During the vice presidential debate, Sen. Vance and Gov. Walz clashed over health insurance policy and abortion. Vance supported Trump’s vague healthcare plan concepts, while Walz defended the Affordable Care Act. Trump, via social media, softened his abortion stance to state preferences. Republicans rejected drug pricing benefits for seniors, despite bipartisan support. Vance claimed success…
Pfizer has withdrawn the sickle cell treatment voxelotor (Oxbryta) from all markets due to a higher than expected number of deaths reported. Clinical evidence showed that the benefits of the drug no longer outweighed the risks. The UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency issued a recall notice on 30 September, stating that emerging data…
A study published in BMJ Quality & Safety suggests that harmful diagnostic errors may be occurring in as many as 1 in every 14 hospital patients receiving general medical care. The errors are mostly preventable and new surveillance approaches are needed to avoid them. The study developed a structured case review process to evaluate diagnostic…
Researchers developed lab-grown intestines to study Crohn’s disease, identifying two molecular subtypes – immune-deficient infectious type (IDICD) and stress-induced fibrostenotic type (S2FCD). These subtypes show distinct characteristics and respond differently to treatments. The study used patient-derived organoids (PDOs) to analyze genetic and phenotypic features of CD. The research, published in Cell Reports Medicine, aimed to…
A study on papillary thyroid cancer found that adequate lymph node yield is associated with longer operations, hospitalization, and higher risks of nerve injury and hypocalcemia. The importance of lymph node yield lies in staging, risk assessment, and treatment decisions, but must be balanced with surgical risks. Adequate yield varies by cancer stage, with advanced…
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that plays a crucial role in maintaining ear health by trapping dust, dirt, and debris to protect the ear canal, moisturizing and preventing dryness, and possessing antibacterial properties. Excessive earwax buildup can lead to issues like hearing loss, earaches, dizziness, and infections. Safe earwax removal methods are essential…
Lyra Health, a mental health company based in Burlingame, California, is expanding its substance use disorder services to support those struggling with various substances, including cannabis, stimulants, opioids, and nicotine. The company offers self-guided programs, mental health coaching, therapy, and medication management to patients through in-person, video, or text messaging services. Lyra Renew, their existing…
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is hosting an event on June 27, 2024 in Dublin 2 focused on transforming healthcare training and improving patient outcomes in the era of artificial intelligence (AI). The event aims to explore the potential benefits and challenges of integrating AI into healthcare practices. Photos from the event…
In New York City, many people are turning to vitamin injections to boost energy, immunity, and overall well-being due to the hectic lifestyle. Vitamin injections deliver essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream, allowing for quick absorption. Common types include Vitamin B12, C, D, and Glutathione, each offering different benefits like increased energy levels, enhanced immune…
The recent SpaceX Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station included investigations on the effects of radiation and the space environment on gene-editing mechanisms, as well as studies on cardiac health using 3D-bioprinted cardiac organoids. The research aims to develop techniques for protecting astronauts, understand cardiac muscle atrophy, and advance therapeutics for neurodegenerative conditions. NASA…
Lija Greenseid gave Governor Tim Walz an empty gold-painted insulin vial to highlight the rising cost of insulin that her daughter needs to stay alive. This gesture led to the passing of the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act in Minnesota. Both Trump and Harris have proposed policies to make insulin more affordable, but advocates fear…
A study found that radial head arthroplasty with loose-fit and press-fit stems had similar rates of revision and reoperation. Surgeon familiarity, implant availability, and cost may be factors to consider when choosing a stem. The study, conducted by David W. Zeltser, MD, and colleagues, included 1,575 patients who underwent radial head arthroplasty between 2009 and…
STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds provides daily updates on health and medicine topics. In recent news, Rwanda is facing a significant outbreak of the Marburg virus, with 26 infections and 8 deaths. Lebanon’s healthcare system is also under strain due to ongoing violence, with hospitals being evacuated and health centers closing. Redlining in the past…
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) intervened after Churchfields Surgery in Bromsgrove was accused of misleading patients about physician associates’ capabilities. A medical doctor filed a complaint with the ASA regarding statements on the practice’s website that claimed PAs “train in and are examined in all areas of medicine” and are able to prescribe medication. The…
Research has found that outdoor air pollution, even at levels below government standards, is associated with differences in the brains of children, affecting cognitive function and potentially leading to early markers for Alzheimer’s disease. A systematic review by the University of California, Davis, analyzed 40 studies from around the world, with most showing a link…
The World Health Organization congratulates Brazil for eliminating lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. This parasitic disease, also known as elephantiasis, has caused suffering worldwide for centuries. Brazil’s success is attributed to integrated actions such as a national plan, mass drug distribution, and strong surveillance efforts. The country’s achievement is a result of years…
