Research suggests that reduced heart rate fluctuations, caused by disruptions in the body’s internal clock, can double the risk of death in individuals with diabetes. The study reveals that abnormal variations in daily heart rate are linked to a significantly higher mortality risk in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes over a 21-year…
Joanna Mulvaney, PhD, has a background in developmental biology and has worked in various research areas including cell signaling in cardiogenesis and skeletal myogenesis. She transitioned to science communication and believes in simplifying complex scientific information to make it clear and useful. She completed her PhD at the University of East Anglia before conducting research…
Viome Life Sciences raised $25 million in a Series D round and appointed Kal Raman as the new COO. The company offers total body intelligence tests for personalized food recommendations and supplements, as well as an oral health test. Viome plans to expand its offerings and launch a diagnostic division. With a focus on early…
Following a false alarm of a gunman in two Pittsburgh Catholic schools, the diocese formed its own armed police force led by Wendell Hissrich, a former FBI unit chief. The officers oversee school campuses equipped with safety kits and are trained to de-escalate situations. Gun violence in schools remains a concern, with research showing that…
A study published in Clinical Rheumatology found that blue-collar workers with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have a higher risk of work disability compared to white-collar workers with the same disease. However, the study also found that occupation type did not impact response to PsA treatment. The study included 564 adults with PsA and concluded that physically…
Kevin Hall, a government researcher, made a plea for help at a conference for food scientists, warning about the health impacts of engineered food products. He is leading research on the overeating epidemic caused by such products. Hall is trying to partner with the food industry to investigate the health effects of these foods. His…
Ella Fuller from NHS Providers in England highlights the need for sufficient resources to back the country’s suicide prevention strategy. Despite progress made in the last two decades, recent data shows a concerning rise in suicide rates, with 5656 deaths in England in 2023. The new Labour government has committed to reducing these numbers and…
Researchers at UCL and Birkbeck have developed a wearable brain imaging device that uses harmless light waves to measure brain activity in babies. The technology provides a more complete picture of brain functions like hearing, vision, and cognitive processing outside of a traditional brain scanner. The device found unexpected activity in the prefrontal cortex in…
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified a pathway that can be targeted by drugs to reduce fat accumulation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease using a novel stem cell platform. They found that a common genetic mutation in patients with the disease leads to increased fat accumulation in liver…
A post hoc analysis of the KEYNOTE-671 study presented at the World Conference on Lung Cancer in 2024 revealed that the amount of residual tumor after surgery in early-stage non–small cell lung cancer impacts event-free survival (EFS). Perioperative pembrolizumab was found to be beneficial over placebo in this context. The analysis showed that a greater…
Excess abdominal fat raises the risk of metabolic disorders and chronic pain, particularly in women. A study found a link between visceral fat accumulation and widespread chronic pain in various body areas. The study included 32,409 participants in the UK Biobank study, analyzing data from questionnaires, health assessments, and MRI scans. Results showed a clear…
The Biden-Harris Administration’s final rule for mental health coverage has received mixed reactions from healthcare stakeholders. The rule aims to ensure that mental health benefits are provided on par with physical healthcare, addressing issues with out-of-network care and prior authorizations. President Biden emphasized the importance of mental health care being treated equally to physical health…
The Government has approved a draft legislation banning the sale of disposable vapes, proposed by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. The new laws include restrictions on the sale of nicotine inhaling e-cigarettes, such as a ban on single-use or disposable vapes. There will also be a limit on flavors in nicotine inhaling products to tobacco, with…
Nursing is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires a combination of skills, compassion, and dedication. As healthcare evolves, nurses play a crucial role in providing high-quality patient care. To excel in this field, nurses must master essential skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, time management, emotional intelligence, teamwork, and patient advocacy. Continuous learning…
Google DeepMind has launched AlphaProteo, an AI system that helps researchers design high-strength proteins that bind accurately to target molecules. Trained on the Protein Data Bank, AlphaProteo creates candidate proteins based on the structure of a target molecule and binding locations. It has shown success in designing protein binders for various targets, including those associated…
The rate of uninsured Americans in 2023 remained stable at about 8%, with a slight increase from the previous year. Many people were removed from Medicaid after pandemic-era protections expired, leading to concerns about the impact on insurance coverage. Medicaid enrollment reached its peak before states began disenrolling people. Efforts were made to help those…
