Medical Technology

In 2013, at age 25, Elizabeth Pfiester founded T1International to address the global insulin price crisis as a type 1 diabetes patient. Over the years, the organization has successfully influenced insulin manufacturers to lower prices and advocated for policy changes. Pfiester emphasizes the need for patients to lead the fight against Big Pharma, rather than…

Peter Cole, an anaesthetist at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, was not content with just a conventional hospital consultant role. He was driven by intellectual curiosity and sought to push scientific boundaries. Cole embarked on a long academic career alongside his clinical work, establishing an innovative research laboratory despite limited funding. His research covered various…

A study found that among military children born between 2010 and 2019, there has been improvement in vaccine completion and timeliness, with 74.4% completing the recommended seven-vaccine series. However, children born to younger parents and those with changes in well-child care locations were at higher risk for noncompletion. Completion rates were lowest for certain vaccines….

Nagi Bioscience has launched a Priority Access Program for its SydLab™ One platform, offering exclusive access to five top academic laboratories. The platform revolutionizes C. elegans experimentation by automating processes with microfluidics, robotics, optics, and AI. The participating labs will use SydLab™ One for high-throughput experiments in areas like oncology and neurodegenerative diseases. CEO Matteo…

A systematic review found that long-term use of muscle relaxants can benefit patients with painful spasms, cramps, and neck pain, but not for low back pain, fibromyalgia, or headaches. Certain muscle relaxants like Baclofen, orphenadrine, carisoprodol, and methocarbamol were effective in reducing pain intensity and improving cramp frequency, while others like tizanidine showed benefits for…

A recent study revealed that diabetes drugs called SGLT2 inhibitors may reduce the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease. The study involved 358,862 participants in South Korea who started diabetes medication between 2014 and 2019. Researchers found that those taking SGLT2 inhibitors had a 20% reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease, a 20% reduced risk of…

Healthcare leaders are increasing spending on cybersecurity in response to rising cyberattacks, recognizing the need for improved defense posture. During a panel discussion, it was emphasized that building a culture of cybersecurity awareness among all employees is crucial. Basic cybersecurity training for all staff is essential, as well as ensuring that new technologies are developed…

An analysis of productivity data shows significant differences in the average number of outpatient appointments carried out by hospital consultants in different regions across the country. Consultants in the Dublin and South-East region saw more appointments than those in the Dublin and Midlands region. Nationally, there were fewer outpatient appointments per full-time consultant in 2023…

Neuralink, Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface implant startup, has received FDA breakthrough device designation for Blindsight, a device that aims to restore vision in blind individuals by implanting a microelectrode array in the visual cortex. The device activates neurons to provide visual images, enabling even the blind from birth to see. This technology is part of…

Planned Parenthood Great Plains opened a new clinic in Pittsburg, Kansas, to accommodate patients from states with abortion restrictions. The number of abortions in the US increased last year, with many people traveling out of state for care. Telehealth and medication abortions have also made access easier. Abortion opponents have seen a drop in states…

At a Vision Expo West panel discussion, optician Jennifer Seymour Brusven emphasized the importance of teamwork among eye care practice staff to support patients starting contact lens wear. Brusven highlighted the significance of providing patients with comprehensive care from the moment they walk in until they leave, stressing that every team member plays a crucial…

Former investor darling Ginkgo Bioworks is facing layoffs and plummeting share prices, prompting the company to launch new services in artificial intelligence for biological research. The company announced a new AI model and a data service for academic researchers and companies to develop their own models. However, experts are skeptical about Ginkgo’s ability to compete…

Father of six from Democratic Republic of the Congo receives treatment for mpox at Goma general hospital. Over 16,000 cases of mpox reported in DRC, with 500 deaths. WHO adds MVA-BN mpox vaccine to prequalification list for UN agencies and low income countries. This will help accelerate procurement of the vaccine for communities affected by…

A new study led by researchers from UCL, King’s College London, and the University of Leeds found that fussy eating is mainly influenced by genes and is a stable trait from toddlerhood to early adolescence. The study, published in the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry, analyzed data from twins in England and Wales from…

Researchers discovered a drug called ponsegromab that effectively treats cancer patients suffering from cachexia, a condition involving weight loss and muscle wasting. The drug blocks a hormone called GDF-15, which regulates appetite and body weight. Results from a randomized phase 2 clinical trial with 187 participants showed improvement in many cachexia symptoms with minimal side…

The direct-to-consumer medical testing industry is growing, providing patients with a convenient way to address healthcare concerns. However, companies in this space face challenges such as obtaining funding and FDA clearance. Building clinical trials to secure FDA approvals can be costly and time-consuming. Function Health, for example, had to overcome obstacles in dealing with traditional…

