Research published in 2024 highlighted progress in preventing and understanding nosocomial infections caused by Candida auris and Clostridioides difficile. Studies explored prevention bundles, environmental sampling, patient testing, and the role of cockroaches in spreading outbreaks. One study found that cockroaches can carry pathogens linked to nosocomial infections. Other research showed the benefits of expanded screening…
Nearly five years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus shook the global medical community with its highly contagious nature and lack of known treatment. Convalescent plasma proved to be a successful treatment for Covid-19 while other therapies and vaccines were being developed. Now, the H5N1 avian flu virus poses a potential threat,…
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that hospitalized COVID-19 patients who received therapeutic-dose anticoagulation with heparins had a lower 28-day mortality rate compared to those who received prophylactic-dose anticoagulation. The review, which included data from 20 trials and two additional studies, showed that higher-dose anticoagulation was associated with reduced mortality but…
Men with Klinefelter syndrome, a genetic condition affecting fertility in one out of every 600 men, face infertility due to an extra X chromosome. Professor Qiao Jie’s research at Peking University reveals that this extra chromosome causes disrupted gene activity and movement in fetal germ cells, leading to early loss of key reproductive cells. By…
COVID-19 survivors experience a more significant decline in kidney function compared to those recovering from pneumonia caused by other infections, particularly among those requiring hospitalization. The study, led by Viyaasan Mahalingasivam, found that after COVID-19, the decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increased, especially for hospitalized patients. The risk of a 25% reduction in…
MaKenna Lauterbach, a pregnant woman from Illinois, was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma after discovering a large tumor in her chest causing cough and breathlessness during her pregnancy. The timely intervention of doctors saved both her and her baby’s lives through an emergency C-section and tumor removal surgery. Lauterbach underwent immunotherapy and surgery to shrink…
President-elect Donald Trump appointed David Sacks as the White House’s first-ever czar for AI and cryptocurrency. Sacks will guide policy for AI and cryptocurrency, areas critical to American competitiveness. Analysts predict a looser approach to AI regulation under the incoming administration. One healthcare tech expert, Ryan Tarzy, believes Sacks’ appointment will benefit the healthcare industry…
Red light therapy is being studied for its potential in controlling myopia in children. While experts caution against using this treatment modality for children, research indicates promising results similar to other myopia treatments. Studies have shown that low-level red light therapy and atropine can increase retinal vascular density in premyopic children, but caution is advised…
In the midst of the 2020s, global health faces numerous challenges. The decade began with the severe Covid-19 pandemic followed by the emergence of mpox, a contagious disease spreading through sexual contact. The bird flu H5N1 virus has also resurfaced, now infecting dairy cows. Concerns arise about the potential for these viruses to mutate or…
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of neurological disorders in the months to years after giving birth. The study included over 600,000 women with singleton pregnancies in Sweden. Women with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia had a higher risk of new-onset migraine,…
A research team at KIST has developed a novel stent surface treatment technology using laser patterning to promote endothelial cell growth and inhibit smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation in blood vessels. Traditional metal stents may cause restenosis, leading researchers to explore surface coatings with bioactive molecules. The team applied nanosecond laser texturing to create wrinkle patterns…
A study conducted at the Cleveland Clinic examined the impact of the interval between previous cardiac surgeries and subsequent reoperations on operative mortality and complexity of procedures. The study included 6021 cardiac reoperations involving resternotomy performed from 2008 to 2017 and found that early reoperations (
The FDA has issued a recall of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF due to potential fungal contamination. The product, used to relieve dry eye symptoms, was distributed to various retail stores and online platforms. No adverse events related to the recall have been reported. Consumers with affected products are encouraged to stop using them…
The next wave of metabolic medicines in development involves obesity drugs that offer the benefits of currently available injectable drugs in pill form. Corxel Pharmaceuticals has acquired the Phase 2-ready drug candidate, VCT220, a small molecule GLP-1 agonist developed by Vincentage Pharma. GLP-1 drugs mimic hormones to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite, targeting the…
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Black premature newborns experience higher rates of complications such as late-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis compared to white and Hispanic newborns. Mortality rates were similar across all racial groups by 2022. The research, led by Nansi S. Boghossian, analyzed data from over 90,000 newborns born at…
In 2024, STAT’s reporters provided excellent journalism, with a roundup of stories you may have missed. They also compiled a list of favorite stories, including one about the aftermath of curing cystic fibrosis, a shocking revelation about PFAS chemicals, and the impact of abortion restrictions on families. Other notable stories include the lack of progress…
Research on child development often establishes norms based on studies conducted in wealthier, western countries. These norms can be misleading as they may not apply universally due to cultural and social differences. Factors such as physical environment, parenting styles, and individual variations can significantly impact how children grow and develop. It is crucial to understand…
Scientists at Scripps Research discovered the interactions between polyphosphate (polyP), DNA, and magnesium, forming structures called condensates. This interaction could impact cellular responses and has applications in translational medicine. The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that DNA wraps around polyP-magnesium ion condensates in a specific magnesium concentration range. This DNA shell affects molecule transportation…
A survey of 35 pediatric dermatologists found that while all respondents receive inpatient central line dressing (CLD)-related consults, 66% lack standardized protocols for managing adverse skin reactions. Most reactions were in children aged 1-12 years, with management strategies including switching to alternative products and applying topical corticosteroids. The study highlights the need for a standardized…
Improving brain health is essential, and the American Academy of Neurology has outlined 12 key factors to protect the brain in a mnemonic called “SAFEST BRAINS.” These factors include sleep, mood, diet, exercise, social interaction, trauma avoidance, blood pressure, genetic factors, affordability, infections, negative exposures, and structural/social determinants of health. By discussing these factors with…
The article discusses the use of AI in the pharmaceutical industry to improve patient outcomes and R&D productivity. It explains different types of AI, potential applications in drug discovery and clinical trials, and the importance of ethical considerations. The article also highlights the need for data standards, improved trial design, and transparency in AI technology….
