A study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that vigorous exercise suppresses hunger levels more than moderate exercise in healthy adults, especially in females. The study focused on the effects of exercise intensity on ghrelin levels, known as the “hunger hormone,” and appetite between men and women. Results showed that high-intensity exercise…
A recent study suggests that glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists, drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, may also be effective in preventing Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In a real-world analysis, adults with type 2 diabetes taking the drug semaglutide had a significantly lower risk of developing AD compared to those taking other antidiabetic…
Researchers have found that standing on one leg is a better indicator of aging than muscle strength or walking speed. In a study of over 50 participants, balance tests showed the highest rates of decline with age, especially when standing on the non-dominant leg. This is important because changes in balance can increase the risk…
Digital health tools, such as telemedicine, personalized medicine, and healthcare data analytics, have revolutionized patient care by improving accessibility and personalized treatments. These innovations have led to more integrated healthcare systems and enhanced patient outcomes. Challenges like interoperability and data privacy need to be addressed for wider adoption of these technologies. Despite obstacles, collaboration among…
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine has taken over sales, marketing, and distribution for Remicade (infliximab) and Simponi (golimumab) in Ireland starting October 1, 2024. These drugs are used for treating inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and juvenile arthritis. The addition of these drugs expands J&J’s immunology portfolio, which includes other therapies like Stelara…
Recent research has revealed that the experience of inner speech varies greatly among individuals, with some having constant self-talk and others lacking an inner voice altogether. A study conducted by Drs. Nedergård and Lupyan investigated the absence of inner speech, termed “anendophasia,” and its impact on cognitive abilities. Results showed that individuals with stronger inner…
Independent pharmacist and co-owner, Nikki Bryant, faces challenges from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who control prescription prices and access. Bryant and other independent pharmacists anticipated state legislation that would increase reimbursement rates, but the bill was vetoed by Governor Brian Kemp due to cost concerns. PBMs are accused of creating higher costs and limiting medication…
A study examined the harm-to-benefit ratio of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening based on fecal hemoglobin (f-Hb) concentrations in previous negative fecal immunochemical tests (FITs). The study found that individuals with no detectable f-Hb in previously negative FITs had a higher harm-to-benefit ratio for screening, suggesting less intensive screening for this population. The study included data…
Elon Musk criticized the U.S. government for issuing too many rules and regulations while campaigning for Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. He specifically mentioned the FDA and a cancer drug called Welireg, sharing a personal story of a friend’s mother being cured of brain cancer with the drug in a clinical trial. This story was originally…
Study highlighted significant variation in the use of primary care investigations prior to a cancer diagnosis in England. Analyzing data from over 50,000 patients across 1868 general practices, researchers found that the majority of patients had at least one chronic disease and were over 60 at diagnosis. However, the use of primary care investigations varied…
A study led by the University at Buffalo suggests that a gene called NANOG, named after a mythical Irish land of eternal youth, can improve nerve regeneration and innervation after traumatic injuries. Researchers used a special delivery system to activate NANOG in a mouse model with sciatic nerve damage, leading to increased muscle and nerve…
The Federated Secure Computing research project funded by Stifterverband focuses on analyzing cancer patient data in the European health data space using secure multiparty computation without sharing actual data. The European research team includes scientists from LMU Munich, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, and cybersecurity experts from Cybernetica. The pilot study overcomes technical and…
Climate change has led to an increase in health issues such as dengue, malaria, heat waves, and pollution-related illnesses in Europe. However, European medical curricula do not adequately cover the link between climate and health. The European Network on Climate and Health Education (ENCHE) aims to address this gap by providing medical students with comprehensive…
A recent study has found a link between sleep loss in babies and an increased risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the impact of sleep loss on adults is well-investigated, little is known about its effects on young children. Researchers discovered that sleep disruption during early life can interact with underlying genetic risks…
The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) has provided $110 million to 23 awardees focused on women’s health, as announced by First Lady Jill Biden at the HLTH 2024 conference. The funding is part of the Sprint for Women’s Health program and addresses various health issues including cancer, menopause, and cardiovascular conditions. The awardees…
An Oireachtas committee has recommended decriminalizing all illicit drugs for personal use and implementing a health-led approach to drug use in Ireland. The committee’s interim report includes 59 recommendations, such as repealing certain sections of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1997 and providing support and resources for individuals struggling with substance misuse. The committee emphasized…
