In the U.S., over 44 million people face food insecurity, and half of American adults have preventable chronic diseases linked to poor eating habits. This has led to a rise in the food-as-medicine movement, with $373 million invested in 22 digital health startups between 2023 and 2024. Experts foresee potential consolidation among companies in this…
Dr. Catherine Conlon emphasizes the importance of adequate sleep in preventing weight gain. Sleep deprivation can disrupt hormones that control appetite, leading to increased cravings for unhealthy foods. Studies have shown that insufficient sleep can result in consuming more calories and craving sugary, salty, and high-calorie snacks. On the other hand, getting enough sleep can…
The National Academy of Sciences report found that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, providing protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Common adverse events were temporary flu-like symptoms and soreness at the injection site. The report reviewed data on adverse events from various vaccines and found no evidence that the vaccines caused neurologic conditions, hearing loss,…
Canary Speech, a maker of AI-enabled speech analysis software, has partnered with the Veteran Business Project to provide tools for veteran entrepreneurs to manage their mental health. Their vocal biomarker technology analyzes speech to detect irregularities and can detect mood, stress, and energy levels. The company has nine patents and can process millions of data…
In a video perspective on Healio, Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, and David Evans, PhD, MBA discuss strategies to increase patient interest in elective lifestyle and cosmetic ophthalmic procedures post-COVID-19. Evans suggests combining online marketing techniques like pay-per-click advertising with traditional methods such as community networking and charity sponsorships to attract patients. By getting brand mentions…
First Opinion is a platform on STAT for articles about life sciences written by insiders, healthcare workers, and researchers. The platform encourages discussion through published Letters to the Editor in response to essays. One article discusses the death of Sonya Massey due to unprepared police responding to a mental health crisis. Other articles cover topics…
President Joe Biden announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not seek re-election in 2024 due to concerns about his age and fitness. With Biden out of the race, attention turns to Donald Trump, who, at 78, is also facing questions about his age and fitness. There is a lack of transparency around the…
A study comparing surgical techniques for Crohn’s disease found that small bowel resection is associated with the longest hospital stay and increased odds of postoperative wound complications. The research, conducted on 2,578 patients undergoing open or laparoscopic resection or strictureplasty for CD, showed that combined surgery had the longest operative time. Patients undergoing small bowel…
DGIST’s Department of Brain Sciences Professor Lee Kwang and his team discovered a new correlation between neural signaling in the brain and dopamine signaling in the striatum. They found that changes in dopamine signals within the physiological range do not affect brain neural signal processing in less than a second. This challenges current theories that…
A study found that oncologists vary greatly in prescribing systemic cancer therapies in the last 30 days of a patient’s life. Patients treated by high prescribers were almost four and a half times more likely to receive end-of-life therapy compared to those treated by low prescribers. The study analyzed data from the SEER-Medicare database of…
Regular use of aspirin has been found to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, especially in individuals with unhealthy lifestyles. The researchers studied the health data of over 100,000 participants and found that taking aspirin regularly decreased the risk of developing colorectal cancer. The benefits were most significant in those with multiple risk factors for…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a final rule for next year’s Medicare inpatient payment rate, with hospitals in the Hospital Inpatient Quality Reporting program and meaningful EHR users receiving a 2.9% increase for fiscal year 2025. The rule also includes a 3.4% increase to the market basket reduced by a 0.5% productivity…
The HSE saw a 25% increase in requests for assessments of need for children in 2023, with just 13% of assessments completed within the required timeline. Parents are reporting long wait times of up to two and a half years for assessments. The Progressing Disability Services (PDS) framework was established three years ago to address…
International Self-Care Day on July 24 promotes taking charge of one’s health through practices like exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, relaxation, connecting with loved ones, and gratitude. Self-care complements formal healthcare and can improve health outcomes. Simple tips include staying active, nourishing your body, prioritizing sleep, relaxing with activities like meditation, and practicing gratitude. Resources…
Period-tracking app Flo Health recently received over $200 million in Series C funding from General Atlantic, becoming a unicorn company valued at over $1 billion. The app offers period, ovulation tracking, family-building tools, pregnancy tracking, and health articles. The funding will be used to improve technology, expand globally, and target new user segments like perimenopause….
