The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has highlighted the need for increased funding and resources in the health system to address persistent issues such as medical staffing shortages and inadequate bed capacity. The union called for targeted measures to support general practice and increase the number of consultants and non-consultant hospital doctor training posts. They also…
Thatch, a health benefits platform for employers, secured $38 million in a Series A funding round led by General Catalyst and Index Ventures. The platform offers employers ICHRA benefits plans where employees can choose their own plans based on their needs, with employers providing a monthly allowance. Thatch plans to use the funding to expand…
The Indian Health Service, which serves about 2.6 million Native Americans, often rejects funding requests for medical care, leaving many without treatment or facing high medical bills. The agency’s Purchased/Referred Care program aims to cover services like cancer treatment and pregnancy care but faces resource shortages and administrative issues. Eligibility for the program is limited…
In a study published in Arthritis Care & Research, researchers found that shared decision-making (SDM) increased trust in physicians among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study included 433 adults with SLE and measured levels of SDM and physician trust using self-reported questionnaires. The results showed that higher baseline SDM scores were correlated with…
In Part 4 of Embedded Bias, it is revealed how race-based clinical algorithms in medicine are pervasive and challenging to change. Joseph Wright, a physician and chief health equity officer for the American Academy of Pediatrics, experienced skepticism when his doctor recommended a statin based on a race-based calculator predicting his cardiovascular risk. Despite knowing…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, women have closed the “gender promotion gap,” with male doctors from abroad now less likely to be promoted to consultant level compared to their British-trained counterparts. A study from the University of Surrey and the University of Cyprus analyzed data on over 10,000 junior hospital doctors from March 2017 to February…
A recent gene therapy trial showed significant improvement in the vision of individuals with a rare genetic condition causing sight loss early in childhood. Patients experienced up to a 10,000-fold enhancement in their vision after receiving the therapy. The trial included 15 participants with the condition, Leber congenital amaurosis, resulting from mutations in the GUCY2D…
Researchers at Auburn University, in partnership with the University of Basel and ETH Zurich, have made a significant breakthrough in cancer research. By combining artificial intelligence (AI) with molecular dynamics simulations, they have improved the prediction of binding sites on the PD-L1 protein. This innovation could accelerate the development of personalized cancer treatments by identifying…
General practitioners in the UK have reported that the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is easy and fast to administer, with a high yield in identifying cognitive impairments. The test is commonly used to detect early signs of cognitive decline, such as in patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. MoCA has been found to be a…
Ankle braces are essential tools for preventing and treating ankle injuries, ranging from sprains to ligament damage. They come in various designs and functionalities to stabilize ankles during physical activities and aid in recovery. These braces are used by athletes, post-surgery patients, and individuals with chronic ankle instability, offering support, compression, and stability. Factors to…
Omada Health is a digital health company that has gained recognition for its clinical validation in health tech, particularly in prediabetes. The company is the largest provider of the CDC’s National Diabetes Prevention Program both in person and virtually. Omada Health has also received positive reviews from users on Apple’s App Store, praising its personalized…
Subtle Medical, an AI-powered medical imaging company, received Phase II funding from a NIH SBIR grant to expand its SubtleSYNTH technology into brain imaging. The company also received FDA approval for generating SynthSTIR images in spinal imaging, offering zero acquisition time while maintaining clinical quality. SubtleSYNTH aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of MRI…
Federal aid provided during the covid-19 pandemic fueled a surge in the public health workforce, but now state governments are cutting budgets that support local health departments. As emergency funding ends, layoffs and service cuts in areas like contact tracing and immunizations are expected, potentially causing public health crises. Challenges include increasing rates of sexually…
A study of pediatric health systems in Michigan found that as many as one in five children had the wrong race listed in their electronic medical records. Across three health systems, 79% to 88% of patients’ records had the correct racial designation, with higher error rates in systems with more racial and ethnic options. The…
Vor Biopharma has developed a CRISPR-augmented stem cell transplant called trem-cel, which protects healthy cells from the toxic effects of anti-cancer medicines. In a study involving patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia, eight out of 10 patients remained in remission after receiving the Vor therapy followed by intensified doses of Mylotarg. This combination treatment was…
The lack of investment in the NHS is creating a two-tier system that is failing children due to long wait times for treatment, according to paediatricians. Despite children being frequent users of health services, paediatric services have been deprioritized and overlooked in NHS recovery efforts post-COVID. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health warns…
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a noninvasive technique using artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor intracranial pressure, a condition that can lead to serious complications. This AI-driven approach offers a safer and faster alternative to invasive procedures currently used to monitor brain pressure. The AI model was trained using…
