Dysregulated amino and fatty acid metabolism during late pregnancy was linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes in women with a history of gestational diabetes. This was found in a study involving 102 pregnant women with gestational diabetes. The study observed that higher levels of certain amino acids were associated with elevated 2-hour…
STAT offers a free newsletter called Morning Rounds that provides daily updates on health and medicine news. The newsletter discusses various topics such as women’s health under RFK Jr., drug prices after patent expiration, the case against eponyms, DIY data detectives uncovering scientific misconduct, challenges faced by adults with cerebral palsy, and the Marburg outbreak…
Breast surgeon Ian Paterson did not seek specific consent for cleavage sparing mastectomies, claiming it was merely an “adaptation” of the standard procedure. He testified at an inquest that he had modified the traditional mastectomy to leave more fatty tissue, improving appearance. Paterson described it as a limited, intraoperative change for cosmetic purposes, rather than…
A study from ICES and the University of Toronto found that individuals with a history of concussion have a 25% higher risk of experiencing severe mental health issues after childbirth. The research highlights the importance of early identification of concussion history during prenatal care and the need for long-term support. The study followed over 750,000…
The third phase of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza is set to begin after being postponed due to access issues, intense bombardment, and evacuation orders. The humanitarian pause for the campaign has been assured but is limited to Gaza City, leaving thousands of children in other areas inaccessible. Despite challenges, the campaign aims…
Implementing the PHQ-2 questionnaire in an HS clinic improved the ability to detect depression in patients. The study included 151 patients, mostly women with a mean age of 37.5 years, and found that 26.5% screened positive for depression. Many of those with positive results did not have a preexisting depression diagnosis. Clinicians took actions such…
A recent study has found that semaglutide injections, a drug commonly used for weight loss, can significantly reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, cutting pain levels by nearly 50%. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes chronic pain and affects mobility. Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug, is known for weight loss and diabetes treatment but has…
Employers have a fiduciary duty to provide employees with the best medical benefits at the best price, but struggle to access data from third-party administrators. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 allows for better data access. Industry expert Elizabeth Mitchell emphasizes the importance of transparency and high-value healthcare providers. Examples like Kraft Heinz/Aetna and Johnson…
Patients with hereditary angioedema experienced improved symptom control, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction when using deucrictibant, an orally administered bradykinin B2 receptor antagonist, in a study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting. The study enrolled patients aged 18 to 75 with type 1 or 2 HAE who…
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals had a successful launch of its MASH drug Rezdiffra, exceeding sales expectations in the third quarter. The drug targets liver disease caused by MASH and saw a significant increase in patients. Meanwhile, Compass Pathways, a leader in developing psychedelic therapies for mental health, is laying off 30% of its staff due to delays…
A recent study in Ontario found that approximately one-third of patients diagnosed with cancer visited an emergency department (ED) within 90 days before their diagnosis. More than half of these patients were admitted to the hospital. The study highlighted the challenges of receiving a cancer diagnosis in an emergency department setting, emphasizing the need for…
Breast cancer is a common malignancy, with genetic variants accounting for up to 10% of cases. A recent study led by Prof. Dina Schneidman-Duhovny has identified 80 genes that could significantly influence breast cancer risk, including 70 previously unknown genes. The study focused on families of Middle Eastern descent and found key roles for cellular…
A study found that nearly two thirds of patients with rheumatic conditions switched to medical cannabis from medications like NSAIDs and opioids, with those who made the switch reporting greater improvement in symptoms. The research involved a survey of over 1700 patients from the US and Canada, with 62.5% reporting substituting medical cannabis for traditional…
The HLTH conference in Las Vegas showcased numerous digital health startups seeking funding and new customers in the healthcare industry. Many companies focused on familiar areas such as clinical documentation, telehealth, and chronic disease management, while some spaces like accelerating medical research and patient engagement lacked innovation. Investors and executives expressed interest in startups that…
The Vision Council’s third quarter Consumer inSights report shows that consumers are opting for budget-friendly eye wear options and making more in-person purchases. Online eye wear purchases have decreased, with 86% of recent eye wear purchases being made in person. Online contact lens purchases, however, have increased. Annual eye exams among young adults have decreased,…
Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy showed promising results in a Phase 3 trial for people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a fatty liver disease. 37% of patients on Wegovy experienced improvement in liver scarring, compared to 23% on placebo. Additionally, 63% of those on Wegovy achieved resolution of their symptoms with no worsening of fibrosis,…
