Despite a four percent increase in attendances, the number of patients waiting on trolleys in emergency departments over the October Bank Holiday weekend fell by 34 percent compared to the same period last year. The number of patients discharged from acute hospitals also increased by 28 percent compared to the same weekend in 2023. Discharges…
Dr. Mitchell C. Shultz presented data from a clinical trial on Bausch + Lomb’s enVista Envy IOL at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting in Barcelona. The study compared the enVista Envy IOL to the enVista monofocal IOL and found that the Envy lens provided a full range of vision with reduced…
Most CEOs of major health systems and insurers are not donating money to Vice President Harris or former President Trump for the 2024 election. A STAT review found that a majority of executives are avoiding political donations altogether or giving to their companies’ political action committees. Those who are making donations are mostly supporting Harris…
Magdalena Cerdá and Noa Krawczyk from NYU Grossman School of Medicine emphasize the need for the next US administration to focus on prevention, treatment, and harm reduction to address the ongoing opioid overdose crisis, which claims over 100,000 lives annually. They highlight the limitations of punitive measures and border controls in reducing overdose deaths, advocating…
Some radiology practices now offer the option to analyze mammograms for heart disease risk by looking at calcifications in the breast arteries, which could indicate cardiovascular issues. However, there is debate among experts about the efficacy of this screening method, as breast arterial calcification may not directly correlate with heart disease risk. While some clinicians…
Military personnel often struggle with sleep disorders, with traditional solutions like medications and therapies proving ineffective. Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson aim to address this issue with a $3 million grant. Led by William “Scott” Killgore, PhD, the team at the Social, Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab is exploring…
A study conducted among health system employees with chronic low back pain found that virtual yoga classes led to a significant reduction in pain intensity and improved back-related function. The improvements were sustained at 24 weeks, with participants using less pain medication and reporting better sleep quality. The study compared live-streamed yoga classes with a…
A woman in Texas died from a preventable infection after being forced to wait until there was no heartbeat before being treated for a miscarriage at 17 weeks. Josseli Barnica, a mother of a 1-year-old, died at a Houston hospital, leaving behind her husband and daughter. Medical experts deemed Barnica’s death as preventable and described…
Novo Nordisk’s obesity drug Wegovy has shown promising results in treating metabolic dysfunction steatohepatitis (MASH), a prevalent fatty liver disease affecting over 250 million people worldwide. The drug, which contains semaglutide, has demonstrated improvement in liver fibrosis and resolution of fatty liver disease in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Novo Nordisk plans to seek approval…
The Government has announced funding for the potential expansion of newborn screening to include more rare diseases, with nine conditions currently being screened for. Two new conditions will be introduced later this year, but Ireland still lags behind Europe in the number of conditions screened. Rare Diseases Ireland has called for urgent expansion of newborn…
Fitbit uses machine learning algorithms to track personalized sleep information and new models show improved accuracy. However, studies show limitations compared to baseline sleep studies, with most focusing on young, healthy participants. While Fitbit may help improve sleep quality, research shows mixed accuracy compared to clinical sleep studies. Fitbit was found to be better at…
OrthoIndy and Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center have announced plans to align practices for orthopedic care in Indiana. The integration is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025, focusing on patient-centered care, education, and medical advancements. The alignment aims to provide exceptional patient-centric orthopedic care, maintaining independence in a healthcare ecosystem where…
First Opinion is STAT’s platform for articles about the life sciences written by experts. The platform encourages discussions through Letters to the Editor. One article discusses the lack of treatment for long Covid patients, prompting a reader to call out the medical community for neglecting these patients. Another article criticizes the campaign against biomedical innovation,…
David Goldberg, a young psychiatrist, had two revelations that shaped his career. The first was the realization that the diagnostic system he had been taught was created by distinguished specialists, leading him to adopt a patient-centered approach. The second revelation came when he learned the importance of listening to patients during research on a gastrointestinal…
Daylight saving time ends on Sunday, giving people an extra hour of sleep but resulting in darker afternoons for the next few months. The time change can disrupt the body’s internal clock, affecting sleep patterns and potentially leading to health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Many health groups suggest sticking with standard time for…
Quitting smoking within six months of a cancer diagnosis can increase a patient’s life expectancy by an average of two years. Cancer centers have an obligation to provide evidence-based smoking cessation programs to all patients. Research shows that quitting smoking after a cancer diagnosis improves survival rates across all types of cancer. Failure to quit…
Vaccination against human papilloma virus (HPV) has proven effective in preventing diseases caused by high-risk HPV types. Gardasil 4, approved in 2006, played a key role in lowering cervical cancer rates. Despite past success, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern. The introduction of Gardasil 9 in 2014 broadened immunization efforts. Increasing uptake of vaccinations…