Insilico Medicine has partnered with Inimmune to utilize Chemistry42, Insilico’s generative AI technology, to accelerate the discovery of immunotherapeutics. Chemistry42 enables the rapid generation and screening of drug molecules with customized properties, improving efficiency in drug discovery. Inimmune benefited from the platform’s ability to generate novel compounds and evaluate key attributes, leading to enhanced research…
Recent studies have found that patients with Sjögren disease, particularly those with mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, may benefit from a more aggressive treatment approach. The studies confirmed that rheumatoid factor (RF) is a key predictor of Sjögren disease–related MALT lymphoma and that systemic treatment strategies can reduce disease activity and the risk of lymphoma…
Sitting for long hours at a computer can lead to health issues such as spine and lower back pain. While working from home offers flexibility, it can make us more sedentary. Orthopedic chairs can help maintain body posture and prevent lower back pain. Features to consider when choosing a chair include adjustable head and armrests,…
Unpaid caregivers are the invisible backbone of the healthcare system in America, with 53 million people providing essential care without recognition or compensation. The economic impact of unpaid caregiving is valued at $600 billion annually, yet caregivers face financial, emotional, and career challenges. To address the looming healthcare crisis, initiatives such as paid family leave,…
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, and it’s essential to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatments for sickle cell disease. Individuals of African descent should get tested to know their status and potential risks for themselves and their children. Blood donations are crucial for those with sickle cell disease, especially for AB- blood types. Specialist…
Signia announced its new Signia Active Pro Integrated Xperience (IX) earbuds, which are also prescription-grade hearing aids. This technology includes multi-stream architecture and RealTime Conversation Enhancement to help users identify multiple conversation partners in real-time. The company’s beamforming technology splits sound input into front and back streams for independent processing, offering a modern, low-profile solution…
Deloitte’s computer systems for government benefits like Medicaid are prone to errors that can take years and millions to fix, putting beneficiaries at risk. States often face extra costs to address these issues, impacting access to food and healthcare. Deloitte’s contracts with 25 states are worth billions, but fixing errors can be costly and slow….
Barbara Blodi, MD, discusses advancements in gene therapy for age-related macular degeneration at the ASRS annual meeting. Gene therapy is being studied in clinical trials by various companies, with the potential to be safely delivered to patients. Blodi notes that gene therapy is underway and discusses the need to determine the best way to provide…
I introduced the term “Typo-gate” to describe a controversy at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals where executives accused cardiologist Sarah Cuddy of making errors in her discussant’s talk on the vutrisiran HELIOS-B study results. However, it was later revealed that Cuddy’s analysis comparing vutrisiran and a competitor drug was correct. Cuddy, a cardiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital,…
Rebecca McKee, Lucinda Hiam, and Bob Klaber discuss the need for bold government action on health, citing the UK’s struggling health service and declining health markers. They argue that improving health requires addressing social, commercial, political, and environmental factors beyond clinical interventions. They suggest that citizens’ assemblies on health, involving a diverse range of participants,…
A study published in Nature Communications explores how damaged cells interact in disease-promoting environments following acute kidney injury (AKI), which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). With limited treatment options, AKI often progresses to CKD, affecting millions of adults. Researchers utilized a new technology called seqFISH to study gene expression and cellular interactions in…
A study has found that Salmonella uses gut bioelectricity to target and infect the follicle-associated epithelium (FAE) of the small intestine. Enteric bacteria like Salmonella spread through contaminated food and water, causing infections. The study showed that Salmonella targets FAE through galvanotaxis, while non-pathogenic E. coli have a different response to electrical fields. The presence…
After 8 years of leading Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Laurie Glimcher, the first woman to serve as president and CEO, will step down on October 1. Benjamin Levine Ebert, current medical oncology chair, will take over. Under Glimcher’s leadership, Dana-Farber expanded, with increased patient volume and research support. Despite some controversies, including the decision to end…
Environmental factors like pollution, particularly particulate matter and noise pollution, have been found to impact fertility in men and women. A recent study in Denmark found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 particulate matter increased the risk of infertility in men aged 30-45, while noise pollution increased the risk of infertility in women over 35. The…
Eli Lilly is experiencing growing demand for their chronic weight management drug Zepbound, but struggles with manufacturing costs and competition from compounded versions. To reach more patients and compete, Lilly is offering Zepbound directly to patients at a discounted price through their digital health platform LillyDirect. The company’s top revenue generator, tirzepatide, is driving sales…
Oklahoma State University has partnered with Rezilient Health to provide faculty and staff with access to CloudClinics for primary and multispecialty care. Faculty and staff with certain healthcare plans residing near Stillwater are eligible for this service. Alera Health, Affiliated Network Providers, and Aurora Behavioral Health have collaborated to provide coordinated care for individuals with…
