New research suggests that people taking semaglutide medications like Ozempic for diabetes may have a reduced risk of drug overdose. Prescriptions for semaglutide were associated with lower overdose rates in patients with type 2 diabetes and opioid use disorder. While more research is needed to confirm the link between GLP-1 drugs and overdose prevention, the…
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that more teenagers are exhibiting signs of problematic social media use since the COVID-19 pandemic, which raises concerns about long-term health outcomes. The WHO Regional Office for Europe noted that digital literacy education is lacking in many countries and called for increased investment in mental health services and…
Researchers have developed a stretchable, biodegradable, and self-healing electronic tree with multifunctional sensing capabilities, intended for use as a medical sensing patch. The patch is designed to remotely monitor patient characteristics such as body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. It combines bendable materials for the base and conduction layers, with the ability to detect…
The article in Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B discusses how a molecular glue called LXH-3-71 triggers the degradation of PHGDH by enhancing the interaction between DDB1 and PHGDH, affecting cancer stem cells. Targeting cancer stem cells has become important in cancer therapy, with PHGDH playing a significant role. LXH-3-71 was found to induce degradation of PHGDH…
A new study found that individuals with treatment-resistant major depression (TRD) have a 17% higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those with non-TRD major depressive disorder (MDD). The increased mortality risk was largely due to suicide and accidental overdose, which were nearly twice as high in those with TRD who did not improve after…
New research suggests that getting the flu shot during pregnancy can reduce the risk of seizures in your child. Influenza infection during pregnancy can weaken the immune system, causing serious issues for the baby, such as stillbirth or birth defects. A study found that children whose mothers had the flu during pregnancy had a 9%…
Microbiome profiling startup Jona has improved its user interface less than a year after its launch based on user feedback. CEO Leo Grady believes incorporating user feedback is essential for success. Jona analyzes gut microbiome to provide personalized health insights, educating users about associations with conditions and recommending next steps. The new interface focuses on…
The letter praises Eoin O’Brien’s memoir, highlighting his global impact on clinical science, specifically in the field of hypertension. The writer, Kieran Murphy, emphasizes O’Brien’s role as a Clinician Scientist and praises his training of over 1,000 interns and interaction with thousands of medical students. O’Brien’s scientific publications have been cited over 86,364 times, with…
Looking for relief from stress and anxiety caused by the fast-paced world we live in? Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has shown to be an effective treatment for mental health issues like stress and anxiety. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing for increased oxygen flow to the brain, reduced inflammation, balanced neurotransmitters,…
Healthcare company Centivo has secured $75 million in funding to expand its mission of providing affordable, high-quality healthcare. The funding will help strengthen and scale its product offerings and establish alliances with health systems to save money and improve patient outcomes. Centivo plans to reduce annual employee out-of-pocket costs by almost $1,200 by implementing a…
A new law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in California will prevent medical debt from appearing on credit reports, protecting consumers from the negative impact of unaffordable medical bills. This law, supported by Sen. Monique Limón and Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta, will block health care providers and collection agencies from sharing medical debt with…
The study published in CNS Drugs evaluated the safety profile of TV-46000, a long-acting risperidone injection, for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. The study found that rates of adverse events were similar in both dosing groups, adding to the consistent and favorable safety profile of TV-46000. The SHINE study, conducted by Christoph Correll and…
Amgen announced successful late-stage trials for two antibody drugs targeting immune-mediated diseases, but they did not clearly outperform existing competitors. In trials for eczema and myasthenia gravis, the drug rocatinlimab showed effectiveness in reducing skin lesions and overall disease severity. It outperformed a placebo in reducing outbreaks of red, itchy lesions, with 32.8% of patients…
Fangyue Chen and Tricia Tay from Imperial College London discuss the importance of shifting focus towards prevention in order to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They highlight the need for improved sanitation, water infrastructure, and access to healthcare to prevent infections and the misuse of antibiotics. This approach can help reduce the spread of AMR and…
Women in the UK and globally are not receiving adequate treatment for cardiovascular disease, their number one killer, despite advancements in medical management. They are underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in clinical trials. The consensus statement calls for dedicated women’s heart champions, heart hubs, and a women’s health strategy to prevent unnecessary deaths from preventable diseases….
