A new laser system called focal point technology has been shown to deliver high levels of energy to the skin while avoiding common sequelae such as hyperpigmentation. This technology allows for precise depth control, simultaneous imaging, and rapid scanning over large areas of skin. A study conducted by Dieter Manstein, MD, PhD, and colleagues found…
Two biotech companies, Exact Sciences and Guardant Health, engaged in a heated public rivalry on social media over the development of new colon cancer screening tests. Guardant Health’s co-CEO challenged Exact Sciences’ CEO to a $1M bet on the accuracy of Exact’s data on their blood-based colon cancer test. The challenge was made prior to…
Alison Brind, a consultant hepatologist, self-published a book titled “I Never Stop” before her death, discussing her numerous sporting achievements. Her mantra, “I never stop,” reflected her relentless attitude towards life. Brind was dedicated to her work at Royal Stoke University Hospital and was known for her long-distance runs. She was the first liver specialist…
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine conducted a study analyzing the visible signs of concussion in professional slap fighting competitions. The research, published in JAMA Surgery, found that over half of the slap sequences resulted in visible signs of concussion, indicating potential risks to participants’ neurological health. The study aims to raise awareness about…
Researchers at Macquarie University have identified how oral cancer cells may evade the immune system, potentially leading to better treatments for the disease. The study, published in the Journal of Oral Biosciences, focused on protein interactions that prevent immune cells from attacking oral cancer cells. The research highlighted the role of a protein called STAT3…
A study found that e-cigarette users and smokers had higher levels of Staphylococcus aureus in their respiratory microbiome compared to nonsmokers, with differences in microbial diversity based on sex. Lactobacillus iners, usually seen as protective, was more prevalent in smokers and less prevalent in e-cigarette users. The study identified changes in the nasal microbiome due…
A recent study suggests that consuming three cups of coffee daily can significantly reduce the risk of cardiometabolic multimorbidity, which refers to having multiple cardiometabolic diseases. This research found that individuals with this condition face a much higher risk of death from all causes. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism,…
A report by Bain & Company and KLAS Research found that 75% of healthcare providers and payers in the U.S. have increased IT spending in the past year. The trend is expected to continue, with a focus on technology like AI and cybersecurity. The report also highlighted an increase in AI adoption by providers for…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is looking for a Consultant Medical Microbiologist at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary for the position is between £94,127 and £126,907 per annum. The closing date for applications is Friday 11 October 2024 at 3.30pm. A waiting list may be established for future vacancies. Applicants must…
Crohn’s Colitis Cure has opened its database to researchers worldwide and is developing a mobile app for individuals with inflammatory bowel disease. The app will offer personalized care plans based on real-time patient-reported and clinical data. It aims to differentiate itself from existing apps by linking patient data with clinical information for a holistic care…
Tennessee officials are negotiating with Ballad Health, a monopoly in northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, to hold the company more accountable for its quality of care. Despite consistently falling short of goals, Ballad has continued to receive high grades from Tennessee. Changes in the negotiation aim to increase the importance of hospital performance in grading…
Minimally invasive hallux valgus correction surgery may result in bony union with three cortices present on X-rays at 6 months, according to a study presented at the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting. The study included 72 patients who underwent the surgery and found that most patients achieved full union at 6 months….
The FDA approved Novartis’ Kisqali in combination with hormone therapy for certain early-stage breast cancers, expanding patient access to the drug. Kisqali targets proteins CDK4 and 6, which can promote cancer cell growth. This approval allows patients without positive lymph nodes to receive CDK4/6 inhibitors, offering a new treatment option. Kisqali, taken for three years…
Edoardo Cervoni, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Grange Surgery in Southport, UK, discusses the economic and health impacts of high-risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. He specifically focuses on the effects of NSAIDs on muscle and connective tissue repair, which is relevant to a study conducted by Camacho and colleagues. NSAIDs are commonly…
Edoardo Cervoni, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at Grange Surgery in Southport, UK, emphasizes the economic and health implications of high-risk non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, as shown in a study by Camacho and colleagues. He notes the effects of NSAIDs on muscle and connective tissue repair, an important aspect related to the study….
