Gail Mazur Handley is a patient advocate who believes in the importance of open communication with patients after medical errors. She highlights the development of communication and resolution programs (CRPs) in the US, which aim to provide prompt attention, honest explanations, and restitution to patients harmed by medical care. Handley shares her own experience of…
Researchers presented positive findings from the RUBY Trial, focusing on a one-time gene editing cell therapy called renizgamglogene autogedtemcel for sickle cell disease treatment. The treatment was well-tolerated with no serious side effects reported, and patients showed improvements in white blood cells and platelets. The therapy aims to correct the genetic mutation responsible for sickle…
Rheumatological diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), can affect children, with a need for increased awareness and effective transition from pediatric to adult care. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) included sessions on childhood arthritis at its 2024 congress. Low awareness of childhood arthritis leads to delays in diagnosis and negative outcomes. Initiatives…
The aging population of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States is increasing, leading to a shift in priorities in research and clinical care. Biologic age, rather than disease duration, is emerging as a key factor affecting disability progression in MS patients. Research is focusing on the impact of aging processes on MS…
Researchers recommend reducing TV time and dedicating those hours to physical activity to improve healthy aging. Swapping one hour of TV for light physical activity at home can increase the odds of reaching a healthy age of 70 by 8%. Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activities can boost those odds by 28%. Using TV…
The year 2024 has been tough for virtual care companies, with closures and layoffs hitting major players like Optum, Walmart, Teladoc Health, and Amwell. However, Michelle Davey, founder of Wheel, believes the industry is still strong and evolving. Wheel has launched a new AI-powered platform called Horizon that aims to provide holistic virtual care experiences….
Paul Reid addressed the inaugural meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs Use, highlighting the slow pace of change in how society treats individuals with addiction issues. The Citizen’s Assembly on Drugs Use made 36 recommendations, including a new health-based response to drug use, but has seen little progress in their implementation. Reid emphasized the…
California is implementing a program called “contingency management” to help hard-drug users by paying them to stay clean, focusing on stimulants like meth and cocaine. Participants must regularly provide a clean urine sample to receive payments in the form of gift cards, starting at $10 and increasing with continued abstinence. This initiative has expanded to…
The American Spine Registry and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association have announced a collaboration for an aggregated patient, site, and surgeon data initiative. The American Spine Registry will provide outcome data from consenting patients to be used by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s Blue Distinction Centers for Spine Surgery. This collaboration…
Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen will testify before the Senate after Sen. Bernie Sanders threatened to subpoena the company over the pricing of diabetes and obesity drugs. The Senate health committee announced the agreement after a public back-and-forth. Jørgensen’s appearance is a pivot from initially scheduling a vote to subpoena Novo’s U.S. division chief….
The US Supreme Court unanimously rejected a case brought by an anti-abortion group in Texas that sought to restrict access to the abortion drug mifepristone. The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine wanted the FDA to take the drug off the market, but the Supreme Court ruled that they did not have legal standing to sue. The…
A study from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and other institutions found a correlation between rising temperatures and increased migraine attacks. The study, presented at the American Headache Society’s annual meeting, looked at the use of Fremanezumab, a drug that blocks a protein responsible for pain…
Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a severe autoimmune disorder in children that can lead to early organ damage. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) highlighted the importance of identifying predictors to prevent damage at their 2024 congress. New research presented at the congress focused on factors associated with damage accrual in cSLE,…
Advances in breast cancer detection and treatment have led to an increase in the number of women diagnosed at earlier stages and successfully treated. There are now around four million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Long-term effects of treatment can include fatigue, pain, and mental health issues, while financial toxicity can also be…
Researchers have found that consuming a high-fat diet can harm mental health by increasing anxiety. A study found that a high-fat diet disrupts gut bacteria in animals, leading to behavioral changes and influencing brain chemicals, ultimately contributing to increased anxiety. Rats fed a high-fat diet showed increased levels of neuroinflammation and anxiety-like behaviors. The study…
Bristol Myers Squibb’s drug Augtyro received FDA approval for the treatment of solid tumors with a specific genetic signature known as NTRK gene fusion. This expanded approval allows for the treatment of adults and adolescents with advanced, untreated tumors that have no other alternative therapy. Augtyro is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that works by blocking…
A recent survey found that doctors investigated by the Medical Council experience stress and anxiety, with many reporting negative impacts on their mental health. Some practitioners considered quitting or retired early due to the probe, and a significant number had suicidal thoughts during the investigation process. The primary cause of mental struggles was the length…
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a material that can sense temperature without direct contact. This material, made of tellurium and copper embedded in polyimide, is thin, flexible, and sensitive to changes in temperature. It can detect infrared waves from a distance, making it suitable for various applications such as robotics, health…
