The study focused on the impact of the Nlgn3R451C mutation on the cerebellum in mice, particularly on the projections from cerebellar nuclei to different brain regions. The mutation was found to alter innervation patterns, with increased connections to the zona incerta (ZI). Chemogenetic inhibition of specific neurons in the ZI helped alleviate social deficits in…
Healio highlights key research, topics, and news in orthopedic spine surgery in 2024. One article discusses the challenges faced by disc replacement surgery due to surgical skepticism and insurance barriers. Another article mentions a machine learning model that accurately predicted outcomes after lumbar disc herniation surgery. Decompression with lumbar facet arthroplasty was found to have…
A palliative medicine doctor shares the story of her patient, Teresa, who suffered from advanced cancer and relied on morphine for pain relief. Due to DEA cuts to opioid production quotas, pharmacies often ran out of stock, causing Teresa to struggle to access her medication. The doctor emphasizes that opioids are essential for managing pain…
Macros, short for macronutrients, consist of protein, carbohydrates, and fats found in all foods in varying ratios. Proteins build muscle and have other essential roles in the body, while carbohydrates are the body’s primary energy source. Fats, including healthy options like omega-3s, are also important for overall health. Calories are important for weight management, with…
Mitochondrial calcium signaling plays a critical role in energy metabolism and calcium balance, but accurate monitoring is difficult due to pH fluctuations. Existing fluorescent calcium indicators are sensitive to pH changes, leading to inaccuracies in measurements. TurCaMP, a new GECI developed from mTurquoise2, offers an inverse response to calcium transients and is pH insensitive within…
A study analyzing TikTok videos on neuraxial labor analgesia found low overall quality, with 10% of videos containing inaccurate information. Medical sources had higher quality scores but still fell below professional standards. The study evaluated 266 English-language videos from June 17 to 20, 2024, using keywords like “epidural” and “epidural risks.” Inaccurate information was present…
Allison J. Applebaum, PhD, is leading the new Center for Caregiving at Mount Sinai and will also serve as professor of geriatrics and palliative medicine. Previously, she was the founding director of the Caregiving Clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she focused on providing psychosocial care to family caregivers of cancer patients. Applebaum’s…
In a survey conducted among STAT readers, several important topics emerged as underdiscussed in 2024 and areas of focus for 2025 in the life sciences field. These include the challenges faced by foreign-born caregivers in the healthcare sector, the importance of building trust through humanism in healthcare innovation, the need for enforcing rules on copay…
A recent outbreak of unexplained deaths in southwestern Democratic Republic of Congo was determined to be caused by a combination of infections, including malaria and common respiratory viruses, as well as malnutrition. The World Health Organization reported that children under five accounted for around half of the cases and deaths. The outbreak, which started in…
A study from the University of Gothenburg found that digital healthcare consultations are not sufficient for assessing tonsillitis, increasing the risk of over- or undertreatment. Tonsillitis often leads to antibiotic prescriptions, and doctors use Centor Criteria for diagnosis, including fever and swollen lymph nodes. The study compared digital and physical assessments of 189 patients and…
The scientific report providing guidance for the next Dietary Guidelines for Americans has sparked controversy for its focus on plant-based foods. The report emphasizes the benefits of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and reducing saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Meat consumption is recommended to be limited, with more emphasis on plant-based protein sources. The report also suggests…
The public health community is facing a crisis in confidence, eroded by a lack of public support for basic measures like vaccines and fluoride. Staff turnover and challenges have strained resources, while public health advocates must address failures and regain trust from a skeptical public. The Covid-19 response, although successful, led to resentment and skepticism….