A study led by Johns Hopkins Children’s Center shows that using text messaging and electronic feedback alongside traditional in-clinic counseling for parents about feeding, playtime, and exercise can prevent young children from developing obesity. The study, to be published in JAMA, focuses on the Greenlight Program, which aims to improve healthy growth in newborns. The…
A recent study used Raman spectroscopy to analyze the clavicle bone chemistry of sailors who died on the Tudor warship Mary Rose. The findings revealed that protein was well preserved in the skeletal remains, while bone minerals increased with age and protein levels decreased. Changes in phosphate and carbonate levels were observed with age, with…
Patients undergoing cancer treatment are at a heightened risk for acute kidney injury (AKI), but a large retrospective analysis found no increased risk related to exposure to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drugs. The study, presented at the American Society of Nephrology Kidney Week 2024 Annual Meeting, included 14,783 cancer patients treated with anticancer therapies…
Antibodies, traditionally used as drugs due to scientists’ manipulation, have limitations in their therapeutic window. Archon Biosciences, a Seattle-based startup, has developed a technology that changes the size and shape of antibodies, creating “antibody cages” or AbCs. These AbCs offer tunability not found in natural antibodies, allowing for autonomous activation of pathways within cells. The…
Zimmer Biomet announced its third-quarter 2024 financial results, reporting $1.824 billion in net sales and $249.1 million in net earnings. Despite challenges with their ERP implementation, the company highlighted their acquisition of OrthoGrid Systems Inc. for AI in total hip arthroplasty. President and CEO Ivan Tornos expressed pride in the team’s ability to manage these…
As the workweek comes to an end, U.S. drugmakers and biotechs are reconsidering their reliance on Chinese partners for manufacturing, research, and ingredients due to rising geopolitical tensions. Companies like AstraZeneca and Amicus Therapeutics are seeking alternatives to reduce China risk, despite the lower costs associated with Chinese work. In contrast, a study found that…
2-year-old Emile Miango, diagnosed with mpox, is receiving treatment in the epicenter of the outbreak in Congo. Although mpox cases in Congo are stabilizing, health experts are concerned about the low testing rates and continued spread of the virus in some regions, including Uganda. Limited vaccine doses and challenges in distribution are hindering efforts to…
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed enhanced hospital screening protocols for Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungal pathogen. The new guidelines aim to detect the harmful fungus in high-risk patients early and prevent hospital outbreaks. C. auris can cause serious infections and spread easily in healthcare settings. Mount Sinai experts implemented expanded screening protocols, leading to…
The British Association of Dermatologists has reported an unusual increase in scabies cases in England in 2024, with rates well above the historical average and especially high in the north of England. The statement encourages people to seek medical care for suspicious rashes and to notify household members if scabies is identified. Scabies is highly…
Hypertension affects 120 million adults in the U.S. and is costly, with a higher prevalence among Black people, men, and seniors. The Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI) analyzes digital hypertension solutions for their effectiveness and cost-saving potential. Report findings show that medication management companies are clinically effective with long-term cost savings. However, blood pressure monitoring…
Four hyaluronic acid injectables used as dermal fillers have received EU Medical Device Regulation certification, allowing them to be commercially available in the European Union. Branded as Estyme in the EU and Evolysse in the U.S., the products will be launched to select physicians in Europe through a limited experience program, with a larger European…
Have exciting news to share about new hires, promotions, or hard-to-fill spots being filled? Share it with us and we’ll spread the word. This week, Fennec Pharmaceuticals has hired Pierre Sayad as their chief medical officer, previously holding positions at Zephyr Labz and CTI BioPharma. Stay updated on industry news by checking out our regular…
Cardiac amyloidosis is a rare condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of proteins in organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. In the heart, this can lead to thickening of the heart wall and disrupt heart function, causing irregular heart rhythms. Genetic factors, particularly in African American populations, increase the risk of developing heart disease,…
A phase 2 clinical trial led by the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and the National Cancer Institute showed promising results in treating stage 3 cutaneous melanoma with a combination of the experimental drug vidutolimod and the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab. The treatment led to tumor control in 55% of patients and produced…
Combining cognitive remediation (CR) with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) in remission, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or both can slow cognitive decline for up to 6 years. The CR intervention involved mental exercises to improve cognitive function, with a stronger effect on executive function and verbal memory….
