Medical Technology

Reading aloud to children has numerous benefits, including strengthening familial connections, boosting brain development, and supporting language, cognitive, and social-emotional development. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents and caregivers read with their children from birth through kindergarten to improve school readiness and early brain development. Reading together creates positive childhood experiences and enhances early…

The U.S. healthcare system is facing unsustainable costs with projections showing rising prices and fewer people getting coverage. Payers are in a critical position to drive systemic change and make healthcare more affordable. By leveraging data, technology, and marketplace dynamics, payers can optimize costs, improve quality of care, and create a more transparent and efficient…

The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is seeking a Registrar Ophthalmic Surgery. Interested candidates should email their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three referees to the Medical HR Department. Evidence of current registration with a regulatory body is also required. Applications must be submitted by October 9th, 2024. The hospital is an…

Young people in New Zealand prefer in-person mental health support despite growing up with technology. A University of Otago study found that while many participants looked for online mental health resources, they favored traditional face-to-face help. Chatbots and text counseling were seen as the least helpful. The study suggested exploring podcasts as a new form…

Federal officials have failed to address overpayments to Medicare Advantage health insurance plans, potentially costing taxpayers billions. The private insurance industry has gained political power through lobbying efforts and industry pressure, leading to reduced financial penalties. A Department of Justice civil fraud case against UnitedHealth Group revealed over $2 billion in alleged fraud. Despite efforts…

The CHEST 2024 Annual Meeting will take place in Boston from Oct. 6 to 9, focusing on the history of medicine and offering diverse networking opportunities. Key takeaways include honoring the contributions of African American nurses in curing tuberculosis, featuring sessions on AI in medicine and advocacy, and providing programming for all healthcare team members….

Prime Medicine, a company founded with gene editing technology from Harvard biochemist David Liu, initially planned to use its technology across 18 different diseases but has since scaled back its aims to focus on just three genetic diseases due to financial constraints. The company announced a new cell therapy pact with Bristol Myers Squibb, bringing…

Sexual safety campaigners have written to the health secretary Wes Streeting to address the issue of sexual assault and abuse of medical students at university and during clinical placements. Co-founders of Surviving in Scrubs, Becky Cox and Chelcie Jewitt, are urging for robust action to be taken to protect medical students from sexism and sexual…

A new hand-held scanner developed by UCL researchers can produce detailed 3D photoacoustic images in seconds, allowing for potential early disease diagnosis in a clinical setting. The technology, described in a study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, offers real-time photoacoustic tomography scans that provide accurate images of blood vessels to inform patient care. The scanner’s…

Dr. W. Michael Korn has been appointed as Biocartis NV’s Chief Medical and Scientific Officer. With a background in oncology diagnostics, Dr. Korn previously served as Chief Medical Officer at Invitae Corporation and Caris Life Sciences. He emphasizes the importance of fast and accurate molecular information for personalized cancer treatment decisions. Dr. Korn is excited…

A study conducted by experts from various institutions in the U.S. analyzed firearm mortality rates in Mexico, which remain a major public health challenge despite a slight decrease between 2018 and 2022. Homicides accounted for the majority of firearm deaths, with rates higher among men and young adults aged 20-39. The study also highlighted the…

Poor sleep during pregnancy, specifically sleeping less than seven hours daily, can result in neurodevelopmental delays in children. A study conducted in China followed 7059 mother-child pairs and found that inadequate sleep in mothers was linked to an increased risk of cognitive, behavioral, and learning issues in their offspring. Boys were found to be at…

The Federal Trade Commission has sued the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) for engaging in anticompetitive practices related to insulin, which has led to inflated prices for the medication. The FTC alleges that PBMs use restrictive formularies and demand high rebates from drug manufacturers, contributing to the increase in insulin costs. The lawsuit aims…

The content discusses the issue of doctors contributing to end-of-life care debates without letting religion influence their decisions. The writer argues that doctors with beliefs in God or religion should not have to deny their beliefs in order to provide humanitarian care. The writer also points out that atheism’s contributions to civilization are doubtful. The…

Dr. Bart Leroy discusses the overlapping features of uveitis and inherited retinal dystrophies at the Euretina congress. He explains that substances released due to cell death can cause inflammation resembling uveitis. Leroy highlights the importance of differentiating between IRD-related and uveitis-related manifestations by identifying specific genes involved. He stresses the need for molecular screening to…

The U.S. FDA approved a new medication called Cobenfy by Bristol Myers Squibb to treat schizophrenia by stimulating brain receptors. The approval comes as current antipsychotics are only effective in half of patients and often have side effects. The Biden administration abandoned a proposal to require drug companies to disclose prices and research costs, due…

A pooled analysis of three large Phase III clinical trials found that many patients with brain metastases experiencing cognitive side effects after radiation therapy may fully recover cognitive function. Recovery was more likely with conformal radiation techniques compared to standard whole-brain treatment. The findings, presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology meeting, suggest that…