A systematic review of studies on the potential risks to offspring of would-be dads taking epilepsy medications, specifically valproate, found no major concerns. The evidence is limited and inconsistent, but most studies indicate no increased risk. While the UK’s MHRA has taken a cautious stance, the European EMA’s findings of a potential increased risk of…
Wayne State University has received a $3,082,404 grant from the National Institutes of Health to fund research on the effects of environmental factors on male fertility. Led by Richard Pilsner and Susan Sumner, the study will focus on identifying biomarkers in seminal plasma, specifically looking at the impact of phthalates, a common environmental toxin. The…
Electronic health record (EHR) nudges were found to improve documentation and patient-centeredness in primary care settings, based on a review of 54 randomized clinical trials. The studies showed positive associations between EHR nudges and descriptive measures as well as patient-centeredness measures like counseling rates. However, the impact on other healthcare quality measures and patient outcomes…
Researchers have discovered a new method to assess the severity of eating disorders by monitoring electrolyte abnormalities. A recent study found that individuals with eating disorders have a higher risk of death due to imbalances in essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium. The study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, involved 6,000 participants from Ontario,…
Advancements in healthcare technology face obstacles such as limited budgets and competition, but integrating clinical and product teams is crucial for success. Clinicians prioritize scientific rigor and patient safety, while product teams operate with agile flexibility. Strategies for integration include involving clinicians early, setting clear expectations, using data analytics for decision-making, simplifying communication, planning outcome-driven…
Data from the Department of Health showed that patient length of stay increased at the majority of public hospitals in Ireland in 2023 compared to 2019. Beaumont Hospital had the longest average stay of 8.6 days, with other hospitals also seeing increases. St James’s Hospital had an average stay of 7.8 days, while Connolly Hospital…
Cardio Intelligence, a startup in Japan, is addressing the issue of undetected atrial fibrillation, a leading risk factor for strokes. Their innovative AI technology, SmartRobin AI, provides clinicians with quick and simple insights from vast amounts of ECG data. The AI system has already been approved for detecting AFib in Japan, boasting high sensitivity and…
The documentary “Silence in Sikeston” by Cara Anthony explores the history of racial violence in Sikeston, Missouri, from the lynching of Cleo Wright in 1942 to the police shooting of Denzel Taylor in 2020. The film delves into the trauma and racism faced by the community, as well as resilience and healing. Despite the attention…
A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine stresses the need for more consistent international data to fully understand myopia and its underlying mechanisms. Data collected in the United States is outdated, with the last national data being from 2004. Myopia prevalence has increased globally, with some regions experiencing rates above 90%….
The Senate failed to pass the Right to IVF Act, which would protect access to in vitro fertilization and require insurance coverage. Republicans, including two who supported the bill, argue it’s a Democratic political ploy. Former President Trump’s recent statement supporting IVF has added to the debate. Republicans struggle to distance themselves from the reproductive…
The Independent Investigation of the NHS in England by Ara Darzi highlights the dire state of the English NHS, attributing blame to factors such as austerity, the 2012 Health and Social Care Act, lack of patient voice, and management structures. NHS leadership has downplayed the severity of the situation, leading to deficits and high waiting…
Researchers at Emory University have demonstrated unprecedented control of SIV replication and viral reservoir decay by combining a stringent infection model with the interruption of antiretroviral therapy. This immune-based approach targeted molecules PD1 and IL-10, known to regulate HIV persistence and immune dysfunction. The study, conducted in rhesus macaques highly characterized for SIV infection, showed…
European researchers have developed a new method for analyzing wastewater data to detect multiple health threats simultaneously. Wastewater monitoring can help identify disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antimicrobial resistance sources. The study analyzed samples from seven wastewater treatment plants in major European cities. The research identifies human, animal, industry, and environmental sources of threats like antimicrobial…
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has nominated Olivér Várhelyi as commissioner for health and animal welfare for the next 5 years, pending approval by the European Parliament. Várhelyi, a controversial figure from Hungary, has faced criticism for his previous role as commissioner for neighbourhood and enlargement. He has limited health experience, leading many…
Telemental health company Brightside Health has expanded its services to include teens aged 13 to 17, offering therapy, psychiatry, substance use disorder services, and a Crisis Care program. The company works with most major insurers and aims to involve caregivers in the treatment process while also giving teens the space to connect with providers. The…
Prevention is the cheapest way to deliver healthcare by ensuring fewer people get sick, reducing the strain on public services. The Minister for Health has used statistics to highlight the lack of productivity in Irish public hospitals, with consultants potentially missing out on 1.5 million outpatient appointments due to inadequate infrastructure. The drop in productivity…
The FDA has approved the drug ANKTIVA to be used with the existing immunotherapy drug BCG for nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer. This new treatment reduces the need for bladder removal surgery and has shown promising results in clinical trials. Patients who received ANKTIVA plus BCG had high rates of tumor disappearance and survival, with minimal side…
ARS Pharmaceuticals has submitted a supplemental new drug application to the FDA for neffy 1 mg, aiming to treat type 1 allergic reactions in children weighing between 33 lb and 66 lb. Neffy is an epinephrine nasal spray that eliminates the need for needles, reducing fear and accidental needle-related injuries. The ease of use, small…