Investing in a high-quality electric toothbrush can significantly enhance oral hygiene routines. These toothbrushes offer superior cleaning compared to manual options, with features like different brushing modes, pressure sensors, and smart technology that connects to apps. Models from various brands like AquaSonic, Oral-B, Philips Sonicare, and others provide advanced functions such as vibration timers, multi-brush…
GoodRx, a prescription savings platform, launched its new e-commerce solution with over-the-counter birth control pill Opill as its partner, offering delivery services. Opill, the first OTC birth control pill in the U.S., aims to expand access to contraception. GoodRx also introduced affordability programs for menopause hormone therapies from Pfizer, providing lower prices for drugs like…
The UCD Centre for One Health has become the first WHO Collaborating Centre on One Health in Europe. This designation will allow the centre to promote and implement the WHO’s agenda on One Health through research, education, and capacity-building activities. One Health is a collaborative approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and…
Medical education is evolving rapidly, incorporating digital tools and interactive platforms to create more effective and engaging learning experiences for healthcare professionals. Virtual reality simulations, AI algorithms, and mobile learning platforms are revolutionizing the way medical training is delivered, improving knowledge retention and performance. Generational learning preferences highlight the importance of variety and flexibility in…
An analysis of an accelerated 3-year MD program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine found that students performed similarly to those in 4-year programs. The program could result in lifetime savings of $250,000 to $400,000 for students. With the aim to reduce student debt and accelerate the time to entering the workforce, the program offers…
In 2022, Noha Aboelata filed a lawsuit against pulse oximeter manufacturers for racial bias in their devices, as they often overestimate blood oxygen levels in darker-skinned patients. The lawsuit led to settlements from companies like Medtronic, who began educating physicians about the issue. Despite this progress, some senators and state attorneys general are urging the…
Robert K. Merton, a sociologist, discussed academic norms in the 1930s. He outlined the development of scientific norms, influenced by 17th century Puritanism and societal mores. Merton emphasized scientific autonomy, integrity, clear communication, and organized skepticism as vital norms. He also discussed factors impeding science, such as Nazi ideology and Lysenkoism. Merton’s discussions on the…
Water is crucial for survival, with the body constantly losing water through various means like sweat and urination. Thirst is the body’s way of signaling the need for water, regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain. Staying hydrated is vital for bodily functions from regulating temperature to brain function. Dehydration can have serious health consequences….
A study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that non-White children experience disparities in access to and outcomes of cleft lip surgery compared to White children. Data showed that non-White children had delays, complications, and longer hospital stays following surgery. While some differences were linked to race/ethnicity, many were also influenced by factors like medical…
A study presented at the American Thyroid Association Annual Meeting found that new users of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have a low absolute risk of thyroid cancer. Another study at the meeting focused on the prevalence of malignancy in Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules with negative ThyroSeq results. Additionally, research presented on RET-mutated medullary…
In recent years, the popularity of red and infrared light therapy devices has surged due to their ability to promote healing, enhance skin health, and support overall well-being. Red light therapy uses wavelengths in the 600 to 700 nanometer range to improve skin health and reduce inflammation, while infrared light, ranging from 700 to 1,100…
AI technology has the potential to alleviate physician burnout by reducing the amount of time spent on administrative tasks, allowing for a better work-life balance. Ambient listening AI tools that transcribe patient-physician interactions and create clinical notes are being deployed in health systems, significantly cutting down on documentation time. This technology, championed by companies like…
In a recent England and Wales High Court case, the General Medical Council challenged a decision by a Medical Practitioners Tribunal that a doctor’s fitness to practice was not impaired by misconduct. The doctor had been accused of sexual harassment of female colleagues at a hospital. Despite admitting to some allegations, the Tribunal found his…
Medical education is undergoing a transformation with the integration of technology and innovative teaching methods. Virtual learning platforms are becoming more prevalent, allowing students to practice procedures in a risk-free environment. Problem-based and team-based learning approaches are enhancing critical thinking and collaboration skills. Virtual and augmented reality, along with haptic feedback devices, are revolutionizing medical…
The study presented at the ACG Annual Scientific Meeting demonstrated that elafibranor, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist, showed significant biochemical response in patients with both early and advanced-stage primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Patients with advanced-stage PBC who received elafibranor had a biochemical response rate of 45.7%, compared to 53.4% in patients with early-stage disease. Alkaline…
Two key senators have proposed a plan to address concerns from the hospital industry about Medicare payment reforms that would negatively impact rural hospitals. The plan involves reinvesting money saved from payment reforms to support rural and safety-net hospitals, and providing financial bonuses to hospitals that offer critical services. The reforms, known as “site-neutral” payments,…