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that trainees performing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) had comparable rates of implant failure to fully trained consultants. The study analyzed data from 106,206 primary UKAs performed between 2003 and 2019. The level of supervision during surgeries performed by trainees did not impact the failure rates. The study concluded…
Elevance Health, the parent company of numerous state Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, is acquiring Indiana University Health’s insurance business in a move that would strengthen its presence in key cities in Indiana. The sale reflects a trend of hospital systems divesting their insurance branches, with Baystate Health, ProMedica, and Ascension all selling their health…
The Royal College of Physicians was criticized for showing “organisational bias” and being dysfunctional in handling concerns about physician associates. An independent review by the King’s Fund found a lack of leadership, accountability, and poor behavior within the college, leading to damaged reputations. The review called for a major reset by the RCP, as the…
Excess abdominal fat is associated with widespread chronic pain, especially in women. A study found that reducing fat in the abdomen may help alleviate musculoskeletal pain experienced at multiple body sites. This research, conducted on over 32,000 participants, showed a relationship between the amount of abdominal fat and chronic pain. Women showed a stronger association…
The Census Bureau reported that the percentage of uninsured Americans remained stable at 8% in 2023. This was due to expansions of public programs like the Affordable Care Act. However, millions of Americans were dropped from Medicaid rolls after pandemic protections ended. Enrollment in Medicaid peaked in April 2023 before the “unwinding” process started. Despite…
A study presented at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes Annual Meeting found that finerenone, a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, reduced the incidence of new-onset type 2 diabetes by 25% in patients with heart failure with mildly reduced or preserved ejection fraction. The FINEARTS-HF trial also showed that finerenone reduced worsening heart failure…
Blood glucose test strips are vital for managing diabetes by helping individuals monitor their blood sugar levels accurately. These strips work with a glucose meter to provide precise readings crucial for optimal blood glucose control. They are used primarily for monitoring blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, providing insights into how diet, exercise, and…
The Surgeon General has issued a warning about the stress and mental health challenges of parenting, acknowledging the unique pressures faced by parents in today’s society. Modern challenges such as social media, financial burdens, and constant comparison have exacerbated the stress of raising children. The warning has raised questions about how parents can effectively manage…
Irish scientists have developed a gene therapy treatment for glaucoma, following positive results in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Glaucoma, a vision-threatening condition affecting millions worldwide, has limited treatment options. The new therapy, using an enhanced gene to boost mitochondrial function and reduce damage, showed promising results in animal and human cells. The researchers aim…
Hippocratic AI, a generative AI company, has partnered with Adtalem Global Education to create a curriculum for nurses on the use of AI in healthcare. The curriculum will cover topics such as AI basics, types of AI, generative AI principles, ethical considerations, and future trends in AI and nursing. The program will include courses, lectures,…
In 1942, Mable Cook witnessed the lynching of Cleo Wright in Sikeston, Missouri. Cook was advised by her father to keep quiet about it for her safety, leading to decades of silence in the community. Host Cara Anthony explores the health consequences of racism and violence in the United States through conversations with Cook, historian…
At the European Respiratory Society International Congress, it was announced that a pooled analysis of the BOREAS and NOTUS trials showed that dupilumab was effective and safe in adults with moderate to severe COPD and type 2 inflammation at week 52. The study found that patients receiving dupilumab had a lower annualized exacerbation rate and…
Roivant Sciences CEO Matt Gline has announced the acquisition of an experimental drug called mosliciguat from Bayer for the treatment of certain types of pulmonary hypertension. Roivant paid $14 million upfront to Bayer for global rights to the drug and may pay an additional $280 million in milestone-based payments, plus royalties on sales. This move…
The BMA General Practitioners Committee for England recommends increasing GP appointment times to 15 minutes, even if it means reducing the total number of appointments available. This move aims to prioritize safe, high-quality care and ensure manageable workloads for GPs. The updated guidance acknowledges that longer appointments may result in longer wait times for non-urgent…
A new viewpoint in mental health research examines how genes and environment influence schizophrenia risk. Recent studies have shown genetic and environmental factors play a role in the disorder, but the interaction between the two is not fully understood. Despite advancements in genetic research, predicting schizophrenia risk based on genetic risk scores alone remains challenging….
