffee…
Healthcare marketing is facing significant changes as we approach 2025, with traditional models intersecting with technological innovation and evolving consumer behavior. Strategic brand partnerships, AI-driven healthcare information delivery, and a shift in social media engagement paradigms are reshaping marketing strategies. The partnership between Amazon One Medical and Cleveland Clinic signifies a major shift in healthcare…
Bill Hall, a 71-year-old gay man living in Seattle, has been battling HIV since 1986, along with various other health issues. Due to a traumatic childhood and a lack of intimate relationships, he struggles with mental exhaustion. Like many LGBTQ+ seniors, Hall faces isolation and health challenges. The older LGBTQ+ population, expected to double by…
A recent study by Epic Research found that patients with diabetes who were prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists had a reduced likelihood of dementia diagnosis, ranging from 23% to 44%. The study included older adults with type 2 diabetes and assessed the risk of dementia within 5 years of starting a GLP-1 receptor agonist…
Blood stem cell transplants have been crucial in treating blood cancers, but recent advances in immune and targeted therapies have led to a decline in the use of these transplants, especially for lymphomas. Autologous transplants involve using a patient’s own stem cells, while allogeneic transplants use donor stem cells. The shift away from autologous transplants…
Judith M Neaves, a general practitioner and musculoskeletal physician in Kendal, UK, questions the UK government’s plans to introduce a league table of NHS providers with rewards for the leaders. While managers may receive more pay for better performance, Neaves raises concerns about what the staff who actually do the work will receive. She suggests…
Facial nerve injuries are often treated with autografts, which have limitations such as donor site damage and uncertain functional recovery. Researchers are exploring synthetic alternatives like engineered conduits made with stem cells to support nerve regeneration. At the University of Pittsburgh, bioengineers developed implantable conduits that facilitated nerve regeneration in rats, matching the results of…
Bill Hall, a 71-year-old HIV survivor, has faced numerous health issues including depression, heart disease, and cancer. He contracted HIV from anonymous sex and has lived alone for most of his adult life. LGBTQ+ seniors, like Hall and others, often struggle with isolation, anxiety, and depression due to past trauma and the AIDS epidemic. Many…
More than two thirds of American counties don’t have an endocrinologist, leaving 50 million people at risk for poor health outcomes. Areas with no endocrinologists have higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and stroke. GoodRx’s analysis showed that endocrinologists are clustered on the coasts and major cities, leaving rural areas underserved. The lack of endocrinologists leads…
During the holiday season, it is important to be aware of potential dangers that can lead to accidental poisoning, especially for young children. More than 90% of poison exposures happen at home, with medications, cleaning products, alcohol, nicotine, food, and seasonal plants being common culprits. Taking simple precautions, such as storing medications out of reach,…
Ascension recently suffered a cyberattack resulting in the exposure of 5.6 million patients’ personal and health information. The health system is offering affected individuals credit monitoring and identity protection services for free. While there is no evidence of data theft from Ascension’s EHR or clinical systems, the attack had significant impacts on patient safety, operational…
Leaders in Florida’s most populous county are facing opposition from residents over plans to build the nation’s largest trash incinerator near diverse communities. Residents fear property devaluation, environmental damage, and health risks. The issue highlights broader concerns about environmental and racial justice, with communities of color bearing the brunt of pollution from incinerators. Debate continues…
Dr. Halle Moore discusses the long-term results of the OlympiA trial presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. The study observed patients with BRCA mutations and high-risk HER2-negative breast cancer treated with adjuvant olaparib after chemotherapy. Results showed continued benefits of adjuvant olaparib for patients with BRCA mutations and no increased risk of myelodysplasia…
In response to the tragic murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Sister Mary Haddad of the Catholic Health Association calls for reflection and action in the healthcare industry. She emphasizes the need for a renewed commitment to healing the broken American healthcare system, with a focus on unity, shared principles, and bold change. Sister Mary…
In 2023, six out of nine planetary boundaries were crossed, posing a threat to Earth’s stability due to disease outbreaks like Ebola, Zika, and Covid-19. The interconnection between planetary and human health requires urgent integration. While progress has been made in recognizing this link, critical gaps in joint action, political commitment, and governance hinder meaningful…
A study led by Rutgers Health suggests that providing more blood to anemic patients after a heart attack may reduce mortality rates. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, is based on previous research conducted in 2023 that found an increased risk of death or recurrent heart attacks in anemic patients who received fewer blood transfusions….