A recent study suggests that time-restricted eating can improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients. This weight loss strategy involves confining eating to specific hours. Although diet modification is the primary treatment for diabetes, individualized plans can be complex and ineffective. Time-restricted eating, which involves fasting for several hours, has shown promise in reducing blood…
Executives at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas discussed insights on the changing healthcare landscape to manage costs, automate tasks, and improve access to care. Imagine360, Verily, BrightInsight, Lantern, Rhapsody, and Solera executives shared their perspectives and innovations in the industry. Imagine360 focuses on engaging patients and learning from Costco. Verily offers personalized healthcare through…
A study found that patients with primary thyroid cancer who received radioactive iodine therapy had an increased risk for melanoma and nonkeratinocyte skin cancers. Researchers used SEER data to examine the risk for subsequent skin cancers among patients with thyroid cancer, finding elevated risks for skin cancers, particularly in those treated with radioactive iodine. The…
Get your daily dose of health and medicine with STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds, delivered every weekday. The newsletter covers a range of topics, including the impact of sugar on long-term health, the results of stem cell transplants, and the role of AI in medical advice. It also discusses the importance of open communication between…
David Sturgeon, a former lecturer in psychiatry at Middlesex Hospital in London, promoted a psychotherapeutic approach to patient care. He emphasized the importance of learning from patients and understanding the psychological aspects of physical illness. Sturgeon made academic contributions to psychotherapy textbooks and was involved in research on teaching psychotherapy to medical students. His empathetic…
Researchers at HHMI Janelia Research Campus have developed a new computational method, Rastermap, to visualize recordings collected from many neurons at once. This method, outlined in a paper published in Nature Neuroscience, was applied to recordings from various sources, including the mouse and monkey cortex, rat hippocampus, zebrafish brain, and artificial neurons. Rastermap helps order…
Leaders from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) are collaborating with healthcare professionals in Vietnam to improve cancer care standards across the country. NCCN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, is presenting on the development and implementation of NCCN resources in Vietnam. The collaboration aims to develop NCCN Harmonized Guidelines specific to Vietnam, starting…
Fourth-year medical student William Keller, a pseudonym used for anonymity, is applying for residency programs. He completed 42 applications, spending over $500, to increase his chances of matching successfully. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reported a decrease in the average number of applications submitted per candidate due to preference signaling, a process allowing…
Health officials are investigating the death of an Iowa resident possibly resulting from Lassa fever, a viral infection rarely seen in the U.S. The individual likely contracted the virus while traveling in West Africa. The risk of transmission in Iowa is low, with the virus spreading primarily through infected rats. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, and…
Executives at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas discussed the changing healthcare landscape. Quantum Health’s pharmacy navigation solutions support employers in managing specialty drugs like GLP-1. Surescripts uses machine learning and AI to improve health tech services like prior authorizations, with recent investment from TPG. EY’s Christian Egle highlighted Europe’s healthcare challenges and the potential…
A major global report found that climate change is leading to more health-threatening temperatures and extreme weather events, such as droughts and heatwaves. The report, which includes contributions from leading experts like Professor Karyn Morrissey from the University of Galway, highlights the impact of climate change on public health. In Ireland, increased rainfall and flooding…
In October, Healio Dermatology highlighted top articles including a study on benzoyl peroxide products containing cancer-causing benzene, an anti-redness regimen for rosacea improvement, identification of genes driving acne inflammation, FDA review of a new sunscreen ingredient, cryomodulation for rosacea, paramedical tattoos for vitiligo treatment, higher melanoma risk in Black patients, FDA approval of Botox Cosmetic…
Former President Trump and his associates, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have raised concerns about their potential influence on public health. Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic, has claimed Trump promised him control of public health agencies. Trump has indicated that Kennedy would work on health issues if re-elected. Kennedy’s proposals include healthcare reform and investigating environmental…
An analysis of over 32 million research abstracts published over the past 50 years has revealed that common spelling errors in academic publications have been on the rise. Eleven out of 15 common errors have shown a significant increase, with the total error rate jumping from 0.1 per 10,000 abstracts in 1970 to 8.7 per…
Treatment for breast cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted-drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Systemic therapies aim to inhibit cancer cell growth or eradicate them from the body. Chemotherapy is commonly used to shrink tumors, while hormone therapy blocks the estrogen receptor in hormone-sensitive cancers. Targeted-drug therapy focuses on…
Research from the University of Toronto found that childhood neglect, even without sexual or physical abuse, is associated with various mental and physical health issues in adulthood. Neglect was linked to conditions such as stroke, asthma, depression, and cognitive impairment. The study, using data from over 41,000 American adults, showed that neglect survivors with supportive…
The European Commission has fined Teva €462.6 million for spreading misleading information and abusing its dominant position to delay competition to its multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone. Teva engaged in a disparagement campaign against a competitor, hindering their market entry. They also misused the patent system by filing multiple divisional patents with the European Patent Office….
Tuberculosis (TB) is on the rise, with an estimated 8.2 million cases in 2023, the highest since 1995. While deaths decreased to 1.25 million, the total number of cases rose to 10.8 million. Drug-resistant TB affected around 400,000 people, with only 40% receiving treatment. Global efforts have saved 79 million lives since 2000, but there…
The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining health by eliminating waste products and regulating body fluids. Recent research shows a link between poor kidney health and increased medical interventions, underscoring the need for improved treatments. Current treatments like diuretics and dialysis only address certain aspects of kidney function, highlighting the need for more comprehensive…