Medical waste, including used needles and surgical items, poses a potential harm to healthcare workers and the environment. Maharashtra has implemented bio-waste rules to regulate proper disposal. Understanding regulated medical waste, such as sharps, infectious waste, and animal waste is essential for safe management. Various agencies like OSHA and EPA set guidelines to control medical…
The director of California’s mental health commission traveled to London with three other commissioners, courtesy of a state vendor, to protect funding for Kooth, a London-based digital mental health company. Emails and calendars show the director, Toby Ewing, made efforts to maintain Kooth’s contract amid budget cut proposals in California. Ewing and the commissioners’ trip…
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged 65 years and older, as well as individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. They also suggested lowering the age for routine pneumococcal conjugate vaccination to 50 years. These recommendations are pending approval from CDC Director Mandy…
Science Corporation has released promising preliminary data from a clinical trial for a retina implant that partially restored vision in people with age-related macular degeneration. The technology involves an implant, glasses with a camera, and a pocket computer that mimics the process of vision formation. The study showed significant improvements in visual acuity in participants…
Sofia Mason, a medical oncologist and doctoral candidate, discusses the results of a trial that validated a multigene RNA signature for guiding chemotherapy choices in early triple negative breast cancer. The trial showed that patients at high risk who received an intensive chemotherapy regimen had a significantly better disease-free survival rate compared to those receiving…
Maintaining a youthful immune system is essential for warding off age-related diseases. A study by USC Stem Cell scientist Rong Lu and her team identified a subset of blood stem cells that play a critical role in balancing innate and adaptive immune cells. They found that an imbalance can lead to immune aging, diseases, and…
A recent study led by Graciela Pineyro and Tomas Paus found that cannabis use in adolescents can lead to thinning of the cerebral cortex. THC, the active substance in cannabis, causes shrinkage of dendritic arborization, leading to atrophy in certain regions of the brain. The study used MRI scans and a mouse model to demonstrate…
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended against approving donanemab for use on the NHS in the UK, despite the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approving it as a new treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. NICE cited the high costs of treatment and the limited benefits it provides to…
A recent study found that children of mothers with a history of eating disorders and obesity before pregnancy are at a higher risk of mental health diagnoses. The research, involving nearly 400,000 mothers and 650,000 offspring in Finland, showed significant links between maternal health and the mental well-being of their children. The study revealed associations…
Ashley Tyrner, CEO of FarmboxRx, founded her nutrition startup after personal struggles and has built a profitable company serving the nutrition needs of Medicare and Medicaid members without raising outside capital. She uses food as a tool for engagement, providing boxes containing educational materials on health and culturally appropriate foods. Tyrner’s decision to not accept…
Seven new healthcare inspection reports have highlighted issues with staffing and patient waiting times. Conducted by HIQA between March and August 2024, the inspections found high levels of overall compliance with standards, but noted problems such as inadequate nursing staff in the special care baby unit at Wexford General Hospital. Overcrowding was also reported at…
The NIH announced winners of the 2024 RADx® Tech maternal health challenge, focusing on using mobile technology to improve health outcomes for new mothers. Six winners received $525,000 each to develop cardiovascular monitoring gadgets and home testing diagnostics for maternal health. With the USA having high maternal death rates, especially among Black women, the challenge…
States are using the health-care system to address homelessness, but encounters are being met with new crackdowns on homeless individuals. Following a Supreme Court ruling, law enforcement agencies are targeting the homeless through widespread operations, leading to fines and arrests. However, experts argue that these tactics only worsen the issue and disrupt efforts to stabilize…
A study presented at the ASRM Scientific Congress & Expo found that women who used IVF had a higher prevalence of severe maternal morbidity compared to nonusers. The risk for severe maternal morbidity was lower for women who used IVF at older ages. Researchers analyzed data from 1,728,478 singleton pregnancies in California from 2016 to…
The web edition of D.C. Diagnosis from STAT discusses various health and medical topics, including pharmaceutical executives’ donations leaning towards Democrats, the FDA’s tobacco fight with former agency officials now working for the industry, RFK Jr.’s alliance with Trump affecting GOP health plans, a strange connection between rent control and drug discounts in California, and…
The Italian Senate has passed a law banning Italians from seeking surrogacy abroad, with penalties including prison time and a hefty fine. The government supported the ban, citing concerns over the exploitation of women’s bodies and children. Opponents have criticized the law as unnecessary, unconstitutional, and discriminatory against LGBTQ+ families. Surrogacy has been illegal in…
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in patients with high-risk endometrial cancer after curative surgery. The study focused on patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors and showed that pembrolizumab significantly improved DFS compared to placebo. The two-year DFS rates were 92.4 percent for pembrolizumab…
