Obesity has been linked to a decrease in fertility, with a recent study showing that it causes chronic changes in the brain that affect sperm count. The research led by the University of California-Riverside found that obese mice had lower testosterone levels and reduced sperm count due to dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. These brain…
Drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim and GoodRx have partnered to offer Boehringer’s Humira biosimilar on GoodRx’s platform for an exclusive cash price of $550 per two-pack, a 92% discount from the Humira list price. This biosimilar drug, adalimumab-adbm, is used to treat autoimmune conditions. Patients can receive a coupon through GoodRx to access the cash price at…
Von Willebrand disease affects around 1 in 100 people and is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. A new study from RCSI University of Medicine has identified a new medicine called BT200 that could help patients with this condition. This drug works by slowing down the removal of von Willebrand factor from the bloodstream by…
A misconfigured Crowdstrike Falcon update caused a global IT outage, impacting hospitals, healthcare systems, and other industries worldwide. Many computers showed the “blue screen of death,” disrupting care delivery and forcing clinicians to work manually without access to electronic health records. The outage affected hospitals in the U.S., U.K., Israel, Germany, and beyond, leading to…
The Biden administration has implemented new restrictions to prevent insurance brokers from switching consumers’ Affordable Care Act plans without their consent. CMS has received over 200,000 complaints of unauthorized plan changes in the first six months of the year. The changes aim to block unauthorized changes by agents and brokers, requiring agents to prove association…
WastewaterSCAN, a prominent private entity in the US providing real-time data on pathogens in wastewater, has stopped collecting data from 43 facilities due to resource constraints. The group, which had been monitoring 194 sites in 41 states, including 39 million people, is focusing on other projects. Funding from philanthropic sources led to its growth, but…
be affected by the outage. Microsoft and CrowdStrike worked quickly to resolve the issue, and practices were gradually able to resume normal operations. The incident highlighted the reliance of healthcare providers on digital systems and the need for robust contingency plans to mitigate disruptions in the future. Source link
President Joe Biden and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra are among the latest COVID-19 cases in the current surge, likely caused by the KP.3 and KP.2 variants of the omicron strain. These variants are not more dangerous than previous ones, with mild symptoms reported in most cases. Despite an increase in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have…
A preclinical study led by investigators at the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology has identified potential targeted therapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei, a rare cancer with limited treatment options. By generating patient-derived mouse models with druggable targets like KRAS and BRAF, researchers tested the efficacy of BRAF inhibitor encorafenib, showing promising results in reducing tumor growth…
On July 19, 2024, a global IT outage caused by a software bug from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike impacted major hospital systems, including Emory Health in Atlanta. Due to this issue, many hospitals, such as Mount Sinai, Northwell Health, and NHS, had to cancel nonemergency medical procedures and appointments. UofL Health is working through the problems…
Researchers warn that legality does not necessarily mean safety, as recent investigations found harmful and illegal hallucinogens in mushroom gummies marketed as brain-boosting supplements. Some brands contained psilocybin or psilocin, classified as Schedule I drugs by the FDA. The products also contained undisclosed ingredients like caffeine, ephedrine, and kratom. Several people, including a child, fell…
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, health care issues received little attention despite being a significant part of the federal budget and economy. The lack of focus reflects Trump’s sensitivity to the topic after a failed attempt to repeal Obamacare in 2017. Instead, speakers emphasized inflation, crime, and immigration, linking it to health issues…
“Irish Medical Times” offers a course on Leadership Essentials in Global Health, focusing on hands-on skills needed to lead projects in global health and development. Participants will learn practical skills that are essential for successful leadership in the field. This course aims to equip individuals with the necessary tools to effectively manage and coordinate global…
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disorder affecting motor neurons in the spinal cord, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. It is inherited and caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene. SMA has five types based on age of onset and physical milestones reached. Treatments for SMA include medications like Nusinersen and Onasemnogene…
CytoReason, an Israeli startup that offers AI-enabled tools for life sciences companies, secured $80 million in funding from Pfizer, OurCrowd, NVIDIA, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. The company’s computation model provides insights into datasets, cell states, disease progression, and treatment effects. They plan to expand their models for different indications, grow their data, and open an…
En la Convención Nacional Republicana en Milwaukee, los oradores principales no abordaron temas como el Obamacare o el aborto, a pesar de que la atención médica es un tema clave en el presupuesto federal y en la economÃa del paÃs. Este cambio en enfoque refleja las sensibilidades polÃticas de Trump, quien ahora promete proteger Medicare…
Research published in Ophthalmology suggests that large medical centers discard multiuse eye drop bottles long before the FDA expiration date, leading to drug waste and increased costs. Analysis of 297 discarded bottles showed that an average of 71.9% of medication remained, with estimated savings of $80,997 and 72% reduction in plastic waste if FDA-regulated dates…