A study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting discussed the prevalence of food sensitization among children in Honduras. The study found that food sensitization is common, despite lower rates of reported clinical food allergy. The research team hypothesized that prevalence of food allergy in lower- and middle-income countries…
Gender-affirming surgeries have become increasingly popular in the U.S. over the past decade, with more patients seeking procedures like vaginoplasty and phalloplasty. Despite the positive impact these surgeries have on patients’ mental health and well-being, they face political challenges, with some states passing laws limiting access to gender-affirming care. Surgeons who specialize in these procedures…
The “choking game” and other dangerous challenges popularized by social media can have deadly consequences, with rough estimates suggesting about 10% of U.S. teenagers have played such games at least once. Other games like the Skullbreaker Challenge, Tide Pod Challenge, and Car Surfing also pose serious risks. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these activities due…
In orthopedic medicine, managing infected bone defects (IBDs) is a major challenge. Advanced biomaterials have led to the development of a dual-functional bone regeneration scaffold, Qx-D, capable of promoting bone growth and fighting infections. This scaffold, created by modifying demineralized bone matrix with a macromolecular quaternary ammonium salt, demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties against various bacteria…
A study found that parents of children with atopic dermatitis (AD) are less likely to get the recommended 7 hours of sleep and rely more on sleep medications. Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that parents of children with AD were more likely to not meet the sleep recommendation and use sleep aids…
AI explainability is crucial in achieving trustworthy AI in industries like healthcare. This concept allows humans to understand how AI arrives at decisions, making the process transparent and fostering trust. In healthcare, explainable AI can help providers validate AI models, identify biases, and ensure accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Without explainability, reliance on AI may…
Withings Health Solutions received FDA clearance for its cellular BP monitor, BPM Pro 2, designed to improve the reliability of at-home BP measurements for adults with specific arm circumferences. The device includes interactive features to capture additional patient information and prompt retakes of readings if necessary. It also allows data syncing with healthcare teams via…
The last Morning Rounds of the year covers Democrats calling for action against UnitedHealth Group, California’s efforts to control bird flu spread, concerns about the future of gender-affirming surgery, the lack of screening for incontinence in women, and a record-breaking kidney transplant chain. Lawmakers want to break up UnitedHealth due to market power, California is…
The first severe case of H5N1 avian influenza in the US has been reported in a patient in Louisiana, bringing the total number of human cases to 61 since April 2024. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that the virus belongs to the D1.1 genotype, related to other strains. This raises concerns…
A study conducted nearly 20 years ago suggested that infants have a moral sense, preferring helpers over hinderers. However, a recent replication study with a larger sample size of 567 babies from 37 research labs worldwide did not show evidence of this early moral sense. This challenges the original findings and raises questions about whether…
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with limited ability for the heart to regenerate itself. Scientists at Korea University have developed a method to reprogram fibroblasts into mature and functional induced cardiomyocytes, potentially revolutionizing regenerative medicine for heart repair. By activating the JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, they have successfully generated fully reprogrammed cardiomyocytes…
A trial conducted on 84 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction found that the administration of potassium nitrate (KNO3) did not improve exercise capacity or quality of life compared to potassium chloride (KCl). While KNO3 did increase nitric oxide levels in the blood, it did not result in significant improvements in peak oxygen…
Healthcare organizations are facing numerous challenges, such as cyberattacks, turnover, and escalating costs, while trying to provide quality care. However, the use of multiple software solutions to address these issues often leads to confusion and inefficiency. The solution lies in consolidating technology solutions to create a more streamlined and cohesive operating environment. Shared governance involving…
Researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden conducted a study to determine the impact of ADHD medication on college admissions test scores. They found that individuals with ADHD who were treated with medication scored higher on the tests compared to those who were not medicated. The study analyzed over 61,000 individuals with ADHD and found…