Done Health CEO and clinical president were arrested for allegedly distributing Adderall online, committing healthcare fraud, obstructing justice, and scheming to defraud taxpayers. The company allegedly made over $100 million by prescribing 40 million pills through deceptive social media ads and easy access via telemedicine. They increased revenue by charging monthly subscription fees and structured…
In Terre Haute, Indiana, a proposed merger between Union Hospital and Terre Haute Regional Hospital is causing concern among locals. The merger could result in longer wait times for emergency services due to potential service closures and train delays. Indiana regulators must determine if the merger will improve health outcomes, access, and care quality. The…
The AMA House of Delegates adopted new policies at its annual meeting to promote public health. One policy aims to raise awareness of high-dose biotin supplements interfering with lab tests, including inaccurately low troponin levels. The FDA has warned that high-dosage biotin supplementation may lead to delayed or missed diagnoses of heart attacks. The AMA…
The article highlights the importance of reforming the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to restore public trust and ensure responsible stewardship of resources. It addresses concerns about transparency, research misconduct, and the need for structural and policy reforms within the agency. The House Energy and Commerce Committee proposes streamlining NIH institutes and centers, addressing issues…
The study by Jing Zhang and Yongze Li from Shenzhen University Medical School and China Medical University respectively, shows an increase in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) among people aged 65 and older. This indicates significant improvements in the care received by individuals with T1DM, leading to longer life expectancy with fewer…
Some individuals are resilient to developing Alzheimer’s disease despite having biological markers of the disease. Alzheimer’s is caused by a buildup of proteins in the brain that leads to neuron death and cognitive decline. A study found that genes related to the immune system may play a role in resilience to Alzheimer’s symptoms. Lifestyle changes…
SCIEX attended ASMS 2024, showcasing new innovations and engaging with attendees about future needs. Highlights included fun nighttime activities and the launch of the SCIEX 7500+ system, featuring Mass Guard technology and DJet+ assembly. The system’s speed benefits large quantitation panels and lab productivity. SCIEX also introduced the ZT Scan DIA and AI quantitation software…
Experts are working to define “difficult-to-treat” patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis who struggle to reach remission despite advanced treatments. Current guidelines lack clear guidance on managing these patients, with various factors contributing to treatment resistance, including noninflammatory causes of pain. Efforts by international groups like ASAS and GRAPPA aim to develop consensus definitions…
A recent study found that including small fish in the diet can reduce the risk of death from all causes, especially among women. The study, conducted in Japan, looked at the dietary habits of over 80,000 participants and found that women who ate small fish regularly had a lower risk of all-cause and cancer mortality….
At the AHIP 2024 conference in Las Vegas, Neil Gomes, the chief digital officer of AmeriHealth Caritas, emphasized the importance of insurers overcoming challenges in deploying artificial intelligence in healthcare. He highlighted issues such as health literacy, policy building, talent acquisition, and trust in AI. Gomes also warned about the risk of ransomware attacks and…
Dr Michael Mosley, a British television journalist and writer, was known for his ‘gonzo journalism’ style of trying health challenges he discussed. Despite his success, many doctors lack role models for good behavior. Mosley’s impact and influence in public broadcasting, particularly regarding calorie-restricting diets like the 5:2 diet, made him a prominent figure in British…
MIT is collaborating with Movano Health to use the Evie Ring to monitor COVID and chronic Lyme disease in their MAESTRO study. This study will analyze 300 adults to identify biomarkers that predict chronic conditions from acute infections. Movano’s Evie Ring collects heart rate, SpO₂, sleep quality, and allows users to track activity and menstrual…
California lawmakers passed a $211 billion budget for 2024-25, rejecting Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposal to cut in-home supportive services for low-income older, blind, and disabled immigrants without legal residency. The budget plan draws more from the state’s rainy-day fund and reduces corporate tax deductions to prevent cuts to health and social services. Advocates applauded the…
A study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network found that only a small percentage of men recommended for genetic testing due to personal or family history of cancer actually received it. The study evaluated 7,894 men with incident pancreatic, breast, or metastatic prostate cancers and found low testing rates of 18%…
Mitze Klingenberg expressed her devastation during an FDA town hall meeting after an FDA advisory committee voted against an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). She shared that her son, who benefitted from the treatment, was ignored and dismissed as anecdotal by the panel. Klingenberg emphasized the impact of false hope and the need…
The UK is seeing a sharp rise in whooping cough cases, with deaths of infants occurring due to preventable reasons. Maternal vaccination is highly effective in preventing infant deaths, yet vaccine uptake rates have been falling. Various barriers such as concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, lack of awareness, and misinformation contribute to low vaccination…
A study conducted at The Mount Sinai Hospital showed that using AI-generated alerts based on machine learning algorithms to signal adverse changes in patient health can improve clinical care outcomes. The study found that patients who received real-time alerts were more likely to have their care escalated, leading to improved interventions and lower mortality rates….
