The process of transcription, where DNA is copied into RNA by RNA polymerase (RNAP), is a crucial step in gene expression, but the exact mechanism of how RNAP opens the transcription bubble is largely unknown. A new study in Nature Structural & Molecular Biology captures E. coli RNAP in the act of opening the bubble…
The National Academy of Medicine in Paris held a conference on medicine in relation to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, focusing on topics like athletes’ heart health, mental well-being, and healthy aging. Dr. Jean-Philippe Hager moderated the event, discussing the definitions of an athlete, aging, and healthy aging. Studies show that high-level athletes live longer…
Diabetes increases the risk of disability and fatal complications, but a study found that individuals with prediabetes can reduce risks by delaying the onset of diabetes by four years. Lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise can help in delaying diabetes. The study followed 540 prediabetic individuals over 30 years, finding that delaying diabetes for…
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services authorized five states to provide Medicaid/CHIP coverage to those transitioning out of incarceration before release, in an effort to improve access to healthcare services for those leaving jail or prison. This initiative, called the Medicaid Reentry Section 1115 Demonstration Opportunity, allows states to cover certain services and…
A report from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warns that Ireland could see 1,400 excess deaths per year by 2100 if worst climate projections come true. Warmer weather is leading to an increase in hospital emergency admissions for circulatory, respiratory, and infectious diseases. The report suggests that advance notice of very warm days…
The Sydney Neuroimaging Analysis Centre has received government funding to market its AI-powered software for brain disease analysis. Their flagship product, iQ-solutions, has received clearance from the TGA and aims to improve detection and management of conditions like multiple sclerosis and dementia. With funding from ANDHealth+ program, SNAC plans to commercialize their software for MRI…
David Engler, a substitute teacher in Oregon, decided to get a vasectomy after a frustrating school day. His insurance, Kaiser Permanente, initially promised it would be covered for free as a form of birth control, but he ended up with a bill for $1,080. This situation highlights the confusion around insurance coverage for reproductive health…
The FDA has approved Zoryve (roflumilast) cream 0.15% for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in both adult and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older. This approval was based on positive results from three phase 3 studies, a phase 2 study, and two phase 1 studies. Zoryve is a steroid-free, once-daily topical…
A Massachusetts man underwent a rare larynx transplant to regain his voice after cancer. Marty Kedian is one of only three people in the U.S. to have this procedure, which is typically not done for people with active cancer. The transplant was part of a new clinical trial at the Mayo Clinic aimed at helping…
The new Labour government has promised to increase funding for general practice in the NHS in order to improve access to primary care. Health secretary Wes Streeting wants to focus on shifting the NHS out of hospitals and into the community. He has acknowledged that patients are struggling to see a GP and are not…
Research published in the journal Gut found that ‘unhealthy’ gut microbiome patterns are associated with a higher risk of death after solid organ transplants, particularly from cancer and infection. The study analyzed microbial patterns in fecal samples from transplant recipients in the Netherlands and found that deviations from the general population’s microbiome were linked to…
Researchers found that an ‘unhealthy’ gut microbiome is linked to a higher risk of death after a solid organ transplant, specifically from cancer and infection. The study analyzed the gut microbiome of transplant recipients and compared it to the general population, finding that deviations from the average gut microbiome were associated with a higher likelihood…
New research shows that bacterial and nonbacterial components of the gut microbiome can accurately differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from neurotypical children. The study, led by Siew Ng, identified alterations in 14 archaea, 51 bacteria, 7 fungi, 18 viruses, 27 microbial genes, and 12 metabolic pathways in children with ASD. Machine-learning models achieved…
A new study analyzed eight common antidepressants and found that bupropion leads to the least amount of weight gain compared to other medications. Patients who use bupropion have a 15-20% lower risk of weight gain compared to those who use sertraline, the most common medication. Antidepressants can have a significant impact on weight gain, which…
HarmonyCares, a company focused on in-home primary care for high-risk senior patients, recently raised $200 million in funding to expand its services, particularly in the Medicare Advantage space. The company, formerly known as U.S. Medical Management and later acquired by Centene before being rebranded, operates in 15 states and works with MA plans and Medicare…
Dr Ray O’Connor examined recent clinical studies on lupus and discussed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a severe autoimmune disease affecting multiple body systems. SLE is complex and unpredictable, with flares and remissions. It predominantly affects women, with a female to male ratio of 9:1. The global epidemiology of SLE varies by sex, age, and region….