Researchers have found that olive oil wastewater, specifically a derivative enriched in hydroxytyrosol, a powerful antioxidant, could be used in dietary supplements to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The extract showed promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, potentially preventing heart diseases and infections. The study confirmed the extract’s safety and high phenolic compound content, highlighting its potential…
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as ibrutinib, have transformed CLL treatment. At a conference, experts debated whether these medications can be stopped. One argued for discontinuation to avoid long-term toxicities and costs, while the other emphasized the effectiveness of continuous treatment for deepening responses and long remission times. Research is ongoing to determine the best…
A salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated eggs has affected 65 people in nine states, with dozens hospitalized. Salmonella infection causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach pains and is responsible for 1.35 million cases annually in the U.S. The outbreak has been traced back to eggs sold by Milo’s Poultry Farms and Tony’s Fresh Market. The CDC…
Medtech venture capitalist Maria Berkman discussed the limited number of venture funds that focus exclusively on medtech, estimating there are less than 100 such funds. She shared insights at the Heart Rhythm Society’s HRX conference, highlighting the dedication of medtech investors who are patient with their time and capital. Berkman emphasized the importance of clinical…
At a virtual event, Apple launched the Apple Watch Series 10 with new sleep apnea detection features and AirPods Pro 2 with clinical-grade hearing test capabilities and over-the-counter hearing aid functions. The Watch Series 10 includes a Sleep Apnea feature that tracks Breathing Disturbances and notifies users of patterns that may indicate moderate to severe…
Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising, prevalent in the US and New Zealand, has grown significantly since its legalization in 1997, with drug companies spending billions on ads annually. While the FDA has tried to regulate these ads to ensure accurate information is provided, enforcement has been challenging, with few violations reported. Consumer complaints and voluntary manufacturer submissions…
A study found that low-value care encounters are more likely to occur in neighborhoods with a high Childhood Opportunity Index (COI), but overall volume of low-value care encounters is highest in areas with a low index. The COI measures neighborhood conditions that affect children’s health outcomes. The research analyzed emergency and inpatient encounters in children’s…
The House passed the BIOSECURE Act to prevent drug companies from doing business with specific Chinese biotechs. The bill prohibits the U.S. government from contracting with these companies and names five Chinese companies that would be affected. The next step is for the Senate to consider the bill during the lame duck session. The bill…
Doctors in Louisiana are concerned about a new law criminalizing the possession of abortion drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, which is set to come into effect on October 1. The law, which is the first of its kind in the country, could undermine progress in reducing maternal mortality rates in the state. Misoprostol is not only…
A study from King’s College London found that off-label prescriptions of the antidepressant mirtazapine for breathlessness in respiratory disease patients do not help and may cause side effects. Using medicines for unlicensed purposes can worsen conditions. Severe breathlessness in chronic respiratory diseases impacts quality of life and healthcare costs, with few treatment options available. Off-label…
A systematic review examined the potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing substance use disorders. Findings from available clinical trials showed inconsistent results due to study variability and patient differences. Substance use disorders, such as alcohol, nicotine, and cocaine, are a significant public health concern, with increasing prevalence and mortality rates globally. GLP-1 receptor agonists,…
Impaired circadian heart rate fluctuations in patients with long-standing diabetes are linked to increased cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. A study of 349 patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes found that those with low daily heart rate fluctuations and a blunted nocturnal heart rate dip had a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause…
Poor posture can lead to debilitating lower back pain, which affects millions of people globally. Lumbar pillows, designed to support the natural curve of the spine, can help prevent and alleviate back pain. They offer benefits such as improved productivity, better sleep, and support while driving. When choosing a lumbar pillow, factors like material, shape,…
Terns Pharmaceuticals’ experimental GLP-1 obesity drug TERN-601 showed a 5.5% reduction in body weight in a small study. The drug aims to be an oral alternative to injectable obesity medicines, with plans for a larger mid-stage clinical trial next year. The Phase 1 trial enrolled 37 obese or overweight participants who received TERN-601 or a…
In December 2023, the FDA approved two novel treatments for Sickle Cell Disease, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, which use gene therapy to replace the faulty gene causing misshapen red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition affecting millions globally and predominantly in Sub-Saharan Africa and among non-Hispanic Black or African American populations in the…
Kipu Health, a company specializing in technology solutions for behavioral health, has acquired Hatch Compliance, a cloud-based compliance management and software provider for behavioral health companies. The acquisition will enhance Kipu’s offerings to include robust governance, risk, and compliance abilities. The goal is to empower behavioral health organizations to meet regulatory standards while focusing on…
Julie Rovner is the chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ podcast, “What the Health?” The term health equity encompasses a wide range of issues, including access to medical care, race, ethnicity, gender, income, wealth, and geography. In a live taping at the Texas Tribune Festival, panelists discussed health equity and the impact…
New research conducted on adolescent Canadian athletes participating in high-risk contact sports like football, ice hockey, and rugby found that plasma biomarkers can help determine neuropathology in sports-related concussions. The study involved 849 individuals, with 154 experiencing sport-related concussions (SRC). Biomarkers like plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), ubiquitin c-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCH-L1), neurofilament light (NfL),…
Drug ads on TV, social media, and the internet are prevalent, with the US and New Zealand being the only countries allowing direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. Manufacturers spend over $1 billion a month on ads, with drug companies being among the top TV ad spenders. The FDA allowed drug ads on TV in 1997, but the…