A study presented at NUTRITION found that there was a modest and insignificant association between high intake of ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) and the risk for type 2 diabetes in middle-aged adults. The study included 10,012 participants aged 45 years at baseline from the REGARDS study. Participants’ dietary intake was assessed through a food frequency questionnaire,…
The microbiome plays a significant role in shaping health outcomes, including the development of diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders. However, microbiome research is facing a reproducibility crisis, with factors like diet, exercise, and now circadian rhythms impacting the composition of bacteria in the body. Researchers have found that the time of day at which experiments…
With all political manifestos for the 2024 UK general election now published, a recent Ipsos poll showed that the NHS is the top priority among voters. However, the issue of women’s health has been overlooked in these manifestos, with key concerns like inclusion in clinical research and preconception healthcare not being addressed. While the Conservative…
The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis issued a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of congenital hemophilia, focusing on hemophilia A and B. The guideline recommends prophylaxis over episodic treatment for severe and moderately severe cases without inhibitors. It also provides guidance on the use of factor concentrates, bypassing agents, nonfactor therapy, and immune…
The brain goes through a process of pruning, removing unnecessary connections between neurons to make way for long-lasting circuits. Assistant Professor Gabrielle Pouchelon studies how these early connections affect brain development and dysfunction. Her team discovered that a receptor protein named mGluR1 regulates the timing of these connections in mice brains. Without mGluR1, connections in…
A multinational study showed that exposure to parental smoking during pregnancy or early childhood increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) later in life. Previous research focused on active smoking as a risk factor for MS, but little was known about parental smoking and MS risk. The ongoing Environmental Risk Factors In Multiple Sclerosis…
A new study suggests that fathers taking fish oil supplements can help reduce the risk of obesity in their children. Childhood obesity is a pressing global health concern, with more than 390 million affected as of 2022. The study found that male mice given fish oil before mating had offspring with lower weight and better…
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of death in the U.S., affecting millions of Americans who are often unaware of their condition until it’s too late. Early detection through increased patient activation and provider-patient conversations about kidney health can help prevent kidney failure and the need for dialysis. New therapies are showing promise…
Dr. Chris Luke provides advice for parents of teenagers who are heading off on summer holidays after finishing the Leaving Cert. He shares stories of past mishaps involving Irish youth abroad to raise awareness of potential dangers. He emphasizes the importance of balancing feelings with facts when considering risks and preparing for emergencies. Luke suggests…
LifeSemantics, a Korean digital health company, gained approval for an AI-powered skin cancer diagnosis solution in South Korea. The canofyMD SCAI app uses convolutional neural networks to identify different types of skin cancer and benign tumors. Clinical trials showed promising results with 80.9% diagnostic accuracy. The company plans to launch the app commercially by the…
In Sandpoint, Idaho, patients face challenges accessing gynecological care due to the departure of OB-GYNs following the criminalization of abortions in the state. This has led to limited access to services such as hysteroscopies and endometriosis treatments. Patients like Jonell Anderson have to travel long distances for care, adding stress to their experiences. As a…
Children and adolescents face significant racial and ethnic disparities in depression care, leading to increased risks such as school failure, substance abuse, and suicide. Studies show that youths from underrepresented groups are more susceptible to self-stigma and receive fewer mental health services compared to white youths. Cultural modifications to therapy interventions and community-based programs have…
A regular update on the H5N1 bird flu outbreak in dairy cows in the U.S. is being provided by STAT. Pathologist Thijs Kuiken draws parallels with a past Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands, emphasizing the need to address animal health problems as public health concerns. Concerns are raised about the lack of urgency and…
Stephanie Ferguson, a freelance journalist based in Toronto, Canada, reports on the low HPV vaccination rates in Cameroon, which stand at just 5%. However, there are grassroots efforts being made to improve this rate. One example is the Women’s Health Programme in northern Cameroon, where a young grandmother and others have taken steps to get…
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed an AI model, named Candycrunch, that can detect cancer through sugar analyses by mass spectrometry. The AI model is faster and more accurate in identifying abnormalities than the current semi-manual method. It has been trained using a database of over 500,000 examples and can determine the exact…
A recent study in Immunology found that regulatory T cells (Treg) are a large, mobile population that continuously travels through the body to repair tissue. These cells contribute to physiological balance, affecting insulin sensitivity, muscle repair, and brain cell differentiation. The study explored Treg populations in various tissues, finding similarities in their genetic requirements and…
Prolonged screen time in children and adolescents is linked to a higher risk of developing myopia, with computers and televisions having the most significant impact on eye health. A meta-analysis of 19 studies involving over 100,000 participants found a strong association between screen time and myopia. Each additional hour spent on screens per day increased…
Air pollution is linked to various health issues, including bronchitis. A new study from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that childhood exposure to air pollution can lead to lung issues in adulthood. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Clinical Care Medicine, tracked cohorts of Southern Californians from childhood…
The healthcare hiring roundup highlights recent executive appointments, resignations, and layoffs in the healthcare industry. The American Medical Association welcomed a new president and named another for next year. Knownwell announced its first round of C-suite hires. Moximed appointed a new CEO, Mount Sinai Health System named a new CFO, RhythmX AI welcomed a new…