Rhinovirus infections in children with a nascent type 2 inflammatory signature may increase the risk for asthma, according to a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. More than a quarter of children with refractory wheeze were positive for rhinovirus without symptoms, indicating indolent infections. The study found…
Stay informed on the latest biotech developments by signing up for the newsletter. In the latest edition, Bristol Myers Squibb reported positive results for Sotyktu in treating psoriatic arthritis. Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug, CagriSema, fell short of weight loss projections, impacting the company’s stock value. The FDA granted breakthrough status to medical devices like Neuralink’s…
GPs in Wales have overwhelmingly rejected the proposed General Medical Services contract from the Welsh government. In a ballot by the BMA, 98.7% of doctors voted against the contract for 2024-25, with just 14 doctors in favor. The offer included a 6% pay increase for GPs and practice staff, additional funding for practice expenses, and…
The color of your snot can indicate various aspects of your immune health. Mucus is a crucial part of the body’s defense system, trapping harmful pathogens and preventing them from entering deeper parts of the respiratory system. Changes in mucus color can reveal information about your immune response, with clear mucus indicating health, white mucus…
Cardiovascular diseases are a global health crisis, necessitating innovative diagnostic tools for early detection and treatment. Wearable heart sound devices offer continuous monitoring, potentially revolutionizing cardiovascular care. While traditional tools like stethoscopes are limited in continuous tracking, wearable technology provides real-time insights into heart health. Challenges such as sensitivity and accuracy hinder widespread adoption, emphasizing…
Middle-aged women who engaged in short bursts of vigorous-intensity exercise as brief as 3 minutes a day had a 45% lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. The activity involved intense movement, like quick stair climbs, repeated multiple times daily. The benefits of this type of exercise were shown in a study involving thousands of…
Artificial intelligence technology company SandboxAQ has raised $300 million to accelerate development of large quantitative models (LQMs) for use in various industries, with a focus on life sciences. The funding will support the processing and analysis of large datasets for applications such as drug research and optimization of experimental medicines. SandboxAQ, a spinout of Alphabet,…
The American Optometric Association Health Policy Institute has released a new brief to educate the public on blepharitis, its symptoms, and treatment options. Blepharitis can cause significant ocular surface disease and infection, with Demodex blepharitis being a commonly underdiagnosed condition. Treatment options include selenium, antiparasitics, topical and oral antibiotics, intense pulsed light, and microblepharoexfoliation. The…
This content is an excerpt from STAT’s Health Care Inc email newsletter, focusing on how lawmakers view UnitedHealth Group. The authors spent a significant amount of time in 2024 talking to doctors and individuals working within the conglomerate, as well as reviewing documents and data related to UnitedHealth. They heard frustrations from people regarding UnitedHealth’s…
In a BMJ opinion article, there was an error in stating that a measles outbreak in the following year infected an estimated 57,000 people and caused 83 deaths, when in fact the correct number was 5707 infected individuals. The article has been corrected to reflect this accurate information. Source link
Physician-researchers at City of Hope have developed a new system to engineer T cells in order to overcome resistance to CAR T cell therapy. The system involves using a dual-vector approach to increase the genetic information capacity, allowing for the simultaneous targeting of multiple antigens and the incorporation of switch receptors. This approach has shown…
The European Society of Endocrinology and the European Hormone and Metabolism Foundation have announced the first-ever World Hormone Day to be held annually on 24 April 2025. The event aims to raise awareness of the importance of good hormone health and the role hormones play in various aspects of health and well-being. The campaign includes…
Americans are losing sleep over the economy, gun violence, and hate crimes, according to a survey by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Anxiety about international conflicts, the election, and the holidays also contribute to stress levels. Many are choosing to limit their news consumption to protect their mental health. A separate poll showed that many…
Companies are grappling with the challenge of balancing the need for high-quality healthcare plans for employees with the rising costs of healthcare. In a webinar sponsored by Personify Health, executives from Dow and the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions discussed strategies for managing costs, including passing more expenses onto employees, eliminating duplication of services…
Research throughout 2024 has shown the significant impact of prevention efforts and tools for HIV, such as PrEP and PEP. Despite the lack of an HIV vaccine, advancements have been made in prevention methods like a vaginal ring for PrEP. Issues of disparities and underutilization among certain populations remain. Important topics discussed in 2024 include…