Medical Technology

Health equity initiatives are crucial for improving patient outcomes, but addressing health disparities requires targeted strategies focusing on systemic barriers and root causes. Increasing awareness of implicit bias, providing diversity training, and supporting underrepresented healthcare professionals are key steps. Collaborating with community partners and leveraging data and technology are also important. Implementing comprehensive, system-wide changes,…

Researchers at RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences in Ireland found that secondary-school aged adolescents in Ireland reported more mental health problems in 2021, including an increase in suicide attempts, compared to previous years. More than a quarter of adolescents described their mental health as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’, with over a third reporting…

InteliChart and Office Practicum have extended their partnership to provide pediatric practices with enhanced patient engagement tools. The new deal offers Office Practicum customers direct access to InteliChart’s patient engagement solutions, including personalized training and support. This partnership aims to improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance the overall patient experience. Office Practicum customers who…

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A cohort study published in Neurology showed that higher adherence to the MIND diet, specifically in women, reduced the risk for cognitive impairment. The study included 14,145 participants and found that greater compliance with the MIND diet was associated with decreased risk for cognitive decline. The MIND diet has previously been connected to better cognition…

Cassava Sciences and two former executives are facing charges from the SEC for misleading claims about an Alzheimer’s drug candidate. The company has agreed to pay fines, and the charges include allegations of misleading claims and failure to disclose important information related to a mid-stage trial of the drug. Former CEO Remi Barbier and former…

Studies from British birth cohorts show that only children are not disadvantaged in terms of health compared to those with siblings in middle age. There were no differences in risk of heart problems, hypertension, or other health markers between only children and those with siblings. However, individuals with three or more siblings had a higher…

A study published in the European Heart Journal found that babies conceived through assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, have a 36% higher risk of being born with a major heart defect. The research, led by Professor Ulla-Britt Wennerholm, analyzed data from over 7.7 million liveborn children in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The study…

Some mammals have the ability to temporarily slow down their embryonic development to improve survival, a process called embryonic diapause. A recent study using stem cells and blastoids suggests that humans may also have the molecular mechanisms to enter a dormant state similar to diapause. This discovery could have implications for in vitro fertilization (IVF)…

Guinea pigs are important to Ohio State University leukemia specialist Kerry A. Rogers, MD, as pets who bring joy to patients, coworkers, and even random people in the elevator when dressed up for Halloween. Rogers prioritizes patient quality of life in her research on treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia and hairy cell leukemia, focusing on…

A recent study estimates that myopia affects more than one-third of children worldwide and is expected to increase to 40% by 2050. The global incidence of myopia has significantly increased over the past 30 years, with the highest rates found in Southeast Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea. The decrease in outdoor activities…

Dr. Timothy Showalter, radiation oncologist and chief medical officer at Artera, discusses the promise of AI in cancer treatment, specifically in recommending treatment options. Artera has created a tool that can analyze biopsy slides to determine the aggressiveness of cancer and suggest appropriate treatment. The focus is currently on prostate cancer patients. Source link

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has partnered with Blackrock Health to establish Ireland’s first public health gallery. Opening in spring 2026, the gallery will offer a variety of programs, workshops, and exhibitions to enhance public understanding of health sciences and medical research. The announcement event featured leaders from RCSI and Blackrock Health, including…

RadiantGraph, a healthcare engagement company utilizing AI and machine learning, has integrated with major cloud platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, Snowflake, and Databricks. The goal is to help healthcare organizations quickly integrate their data with personalized AI-driven communication. RadiantGraph assists healthcare plans in interpreting complex data from various sources to enhance member engagement and care…

Congress has left Washington to campaign, but will need to complete work on spending bills after the election. The GOP hoped to push spending decisions into 2025, but Democrats forced a short-term patch. Abortion remains a hot issue on the campaign trail, with Democrats focusing on healthcare, ACA subsidies, and expanding telehealth access. There is…

The Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model, a Medicare bundled payment program, was found to be associated with increased rates of home discharge for Hispanic patients compared to white patients. The study analyzed data from over 300,000 total joint arthroplasties performed between 2014 and 2017 in California. The CJR model was linked to higher rates…

The Biden administration has abandoned a proposal to require drug companies to disclose prices and research costs of drugs affecting state Medicaid programs. This decision came after pressure from pharmaceutical companies and lobbying groups who threatened to sue if the government proceeded. This move showcases the administration’s reluctance to challenge the powerful drug industry, especially…

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a fivefold increase in whooping cough cases in the US this year compared to last year. As of September 14, there have been 14,569 confirmed cases, significantly higher than the 2,475 cases in 2023. The CDC has raised concerns about this rising trend and recommends vaccination…

