A study of nearly 2300 participants showed that better sleep health is associated with significantly lower levels of loneliness, particularly in younger individuals. Loneliness is a major public health concern, with 30% of US adults reporting feelings of loneliness at least once a week. Younger adults are more likely to feel lonely, making the link…
Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting healthcare organizations, prompting experts to recommend three key changes to improve industry cybersecurity. Firstly, all healthcare employees should receive cybersecurity training to prevent human error. Secondly, the government must establish minimum cybersecurity standards to create consistency and accountability across the sector. Finally, healthcare organizations should collaborate to address shared vulnerabilities and…
Suntegrity Skincare has issued a voluntary recall of nine lots of Impeccable Skin Sunscreen Foundation due to higher levels of microbiological mold found in one lot. The company is recalling the affected lot as well as eight additional lots out of caution. The mold found can lead to allergic reactions or skin infections. Consumers who…
In 2019, the federal government launched the HEALing Communities Study to reduce opioid overdoses by 40% using evidence-based interventions. However, data published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that communities did not see a significant reduction in overdose deaths. Only 38% of planned interventions were implemented due to the Covid-19 pandemic. While the…
Approximately one in seven Australians take antidepressants, with many using them for longer than recommended. Withdrawal symptoms are common when attempting to stop antidepressants, often leading people to restart or continue the medication. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, and insomnia. Long-term use of antidepressants can have harmful effects, such as emotional numbing, sexual dysfunction, weight…
Researchers in Finland have discovered that the TIMP-1 protein, known for tissue protection, is crucial for the immune system’s ability to combat cancer. The protein produced by dendritic cells boosts antitumor immunity by activating immune cells. Enhancing TIMP-1 expression or targeting its inhibitors in tumors with weak immune responses could improve cancer immunotherapies. This discovery…
Healthcare providers in Canada should offer French language services to francophone patients to improve patient satisfaction, safety, and outcomes. Francophone patients are a significant proportion of the population, but many don’t feel comfortable speaking English in healthcare settings. Offering French language services can help mitigate linguistic barriers and improve access to care. Recognizing and measuring…
The corporatization of primary care in the U.S. is increasing, with over 48% of practices and 70% of physicians owned or employed by hospitals or corporate entities. Independent primary care physicians (PCPs) are essential for high-value care, providing personalized care, focusing on prevention, and building strong patient relationships. Collaborative primary care networks offer a solution…
Ali Tafreshi of Topcon Healthcare discusses the company’s mission to deliver AI-based healthcare from the eye at the ARVO meeting. Topcon plans to use robotic diagnostic devices and a digital platform to improve detection of ocular diseases, systemic diseases, and neurological diseases in just 2 minutes in a noninvasive way. Tafreshi believes that this approach…
Anthony Fauci’s memoir “On Call: A Doctor’s Journey in Public Service” highlights his 40-year career advising seven presidents on public health policies. He maneuvered for HIV funding, pushed for AIDS medicines, and collaborated on global HIV initiatives. Fauci reflects on the successes and failures of the U.S. pandemic response, emphasizing the importance of sustained investment…
Eczema, a common skin condition, can be exacerbated by Staphylococcus aureus colonization. A study led by Anish R. Maskey, Ph.D., at New York Medical examined the use of berberine, a natural compound, to treat eczema associated with S. aureus. Berberine was found to inhibit S. aureus colonization, reduce inflammation, and alleviate eczema symptoms without adverse…
A study from the University of Minnesota found that pregnant rats with high blood pressure have larger hearts compared to those with normal blood pressure, as predicted by a computer model. The study, published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, explores the changes in the heart during and after pregnancy, especially in…
A federal effort is underway to crack down on illegal e-cigarettes, like Elf Bar, in order to reduce young people’s access to addictive products. Only 23 e-cigarette products are legal in the US, all tobacco flavored, while illegal products like flavored disposable vapes are being seized. A task force involving the FDA, Justice Department, and…
Retailers in healthcare are facing challenges, with Walmart and Dollar General ending healthcare initiatives and CVS Health seeking a partner for Oak Street Health. Despite this, Walgreens executive Mary Langowski is optimistic about the role of retail in healthcare, citing consumer demand for health and wellness offerings. She believes retailers can be valuable partners for…
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) has a significant impact on physical, mental, and quality of life for those affected by the condition. A survey revealed that the top complaints among participants were head pain, neck pain, and brain fog. The most common treatment, an epidural blood patch, only resolved symptoms in 16.3% of those surveyed. The…
At the World Hepatitis Summit, Danjuma Adda received an award for his leadership and advocacy efforts to improve the lives of those affected by viral hepatitis. This recognition brought tears as he remembered his mother, who passed away from liver cancer due to hepatitis C. Despite the grim statistics of increasing deaths from viral hepatitis…
Falls among older adults in the U.S. are a significant public health concern, with one in four experiencing a fall each year. However, falls are not inevitable, and there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk. Recommendations include fall-proofing the home by removing hazards, adding stability measures, and keeping the home clean. Building…