Share your new hires, promotions, and staff changes with us so we can spread the news. This week, Nuvalent promoted Henry Pelish to chief scientific officer. Pelish joined the company in 2018 and previously served as senior vice president of drug discovery. It’s essential to strike a balance between work and play, even for a…
Lara Shemtob and Rabeea F Khan discuss the importance of considering fitness for work, particularly in positions of power like the US presidency. They raise questions about the health and fitness of political figures like President Biden and Donald Trump. The authors emphasize the need for a nuanced approach to assessing fitness for work, focusing…
Outdated and inflexible medical information systems that merge sex and gender are harmful to transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, leading to disengagement from the healthcare system. A literature review recommends making patient information systems more inclusive, particularly in radiology, by accurately recording patient names, pronouns, current gender, and assigned sex at birth. However, the…
At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, health care issues received little attention, with no discussion of Obamacare or abortion. This is a significant change from previous conventions, where health care was a major topic. Republicans now focus on issues like inflation, crime, and immigration, avoiding health care as it is not a winning subject…
The United States is facing a severe drug crisis, with synthetic opioids like fentanyl causing a significant increase in drug overdose deaths. Conversely, Germany has stricter regulations on opioid prescriptions, reducing the likelihood of a similar crisis. However, experts warn that synthetic opioids like fentanyl may start flooding the German market, especially with the decrease…
Meal timing, particularly delayed eating schedules, has been linked to higher rates of depression and anxiety, especially among shift workers. A study published in Jama Network found that delayed meals, long eating windows, and delayed dinner were associated with increased risks of depression and anxiety. Breakfast after 9 a.m. and dinner after 8 p.m. were…
Phathom Pharmaceuticals has gained FDA approval for their new drug, vonoprazan, under the brand name Voquezna, as a treatment for non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults. Unlike traditional treatments like proton pump inhibitors, Voquezna works by blocking an enzyme system involved in the secretion of gastric acids. The drug has been shown to significantly…
The Irish government is planning to reduce spinal surgery waiting times by sending patients abroad for procedures and expanding capacity in Ireland. Agreements have been made with hospitals in the US and UK to accommodate Irish patients. Additional surgery days and operating theatres have been allocated at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to prioritize spinal surgeries….
Play2Care app in Singapore gamifies training for dementia caregivers with the T.A.N.G.O approach. It includes videos and mini-games to enhance caregiver knowledge and comfort. The app aims to help caregivers understand and effectively communicate with people with dementia to manage challenging behaviors. The app’s design is user-friendly with features for adult caregivers. As global staff…
Healthcare in Action is a new business model providing medical care to homeless people in Los Angeles. They distribute GPS devices to track patients and offer services on the streets. The organization has cared for thousands of homeless patients, managing diagnoses and helping with housing. Street providers offer medical care, build trust, and prevent expensive…
At the 2024 Rheumatology Nurses Society conference, it was emphasized that understanding spondyloarthropathy diagnostic criteria is crucial in differentiating between inflammatory and mechanical back pain. Both radiographic and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis are under-diagnosed, with overlapping symptoms among different types of spondyloarthritis. Genetic factors play a role, but clinical diagnosis is more helpful than relying solely…
President Biden tested positive for Covid-19, reflecting a broader trend of rising cases this summer. Wastewater measures and hospitalizations are increasing. Many Americans have been personally affected by the uptick, either testing positive themselves or knowing someone who has. While Covid-19 is now circulating like other respiratory viruses, spikes in cases still disrupt daily life…
David T Otuonye, an internal medicine training doctor in Chelmsford, UK, expressed skepticism towards the four-year undergraduate medical degree being launched by NHS England. He shared concerns similar to those raised by Oliver and Vaughan regarding the General Medical Council’s vision for medical training. Otuonye highlighted the need for more information and clarity from NHS…
A randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet found that time-lapse imaging (TLI) does not improve in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes for individuals undergoing fertility treatment. The study involved over 1,500 participants in the UK and Hong Kong who were randomly assigned to receive TLI-based embryo selection, standard static assessment, or conventional assessment. Live birth rates…
A large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) using data from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Million Veterans Program (MVP) has filled crucial gaps in knowledge about the relationships between genes, traits, and disease across diverse populations. The study emphasized the importance of diversity in genetic studies and the need for broader representation in future…
Commercial tattoo and permanent makeup inks are often contaminated with bacteria, posing a risk of infection. A study found that 35% of tested inks were contaminated with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including possibly pathogenic strains. This contamination can lead to skin infections and other complications. Healthcare professionals should counsel patients about the risks of…