New research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in sexual behavior in the U.S., with fewer sexual partners and decreased frequency of sexual activity, especially among non-married women. The study utilized data from the General Social Survey (GSS) to assess these changes, revealing shifts in dating practices and sexual behavior. The results showed…
Digital pathology assisted by AI has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis and treatment of fibrotic liver disease. While not yet approved for routine clinical use, AI technology can provide more precise and quantitative analysis compared to traditional methods. AI tools can offer a more accurate assessment of fibrosis severity, enabling earlier detection and better…
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that can cause dental problems and jaw pain. Mouth guards are an effective solution to manage bruxism, preventing teeth damage and improving sleep quality. They are recommended for individuals experiencing teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or related discomfort. There are various types of mouth guards available,…
Priority Health has partnered with Carrot Fertility to offer reproductive health support to its members starting on January 1. This partnership will provide access to fertility, family-building, and hormonal health benefits for fully-insured and self-insured employer groups. Carrot Fertility offers two design solutions, Carrot Core and Carrot Pro, that include support for various journeys such…
Samuel Beckett is considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century due to his compassion and philosophy on life, birth, death, and existence. Beckett’s compassion for the human condition is evident in his work, which often includes elements of suffering and humor. His experiences during wartime, particularly in Saint-Lô, influenced his writing and…
Some women can experience postpartum depression (PPD) after giving birth, leading to feelings of sadness and anxiety. Medications like Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, and Brexanolone are commonly prescribed to treat PPD. TCAs work by influencing neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. SSRIs primarily target serotonin levels, while SNRIs affect…
Wider Circle has partnered with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Community Health Plan Maryland to increase member engagement and improve health outcomes by promoting community bonds. The company’s peer-to-peer programs, overseen by community leaders, aim to connect beneficiaries eligible for Medicare and Medicaid with preventive care education and routine engagement with healthcare providers. The partnership aligns with…
Georgia, like many states, requires health-care facilities to obtain certificates of need before building or expanding. Supporters argue that this system reduces duplication of services and helps control healthcare costs. However, researchers say that CON laws do not achieve their goals of increasing access and quality while lowering costs. Some believe that powerful healthcare interests…
New therapies for muscular dystrophy, including cell-based therapies and enzyme inhibitors, are being developed to treat both ambulatory and non-ambulatory forms of the condition. Current treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy are limited to corticosteroid agents, but new drugs like givinostat show promise in improving muscle regeneration. Clinical trials are ongoing for various novel therapeutics, including…
The city of Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against Biogen, accusing the pharmaceutical company of engaging in an “unlawful” scheme with pharmacy benefit managers to block generic competition for their multiple sclerosis treatment, Tecfidera. Biogen’s plan to introduce a new version of the drug called Vumerity was thwarted when its patents were declared invalid during…
The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) recently conducted a survey on physician associates (PAs) in general practice and received feedback on their roles and supervision. The college initially proposed guidelines for working with PAs, which caused controversy as some felt that PAs were not working safely. After a council meeting, the RCGP voted that…
A study led by the University of York and Kidscape revealed the devastating impact of chronic bullying on children and their families. Children experienced trauma symptoms, with some attempting suicide or self-harming. Families faced financial and emotional struggles, and parents often had to take time off work to care for their children. The study also…
Researchers at EMBL Heidelberg have found that medications can impact gut bacteria differently when they are part of a community versus when they are isolated. This discovery was made through a study that looked at how 30 different drugs affect 32 bacterial species representative of the human gut microbiome. The researchers found that bacteria in…
Patients with breast cancer carrying TP53 pathogenic variants have an 8.8% risk of developing sarcoma within 15 years of radiotherapy. The risk of developing any secondary cancer within 10 years was high in TP53 carriers regardless of radiotherapy. A study evaluated 91 patients with TP53 variants, finding 8.8% developed in-field sarcoma after radiotherapy. The risk…
Blood lancets are essential tools for individuals managing diabetes or needing to check their blood sugar levels regularly. They come in various types like standard, adjustable depth, automatic, safety, multi-use, micro, and capillary, offering different features to suit specific needs and preferences. Considerations when choosing lancets include needle size, safety mechanisms, ease of use, sterility,…
Vertex Pharmaceuticals has made significant progress in treating cystic fibrosis, with a portfolio of drugs and drug combinations that can now treat 90% of patients. The company is also focusing on diversifying its pipeline to include therapies for other diseases, such as pain and type 1 diabetes. Vertex is developing non-opioid drugs for pain treatment,…
The Professional Association for Trans Health Ireland (PATHI) was launched by a group of healthcare professionals, academics, and advocates at the TransCare conference in University College Cork. The organization aims to foster accessible healthcare for trans and gender diverse people in Ireland. PATHs exist globally to advance the health of TGD individuals, with organizations such…