Children experience significant stress during dental treatment involving anesthetics and extractions, especially in connection with orthodontic procedures. A pilot study conducted by the University of Gothenburg used a monitoring technique to track stress levels in 14-16-year-olds during treatment. The study, presented at the European Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Congress, aimed to increase practitioners’ sensitivity to…
A study presented at the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2024 Annual Meeting found that Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for rheumatoid arthritis patients are associated with a higher risk of herpes zoster compared to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). However, the risk of other types of infections is similar or lower with JAKi…
The 340B drug discount program, designed to provide low-cost drugs to safety net providers, is broken due to lack of transparency, confusion with other programs, and lack of collaboration. This has led to billions of dollars in duplicate discounts and non-compliant claims. To address these issues, stakeholders need to prioritize transparency, ensure equal access to…
Jeffrey M. Farma, MD, FACS, has been appointed chair of surgery at Fox Chase Cancer Center. In his new role, he will oversee all departmental educational activities, mentoring, and organizing clinical faculty. Farma specializes in treating sarcoma, melanoma/skin cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers using traditional surgery, regional therapies, and minimally invasive techniques. He has been with…
The content discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to reject a challenge to government rules on abortion drugs, potential attacks on access in the future, and concerns about medical complications. Additionally, it mentions an increase in employer health plans covering GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management and weight loss. The survey showed an increase in coverage…
Malcolm Ian Mitchell graduated from Newcastle University in 1972 and met his wife Lynne there. He worked in general medicine at hospitals in Newcastle before becoming a senior radiographer in Glasgow. In 1982, he joined Pfizer, where he held various positions over the years. Mitchell is a supporter of the British Heart Foundation and has…
New research presented at ASM Microbe explores the effects of protein-rich diets on the gut microbiome and overall health. Excess undigested protein can lead to both beneficial and harmful metabolites in the colon. A study conducted on mice found that a switch to a protein-rich diet resulted in weight loss, reduced body fat, and changes…
Mammals have only 3% of the genome as coding genes, with enhancers controlling the activation or deactivation of these genes that influence bone growth. A team from the University of Geneva identified 2700 enhancers that regulate genes responsible for bone growth, shedding light on factors affecting adult size and bone malformations. Through innovative techniques, they…
Malaria, primarily caused by Plasmodium falciparum, remains a significant global health concern, with an increase in cases and deaths reported in 2021. Research efforts, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies, are ongoing to improve prevention and treatment. A monoclonal antibody called L9LS showed promising results in a phase 2 trial in children in Mali, providing up…
The FDA has identified numerous medical device recalls in 2023 and 2024, many of them due to software issues. Smiths Medical, a major player in the industry, faced recalls of syringe pumps due to software problems and a lack of evidence of compliance with FDA regulations. The complexity of modern software, including AI and machine…
A survey conducted by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association found that voice deterioration as a result of MND affects social interactions and confidence in the majority of patients. The ‘Voice4MND’ campaign aims to raise awareness about this symptom and provide support for those affected. Many patients are using speaker aids or voice banking technology…
A study presented at the American Headache Society Annual Scientific Meeting found that a vaporized combination of THC and CBD was the most effective treatment for acute moderate to severe migraines at 2 hours. The study included 92 participants who were allowed to treat up to four migraine attacks with different cannabis treatments. Results showed…
If you have hired someone new, promoted a rising star, or solved a hard-to-fill spot, share the news with us to spread the word. We will find a home for your updates so don’t hesitate to let us know. This week, QurAlis announced the hiring of Doug Williamson as their chief medical officer, who previously…
Helen Jamieson and Andrew Marshall pay tribute to Angus, a beloved member of the Broomhill community who lived a full life in the neighborhood where he was born and raised. Angus dedicated 30 years to serving patients in Broomhill, Partick, and Jordanhill, and was a lifelong member of the Broomhill Church of Scotland. He was…
Researchers have found a link between the gut microbiome and the onset and progression of some neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The metabolite DHPS produced by gut microbes has been connected to ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease in humans. The presence of certain bacterial taxa in the gut, such as Bilophila and Desulfovibrio, is associated with lower…
Researchers developed an AI-powered method to detect tumor DNA in blood with high sensitivity, predicting cancer recurrence early. The technology, called MRD-EDGE, uses machine learning to analyze DNA sequencing data from patient blood tests. This method showed success in detecting cancer recurrence in lung, melanoma, breast, and colorectal cancer patients. MRD-EDGE was also able to…