Bird flu, caused by the H5N1 avian influenza virus, is now spreading to cats and mice, raising concerns for public health. The virus was recently detected in 47 house mice in New Mexico and in domestic cats across multiple states. Historically, H5N1 cases in humans have been caused by close contact with infected birds, with…
HarmonyCares, a physician-led primary care provider, secured $200 million in funding led by General Catalyst, with participation from other investors. The company specializes in treating older adults with serious health conditions in their homes, offering a team of primary care providers, pharmacists, social workers, and nurse case managers. They provide 24/7 on-call support and partner…
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy accused Democratic Senator Jon Tester of supporting elective abortions up until the moment of birth in a televised debate. Sheehy based his accusations on Tester’s support for the Women’s Health Protection Act, which did not pass the Senate. Anti-abortion advocates argue that this bill would allow abortions later in…
The use of electronic messaging has led to clinician overwork, with billing portal communications suggested as a solution to reduce burnout. However, ethical concerns, such as creating barriers to care, complicate this approach. Clinicians responding to portal messages outside working hours and increased patient messaging during the pandemic have exacerbated burnout. A pay-per-message system could…
Pharma is losing its allies in Congress, with many leaving or likely to leave by 2025. The pharmaceutical industry faced challenges when Democrats passed a drug pricing law in 2022, and now even longtime friends are departing. Six key allies with a collective 160 years of congressional experience are exiting, leaving knowledge gaps and key…
On July 8th, Russia launched a series of missile strikes which severely damaged the Ohmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv, Ukraine. The attack destroyed the hospital’s intensive care, surgical and oncology wards as well as the toxicology department where children receive dialysis. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned the attack which resulted in significant…
A study published in Oncotarget showed that combining TAS102 and regorafenib inhibits ERK1/2 and STAT3 signaling in gastrointestinal cancers. Both drugs are approved for metastatic colorectal cancer treatment. The study found that the combination delayed disease progression regardless of KRAS or BRAF mutational status. In preclinical studies, the combination had synergistic activity against colorectal and…
Researchers at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that the most profound source of distress for patients with sickle cell disease in a home visit program was the anticipation of going to acute care centers to manage acute pain. The study, published in Qualitative Research in Health, highlighted the need for a biopsychosocial model…
Dermatoporosis is a term in medical literature referring to the chronic fragility of aging and sun-damaged skin. The identification of dermatoporosis validates patient suffering and highlights skin vulnerability to medical complications such as skin lacerations and delayed healing. Treatment options for dermatoporosis include topical retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin D analogues, dehydroepiandrosterone, and nutritional interventions….
Rhinoplasty is a common procedure for people self-conscious about their noses, but traditional methods involve pain, swelling, and bruising, with long recovery times. Montreal-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hani Sinno uses ultrasonic rhinoplasty, a cutting-edge technique that reduces risks and recovery time. The piezo device he uses carves bone with ultrasonic vibrations, providing precise results. Recovery…
Interoperability in healthcare involves ensuring that data is trustworthy, accurate, and easily accessible across different systems. The Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA) was created to enhance data exchange among key stakeholders like providers and payers. Qualified Health Information Networks (QHINs) play a central role in TEFCA, allowing seamless sharing of data. Data usability…
The Government announced an additional €1.5 billion cash injection for the HSE as part of an overall package of €8.3 billion in Budget 2025. The funding aims to address increased demands in healthcare services, particularly in the acute sector. The additional funds will also strengthen financial planning and governance within the HSE. Medical unions criticized…
Hospitals are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks that can compromise patient care systems, with experts likening the impact to natural disasters. Despite federal requirements to protect patient data, many hospitals lack basic cybersecurity protocols. The Biden administration is looking to implement mandatory measures to address this issue. Patients have faced serious consequences from cyberattacks, such as…
Genentech is set to reintroduce Susvimo, a treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration, after a voluntary recall nearly 2 years ago. The FDA approved a post-approval supplement for the ocular implant that delivers ranibizumab through a port delivery platform. The implant is inserted during an outpatient procedure, with refills every 6 months using a specially…
The Human Genome Project aimed to decode the entire human genetic code, but ended up primarily using DNA from a single anonymous male donor, known as RP11. The project’s handling of donor sourcing and consent was ethically questionable, as donors were not informed that their DNA would make up the majority of the sequence. The…
The concept of frailty in older patients is important in healthcare, but can be problematic as older people often find the term pejorative. Around 40% of older patients with unplanned hospital admissions in high income countries have moderate or severe frailty. Identifying frail patients can help provide better care, keep them at home, avoid harm,…
A study published in Nature Communications explores how the brain responds to emotionally charged stimuli, led by Prof. Sonia Bishop from Trinity College Dublin and Samy Abdel-Ghaffar. The research focuses on how the brain represents different emotional stimuli categories and nuanced behavioral responses beyond simple approach or avoidance. The study found that the occipital temporal…
A recent study published in Scientific Reports explored the connection between COVID-19-related sensory deficiencies and changes in the tongue’s transcriptome. Researchers found that individuals with high levels of COVID-19 antibodies experienced impaired metallic taste and smell perception. The study identified specific genes associated with metallic taste perception, taste and smell receptors, and olfactory involvement in…
The A-BRAVE trial showed that adjuvant avelumab improved 3-year overall survival in patients with early triple-negative breast cancer and high risk of recurrence. The treatment reduced the risk of distant metastasis and death by 30% and 34%, respectively. While the study did not meet its primary endpoint of disease-free survival, secondary and exploratory endpoints showed…
A recent study suggests that diagnosing obesity based solely on Body Mass Index (BMI) may be insufficient. The distribution of body fat, specifically abdominal fat, is a more crucial factor in determining health risks associated with obesity. The European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) has introduced a new framework for diagnosing and managing…
Policy changes implemented during Covid-19 such as the Medicaid continuous enrollment provision and enhanced Marketplace tax credits made healthcare more affordable. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 raised premium tax credits and expanded subsidy eligibility, resulting in a decrease in the share of uninsured adults and barriers to care due to costs. However, with…
The OpenAI Startup Fund and Thrive Global announced the launch of a new company called Thrive AI Health, which aims to provide personalized behavioral change health coaching through generative AI. The AI-enabled coach will focus on five key areas: connection, sleep, fitness, stress management, and food, with a goal of disease prevention and treatment optimization….