The National Health Service in the United Kingdom has launched a medical drone delivery service in partnership with Apian and Wing to transport blood samples between hospitals. The service aims to provide quicker analysis and decision-making for healthcare workers. The drones operate within strict regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure safe operations…
Senator JD Vance claimed on “Meet the Press” that former President Donald Trump chose to build upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA) instead of destroying it. However, this statement is false as the Trump administration took steps to undermine the ACA by cutting funding, supporting efforts to overturn it, and expanding access to non-compliant health…
The content highlights the importance of the link between oral health and systemic conditions, particularly respiratory diseases. It emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists and medical doctors to educate patients about the impact of oral health on overall physical wellness. Periodontal treatment can improve lung function and reduce inflammation in various bodily systems…
Biomedicines, a Flagship Pioneering company, has partnered with Novartis to use artificial intelligence to develop new medicines for various diseases. The deal includes milestone payments totaling over $1 billion and royalties. Novartis is paying Generate $65 million upfront, including an investment in the company. Previous investors include NVIDIA and Amgen. Novartis believes in the potential…
Mazin Mirza, born in 1992 in Leicester, pursued a career as a physician. He studied medical genetics at the University of Leicester and graduated with first class honors, winning the student prize. He then attended Hull York Medical School in 2015 and graduated in 2020 during the covid-19 pandemic. Mazin took on a role as…
A study led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital found that individuals with damage to the amygdala, the fear center of the brain, were less likely to develop PTSD. The researchers evaluated veterans with penetrating traumatic brain injuries and identified a specific brain circuit that could be a therapeutic target for PTSD treatment using transcranial magnetic…
New research has found connections between gut microbiome and autoimmune diseases like lupus and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), uncovering potential biomarkers and treatment options. The study published in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases identified specific microbial profiles linked to these illnesses, highlighting shared processes and distinct biomarkers. Researchers collected fecal samples from patients with systemic lupus…
A US study published in JAMA Network Open found that women are less likely than men to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) after open heart surgery. However, if women do experience postoperative AF, they face a higher long-term risk for mortality. The study analyzed over 21,000 patients who underwent heart surgery and found that women had…
Enterovirus D68, a virus causing respiratory illness, is increasing in cases according to recent wastewater analysis. It affects both children and adults, with children at higher risk of complications like severe breathing problems and acute flaccid myelitis. Symptoms range from mild cold-like signs to paralysis. The virus spreads through respiratory secretions and contact with infected…
North Carolina officials, led by Gov. Roy Cooper, took on the state’s medical debt problem by negotiating with hospitals to relieve patient debt in exchange for public funding tied to Medicaid expansion. Hospitals initially opposed the plan but eventually agreed after federal approval, wiping out billions in patient debt and adopting new standards to prevent…
The digital era has brought innovation to mental health care due to the increasing prevalence of issues like depression and anxiety. AI-driven mental health apps analyze vast datasets to personalize treatment plans and offer support. Chatbots provide a judgment-free zone for expressing feelings, evaluating conditions with accuracy, and tracking progress over time. These apps address…
The Florida Health Department is spreading misinformation by telling older residents to avoid most booster shots, claiming they are dangerous. This message has been criticized by clinicians and scientists as politically motivated scaremongering. Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, a DeSantis appointee, has been spreading false claims about the efficacy and safety of mRNA-based covid vaccines. Medical…
At Vision Expo West, Nicholas J. Bruns, OD, FAAO, discussed the benefits of the cyclosporine Vevye, which has a newer vehicle that improves penetration and speed. The pivotal trials show that Vevye starts showing success in 2 weeks, faster than previous versions of cyclosporine, with symptom improvement continuing for over 52 weeks. Bruns also recommends…
The Department of Health and Human Services’ federal watchdog has called for increased oversight of remote patient monitoring in Medicare due to the potential for fraud and misuse. The report highlighted the significant increase in the number of Medicare patients using remote monitoring tools like at-home blood pressure cuffs and continuous glucose monitors since 2019….
Julian, born in Penketh, Cheshire, grew up in Liverpool and North Wales. He excelled in school and studied medicine at Edinburgh University. After marrying nurse Edna in 1946, he worked in Wakefield before studying psychological medicine at Leeds University. During national service at Royal Victoria hospital, he encountered patients with what would now be considered…
A recent review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a magnesium sulfate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug is inexpensive and recommended by the World Health Organization but is not consistently available worldwide. Implementation of this intervention has been successful in England, resulting in fewer cases of…
Researchers conducted a study to assess the effectiveness of risk stratification tools in helping general practitioners evaluate chest pain and rule out acute coronary syndrome. The study included a systematic review of 14 studies involving adult patients with chest pain in primary care settings. Clinical decision rules without troponin showed some improvement in safety, but…
A retrospective study showed that pegcetacoplan, a complement inhibitor, may benefit patients with geographic atrophy (GA) from age-related macular degeneration. Treatment slowed the growth rate of GA lesions by 41% in comparison to clinical trials. Symptomatic patients with progressive vision loss derived the most benefit. Managing patient expectations and avoiding complications is crucial, as patients…