The FDA has approved the subcutaneous injection of nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy (Opdivo Qvantig) for adults with solid tumors. This approval is based on the results of the CHECKMATE-67T study, showing a similar safety profile to the intravenous form of the drug. The drug is indicated for various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and lung…
In April 2017, scientists protested budget cuts to medical research proposed by the Trump administration. The March for Science rally in Boston challenged Trump’s denial of climate change and plans to cut funding for medical research. Concerns are now rising as Trump selects Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human…
The FDA has approved Ryoncil, a mesenchymal stromal cell therapy, for treating steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease in pediatric patients aged 2 months and older. Ryoncil is the first FDA-approved MSC therapy derived from healthy adult human donors and used for treating SR-aGVHD in patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The safety and…
Faricimab was approved in Europe for treating macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion. The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care examined its benefits over other therapies but found no proof of added benefit. Studies comparing faricimab with aflibercept did not meet specified treatment regimens, making the assessment inconclusive. The manufacturer did…
Impairment in cardiac baroreflex sensitivity is linked to a higher risk of dementia and mortality in older adults not taking antihypertensive medications. A study of 1819 older adults found that reduced baroreflex sensitivity was associated with an increased risk of dementia, especially in those not taking antihypertensive medication. Monitoring baroreflex sensitivity could be a useful…
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs pyramid explains human psychology and motivation, emphasizing the importance of meeting basic physiological needs before achieving higher meaning. This concept can be applied to employer-sponsored benefits, with benefits promoting gastrointestinal (GI) health as essential due to its impact on overall wellness. GI health is interconnected with immunity, mental health, heart health,…
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open suggests that daily step counts of 5,000 or more can reduce depressive symptoms in adults. The study included 33 studies and found that step counts between 5,000 to 10,000 or more were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The researchers highlighted the potential mechanisms behind this…
Aetna, owned by CVS Health, is suing Radiology Partners, accusing them of overcharging and abusing the federal arbitration process for out-of-network medical claims. The lawsuit sheds light on billing tactics in the US healthcare system and the complexities of the federal arbitration system created by the No Surprises Act. Aetna alleges that Radiology Partners engaged…
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics shows disparities in firearm and motor vehicle crash fatalities among youth in the United States. From 2011 to 2021, there were 35,684 firearm and 40,735 motor vehicle fatalities among children and youths aged 0 to 19. The study found differences in rates based on age, sex, race, and ethnicity,…
Singapore has been ranked top among Asian nations and in the top 10 globally for readiness to address challenges of an aging population. The study by researchers from NUS and Columbia University developed a new measure, the Global Aging Index, to assess 143 countries’ preparedness for population aging. Singapore excelled in well-being, security, and productivity….
The CDC analyzed samples from the first severe case of bird flu in the U.S. last week, finding mutations not seen in samples from an infected backyard flock. The patient’s sample showed mutations in the hemagglutinin gene. The risk to the general public remains low. The patient had the D1.1 genotype of the virus, different…
Wearable device company ŌURA has secured $200 million in Series D funding to expand its product offerings. Founded in Finland in 2013, ŌURA offers the Oura Ring, which provides insights on sleep, activity, readiness, stress, resilience, women’s health, and heart health. The funding, led by Fidelity Management & Research Company and Dexcom, brings the company’s…
The bathroom is a frequently used room in the home, but is often overlooked in terms of accessibility and comfort. The VOCIC Electric Raised Toilet Seat offers a solution for individuals with mobility challenges, providing medical benefits for the elderly, those recovering from surgery, and people with disabilities. The seat reduces strain on joints and…
The FDA has proposed a rule that would require manufacturers of talc-containing cosmetic products to use standardized testing methods to detect asbestos, a known carcinogen. Manufacturers will need to test their products using specific methods or provide a certificate of analysis from the talc supplier. Talc is commonly used in cosmetics for various purposes, but…
A recent poll shows that most Americans believe health insurance profits and coverage denials play a role in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO, along with the person who pulled the trigger. The suspect charged with the murder has been portrayed as a heroic figure in some circles, leading to discussions about insurance company practices. Many…
Tonsillitis is a common reason for doctor visits and antibiotics prescriptions. The Centor Criteria are commonly used to determine the need for antibiotics based on symptoms like fever and swollen lymph nodes. A study in Sweden compared digital health care consultations to physical exams for tonsillitis assessment. Results showed that digital assessments were not as…
Sepsis is a deadly complication of infection that can lead to acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), both associated with high mortality rates. NETs play a key role in the progression of sepsis by triggering inflammation. A study from Nanjing Medical University shows that medical ozone therapy targeting the AMPK/SR-A1 axis…
Women with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) face a higher risk of cirrhosis, while men have increased risks of hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic decompensation, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and non–sex-specific cancers. A cohort study examined outcomes in adults with MASLD, finding that women had higher rates of liver adverse events, while men faced higher…
Healthcare organizations in the U.S. are losing an average of $1.9 million per day during downtime following ransomware attacks, with 654 attacks on medical organizations since 2018 and 143 in just the past year. These attacks make it difficult for providers to access patient data and provide care until hackers are paid or ransomware is…