A new article in Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications journal discusses the role of chemokines in atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac rhythm condition. Levels of chemokines like CXCL8, CXCR2, CXCL12, and CXCR4 have been linked to AF development and progression, suggesting a potential role in atrial remodeling. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis is particularly elevated in…

Research presented at the EASD 2024 Annual Meeting found that changes in cabin pressure during airplane travel can cause insulin pumps to over-deliver on takeoff and under-deliver on landing. This phenomenon, caused by air bubble formation in the insulin, affects all insulin pumps, including those in hybrid closed-loop systems. Suggestions for mitigating this effect include…

Foam rollers have become a popular tool for muscle recovery, flexibility, and overall physical wellness in recent years. They help with myofascial release, improve blood flow, and prevent injuries by targeting tight muscles. Foam rolling can enhance flexibility, speed up muscle recovery, and reduce post-exercise soreness. It is recommended before and after workouts to warm…

This monthly roundup highlights recent hiring news in the healthcare industry. Aegis Ventures appointed Murray Brozinsky as a partner, Mount Sinai Health System appointed Lisa Stump as chief digital information officer, and Phagenesis welcomed Chad Hoskins as CEO. RhythmX AI hired Nathan Gnanasambandam as VP of AI, and Verily appointed Michael Radwin as head of…

The HSE’s Breastfeeding Action Plan Progress Report shows that 64% of new mothers now initiate breastfeeding in Ireland, with an 18.6% increase in babies breastfed at three months. This is a significant improvement from the low starting point. Factors contributing to this increase include the availability of more infant-feeding specialists, a new National Infant Feeding…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends pediatricians to encourage parents to read with children starting from birth to benefit their development. Shared reading helps children in various ways, including developing language skills, reducing childhood stress, and breaking cycles of poverty. The AAP’s updated policy statement emphasizes the importance of diverse books and interactive reading…

Dr. Ralph de la Torre is stepping down from his position as board chairman and chief executive of Steward Health Care, a network of hospitals that he built. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and symbolizing greed in for-profit health care, de la Torre is believed to hold a majority of shares in the company, which…

The recreational use of ketamine, a fast-acting drug, is on the rise in the UK, despite being classified as illegal since 2014. Although ketamine has medical benefits, its misuse can lead to serious health risks, addiction, and even fatalities. There has been a significant increase in people seeking treatment for ketamine-related issues, particularly among young…

Research presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition revealed that while violence prevention education in U.S. schools has increased, only 1 in 10 schools require discussions on the topic. Chloe Gao’s study focused on efforts made by schools to prevent bullying, sexual harassment, and violence. The data showed that two…

Experts are recommending the use of single-pill combinations containing three or four antihypertensive medications for managing patients with elevated blood pressure. This approach involves starting with low doses of a triple combination pill that includes telmisartan, amlodipine, and indapamide. Studies have shown that this method effectively lowers blood pressure and improves control. The VERONICA trial…

Prediabetes increases the risk of cardiometabolic disorders and can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes in young adults. Studies show that early intervention, especially through lifestyle changes, is crucial in preventing prediabetes from progressing to diabetes and other serious conditions. The rate of prediabetes among U.S. teens has doubled in the past decade. Research found that having…

The FDA has expanded approval of the drug Dupixent, originally used for skin and lung disorders, to include treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung condition common in smokers. Dupixent is the first biologic therapy approved for COPD, targeting inflammation in the lungs. The drug has shown significant reductions in COPD exacerbations in…

In this letter, Dr. Aaisha Khan questions why the term ‘patient’ is based on an adjective and suggests alternative terms like ‘receiver’ or ‘timcot’. She argues that everyone, including doctors and nurses, are patients in the grand scheme of life. The editor agrees and mentions the use of ‘Resident Doctor’ as a better and more…

Members of the psoriatic disease community gathered at the Philadelphia Zoo for the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Take ACTION Philadelphia event to raise funds for patients through research and advocacy. Healio Dermatology Chief Medical Editor Joel M. Gelfand attended and emphasized the importance of advocacy for psoriatic disease. The fundraising page for the event will remain…

The FDA has approved Dupixent for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, expanding its use beyond immune-mediated diseases. The drug has shown to be effective in reducing flare-ups and improving breathing in COPD patients, specifically those with uncontrolled symptoms driven by eosinophils. This approval gives Dupixent an edge over rival treatments and opens up…

Lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, affects roughly 635,000 people worldwide. Advances in treatment, such as CAR-T cell therapy, have significantly improved survival rates for aggressive lymphomas. CAR-T cell therapy involves collecting and genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to target and destroy lymphoma cells. This innovative personalized treatment has provided hope for patients…