Pediatricians across the U.S. are pre-ordering the updated COVID-19 vaccine for children for the upcoming fall and winter respiratory virus season. Some are struggling to predict parent interest, leading to a dilemma in ordering the right amount of vaccines to avoid wastage. The upfront cost of vaccines is a significant expense for practices, and some…
Prevent Blindness designated September as Sports Eye Safety Month, emphasizing the importance of preventing sports-related eye injuries. In 2023, over 32,600 sports-related eye injuries were treated in the U.S., with pool and water sports having the highest rate of injury. Keith Smithson, OD, noted that many eye injuries can lead to blindness, with 90% of…
This article discusses the pervasive use of race-based clinical algorithms in medicine, specifically focusing on how the eGFR equation for kidney function has been adjusted based on race. The article details the resistance and opposition faced by those advocating to remove race from these algorithms, highlighting the generational and institutional challenges in implementing change. The…
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has opened a field hospital in Gaza to assist with the increasing numbers of Palestinians injured in the conflict with Israeli forces. The field hospital was opened prematurely due to the ongoing attacks and the pressure on the healthcare system in Gaza. MSF’s emergency coordinator stated that the dismantling of Gaza’s…
In a society that promotes dieting, many people turn to social media for weight loss advice, resulting in confusion and overwhelm. Before trying a new diet, consider if it is realistic in terms of cost, time, and resources, and if it is evidence-based. Reflect on how the diet will impact your life socially and mentally,…
A national survey by Cleveland Clinic found that while men prioritize health, there are generational differences in health behaviors. Findings showed variations in habits such as getting yearly check-ups, avoiding smoking, and addressing mental health. Many Gen Z men lack a primary care provider, leading to missed health screenings. The survey highlighted concerns about cancer,…
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid and precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, appetite, and sleep. Supplementing with 5-HTP can improve mood, promote restful sleep, control appetite, and reduce migraines. Choosing a high-quality supplement is crucial to ensure purity and potency. Various products from reputable brands offer different formulations of 5-HTP, often combined…
Health systems are starting to see a gradual and sustained financial recovery, with hospitals maintaining a median operating margin of 4.1% in July compared to past years. While some positive signs include increasing patient volumes and decreasing length of stay, hospitals are still facing cost pressures from rising labor and non-labor expenses, as well as…
At the European Society of Cardiology Congress in London, findings were presented showing that catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life compared to a sham procedure. The study compared pulmonary vein isolation ablation with a placebo procedure in patients with symptomatic AF. Results showed a reduction in AF…
Brain boffins in Beijing found that protein consumption triggers insulin production in the brain, leading to specific neurons telling the brain to stop eating. These neurons, known as T1-DANs, receive signals from insulin-producing cells when protein is consumed, leading to a feeling of fullness. The researchers used fruit flies to map out the brain circuitry…
Owlet, a baby technology company, is expanding its Dream Sock baby monitor to several European countries, monitoring infants’ health readings like heart rate, oxygen saturation, and sleep state. The device received FDA clearance and CE Mark certification. Owlet’s CEO Kurt Workman expressed excitement at the technology’s impact on families. The company went public in 2021…
Native American communities face significant health disparities, with life expectancy 10 years shorter than the national average and a Covid-19 infection rate 3½ times higher than non-Hispanic Whites. Epidemiologists serving these communities struggle to access important data due to restrictions by state and federal agencies. Tribal leaders have long fought for better data access, with…
In a Healio Video Perspective from the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD, highlights the impact of thyroid eye disease on patients’ quality of life. Nijm emphasizes that clinical measurements may not fully capture the burden of the disease, urging ophthalmologists to engage with patients to understand how it affects their…
Depression symptoms vary, but a recent study found a brain circuit in the prefrontal cortex linked to depression. Cognitive control circuit plays a role in attention and goal-setting, and depression impairs these functions. Non-pharmacological therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Problem-solving therapy and weight loss interventions improved executive functioning and attention. Early brain scans…
Stephen P Hibbs, a clinical research fellow at Queen Mary University of London, addresses the issue of private cord blood banking, a practice often promoted in NHS settings. The practice involves parents paying up to £3000 to freeze their baby’s cord blood containing stem cells for potential future health issues. This practice has gained popularity…
Respiratory viral infections like COVID-19 can lead to long-term effects known as long COVID-19, affecting over 65 million people worldwide. Understanding this condition is challenging due to its impact on multiple organ systems and the lack of suitable animal models for research. A new mouse model developed by researchers at the University of Virginia has…
A new study from the University of Copenhagen has identified a gene known as OSER1 that has a significant impact on longevity. Researchers believe this discovery could lead to new treatments for age-related diseases. The protein exists in various animals, including humans, suggesting that the findings are applicable to human health. By manipulating the expression…