Céline Gounder, a senior fellow and editor for public health at KFF Health News, discussed new research on “CBS Mornings” that suggests the shingles vaccine may delay the onset of dementia. She also talked about a covid-19 study on “CBS News 24/7” showing that state mask and vaccine mandates save lives. KFF Health News is…
The 2018 International Consensus Meeting criteria may effectively identify periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in revision shoulder arthroplasty. Researchers retrospectively analyzed data from 385 revision shoulder arthroplasties to determine the effectiveness of these criteria in identifying PJI. Patients were categorized into different infection groups based on the criteria, with those in the unlikely infection group showing…
The Covid-19 pandemic began in Wuhan, China in late 2019, with two competing hypotheses on how it started: the zoonosis hypothesis, where the virus naturally transmitted from animals to humans at a wet market, and the lab leak hypothesis, where it was possibly modified in a lab and escaped. Scientists support the zoonosis hypothesis, while…
A report by the Lancet Commission found that 45% of dementia cases can be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 risk factors such as high cholesterol and vision loss. The risk factors should be addressed starting in childhood and continuing throughout life, regardless of genetic predisposition. The report also includes two new risk factors –…
Data shows that men are less likely to seek medical care despite facing higher mortality rates and shorter life expectancies than women. Dr. Andino, a urologist at UCLA Health, discusses common reasons why men avoid check-ups, including stigma around discussing personal health issues like sexual function and fertility. The long-term risks of avoiding care include…
Professor Seo Dae-ha and his team at DGIST developed Fourier transform-based plasmonic dark-field microscopy to observe the behavior of motor proteins in cells. They studied the movement and rotation of endosomes, which transport materials within cells using motor proteins along microtubules. The microscopy technique captures scattering signals of nanoparticles in real-time, revealing temporal patterns in…
A new phase 3 randomized controlled trial called DREAMS-START showed that a multicomponent nonpharmaceutical intervention improved sleep in people with dementia living at home. The benefits were sustained at 8 months and extended to caregivers. Sleep disturbances are common in dementia and can lead to moving into a care home. The intervention consisted of interactive…
Amino acid supplements are gaining popularity due to their targeted nutrition benefits that support specific health goals, such as boosting athleticism and building a strong immune system. Amino acids are essential for the synthesis of proteins, and only nine of them are deemed “essential.” These protein makers have various health benefits, including improved mood, exercise…
Adaptimmune Therapeutics has received FDA approval for its engineered cell therapy, Tecelra, to treat synovial sarcoma, a rare solid tumor. Tecelra, which targets the MAGE-A4 antigen, showed promising results in a Phase 2 clinical trial with a 43% overall response rate. The therapy comes with potential side effects such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity….
There is a post available for general practitioner work in Australia, according to the Irish Medical Times. Additional details such as location or specific requirements for the position are not provided in the summary. It is a brief announcement informing readers that opportunities for GP work in Australia are available. Those interested in exploring this…
The Pan-American Health Organization has reported an increase in Oropouche virus infections in Brazil, Ecuador, French Guiana, Panama, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago. Concerns have been raised about the impact of Oropouche virus on pregnancy, with evidence suggesting it may cause birth defects. Health officials are worried about vertical transmission from mother to fetus. Researchers…
San Jose-based VSee Health and Ava Robotics have partnered to create an autonomous robot powered by VSee’s SaaS platform for a hospital ICU. This robot will allow remote physicians to deliver patient care and work with onsite staff, improving patient outcomes and reducing costs. This collaboration reflects a larger trend in robotics companies addressing staffing…
To better compete in a fast-growing city, UF Health has opened three hybrid emergency room and urgent care centers in Jacksonville, Florida in collaboration with Intuitive Health. The centers offer 24/7 care and determine whether patients need urgent or emergency care, billing accordingly. This model aims to prevent patients from unknowingly choosing more expensive emergency…
The study presented at the Musculoskeletal Infection Society Annual Meeting showed that suppression antibiotics may improve survival rates for patients with prosthetic joint infections of the hip or knee with retained hardware. Treatment failure occurred in 26.8% of patients during the 2-year follow-up period, with those who received more than 2 years of suppression antibiotics…
Patients facing shortages of GLP-1 medications for obesity and diabetes are turning to illegal online pharmacies for non-branded drugs, which pose significant risks. These drugs may contain higher levels of the active ingredient and potential bacterial contamination. Compounded versions of these medications are also causing adverse events, prompting warnings from the FDA. Poison control centers…
Speculative fiction, a genre encompassing science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more, often involves the use of fictional drugs in novels, plays, or films. Authors like Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, and Margaret Atwood have explored the concept of fictional drugs in their works. Walter Besant’s novel “The Inner House” from 1889 featured a society with a…
A study published in the journal Thyroid found that subclinical hypothyroidism diagnosed before 21 weeks of pregnancy is linked to a fourfold higher risk of overt hypothyroidism or thyroid replacement therapy within 5 years after delivery. This condition, affecting up to 1 in 4 pregnant individuals, can lead to serious symptoms like fatigue and heart…