The scheme for Long Covid leave was set to end this Sunday, but has been extended due to recent developments. The extension reflects the ongoing impact of Long Covid on individuals and the need for continued support. This decision ensures that those affected by Long Covid can still access the necessary time off work to…
Sidecar Health, an insurance startup focusing on price transparency and direct payments for care, raised $165 million in Series D financing led by Koch Disruptive Technologies. They plan to expand into Florida and partner with Koch Industries in providing medical insurance for a segment of their workforce. Sidecar’s members customize their annual healthcare coverage and…
The Supreme Court overturned a 40-year-old legal precedent requiring judges to defer to federal agency expertise, causing uncertainty in government operations. The Court also avoided ruling on a case in Idaho regarding abortion and emergency care. Other recent rulings included a decision on opioid settlements and social media regulations. The first general-election debate for the…
A study presented at NUTRITION found that middle-aged and older adults who consumed higher amounts of ultraprocessed foods had a 10% increased risk of death over a 23-year follow-up period. Highly processed meats and soft drinks were strongly associated with mortality risk, particularly for deaths related to heart disease and diabetes. The study included data…
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services conducted an experiment called the End-Stage Renal Disease Treatment Choices (ETC) model to determine if financial incentives and penalties would improve care for patients with end-stage kidney disease. The study found that the program has not been successful so far. Providers are graded based on metrics such as…
Oluwafemi Ajayi, Gail Sickle, and Patrick Gee are patient leaders in healthcare, along with Hetty Mulhall and Dawn P. Richards. They believe that patient-led conferences can promote democratic decision-making in healthcare. Sara Riggare is a researcher in this field. Their work, published in BMJ in 2024, highlights the importance of involving patients in decision-making processes…
A recent study found that the genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease is more strongly influenced by the mother’s side than the father’s side. The study analyzed data from over 4,000 people and showed that individuals with a maternal history of memory loss had a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This link may be…
Higher intake of calcium and zinc before conceiving can reduce the risk of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, according to research. Preconception nutrition is crucial for a healthy pregnancy, highlighting the importance of adequate intake of essential minerals like calcium and zinc. Studies show that higher pre-conception intake of these minerals is associated with a lower…
The EMA CHMP has recommended the marketing authorization for the mRNA RSV vaccine mRESVIA to protect adults aged 60 or older from lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. RSV is a contagious respiratory virus that can lead to serious consequences in older adults. The vaccine, mRNA-1345, targets the F glycoprotein of RSV to prevent…
A recent study suggests that drinking coffee may counteract the mortality risk associated with prolonged sitting. The study analyzed over 10,000 individuals in the United States and found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day faced a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular disease. However, coffee drinkers had a lower…
Medicare Advantage insurers won a victory as CMS agreed to recalculate Star Ratings following lawsuits from SCAN Health Plan and Elevance Health alleging improper calculations. Star Ratings inform beneficiaries of plan quality and impact funding, with higher ratings receiving more funding. CMS updated how Star Ratings are calculated using the Guardrail Rule to cap cut…
A recent Irish study found that adding dedicated health and social care professional (HSCP) teams to traditional emergency department care for older patients resulted in reduced hospital stays, improved quality of life, and significant cost savings. The OPTI-MEND trial showed that investing in additional HSCP teams saved an average of €6,128 per patient treatment and…
Alyve Health, an Indian startup offering personalized digital health plans for corporates, has raised $5.5 million in Series A funding to enhance its AI capabilities. Huize, a Chinese insurance technology company, has acquired insurtech company Global Care in Vietnam, marking its expansion into Southeast Asia. South Korean medical AI company JLK received FDA approval for…
Víctimas del tiroteo en el desfile del Super Bowl de los Kansas City Chiefs recibieron $1.2 millones del fondo #KCStrong, con pagos individuales de $22,000 a $100,000. Los fondos no tienen restricciones y pueden utilizarse para facturas médicas, educación de los niños heridos, y otras necesidades. Se espera que las familias beneficiarias puedan decidir cómo…
The ASH Annual Meeting will honor several notable hematologists for their contributions to the field. Among the recipients are Éliane Gluckman for her work in cord blood transplantation, Stuart Orkin and John Tisdale for advancements in hemoglobin disorders treatment, James George for promoting diversity in hematology, Ami Bhatt for genomic research on the microbiome, Sean…
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released a report on transforming ALS into a manageable, chronic disease within 10 years, but it falls short in accelerating treatment development. ALS is a devastating condition with no effective treatments for 99% of patients. The report focuses on improving access to care, genetic testing, and caregiver…
Consultants, junior doctors, and SAS doctors in Wales have accepted the government’s pay offers, ending three separate pay disputes. Junior doctors in Wales voted to accept an additional 7.4%, bringing the total uplift to 12.4% for the 2023-24 financial year, with the rise backdated to April 2023. Consultants also voted to accept a revised pay…
As temperatures rise in the summer, families head to beaches, lakes, and pools, emphasizing the importance of water safety. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children aged 5 to 14. In 2021, 973 children drowned in the U.S., with many incidents occurring…
A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health surveyed low-income adults in Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Texas, finding that one in eight Medicaid enrollees since March 2020 lost coverage by late 2023. Of those disenrolled, nearly half were uninsured. Disenrollment rates varied by state, with higher rates among younger, rural, and employed individuals….