Anti-Ro/SSA antibodies may help predict interstitial lung disease (ILD) risk in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. A study found these antibodies increased the odds of ILD by 1.24 but did not predict progression or survival. Researchers suggest incorporating these antibodies into clinical practice for ILD screening, particularly in patients without SSc-specific antibodies. Despite limitations in the…
Researchers have found that sildenafil, commonly known as Viagra, may have potential for repurposing in the treatment and prevention of vascular dementia, a condition caused by impaired blood flow to the brain. A study showed that Viagra improved blood circulation and responsiveness in brain blood vessels, which are key factors in preventing vascular dementia. The…
The healthcare industry is facing a workforce shortage that is expected to worsen over the next decade, with predictions of a physician shortage and nursing shortages in many states by 2030. To address this issue, legislation such as the “Welcome Back to the Health Care Workforce Act” is being proposed to create easier pathways to…
The National Drug Treatment Centre has opened a new laboratory to monitor new substances, analyzing their contents, purity, and potency. The facility includes advanced technology such as a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) and a mobile Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer to accurately identify substances within samples. This will enhance the HSE’s ability to respond to emerging…
Four-year-old Ahmeir Diaz-Thornton struggled with speech, behavior, and eating issues, leaving his mother, Kanika Thornton, feeling overwhelmed. Despite multiple evaluations and appointments, Ahmeir still lacked a definitive diagnosis for his challenges. Accessing developmental specialists, particularly for families on Medi-Cal, proved to be difficult. Early diagnosis and intervention for behavioral disorders are essential for children and…
A study presented at the American Headache Society Annual Scientific Meeting found that individuals with episodic migraines had lower nutrient intake on days with nausea or vomiting compared to days without. The study included 25 adults with episodic migraines who completed a daily headache diary and dietary recalls. Results showed that nutritional intake, particularly caffeine…
First Opinion is a platform on STAT that publishes articles about life sciences, written by experts in biotech, healthcare, and research. Readers can engage in discussions by submitting Letters to the Editor in response to these articles. One article discusses the need for Congress to prioritize funding for rare childhood diseases, highlighting the lack of…
Jess Morgan, a Dinwoodie RCPCH clinical fellow, shares her experience of struggling with the emotional impact of practicing medicine. Initially taught to toughen up and hide her feelings, she eventually experienced burnout, anxiety, and depression. After opening up about her struggles, she found a sense of belonging and connection with her colleagues. Doctors often hide…
People using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound still need to maintain good nutrition even while eating less. New nutritional recommendations have been developed to support individuals in staying healthy while losing weight. The guidelines suggest calorie intake for women should be 1,200 to 1,500 per day and for men, 1,500 to 1,800. A…
Osteoarthritis is a prevalent and disabling condition with increasing burden on global healthcare systems. A study presented at the 2024 EULAR congress highlighted the associations between osteoarthritis and various comorbidities across four European countries. Findings showed that conditions such as chronic back pain, hypertension, and depression were more common in individuals with osteoarthritis. Importantly, certain…
Results from the phase 3 SELECT-GCA study revealed that the JAK inhibitor upadacitinib showed significant and sustained remission in people with giant cell arteritis (GCA). The study included 210 individuals treated with upadacitinib and 105 treated with placebo. Upadacitinib resulted in sustained remission in 46% of patients compared to 29% in the placebo group. Secondary…
During Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, Natalie Rosado educates about PTSD, dispelling myths and stigma. She believes PTSD is not a sign of weakness but strength in surviving trauma. Seeking help for mental health is brave and crucial for healing. Time alone may not heal PTSD, so treatment is important. PTSD can occur from a…
Better Health, a platform for patients with chronic conditions, has secured $14 million in funding to expand its services to more patients. The platform, based in San Francisco, offers support for conditions such as ostomy, chronic wounds, diabetes, and incontinence, providing peer coaching, education, and home delivery of medical supplies. The funding, which includes investments…
A survey of Irish consumers shows high levels of concern about physical and mental health, with worries about access to healthcare and the rising cost of healthcare. The findings also indicate a focus on improving physical and mental health, with a growing interest in digital technologies for healthcare. The survey also highlights cost of living…
Diana Perez, a medical resident at the Family Health Center of Harlem, received a handwritten thank-you note from a patient, confirming she chose the right training path. Perez helped a homeless, West African immigrant with HIV and other chronic conditions, getting him needed care and medications. She values whole-person care and aims to be a…
Dennis J. Slamon, MD, PhD, received the Szent-Györgyi Prize for Progress in Cancer Research for his groundbreaking work in breast cancer treatment and the development of targeted therapies for various types of cancer. As the director of clinical and translational research at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Slamon identified the HER2 gene, leading to…
The Colorado Prescription Drug Affordability Board has deemed Novartis’ blockbuster arthritis drug, Cosentyx, as unaffordable for patients due to its high cost. The board is considering imposing a limit on what Colorado health plans pay for the injectable treatment, which averages around $47,000 per patient. Insurance carriers have reported that Cosentyx contributes to increased premiums,…