A recent study in PLoS ONE investigated the effects of alcohol consumption and short-term abstinence on gut dysbiosis in individuals with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). The study found that abstinent AUD patients had distinct gut microbiota and metabolome compositions, higher mental distress, and no improvement in gut microbial health compared to those still drinking. Patients…
The US FDA has approved repotrectinib for solid tumors with NTRK gene fusion that have progressed after initial treatment. The drug is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor initially approved for ROS1-positive lung cancer. NTRK gene fusions are rare but found in many cancer types. Approval is for patients aged 12 and older based on TRIDENT-1 trial…
Cholesterol-related health complications are a leading cause of death worldwide, with high levels of cholesterol posing a significant risk for heart disease and stroke. Regular cholesterol testing is essential to detect early signs of unhealthy cholesterol levels. At-home cholesterol testing kits offer a convenient and efficient way to monitor cholesterol levels, including important markers like…
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld access to the abortion pill mifepristone, ruling against an anti-abortion physician group’s challenge. The FDA-approved drug, along with misoprostol, is used for abortion up to 10 weeks gestation. The court determined the group lacked legal standing to challenge the FDA’s regulation of the drug. Medical associations praised the decision, emphasizing…
St James’s Hospital in Dublin has performed more than 3,750 stem cell and bone marrow transplants since 1984. The first bone marrow transplant in Ireland was done at the hospital in 1984, saving the life of a patient with leukemia. The hospital now performs stem cell transplants on almost 200 patients annually. The National Adult…
Canary Speech, a maker of AI-enabled speech analysis software, has raised $13 million in Series A funding led by Cortes Capital. The company offers vocal biomarker technology that analyzes speech to detect mood, stress, and energy levels before clinical screenings. They have nine patents related to vocal biomarkers and plan to expand their workforce with…
The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone, ruling the group lacked standing. Biden proposed regulations to remove medical debt from credit reports, while Trump tries to take credit for a cap on insulin prices. Drug shortages are increasing, impacting pharmacies and patients. The Southern Baptist Convention restricted in vitro fertilization. Republican…
Higher initial doses of glucocorticoids improve renal outcomes in patients with lupus nephritis, but also increase the risks of serious infections and mortality. A study conducted a meta-analysis of 37 randomized controlled trials with 3,231 patients to evaluate the impact of glucocorticoid regimens. Starting at 60 mg per day of prednisone without pulses resulted in…
The USDA released two reports on the spread of H5N1 bird flu among dairy cow herds in the U.S., indicating that the outbreak likely started from wild birds and spread through cow movement and shared equipment. The reports highlighted challenges in halting the spread, with 60% of farms moving animals after signs of illness, 9…
Milton’s optimism regarding the advantages of left handedness is supported by the experience of one individual who was trained to be ambidextrous by a right handed mentor. Despite initial difficulties, adaptation came quickly and the long term benefits are evident. This is particularly beneficial in surgical fields, as highlighted by a retired ear, nose, and…
Regular physical activity offers numerous health benefits, including preventing chronic conditions and improving mental health. Exercising in natural settings like parks is more beneficial than indoors, with studies showing short-term positive outcomes. Factors affecting park usage include physical and natural features, as well as accessibility. However, some demographic groups face barriers to using natural spaces…
Julie Rovner hosts KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” podcast. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the abortion pill mifepristone due to lack of standing, but abortion opponents seek other ways to restrict access. The Biden administration proposes eliminating medical debt from credit reports, while Trump falsely claims credit for Medicare’s $35 insulin cap….
Liver transplantation improves survival in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), with 3-month post-transplantation mortality rates in ACLF grades 2 and 3 similar to those with decompensated cirrhosis. The CHANCE study highlights the inadequacy of current transplant allocation criteria for ACLF patients, leading to excess mortality on the waitlist. MELD scores do not account for…
A study published in the Jama Network revealed that first responders to the World Trade Center disaster with severe exposure to debris have an increased risk of early onset dementia. The study evaluated over 5,000 responders and found that those with severe exposure were more likely to develop dementia before age 65, even after adjusting…
In a Phase 3 clinical trial, Pfizer’s gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy did not improve patients’ ability to walk or stand up compared to a placebo. The disappointing results are likely to lead to the end of the program. Duchenne is a rare muscle-wasting disease that eventually affects the lungs and heart, leading to…