The US FDA has approved ustekinumab-aauz, a biosimilar of Johnson & Johnson’s ustekinumab (Stelara). This is the fourth ustekinumab biosimilar approved in the US, indicated for plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis in patients 6 years and older. Produced by Fresenius Kabi and Formycon, ustekinumab-aauz comes in two formulations for subcutaneous injection…
A new study published in Frontiers in Aging reveals that a simple cheek swab test, called CheekAge, can accurately predict mortality risk in older adults. Developed by researchers from Tally Health, CheekAge uses methylation data from cheek cells to estimate an individual’s biological age. The study, which involved 1,513 women and men born between 1921…
In recent years, healthcare has been shifting back to providing care in the comfort of patients’ homes. This trend has been accelerated by new policies and technologies that make it easier for patients to receive care at home. However, home healthcare workers face high risks of violence and abuse while on the job, with incidents…
The largest health package ever includes funding for 495 new beds and free hormone replacement therapy. €25.76 billion is allocated for day-to-day healthcare spending in 2025. 39% of the funds will go towards acute and national ambulance services. Additional funding will expand hospital capacity and provide resources for mental health services. €37 million is allocated…
Ketamine therapy has emerged as an innovative treatment for mental health disorders, providing rapid relief from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Its unique mechanism of action, ability to promote neuroplasticity, and effectiveness for treatment-resistant depression make it a promising alternative to traditional therapies. The therapy is administered through IV infusion, intranasal spray, or oral tablets in…
The J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study shows a slight decrease in patient satisfaction with direct-to-consumer telehealth providers but a substantial increase in satisfaction with payer-provided telehealth offerings. The study found that convenience was the top reason for using telehealth, with medication review and chronic care follow-up being preferred services. Forty-four percent of telehealth…
The “Silence in Sikeston” podcast explores the impact of racial trauma and systemic racial violence on health. The stories of Cleo Wright, lynched in 1942, and Denzel Taylor, killed by police in 2020, are compared, highlighting the long-lasting effects on families. The loss of a parent to violence can lead to increased health risks for…
Parents of children with diabetes face challenges managing diabetes devices in school, especially with recent cellphone bans. School nurses should familiarize themselves with different devices and parents should ensure their child has a medical exemption. Children using devices like continuous glucose monitors and insulin pumps may face obstacles in the classroom, requiring effective management of…
Atlas, Bain, and RTW Investments have co-led a $400 million Series A financing for the new obesity startup Kailera Therapeutics. The company, led by CEO Ron Renaud, has a clinically validated portfolio of next-generation therapies for obesity. Metsera, another biotech company focusing on obesity treatments, has already struck a commercial manufacturing deal with Amneal Pharmaceuticals….
Funding for general practice has been declining since 2018, with primary care networks receiving new money through the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) to hire various allied healthcare staff. However, until recently, doctors were not included in this funding. The newly announced scheme for newly qualified doctors has raised concerns about age discrimination, lack of…
Research led by scientists at Queen Mary University of London has revealed that repeat expansion disorders (REDs) are more common in the general population than previously thought. By using new bioinformatics techniques to analyze the genetic profiles of 80,000 people, the study found that these DNA repeats are up to three times more frequent than…
New research suggests that combining mistletoe and apple peel extracts could lead to affordable supplements that improve muscle health and endurance. The study published in Nutrients explored the potential of these extracts in developing natural supplements to combat age-related muscle decline and enhance athletic performance. The research found that combining mistletoe and apple peel extracts…
Heat-related emergency department visits in children and teens have more than doubled over the past decade in Texas children’s hospitals, as presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference. The increasing heat-related illnesses in children are linked to record-breaking temperatures due to climate change. A study showed a 170% increase in heat-related encounters from 2012…
California has become the first state to ban the use of six artificial dyes in school cafeterias due to their links to health issues and behavioral problems in children. The new law, part of the California School Food Safety Act, will affect over 10,000 schools serving more than 6.3 million students. Several studies have linked…
In the past month, two major healthcare providers, Moffitt Cancer Center and Memorial Hermann Health System, have partnered with Reimagine Care, a Nashville-based startup helping cancer patients in active treatment. Reimagine offers virtual support through AI and clinical experts to manage symptoms, increase medication adherence, and provide emotional support. By allowing patients to text medical…
The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is seeking a Fellow in Ophthalmology, Medical and Surgical Retina. Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three referees to the Medical HR Department by email or post before October 9th, 2024. Applicants must also provide proof of current registration with a regulatory…
OpenAI Academy is investing in developers and organizations using AI technology to solve complex problems and boost economic growth in low- and middle-income countries. The Academy aims to provide access to AI technology, training, and resources to diverse global communities. They plan to develop local AI talent, particularly in sectors like education, finance, agriculture, and…