A study has found that individuals with endometriosis are at a four-fold increase in ovarian cancer risk. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain and other symptoms. Severe forms of endometriosis, such as deep infiltrating endometriosis, increase the risk of ovarian cancer…
The Federal Trade Commission’s investigation into pharmacy benefit managers has revealed a concentrated market dominated by six major PBMs, leading to high drug costs for patients and struggles for independent pharmacies. The FTC is preparing to sue CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, and Optum Rx over insulin prices related to secret rebate agreements. The report highlights…
Event organisers are concerned about the spread of mosquitoes in Europe, particularly the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, which transmits diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. Rising temperatures and increased global travel contribute to the spread of these diseases. The significance and reporting of vector-borne illnesses are increasing, with experts warning about the spread of…
A new study in Nicaragua found that previous infections with dengue and Zika viruses can impact a person’s future risk of getting sick with different types of dengue fever. Antibodies produced after infection can sometimes make a person more susceptible to severe illness from other dengue strains. The study highlighted the role of past infections…
NeuroFlow, a behavioral health company, is partnering with Intermountain Health to identify behavioral health needs in Colorado. Their cloud-based platform allows providers to connect with patients remotely and offers AI-powered clinical decision support. Intermountain will use NeuroFlow’s Integrated Care offering for whole-population screening and digital care. The platform will integrate into Intermountain’s workflows, providing suicide…
Julie Rovner, host of KFF Health News’ podcast, “What the Health?” discussed the lack of focus on health care issues during the Republican National Convention. The nomination of Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio added an outspoken abortion opponent to the Republican ticket. Legal battles over state abortion ballot questions continue in Florida, Arkansas, and Arizona….
A study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice found that there are significant disparities in the treatment of peanut allergies among patients. Black patients with peanut allergies are less likely to receive oral immunotherapy compared to white patients. Patients with private insurance were more likely to receive oral immunotherapy. The…
The online edition of Adam’s Biotech Scorecard, a subscriber-only newsletter, is available for STAT+ subscribers to receive in their inbox. The newsletter includes updates on Novartis’ pelabresib from its earnings announcement. The delivery was delayed due to the heat, but the update is the lead item in the newsletter. Subscribers can continue to STAT+ to…
Meghan Bohren and Zoe Bradfield from the University of Melbourne and Curtin University in Australia discuss the harmful gender norms and racial inequities affecting women and gender diverse individuals giving birth and those caring for them. They highlight the systemic failures in maternity services in the UK, as seen in the Birth Trauma Inquiry and…
Researchers at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research have developed a new technique to diagnose disorders of sex development (DSD) by reprogramming skin cells into testicular cells (Sertoli cells). This method allows for studying genetic processes that lead to intersex conditions in patients. The research aims to address the lack of availability of gonadal tissue…
A recent study published in Lancet Public Health estimated global prevalence of gambling activities among adults and adolescents. The global gambling industry is projected to reach $531 billion by 2025, emphasizing it as a public health issue. The study identified 46.2% of adults and 17.9% of adolescents globally engaged in gambling in the past 12…
The HIV community eagerly awaits data from the PURPOSE 1 clinical trial of lenacapavir for preexposure prophylaxis, which showed a 100% effectiveness in preventing infection. The trial enrolled over 5000 young girls and women in South Africa and Uganda. The results, presented by Linda-Gail Bekker, will be discussed at the International AIDS Conference in Munich….
A new study suggests that engaging in brief bursts of light intensity exercise before bed can actually improve sleep duration, contrary to traditional advice. In the study, participants who did three-minute activity breaks every half hour before bedtime slept for an additional 27 minutes on average compared to those who sat uninterrupted. The exercises, such…
Thyme Care, a cancer care company, has raised $95 million in Series C funding to expand its business of supporting cancer patients in 31 states. The company offers care navigation services, technology, and therapeutic interventions to help patients understand their diagnosis, find doctors, and receive clinical care between appointments. The funding includes equity from various…
The Week in Medicine covers the forgotten Irish doctors who fought against the Nazis in World War II, facing challenges upon returning home due to anti-English sentiment. An upcoming lecture in Dublin on early modern London’s surgical training and book cultures is highlighted. The deteriorating state of the old Baggot Street hospital, with efforts by…
Fitterfly, a digital therapeutics company from India, has launched an AI feature called Fitterfly Klik in partnership with Google Cloud. This feature allows individuals with diabetes to track their meals using computer vision powered by Gemini 1.5 Flash on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI platform. Users can take or upload a picture of their meal, and…
The Tennessee government has agreed to remove dozens of people from its sex offender registry who were convicted of prostitution while having HIV. Lawsuits challenged Tennessee’s “aggravated prostitution” laws, which made prostitution a felony for those who are HIV-positive. Most affected individuals are in Memphis, where the statute was often used against Black and transgender…