The human nose is not sensitive enough for reliable diagnostics, but a new artificial ‘nose’ inspired by smell can detect diseases and hazardous gases using existing antenna technology. Antennas can be used for more than just communication and can function as sensors, eliminating the need for multiple sensors in traditional electronic noses. This antenna sensor…
A study conducted in the United States found that only 35.6% of contraceptive users preferred in-person care, with more than half opting for alternative sources. The study surveyed 3059 individuals aged 15-44, with 595 currently using pills, patches, or rings, analyzing their preferred methods of obtaining contraception. Those who had trouble getting their method on…
A recent study published in the Lancet journal found that the vaccine against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is highly effective in preventing hospitalization in older adults and immunocompromised individuals. The study analyzed data from over 36,000 patients and found that the vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalization by 80% in those who were vaccinated. The…
Electrophysiology procedures, typically performed in hospitals, are starting to migrate to surgery centers. This shift is driven by cost efficiency and financial incentives for electrophysiologists. While surgeries centers are less equipped to handle major adverse events, studies show that EP ablation procedures are relatively safe. Moving these procedures to surgery centers may lead to new…
The XXXIII Waterford Surgical October Meeting took place on October 12, 2024, at the Health Science Building in SETU, Waterford. The event was documented by photographer John Power, and photos were shared on Irish Medical Times. Source link
Dr. Saul Justin Newman was awarded the IgNobel Prize for demography for his research questioning the longevity claims of ‘Blue Zones’. Blue Zones are regions where people live past 100 years. Newman found discrepancies in age records in these regions, suggesting poor record keeping and pension fraud may be at play. He also discovered that…
Pam McClure is one of 3.2 million Medicare prescription drug insurance holders who will save money due to the Biden administration’s changes to the Medicare drug benefit. The changes include capping out-of-pocket costs at $2,000 in 2025 and negotiating lower prices for some drugs. While some plans may see premium increases, the law aims to…
Researchers presented data at the CHEST Annual Meeting showing an incremental association between the use of health information technology (HIT) and pneumococcal vaccine uptake among patients with COPD. The study included 129,717 participants with COPD aged 40-79 years and found that patients who used one or more HIT tools had higher rates of pneumococcal vaccination…
Catalent, a contract drug manufacturing company, reassured customers that its proposed acquisition by Novo Nordisk’s parent company will not raise competitive concerns. Novo Holdings, the majority owner of Catalent, plans to sell three facilities to Novo Nordisk for $11 billion. The deal has prompted speculation about potential regulatory hurdles due to concerns about anti-competitive practices….
The upcoming budget presents an opportunity to address the funding gap in the NHS. The Darzi report bought the government some time, but the NHS finances have deteriorated. Short-term fixes like using private hospitals may not address the underlying issues of underfunding and rising demand for care. Organizational shifts towards community care and prevention will…
Sanofi, a pharmaceutical company, plans to sell a 50% stake in its over-the-counter unit, Opella, to a US investment fund, CD&R, for 16 billion euros. The sale of Opella, the maker of France’s leading painkiller Doliprane, has faced political controversy in France due to concerns about jobs and domestic pharmaceutical production. The French government has…
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that men rely on endogenous opioids for pain relief, while women may use alternative mechanisms. The study involved 98 participants and revealed that meditation reduced pain in both sexes, but naloxone, an opioid antagonist, only diminished pain relief in males. This suggests that women do not rely…
Long COVID has become a significant economic crisis, impacting global economy by $1 trillion. It affects 6%-7% of adults, causing prolonged absence from work, leading to lower productivity and economic repercussions. The disease lacks a standard diagnosis, hindering surveillance efforts. Studies estimate a GDP loss of 0.5%-2.3% in select countries. In the US, long COVID…
Florida health officials are warning residents about an increase in flesh-eating bacteria in floodwaters following hurricanes Helene and Milton. Vibrio vulnificus can enter the body through contaminated seawater or undercooked shellfish, resulting in severe complications such as large blisters, sepsis, and shock. Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic liver conditions are at a higher…
Kaiser Permanente CEO Greg Adams is focused on advancing value-based care in the country, inspired by founder Henry Kaiser’s idea of creating the future. Kaiser launched Risant Health to acquire nonprofit health systems under value-based care models, with Geisinger and Cone Health as its first targets. Adams emphasized the importance of a strong commitment to…
A study on menopausal public sector workers found that only one-in-12 had spoken to their manager about their condition, leading to fewer promotions. The survey involved nearly 1,000 people from five Irish public sector organizations, with 68% saying menopause was not discussed at work and 8% calling it a taboo subject. Three-quarters were unsure if…
Research presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting suggests that decreasing vitamin A dimerization with oral gildeuretinol may be an effective treatment for geographic atrophy related to age-related macular degeneration. The phase 3 SAGA study showed a reduction in lesion growth rate and a significant improvement in low-luminance visual acuity in patients treated with…