The Mater Private Network in Dublin has achieved a milestone in cardiac care by completing over 1,000 Pulsed Field Ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation patients. The Atrial Fibrillation Institute at Mater Private has become the largest group of EP consultants in Ireland, treating 40% of the country’s AFib patients. Prof Gábor Széplaki, Head of Electrophysiology,…

Healthcare technology company Fabric has acquired virtual care provider TeamHealth VirtualCare to expand its care-enablement capabilities. Fabric uses conversational AI to help patients navigate to the appropriate care settings. The merger aims to improve operational efficiency, clinical capacity, and access for health systems and payers. Fabric’s technology will reduce provider work time, lower call center…

Recent comments from former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers indicate potential health policy pursuits under a second Trump administration, including changes to the Affordable Care Act and repealing Medicare drug price negotiations. Vice President Kamala Harris connected a reported death due to delayed care under a state abortion ban to Trump’s actions on abortion…

The Senate committee approved referring Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre for civil and criminal charges for failing to testify about the hospital chain’s financial crisis. Despite being subpoenaed, de la Torre skipped a hearing last week, prompting the committee to vote unanimously in favor of holding him in contempt of Congress. If…

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found that the number of working age people in England and Wales receiving health related benefits has risen significantly in the past four years, with 3.9 million people receiving benefits in 2023-24 compared to 2.8 million in 2019-20. Nearly every local authority saw an increase in claims, and spending…

A study analyzing millions of patient visits to primary care physicians found that mental health concerns are the second most common reason for seeking care, with one in nine patients presenting with mental health issues. The data, collected from 2006 to 2019 in Norway, revealed that mental health encounters were as prevalent as respiratory and…

A new research perspective published in Aging on September 9, 2024, explores the relationship between lifelong activity and longevity in aging research. Researchers from the University of California, Davis present a framework for analyzing longitudinal activity and behavior, using advanced statistical methods such as functional principal component analysis. The study focuses on Mediterranean fruit flies…

In a study comparing three immunomodulatory agents in patients with severe Behçet disease, adalimumab combined with corticosteroids was more effective in preventing uveitis relapse compared to cyclosporine and interferon alfa-2a. Patients receiving adalimumab had a lower relapse rate and later occurrence of relapse compared to those on cyclosporine or interferon alfa-2a. Adalimumab also had a…

Researchers have found over 3,600 chemicals used in food packaging and processing in human bodies. While harmful substances like PFAS and bisphenol A were expected, many other chemicals detected in the study could also be hazardous. The study highlights widespread human exposure to these chemicals, present in urine, blood, and breast milk. Comparing over 14,000…

Independent physicians are facing a financial crisis as the federal government proposes further cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates. While hospitals see reimbursement rates increase, doctor’s offices are experiencing a significant decrease in reimbursement rates over the years. These cuts could lead to layoffs, reduced hours, and other changes that will impact all patients. Physicians are…

RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a two-year StAR MD Degree program for doctors aiming to enhance their clinical careers through research. The program, which has had 92 candidates since 2016, provides structured support and mentorship for research projects. Participants, such as Dr. Conor Toale and Dr. Lisa Prior, have shared positive experiences…

Venture capital firm General Catalyst announced the formation of the General Catalyst Institute, focused on helping governments adopt new technologies for global resilience. The organization will work with governments to shape public policy to support startups using emerging technologies and educate on transformative technologies. The organization’s top priorities include partnerships with governments for responsible AI…

Proponents of Proposition 35 in California are seeking to create a dedicated stream of funding for healthcare for low-income residents. The campaign has raised $48 million and is supported by various stakeholders. However, a small group of community advocates opposes it, citing concerns about potential funding cuts for vulnerable populations. Governor Gavin Newsom has not…

A study found that patients with ankylosing spondylitis who had an inadequate response to secukinumab at 16 weeks did not see any additional benefit at 52 weeks from an escalated dose. No new safety signals were observed during the study. The study followed up on a previous phase 4 trial, ASLeap, where patients with AS…

In June, a clinical trial showed that a twice-yearly injection was as effective as daily oral medication in preventing HIV. The trial was so successful that researchers were instructed to halt the study and offer the injection to all participants immediately. This development is part of a larger push towards longer-acting HIV medications, which reduce…

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that the weight loss injection Saxenda (liraglutide) effectively reduced BMI in children aged 6-11. The trial, funded by Novo Nordisk, found that 46% of children in the liraglutide group experienced at least a 5% reduction in BMI compared to only 9% in the placebo…