GLP-1 agonists and other weight loss drugs may be beneficial in treating psoriatic arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These medications have potential immunomodulatory effects and could help patients achieve treatment goals. Obesity is a risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis and can reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Case reports suggest that weight loss drugs alone…
A large outbreak of Marburg virus in Rwanda has caused international concern due to the possibility of it spreading beyond the country’s borders. The outbreak has resulted in 27 cases and nine deaths so far, impacting health professionals in two hospitals in Kigali. The World Health Organization has categorized the risk of spread to neighboring…
A recent paper in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that certain early-stage changes in the prostate should no longer be labeled as cancer. This proposal is based on the fact that low-grade prostate cancer, known as GG1, rarely spreads or causes symptoms and may not require aggressive treatment. The discussion around changing…
Penn Medicine researchers have received an $18 million grant from the NIH/NIA to study cognitive decline in individuals with Lewy body diseases, such as Parkinson’s, and identify biomarkers for predicting dementia. The aim is to understand the factors influencing dementia development and speed, in order to develop therapies to slow disease progression. Research will focus…
A study found that subjective olfactory improvements in patients who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps were maintained up to 6 months after surgery. The research revealed a decrease in olfactory symptoms, as measured by the Sino-nasal Outcome Test and Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test. Although improvements were significant at 1…
Doctors in Austria documented a rare case of psilocybin-induced penile amputation in a 37-year-old man with depression and alcohol abuse. After taking magic mushrooms, he severed his penis with an axe and was able to have it partially reattached. The incident is detailed in the Mega Journal of Surgery, which explains that psilocybin is a…
Paul Graf, founder of Healthy Young Minds, started a pediatric mental health clinic in Colorado after struggling to find care for his son with autism. When the pandemic hit, he realized the effectiveness of virtual therapy and founded an online mental health company. Healthy Young Minds provides teletherapy for children with various needs, including autism,…
The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is seeking a Registrar in Anaesthesiology and interested candidates must submit their application by October 9th, 2024. Applicants should send their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three referees to the Medical HR Department. Proof of current registration with a regulatory body is also required. The hospital…
The FDA’s Digital Health Advisory Committee will meet in November 2024 to discuss generative AI-enabled medical devices. The meeting will focus on lifecycle considerations, safety, performance assessment, and regulation. Generative AI has shown promise in assisting medical professionals in tasks such as cancer and retinopathy detection. Concerns about reliability and potential misuse of generative AI…
Pomelo Care, a virtual maternity care platform, acquired the Doula Network, adding in-network doulas and expanding its reach to over 15 million people, including one in six Medicaid beneficiaries. The integration of the Doula Network into Pomelo’s model offers patients access to community-based doulas to support their healthcare needs. The acquisition aims to address the…
California voters are considering Proposition 36 on the November ballot, which would roll back parts of the criminal justice reforms enacted by Proposition 47 in 2014. Critics argue that Prop 47 has led to an increase in criminal activity and addiction without incentive for treatment. Prop 36 would increase penalties for drug crimes and create…
A retrospective study published in Lancet Psychiatry found that individuals with newly diagnosed eating disorders and abnormal electrolyte levels had an increased risk of mortality, acute kidney injury, and bone fracture. The study looked at over 6,000 patients with eating disorders and found that those with electrolyte abnormalities faced higher rates of hospitalization and adverse…
The CDC reported on four more health care workers developing mild respiratory symptoms after caring for a still unexplained human case of bird flu in Missouri. Concerns about the investigation’s rigor were raised as this was the third time such incidents occurred. Health care CEOs made millions in 2023, with Moderna’s Stéphane Bancel earning over…
decided to end all new collaborations with tobacco companies after facing backlash for their commercial ties with the industry. This decision came after the Guardian’s investigation exposed their connections with tobacco companies. Economist Impact, a division of the Economist Group known for hosting events and sponsored content, has announced that it will no longer engage…
A study by the University of Michigan found that the number of female residents entering high-paying medical specialties, particularly surgical fields, has increased. Despite overall inequality in pay between male and female doctors, there has been progress in attracting more women to high-compensation specialties. The rise in female applicants to surgical fields has been notable,…
The ADA Forsyth Institute (AFI) has been awarded a $6.2 million grant from the NIDCR for a groundbreaking project to develop next-generation smart materials for dental fillings using physics-based AI. The new composite will have self-healing and antimicrobial properties, responding to changes in the patient’s mouth. The transdisciplinary team will integrate experiments with AI-driven simulations…
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published guidelines for safely prescribing opioids to children with acute pain, aiming to reduce the risk of addiction and overdose. The guidelines recommend starting with the lowest dose, using other medications in combination with opioids, and utilizing alternative pain management strategies. The guidelines also address safe storage and disposal…