Research from the University of California, Irvine shows how disruption of the circadian clock can accelerate colorectal cancer progression by affecting the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier function. This discovery opens up new prevention and treatment strategies for the disease. Clock disturbances, particularly through lifestyle choices like extended light exposure and late-night meals, may contribute…

A study presented at the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery 2024 Annual Meeting revealed that a modified sleep apnea severity index (mSASI) can identify cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) better than the standard apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). The study, conducted by researchers at Thomas Jefferson University,…

A man in New York has died from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare and deadly mosquito-borne virus. This marks the first human fatality from EEE in the state since 2015. The state has declared EEE as an imminent public health threat, prompting residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses. This is the second EEE-related…

Talkiatry has become the exclusive telepsychiatry provider for BetterHelp’s employer clients. Talkiatry, based in New York City, offers online psychiatric services for various conditions, while BetterHelp, based in Mountain View, California, provides personalized online therapy services. Through the partnership, employees of BetterHelp’s employer clients can access Talkiatry’s psychiatry services at no extra cost. This collaboration…

The Irish Cancer Society has raised concerns over the government’s lack of investment in clinical trials and other cancer services in Ireland. They highlighted issues such as delays in cancer surgeries, low capacity in radiotherapy services, and slow access to new medicines. A report showed that Denmark had three times more cancer clinical trials than…

At the 2024 Congress of Clinical Rheumatology West, Dr. Leonard Calabrese discussed the impact of COVID-19 on rheumatic diseases, stating that there is limited evidence that COVID-19 alters the natural history of these diseases. Patients on B-cell depleting therapies may be at risk for complications, but antivirals are available to manage this. The relationship between…

Have exciting news to share about new hires, promotions, or hard-to-fill positions being filled? Share with us and we will spread the word. This week, ModeX Therapeutics welcomed Giovanni Abbadessa as chief medical officer, previously from Sanofi. Stay tuned for more highlights each week. Work is important, but remember to have some fun too. Visit…

Yap Boum II, a public health expert, and Nicaise Ndembi, deputy incident manager at the Institut Pasteur de Bangui and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the need for diverse approaches to managing the rapidly spreading mpox outbreak, which has caused over 52,000 cases and 1,798 deaths. The disease, with different viral clades…

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to read aloud to newborns and young children to foster relationships and promote brain development. The updated policy statement emphasizes the importance of shared reading for social-emotional, cognitive, language, and literacy development. The AAP recommends pediatricians to support families with guidance and books at well-child visits, prioritize offering…

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center has launched a new academic journal, Advances in Cancer Education & Quality Improvement (ACE-QI), focusing on research, training program summaries, and quality improvement interventions for oncology providers. The journal aims to bridge gaps in education and clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of care for…

Rates of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the most significant rise observed in 2021. A cross-sectional study using US mortality data from 2018 to 2021 showed an increased risk of SUID (IR 1.06) and SIDS (IR 1.10) during the pandemic. SUID rates rose…

Yoga wheels are versatile tools that improve flexibility, balance, and strength in your practice. They support deeper stretches, enhance balance, and help deepen backbends. Additionally, they can be incorporated into various exercises beyond yoga, making them a valuable addition for diversifying your workout routine. Various brands offer high-quality yoga wheels with different features such as…

Accessible worldwide biomanufacturing is essential for promoting global health, ensuring equitable access to treatments, and strengthening health systems and economies. Genetic and regional differences require tailored vaccines and drugs to meet diverse population needs. Precision medicine, adapting manufacturing methods, and prioritizing diverse perspectives are crucial for achieving manufacturing sovereignty and improving healthcare outcomes. Initiatives like…

Advances in migraine treatment and patient pathways at Tallaght University Hospital have improved outcomes and reduced hospital admissions. A survey by the Migraine Association of Ireland during Migraine Awareness Week revealed the impact of migraines on workplace productivity. The TUH headache clinic provides multi-disciplinary care, avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes. The clinic…

Interdisciplinary researchers from Chinese universities have developed a miniature continuous glucose monitoring system using an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) with a microneedle array and hydrogel. The system, comparable to market-leading devices like Dexcom G6, promises enhanced sensitivity, reliability, and wearability. OECTs operate in aqueous environments at low voltage with low power consumption, making them ideal…

Preston Nafz, a teenager who loved playing lacrosse, had to undergo a sports hernia repair surgery due to persistent pain in his left hip. The procedure cost $7,105, but his father had to pay upfront as the surgery did not have a specific billing code for insurers. After the surgery, the father filed a claim…

In a video perspective from the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, Dr. Nataliya Danylkova encourages international ophthalmologists to attend the annual meeting held in Carlsbad, California. The goal of the Women in Ophthalmology organization is to unify women ophthalmologists from different countries and empower them to feel comfortable in professional settings. Dr. Danylkova, who serves…