A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control compared hospital room cleanliness using standard disinfectant wipes and wipes with a color additive that shows which surfaces have been sanitized. Rooms cleaned with the color additive were 69.2% cleaner and took slightly less time to clean. The study was conducted at Griffin Hospital in…

Preschool teachers have varying opinions on finger counting in children, with some seeing it as a sign of math struggles while others view it as advanced numerical knowledge. A study explored whether a finger counting strategy can help kindergarten-aged children solve arithmetic problems. Children between ages four and six who use their fingers for math…

Phase 3 trial results showed that adding pembrolizumab to adjuvant chemotherapy did not improve disease-free survival in most patients with high-risk endometrial cancer. However, patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors did benefit significantly from immunotherapy. The study included over 1,000 patients with curative surgery, and those in the dMMR subgroup showed a higher disease-free survival rate…

Researchers have found a link between consuming foods rich in flavonoids and a lower risk of developing dementia, with a 28% reduction in risk. The study involved over 100,000 participants and found that a diet high in flavonoids from foods like tea, red wine, and berries was associated with a decreased risk of dementia, especially…

Healthcare providers are increasing their tech and IT spending, conducting tech pilots to improve clinical and operational success. Rosy Wellness, a women’s health startup, shifted to a provider partner model and demonstrated the value of a holistic approach to healthcare management. DexCare, born out of a large health system, emphasizes solid integration plans for tech…

The weekend discharge rate at 14 of the 26 largest public hospitals in the country decreased from 2019 to 2023. Midlands Regional Hospital had the highest weekend discharge rate at 18%, a decrease from four years ago. Cork University Hospital also had an 18% weekend discharge rate, down slightly from 2019. Our Lady’s Hospital in…

Amino Health and Motive Practicing Wisely Solutions collaborated to launch Amino Motivate, an accountable care organization (ACO) optimization solution that provides data-driven physician performance analytics and consulting services. The goal is to help ACOs improve cost, quality, and relevance of care by identifying areas for enhancement and supporting better patient outcomes. The platform integrates health…

California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering a bill that would regulate pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), middlemen blamed for high prescription drug costs. The proposed law, spearheaded by Senator Scott Wiener, would require PBMs to pass along 100% of drug rebates to health plans and insurers, among other regulations. Proponents believe this would lower costs for…

A study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine found that excessive abdominal fat is associated with chronic pain in multiple sites, especially in women. Researchers analyzed data from the U.K. Biobank and found that higher levels of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were linked to an increased number of chronic…

A House committee has advanced legislation to extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities and a home hospital program adopted during the pandemic. The bills now face a vote by the full House of Representatives. This extension is similar to previous bills proposed in May and sets up negotiations with the Senate to extend the telehealth policies that…

Tom Nolan’s research review in the BMJ corrected a mistake about the classification of drugs semaglutide and liraglutide as GLP-1 receptor antagonists. The correct classification is GLP-1 receptor agonists. The correction was made to the article published on September 12, 2024. Source link

A study by UCL researchers found that over half of heavier drinkers in England would make changes to their drinking habits if calorie labels for alcohol were introduced. Specifically, 54% of hazardous drinkers said they would change their habits if calorie labels were mandatory. The study also found that hazardous drinkers were more likely to…

FIFA and the World Health Organization have launched the Suspect and Protect campaign to raise awareness about the risks of concussion in football. The campaign aims to educate players, coaches, and medical staff about the signs and symptoms of concussion, as well as the importance of safe return-to-play protocols. Endorsed by players and medical experts…

The FDA has approved benralizumab (Fasenra) for the treatment of adults with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). This is the second biologic approved for this rare disease, with the first being mepolizumab (Nucala) in 2017. Benralizumab is a monoclonal antibody targeting eosinophils and has shown positive results in a noninferiority trial compared to mepolizumab. It…

Organon is acquiring Dermavant, a company focused on dermatology, for up to $1.2 billion. Dermavant’s main asset is Vtama, a topical cream for plaque psoriasis that is also being reviewed for atopic dermatitis. Organon aims to expand the drug’s market and boost sales, although current projections have been lowered due to competition. Vtama’s mechanism of…

The General Medical Services Scheme in Dundalk, Co Louth is seeking a General Practitioner with a list size of 705. Interested candidates can contact Fiona Monahan or Olivia Coyne for informal enquiries. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday 4th October 2024. More information on the job and how to apply can be…

Amino Health and Motive Practicing Wisely have introduced Amino Motivate, an accountable care organization (ACO) optimization solution that combines data-driven physician performance analytics with consulting services. The goal is to provide ACOs with detailed insights for improving cost, quality, and relevance of care, enabling them to make informed decisions about resource allocation and care strategies….