Sign up for a biotech newsletter to stay informed on the latest science and politics driving the industry. Keytruda celebrates ten years of success in cancer treatment, sparking debate on declaring patients cured. The psychedelics industry is growing with key players shaping the field for potential mental health treatments. Pfizer is exploring Medicare’s plan for…
Diana Dovgy, a medical student at the University of St Andrews, believes that celebrating extreme study habits, like those of “academic weapons,” can lead to an unhealthy attitude towards learning and success. The pressure to constantly excel and compete with peers can create a toxic environment that hinders collaboration, communication, and overall academic achievement. Medical…
Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on mental health and cognitive function. Stress during adolescence and puberty has been linked to memory deficits and higher stress levels in adulthood. Researchers at Ibn Tofail University in Morocco found that propolis derived from a cactus-like plant native to Morocco improved cognitive function in male rats experiencing chronic…
A woman’s ovaries age and deteriorate over time, leading to menopause at around age 51. A study in mice has found a way to improve ovarian function and prolong the “healthspan” of the ovaries, maintaining hormone production and preventing age-related changes. The drug Pirfenidone was used in the study, showing potential benefits but with side…
Adding pembrolizumab to standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy significantly improves overall survival in patients with high-risk, locally advanced cervical cancer. In a phase 3 trial presented at ESMO, the trial showed a statistically significant improvement in overall survival with pembrolizumab plus CCRT vs placebo. The trial included 1060 patients with high-risk cervical cancer, and the safety profile…
The U.S. FDA has approved Eli Lilly’s new eczema drug, Lebrikizumab branded as Ebglyss, for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease that causes dry, itchy patches. The drug showed significant improvement in clinical trials, providing relief in as little as two weeks. It is recommended for adults and children over 12…
Wearable technology has become smaller and more comfortable, but it may have limitations in terms of data collection and performance. Bloomer Tech, a Boston-based startup, has developed a wearable electrocardiogram device designed to look and feel like a bra. The company aims to improve heart disease treatment and prevention among women, who often receive diagnoses…
Dr. Ray O’Connor reviews the latest clinical papers on cardiology and heart disease, focusing on key topics such as heart disease and stroke statistics, cardiovascular risk factors, and hypertension. The American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” document provides comprehensive data on heart disease and stroke in the USA and globally. Studies show a decline in…
Apple has received FDA clearance for new features in its Watch Series 10 and AirPods Pro headphones. The Watch Series 10 includes a sleep apnea feature that measures breathing disturbances to determine if the wearer has moderate to severe sleep apnea. The AirPods Pro headphones include over-the-counter hearing aid software that automatically adjusts to users’…
Pooja Mehta’s brother, Raj, died by suicide in March 2020, leaving her feeling blindsided despite her training in mental health first aid. The national suicide prevention strategies have not been successful in reducing suicide rates, with an increase in suicides in recent years. Lack of funding, adoption, and implementation of these strategies, as well as…
The long-term extension study found that intravenous golimumab for polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis maintained a durable clinical response through 116 weeks. The drug’s pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity were consistent up to 244 weeks. The study, published in The Journal of Rheumatology, showed that golimumab generally reduced symptoms and was well-tolerated in patients with JIA. The researchers…
In 2022, Medtronic recalled over 85,000 implantable defibrillators due to a technical malfunction that could prevent them from delivering the necessary high-voltage shock to reset the heart’s rhythm. A study by researchers from Harvard, Yale, and the University of California San Francisco analyzed FDA documents over a decade and found that only 30 out of…
In assisted reproductive technology, the timing of embryo transfer after oocyte retrieval and in vitro fertilisation is crucial. While traditionally embryos have been transferred at the cleavage stage, transferring them at the blastocyst stage is becoming more common. A study by Cornelisse and colleagues compared outcomes of embryo transfers on day 3 or day 5,…
A study conducted by Northwestern Medicine in mice has discovered a way to improve ovarian health as women age, preventing age-related changes in ovarian function. The research focuses on increasing the “healthspan” of the ovaries, prolonging the time they remain healthy. Treatment with an anti-fibrotic drug called Pirfenidone improved ovarian function in mice, leading to…
A new research paper published in Aging focused on identifying master regulators of rejuvenation strategies using network biology. Current rejuvenation methods only improve specific cellular processes, with underlying molecular mechanisms largely unknown. Researchers from CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, LCSB, and Ikerbasque developed SINGULAR, a cell rejuvenation atlas providing a comprehensive analysis of different strategies across multiple organs…
Researchers have developed a blood test for ALS that, when used alongside standard clinical evaluations, can accurately and rapidly diagnose the disease. The test can distinguish ALS from other neurologic conditions with nearly 100% accuracy. The unique fingerprint of microRNA taken from a standard blood draw accurately identifies ALS patients at early stages. This blood…
Kinesiology tape, also known as KT tape, is a popular tool for athletes, physical therapists, and fitness enthusiasts. It provides support without restricting movement by mimicking the elasticity of human skin. Kinesiology tape, based on the concept of promoting proper alignment and movement of muscles and joints, can reduce pain, improve blood flow, and enhance…