Brain injuries can have long-lasting effects on personality, speech, and movement. They can be classified as concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), with a 15-point scale used to determine severity. Common causes include work-related incidents, slip-and-fall accidents, sports-related injuries, and car crashes. Certain jobs, like construction, carry a higher risk of brain injury. Sports players…
In 2024, the FDA’s approval of omalizumab for food allergies dominated the news in the field of allergy treatment. Other popular topics included the impact of media on food allergies, social pressures, and bullying. The controversial Uber Eats Super Bowl commercial depicting an allergic reaction sparked discussion. Additionally, discussions on whether better drugs or food…
Vijay Yeldandia, a professor of medicine and surgery, reflects on his experience with polio in India, where vaccines were only widely available in the 1970s. With the recent appointment of vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., concerns have risen about potential policy changes that could impact vaccine requirements in the U.S. Experts fear that anti-vaccine rhetoric…
Circadian rhythms, controlled by biological clocks, have a significant impact on our health and disease. Light exposure is crucial for setting these rhythms and disruptions can lead to various health issues, including sleep disorders, heart attacks, stroke, obesity, autoimmune disorders, infections, dementia, and cancer. Maintaining a regular light schedule, using light boxes to supplement sunlight,…
Osmometry is a method to determine a sample’s osmolality by measuring the total number of osmotically active particles in a solution. Knauer’s K-7400S osmometer uses freezing point osmometry to accurately determine osmolality. The osmometer has a highly precise thermistor to detect temperature changes. It is commonly used in pharmacies for quality control of batch preparations,…
Research suggests that coffee consumption is associated with an abundance of the gut bacterium Lawsonibacter asaccharolyticus, showing that specific foods can affect the intestinal microbiome. The study analyzed data from over 22,000 participants and found a fourfold higher abundance of L asaccharolyticus in coffee drinkers. In vitro experiments validated these findings, showing that coffee stimulates…
Prof Mary McCarron received the Research Impact Award for her work in improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities living with dementia. Her research has reshaped care practices and policy, leading to the development of guidelines that are set to influence dementia care nationwide. The award, presented at Dublin’s Mansion House, recognized Prof McCarron’s…
AI has become increasingly important in the field of oncology and hematology. It is being used for diagnosis, staging, and treatment decision-making. However, there are concerns about potential misuse, privacy breaches, and a loss of personalization in patient care. Healio has provided updates on AI in clinical settings, including a study that showed an AI…
STAT published a wide range of stories on health and medicine this year, covering topics such as the killing of a health insurance executive, UnitedHealth’s questionable practices, CRISPR advancements, GLP-1 therapies, vaccine policies under the new administration, AI in healthcare, drug patents, food as medicine, drug companies’ pricing strategies, and more. The coverage also delved…
A study published in Neurology found that COVID-19 infection does not lead to immediate changes in symptom severity or disability in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study included 796 participants with COVID-19 and 1,336 uninfected participants, and found no significant difference in symptom trajectory or disability levels between the two groups before or after…
President Biden signed the bipartisan HEARTS Act, aimed at preparing schools to respond to cardiac emergencies, into law this week. Backed by the American Heart Association, the legislation includes provisions for CPR training, AEDs, and emergency response plans in schools. The Act also establishes a grant program to support these initiatives. The goal is to…
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) medications are effective weight loss tools for obese individuals, but many patients struggle with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dehydration. Adjusting the dosage gradually and following a diet rich in fiber and smaller, easily digested meals can help manage these side effects. Hydration and avoiding heavy, fatty foods…
Traumatic injury is a leading cause of death, surpassing cancer and heart disease, with annual hospital costs exceeding $120 billion. Healthcare providers face high stress and inefficient care due to overwhelming electronic health record data. TraumaCare.AI develops AI software for real-time, data-driven insights to empower trauma and critical care teams. Their team includes healthcare IT…
The Cure Blindness Project, formerly known as the Himalayan Cataract Project, is dedicated to fighting preventable blindness in underserved parts of the world. The organization works in 30 countries in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South America, providing screenings and surgeries to those in need. The organization recently underwent a name change to better reflect its…
Genetic sequences of H5N1 bird flu viruses collected from severe cases in Louisiana and British Columbia show mutations that may affect the virus’s ability to attach to human cells. The mutations observed in both cases are believed to help the virus adapt to bind to cell receptors in the upper respiratory tracts of humans. While…
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found an increase in buprenorphine dispensing among adolescents and a decrease among young adults from 2020 to 2023 in the United States. The overall number of young adults and adolescents dispensed buprenorphine decreased annually, driven by significant decreases among young adults aged 20 to…
Protein glycosylation is a vital biological process that regulates cellular functions. Scientists at Fudan University developed a glycopeptide enrichment strategy called HG-TCs, allowing the identification of multiple glycosylation types simultaneously. This method can enrich glycopeptides using an azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction and release them through trypsin cleavage, minimizing sample loss. The approach offers a time-efficient workflow…
The REPREVIO trial found that vedolizumab treatment within 4 weeks of ileocolonic resection was more effective than placebo in preventing postoperative endoscopic recurrence of Crohn’s disease in patients with risk factors for recurrence. The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in this patient population, with vedolizumab resulting in a lower modified Rutgeerts score…
As the population ages and chronic diseases increase, the need for rapid therapeutic development in clinical trials has never been greater. This article explores four predictions for the future of clinical trials, including a rise in the number of trials, a surge in data capture popularity, narrowing gaps between enrollment plans and actual enrollment, and…