The Australian government has been urged to prioritize vulnerable populations in future pandemic planning, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, older individuals, children, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and people with disabilities. A year-long inquiry report commissioned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese outlined nine recommendations for pandemic response, with immediate and medium-term actions. One…
Daylight saving time ends this weekend in the U.S., meaning an extra hour of sleep but darker afternoons. The time change can disrupt the body’s internal clock, potentially leading to health issues. Some suggest sticking with standard time for better alignment with the body’s natural rhythms. The impact of light on the body’s circadian rhythm…
A Michigan Medicine study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea, a common but underdiagnosed sleep disorder, may contribute to the development of dementia in adults, particularly women. Researchers found that having known or suspected sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia in adults aged 50 and older, with women being more likely to…
A finger-prick blood test can accurately identify p-tau217, a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, without the need for special storage or temperature control measures. Researchers found a good correlation between p-tau217 levels obtained from standard venous blood sampling and from a single finger prick. This method could overcome the limitations of traditional blood collection methods,…
Good sleep is essential for mental well-being, especially during pregnancy. A recent study has shown that behavioral therapy for insomnia could help reduce the risk of postpartum depression, which affects around 10% of women after giving birth. Symptoms include severe mood disorder, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and distressing thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia has been…
The article discusses the hidden struggles of employees who are also family caregivers, highlighting the impact this responsibility can have on their work performance and eventual departures from their jobs. It emphasizes the need for employers to create a caregiving-friendly workplace culture, equipping employees with necessary tools and offering game-changing opportunities to retain talent. The…
Prof Anne Scott has been appointed as chair of the panel to evaluate Ireland’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Healthcare groups welcome this appointment, hoping to assess the government’s response and improve future preparedness. The panel will focus on the healthcare system, economic and social responses, and impacts on education and businesses. It will also…
November 2024 is Osteoporosis Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about the disease that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. Osteoporosis occurs when new bone creation lags behind old bone removal, leading to fragile bones. Risk factors include age, sex, family history, bone structure, medical conditions, lifestyle, and medications. Prevention strategies include adequate calcium and…
Illinois resident Maria Sanchez, an 87-year-old unauthorized immigrant from Mexico, never had health insurance until she got covered under a landmark program for older immigrants without legal status. Democratic-led states like Illinois are expanding public insurance programs to immigrants lacking permanent legal status, causing backlash from Republicans. Several states are covering adults without authorization, with…
GSK discontinued manufacturing its Flovent HFA and Flovent Diskus inhalers in January, leading to an increase in asthma-related ICU admissions, inpatient admissions, and ED visits. Study results from Epic Research showed a rise in these encounters after the discontinuation of Flovent. The study analyzed data from over 3 million patients with asthma who had prescriptions…
The term “precision medicine” was coined 13 years ago with the promise of treating patients with the right medicine at the right time. However, this promise has not been completely fulfilled yet. The biggest challenge to making precision medicine a reality is not in developing the medicines themselves, but in the lack of necessary diagnostics….
McNally’s article discusses how various environmental factors can impact health habits, including clean water, sanitation, and obesity. These factors can either promote or hinder healthy habits. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing physical, social, economic, and cultural factors in promoting good health. Despite some success stories in public health interventions, many people still lack…
A study led by UCL researchers found that socioeconomic factors such as education, occupation, and wealth influence the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in later life. The research followed 8,442 adults aged 50 and above in England over 10 years to examine changes in cognitive status. Results showed that individuals from more advantaged…
Researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia found that non-Hispanic Black children with lower Child Opportunity Index scores are more likely to seek care for concussions in the emergency department than in primary or specialty care. The study highlights the need for emergency medicine physicians to receive specific training in diagnosing concussions and improving care equity….
Diwali is being celebrated in the UK with large feasts of savory foods, sweets, and festivities such as dancing and fireworks. Nutritionists warn that the high sugar, salt, and fat content in traditional Diwali foods can impact those with diabetes. They recommend moderation, portion control, and healthy swaps to maintain a balanced diet during the…
A recent study suggests that limiting sugar intake during the first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday, could reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension. Researchers found that early-life sugar restriction could cut the diabetes risk by 35% and the risk of hypertension by 20%. The study used data from…
The healthcare hiring news roundup for the month includes new appointments, promotions, exits, and layoffs in the industry. Some notable hires mentioned are Mark Hirschhorn as CFO of Amwell, Michael Roaldi as president of Cityblock Health, and David Carmouche as chief clinical transformation officer of Lumeris. Promotions include David Joyner as CEO of CVS Health,…