A federal court in California ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency must address concerns about potential health risks posed by recommended levels of fluoride in the country’s drinking water. Despite not concluding with certainty that fluoridated water is harmful, evidence of potential risks is significant enough for action. Studies show fluoride may lower IQ in…

A study published in BMC Medicine found that a brief behavioral intervention significantly reduced intrusive memory frequency and PTSD-related symptoms in healthcare workers exposed to trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention involved a game to prevent intrusive memories by targeting visual aspects of trauma-associated memories causing intrusion. Participants in the intervention group reported fewer…

Older age, male sex, and seropositivity are risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis– interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern, while only seropositivity is associated with RA-ILD with a nonspecific interstitial pneumonia pattern (NSIP). A study analyzed data from two cohorts to identify these risk factors in different RA-ILD subtypes, including RA-UIP…

Long-term exposure to air pollutants, such as fine particles and nitrogen oxides, can have lasting effects on the brain, according to a recent study led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. The study, which involved 4,000 participants followed since birth, found that higher exposure to these pollutants during pregnancy and childhood led to changes…

Hospitals must balance the use of data analytics to improve patient care and business growth with the need to comply with HIPAA regulations. Using data-driven insights can enhance patient experiences and operational efficiency, but mismanagement of data can lead to violations and costly mistakes. Responsible data procurement and handling, including anonymizing data and collaborating with…

The health service in Ireland is struggling to cope with rising costs, causing financial insecurity for rural doctors and leading to an exodus of young Irish-trained doctors to countries like Australia. The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (FEMPI) cuts have had a detrimental impact on rural practice, leading to difficulties in finding locums…

West Cancer Center and Research Institute and Proto Hologram have introduced holographic doctor-patient visits for oncology patients, allowing remote consultations with specialized oncologists. This technology aims to improve healthcare access, particularly for rural communities where patients may struggle to travel for care. The 3D image projection creates a lifelike experience for patients, enhancing communication and…

In the Montana Senate race, Senator Jon Tester accused his Republican challenger Tim Sheehy of supporting a no-exceptions ban on abortion in a Facebook ad. Sheehy has actually voiced support for exceptions like rape, incest, and saving the life of the mother. While Sheehy has stated he supports letting states decide abortion regulations, the ad…

A first-in-human trial of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy in men with advanced prostate cancer showed promising results with minimal adverse effects. Researchers at City of Hope treated 14 men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer using CAR T-cell therapy targeting prostate stem-cell antigen. While four patients experienced reductions in PSA levels, the therapy showed limited…

Congress passed a temporary spending bill to fund the government past September 30, but they have largely ignored the expiration of the Older Americans Act (OAA), which provides crucial services to older adults. Reauthorization of the OAA has stalled, putting funding for services at risk. Older adults, particularly those with disabilities, are at increased risk…

Cancer Research UK has called for a long-term strategy to tackle delays in cancer treatment in England, where over 301,000 people are projected to begin treatment later than they should over the next five years. The charity warns that urgent suspected cancer referrals are expected to reach 17.2 million in the next five years, with…

A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital found that a “weekend warrior” pattern of exercise, where moderate-to-vigorous exercise is concentrated into one or two days a week, is associated with a lower risk of developing over 200 future diseases. This pattern of exercise is just as effective at reducing risk as more evenly distributed exercise….

Targeting the first 2,000 days of life can significantly reduce childhood obesity, a global issue with complex solutions. Evidence shows early life factors impact future obesity risk, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies. The review highlights a ‘web of influences’ from biological, sociocultural, environmental, and individual factors. Traditional interventions targeting behaviors in isolation have been…

A retrospective study conducted across 33 US hospitals found that emapalumab-containing regimens stabilized key laboratory parameters and resulted in a high 12-month survival probability in patients with rheumatologic disease–associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). The study included 15 patients with a median age of 5 years, primarily with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis or adult-onset Still’s disease. Patients…

A higher Body Roundness Index (BRI) over time may be a better predictor of cardiovascular disease risk than Body Mass Index (BMI). A recent study of middle-aged and older Chinese adults found that individuals with a moderate-stable or high-stable BRI level had a significantly higher risk of developing heart conditions compared to those with low-stable…

Biotech companies developing novel molecules need significant funding, but it’s becoming harder to raise money. Venture capitalists are being more selective, focusing on companies with strong clinical data, large market potential, and experienced teams. The days of easy money and IPOs based on stories are gone, leading to collaboration with big pharma for not just…