A study led by Rutgers Health suggests that giving more blood to anemic patients after a heart attack may save lives. The study, published in NEJM Evidence, analyzed data from four clinical trials involving 4,311 patients with heart attacks and low blood count. Results indicated that giving more blood transfusions was associated with a decreased…
Dr. Edward W. Cowen is a senior clinician at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, leading multiple initiatives related to dermatology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He is an expert in cutaneous graft vs host disease and has made significant contributions to the field through his research. Dr. Cowen…
Charlie Rolstone, a 44-year-old woman from the U.K., believed her migraines, motion sickness, and occasional blackouts were due to spending too much time on her phone. However, a medical emergency revealed she had a rare brain disorder, Chiari malformation, caused by an abnormal skull structure. A seizure led to the diagnosis, which also uncovered epilepsy,…
Bristol Myers Squibb’s drug Sotyktu, originally approved for plaque psoriasis, has shown positive results in two pivotal tests for psoriatic arthritis. Expanding approval to include this condition could increase revenue for the drug. Sotykut targets the enzyme TYK2, offering patients an alternative treatment option with potentially better safety than other Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. The…
In Las Vegas, case manager Bryon Johnson searches underground tunnels beneath the city to find homeless clients living in unsafe conditions. Many people hide in these tunnels to avoid encampment sweeps, extreme weather, and high housing costs. Outreach workers have observed an increase in drug addiction and health issues among those living underground, making it…
Healio highlights the most-read research, topics, and news in orthopedic sports medicine in 2024. Some key points include the projected increase in orthopedic-related sports injuries in patients aged at least 65 years by 2040, a decline in sports participation and physical activity from middle school to high school, the benefits of ACL reconstruction augmentation, and…
The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has brought attention to the health insurance industry, with criticism focused on executives prioritizing profits over customer health. STAT journalists have investigated UnitedHealth Group’s impact on American health for two years, revealing how the company leveraged its physician empire for profit and used AI algorithms to deny care….
The feature article discusses mRNA technology in vaccines, excluding the mention of Provenge as it is not an mRNA vaccine for prostate cancer. The article delves into the advancements of mRNA vaccines, their potential impact on healthcare, and current challenges. Significant progress has been made with mRNA vaccines, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article…
Improving brain health in the new year can start with a discussion with your neurologist or primary care physician about 12 factors outlined in an article developed by the American Academy of Neurology. These factors include sleep, mental health, diet, exercise, social interactions, trauma avoidance, blood pressure, genetic factors, affordability, infection, negative exposures, and social…
Experts from the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University are warning people to beware of counterfeit and illicit alcohol, not just abroad, but also in the UK. Recent cases in Istanbul, Laos, and Fiji have highlighted the dangers of toxic alcohol. Counterfeit spirits can make up a significant portion of consumption in…
The FDA has approved a generic version of the GLP-1 RA liraglutide for people with type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar. This follows the approval of a generic version of exenatide last month to improve access to GLP-1 medications due to shortages. The FDA supports the development of generic drugs, including GLP-1s, to increase…
President Biden signed a new spending bill that excluded key healthcare provisions, including drug pricing and prior authorization reforms. The excluded provisions would have limited the number of patents pharmaceutical companies can apply to biologics, clarified ingredient differences in generic drugs, and disconnected pharmacy benefit managers’ revenue from drug prices in Medicare Part D. Advocacy…
Maurice Clark, a homeless man in Las Vegas, felt uncomfortable answering personal questions from outreach workers to determine housing eligibility, citing concerns about systemic racism. Vulnerability questionnaires used to prioritize housing placements have been criticized for favoring white people and exacerbating racial disparities in homelessness. Some experts are calling for a reevaluation of these assessment…
Patients with lupus and type 2 diabetes who receive glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have a lower risk of cardiac events and kidney disease progression compared to those using dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors. This is particularly important as the risk for cardiovascular disease and kidney disease is higher in patients with lupus. Data presented at ACR…
Three pharmaceutical companies have left the brand-drug lobby PhRMA following the passage of Democrats’ drug pricing law in 2022. This resulted in the organization collecting $100 million less in annual membership dues, according to new tax filings. This development highlights the impact of the new legislation on industry associations and their members. For more information,…
Jason O’Rourke previously stated that the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) had Nestlé on its board, but he was actually referring to the advisory committee. Currently, the BNF has a Kellogg’s representative on its board and a PepsiCo representative on its advisory committee. This clarification was made in response to an earlier version of an article….
A study from Monash University suggests that human and microbial proteins found in feces could indicate a long-term risk for cardiovascular conditions. This non-invasive method could potentially replace costly and invasive diagnostic procedures. Using a new method called metaproteomics, researchers identified proteins in fecal samples that could predict the risk of heart attack or stroke,…
The presence of human waste in water bodies poses a significant public health risk, requiring continuous testing for fecal contamination. Current methods rely on fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) but are limited in detecting low-level contamination and determining sources. Microbial source tracking (MST) using CrAss-like phages (CLPs) shows promise in overcoming these challenges. A new study…
The FDA issued a final rule updating the “healthy” nutrient claim on food labels, with compliance by manufacturers being voluntary. To qualify as “healthy,” a food product must contain recommended food group equivalents and meet specified limits for saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. Certain foods like nuts, seeds, and oils that were previously excluded…
Between 1975 and 2010, the healthcare industry saw a significant increase in healthcare administrators compared to physicians, attributed to factors such as consolidation, regulations, and technology adoption. The future of healthcare administration is projected to see continued growth due to factors like an aging population and increased data volumes. Large language models (LLMs) are being…
Since 2017, the University of Galway has been hosting an annual Sensory Friendly Santa’s Grotto event for children with additional needs. This year, more than 40 families were given the opportunity to visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment, created by staff and students from the School of Psychology. The event aims to give children with…
Researchers have identified specific brain pathways in the medial preoptic area that are responsible for premenstrual depression-like symptoms in mice. These GABAergic neurons, which regulate mood, become less active when estrogen levels drop, leading to depressive behaviors. By studying the impact of hormone fluctuations on mood in female mice and mapping the brain circuitry involved,…