Planned Parenthood in California is launching a campaign to target GOP incumbents in congressional seats to prevent a national abortion ban. They are focusing on districts that largely voted Republican in 2022 but support access to abortion and contraceptives. However, GOP officials believe voters will prioritize other issues and support their candidates. Planned Parenthood plans…
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine compared the effectiveness of varenicline and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes for smoking cessation. Both were found to be effective compared to a placebo, with no significant difference between the two. The researchers noted that while e-cigarettes may have a role in smoking cessation, varenicline may be a more advisable option…
South African antitrust authorities closed an investigation into Johnson & Johnson and its Janssen subsidiary for charging excessive prices for a tuberculosis drug. The companies agreed not to enforce a secondary patent on the drug, allowing generic companies to offer a cheaper version. They also reduced the price charged to the National Department of Health…
Danish drug company Novo Nordisk faced criticism from the UK pharmaceutical regulator for failing to disclose approximately £7.8 million in payments to 150 recipients over three years. The company admitted to not reporting around 500 payments between 2020 and 2022, attributing the oversight to issues with their vendor tagging system. The Prescription Medicines Code of…
A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University has developed an AI model that can accurately estimate lung function from chest X-rays. The model was trained using over 140,000 radiographs and showed a high agreement rate with actual spirometric data. This technology could be particularly useful for patients who have difficulty performing spirometry tests, such as…
Scientists studied the effectiveness of a very low-calorie diet and Semaglutide, alone and in combination, in reducing body weight and controlling blood glucose in type 2 diabetes patients. The study involved 30 participants who followed either the diet, Semaglutide injections, or both for 12 weeks. The results showed that the diet and combined intervention groups…
In 2010, Dr. Carlos Monteiro introduced the NOVA classification, which categorizes foods based on the degree of processing. He presented evidence on the risks of excessive consumption of ultraprocessed foods and their impact on health, including weight gain and addiction. Dr. Kevin Hall conducted a study that confirmed the negative effects of ultraprocessed foods on…
Collagen is a crucial protein for overall health, not just skin rejuvenation. As the body produces less collagen with age, supplements like NativePath Collagen Peptides can help maintain bone density, improve skin health, strengthen hair, and support muscle and joint flexibility. Research shows collagen supplementation can significantly benefit bone health, skin hydration, nail growth, and…
Providence is conducting a study to understand how health systems can use multi-cancer detection tests, focusing on patients with a genetic predisposition to cancer. The study aims to learn how access to these tests impacts patients’ decision making and care. Providence was the first health system to use Grail’s Galleri test, which screens for over…
A new study suggests that individuals with elevated levels of an enzyme called α-tryptase, encoded by the TPSAB1 gene, are more prone to severe food allergies. This finding could lead to a diagnostic test to identify high-risk individuals. Mast cells produce tryptase enzymes that can cause allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. People with more α-tryptase copies…
Antidote Technologies is teaming up with SEQSTER to streamline patient identification for clinical trials and improve trial timelines. Antidote’s patient-recruitment platform will use SEQSTER’s healthcare data platform to match patients to trials based on their genetic, lifestyle, and medical data. The partnership aims to accelerate the recruitment process and bring new treatments to market faster….
Planned Parenthood is preparing a multi-million dollar campaign to oust Republican congressmen in California. This strategic move is part of a nationwide effort to prevent Republican majorities from approving abortion restrictions. Planned Parenthood is targeting eight districts where voters previously supported Republicans, but also voted for a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion and contraceptive access. The…