The GP Trainee programme in Ireland is successful but could be better organized to support trainees and trainers. The program, which expanded to a four-year scheme in 2002, includes research as an integral part of training. However, there are concerns about the rushed timeline and lack of support for trainee research projects. Collaboration with University…

SONIFI Health has partnered with NESA to integrate virtual care technology into its interactive TV system, aiming to improve patient care and engagement. NESA’s AI-powered technology is integrated into Epic’s virtual care platform, allowing for EHR-based virtual care sessions on patient room TVs. The partnership will streamline tasks for nurses, such as admissions, rounding, and…

Sara McGinnis experienced a fatal stroke due to eclampsia during her second pregnancy, highlighting the dangers of high blood pressure in expecting mothers. Recent studies show the rates of maternal high blood pressure have doubled since 2007, leading to an increase in maternal mortality. Black and Indigenous people are at higher risk. Effective monitoring and…

The phase 3 ROCKET HORIZON trial showed promising results for rocatinlimab, an investigational therapy for atopic dermatitis that targets inflammation. The study achieved its co-primary endpoints with significant improvement in signs and symptoms of the disease compared to a placebo. The therapy targets the OX40 receptor, a key driver of inflammation in atopic dermatitis. The…

Pfizer is globally removing the sickle cell disease treatment pill, Oxbryta, due to high risks of severe safety events, including deaths. The decision comes after Pfizer acquired the maker, Global Blood Therapeutics, in 2022 for $5.4 billion. The drug was initially approved in 2019 as a new way to treat the inherited blood disorder. Pfizer…

The government has announced that hospitals in areas with high rates of economic inactivity due to ill health will be prioritized for expanding the High Intensity Theatre (HIT) model to reduce waiting lists for surgery. The HIT model, pioneered by Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital in London, will be implemented in 20 hospitals in these…

A study led by Dr. Susanna Savukoski from Finland found that women diagnosed with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) are at a higher risk of severe autoimmune conditions, such as type I diabetes, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease, compared to the general population. The research, published in Human Reproduction, followed nearly 20,000 women and found that…

A new artificial intelligence tool called TxGNN has been developed to identify drug candidates for rare and undiagnosed diseases, of which there are over 7,000 globally. This tool aims to close the treatment gap for these conditions by repurposing existing drugs, offering hope for millions of people worldwide. TxGNN has identified drug candidates for over…

A new study compared MRI-targeted biopsy to systematic biopsy for prostate cancer screening. The study found that MRI-targeted biopsy reduced overdiagnosis of low-grade cancer by more than half, leading to fewer unnecessary biopsies and diagnoses of insignificant disease. However, there was a slight delay in diagnosing higher-risk disease with the MRI-targeted approach. The results suggest…

Medicine balls are versatile tools for improving overall fitness, strength, coordination, and endurance, suitable for various fitness routines. Available in a wide range of weights, lighter balls focus on speed and agility, while heavier balls target muscle strength and power. These balls are beneficial for enhancing strength and power for athletic performance, boosting core stability,…

Employer healthcare costs are projected to rise by 9% next year, primarily due to expensive pharmacy expenses like GLP-1s. Physicians are likely to start prescribing GLP-1s for more indications apart from weight loss, potentially leading to coverage for conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and sleep apnea. Employers are encouraged to analyze…

Dr. Naomi Smith, a GP and member of Hyperemesis Ireland, thanks the IMT website for publishing an article on the drug Cariban being available on the DPS/GMS. She addresses inaccuracies in a statement made by a GP quoted in the article, clarifying that Cariban has always been available for GPs to prescribe but patients had…

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist into adulthood, affecting various aspects of life. Symptoms in adults include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Challenges can arise in work, relationships, and mental health. Support for adults with ADHD involves education, encouraging professional help, implementing structure and routine, promoting healthy lifestyle habits, and enhancing communication skills. Understanding…

Health technology company PicnicHealth has launched a virtual clinic and virtual site to enhance care management and observational research. The virtual clinic allows patients access to a universal patient record system and clinician-guided support, while the virtual site offers life sciences organizations new data collection methods for observational research. The company’s AI technology helps evaluate…

The “Silence in Sikeston” project explores the impact of a 1942 lynching and a 2020 police shooting on a rural Missouri community. The project includes a documentary film, educational videos, digital articles, and a limited-series podcast discussing the toll of racism on health. Through conversations with witnesses and scholars, the project highlights the physical, mental,…

A cohort study found that changes in body composition are correlated with fluctuations in bone mineral density in adults with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. The study included 46 participants and showed reductions in renal function and lean body mass over 2.8 years. The researchers emphasized the importance of monitoring bone mineral density status in these…