Research presented at the European Atherosclerosis Society 2024 showed that the anti-obesity drug semaglutide led to significant reductions in the inflammatory marker high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with overweight or obesity, regardless of weight loss. The SELECT trial involving over 17,600 patients with cardiovascular disease found that semaglutide lowered CRP levels by 38% compared…
The CDC has launched a vaccination campaign promoting updated COVID and flu shots for the fall and winter seasons. The recommendation is for everyone aged 6 months and older, regardless of previous vaccination status. The current spike in COVID cases is modest compared to past summer waves, with California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii reporting the…
The pharmacy industry is experiencing significant changes, with independent pharmacies closing and retail pharmacies struggling. New medication delivery models, like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company and Amazon, are emerging. The pandemic highlighted the valuable role of pharmacists in administering vaccines. In the final episode of Season 2 of the Pivot podcast, Rick Ratliff, former…
A recent assessment in Ireland found that nearly 60% of radiation exposure in the public is due to radon gas, a major cause of lung cancer. Medical imaging and exposures contribute to 10% of radiation doses. The assessment, conducted by the EPA and HIQA, also revealed that over 99% of average radiation doses come from…
Scientists have discovered a species of leech in the rainforests of Madagascar that can jump and soar in the air with acrobatic grace. This behavior, captured on film for the first time, has intrigued the scientific community and sheds light on previously undocumented behaviors of these creatures. The purpose of these jumps, whether to ambush…
Fabric, a healthcare technology company, has acquired Walmart’s telehealth platform MeMD. MeMD offers virtual medical and behavioral health services to corporate clients, with 24/7 on-demand care and a care coordination team. Fabric uses conversational AI to identify patients’ symptoms and guide them to appropriate care settings. Through the acquisition, Fabric aims to expand its offerings…
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on homelessness allows for fines and arrests of those living on streets and in public spaces, with potential health consequences. The ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson stated that targeting homeless individuals in public spaces is not considered cruel and unusual punishment. Advocates argue that this decision will…
In a presentation at Clinical Trials at the Summit, Dr. Michael Singer discussed 36-month data from the CALM registry study on Yutiq for chronic noninfectious uveitis. The study included 267 eyes and looked at the impact of Yutiq on uveitis recurrence, OCT visual acuity, visual haze, IOP, and safety. The results showed a substantial reduction…
The FDA’s regulatory power is in question after a Supreme Court decision limiting federal agencies’ ability to interpret ambiguous statutes. This could lead to legal challenges for the FDA and create uncertainty for drug and device companies. While the decision may not affect the FDA’s main task of approving drugs and devices, it could impact…
In a paper by Ramsden and colleagues, published in BMJ in 2016, there is an error in the link to the Broste thesis. The correct link can be found in appendix 1 of a correction notice associated with the paper. Readers are advised to refer to the correction notice for the accurate access to the…
Several people were hospitalized after consuming mushroom gummies from the brand Uncle Frog, prompting a recall and warnings from health authorities. The gummies claimed to offer energy and memory support with hemp-infused Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane varieties. The sickness may have been due to the cannabis component rather than the fungus. Cordyceps and Lion’s Mane…
Researchers at Columbia University, led by Dr. Stavros Thomopoulos, have developed a biomimetic device inspired by python teeth to improve rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff injuries are common and can lead to shoulder pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of people annually. The device nearly doubled repair strength in experiments and aims to securely reattach…