A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Research found that reducing folate intake can result in healthier metabolisms in aging animal models, contradicting the belief that high folate consumption is universally beneficial. Led by Michael Polymenis, the study suggests that while folate is important for growth and development, lower intake in later life may improve metabolic…
The US FDA has approved afamitresgene autoleucel for the treatment of advanced synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer affecting about 1000 people in the US each year. This therapy, the first engineered cell therapy for a solid tumor, is a promising strategy for targeting solid tumors by modifying existing receptors to recognize an array…
Research has found that pairing chips with dip can increase caloric intake by 77%. Snacking behavior is not well studied, but it makes up a significant portion of daily calorie intake. Professor John Hayes emphasizes the importance of understanding snacking behavior to address overeating and obesity. A study at Penn State found that when dip…
Medical technology development historically focused on meeting requirements and minimizing patient risks, resulting in complex and difficult-to-navigate products. To improve UX, it is crucial to base decisions on real user insights, engage with stakeholders for feedback, and prioritize safety from the beginning. Bridging innovative technology with existing workflows leads to efficient digital user experiences. Creating…
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital in Dublin experienced an IT issue that prevented access to electronic health records, causing delays and temporary closures of services. Patient services are set to fully resume on Saturday, with the Rapid Injury Clinic reopening on August 3. The hospital is investigating the cause of the IT problem and plans to…
The FDA has approved Donanemab as a new monoclonal antibody drug for Alzheimer’s disease, a condition previously considered untreatable. These drugs work by removing amyloid plaques from the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. While these antibodies have shown promise in slowing cognitive decline in patients with mild Alzheimer’s, they also come with risks such as…
SURGLASSES, a Taiwan-based medtech company, has implemented its augmented reality-based surgical navigation system in Thailand at two hospitals. The Caduceus S system is used for spine surgery, providing 3D visualization of internal anatomical structures. Approved in Taiwan, the United States, and Thailand, the system aids surgeons in performing procedures. JelloX Biotech, another Taiwanese company, is…
A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that the percentage of people attempting self-managed abortions has increased since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Tia Freeman, a reproductive health organizer, leads workshops on safely taking abortion pills outside of medical settings in Tennessee, where abortion is almost entirely illegal. The study,…
Dr. Ashkan M. Abbey of Texas Retina Associates discussed the results of the DAVIO 2 trial at the ASRS meeting, focusing on EYP-1901 for wet age-related macular degeneration. Patients received loading doses of Eylea and were then assigned either EYP-1901 or bimonthly Eylea. After 6 months, two-thirds of eyes receiving EYP-1901 did not need extra…
The board of directors of 23andMe rejected a proposal from co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki to take the company private. The board cited reasons such as the lack of a premium to the current stock price, absence of committed financing from other investors, and other rejected conditions. They asked Wojcicki to withdraw her opposition to…
The General Medical Council has issued new guidance on how it handles concerns related to doctors’ actions during protests, stressing that doctors must follow the law and uphold the trust of patients and the public. The guidance comes in response to pressure from doctors for clarity on the issue. The UK Health Alliance on Climate…
Researchers have developed a safe and effective method to infect volunteers with the parasite causing leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease. This breakthrough paves the way for vaccine development and testing. Leishmaniasis is transmitted by sand flies and affects over a million people annually, causing slow-healing ulcers. No vaccines currently exist due to challenges in conducting…
A study published in BMC Public Health found that both short- and long-term use of electronic cigarettes (EC) is associated with an increased risk of various respiratory symptoms in adults. The study used a smartphone app platform to collect real-time data on EC use and respiratory health. Participants were recruited through social media and completed…
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that Black and Native American individuals had the highest rates of firearm injuries in the United States between 2019 and 2020. The study analyzed 252,376 firearm injuries, with 37.8% categorized as unintentional, 37.3% linked to assaults, 21% involving self-harm, and 1.3% associated with law enforcement. Black…
A study at Oregon Health & Science University found that older adults with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s may benefit from regular fish oil use. However, the general population of older adults did not experience the same advantages. The study included 102 participants aged 75 or older with low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Over…
Huma, a London-based healthcare technology company, has evolved from a patient monitoring software company in 2011 to a driver of healthcare digitization in 2024. They recently raised $80 million in funding and launched the Huma Cloud Platform to advance digital-first care and research. The platform offers various features including easy disease management tools, device connectivity,…
The 2023 HSE annual report showed that almost two-thirds of patients aged 75 and older in emergency departments waited more than six hours before being admitted or discharged. Only 36.4% of this age group were seen to within six hours. Overall, 57.1% of patients of all ages were seen to within six hours last year….
The 2020s are seeing a rise in the popularity of cosmeceuticals, with clinical grade skincare products taking over luxury brands and high street cosmetics. Retinoic Acid, or vitamin A, is a key ingredient in this trend, known for its effectiveness in skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. Various forms of retinoic acid are available, ranging from mild…