The Global Fund has partnered with VinBrain to support Vietnam’s National Tuberculosis Prevention Campaign through the use of AI technology. VinBrain will provide 32 AI licenses to aid in screening a million suspected TB cases, with the goal of eliminating TB in the country by 2035. Additionally, VinBrain has signed agreements to integrate their AI…
Sarah Feldman, 35, received letters warning of a pricing dispute between Mount Sinai Medical and UnitedHealthcare, her insurer. This led to stress and uncertainty for her as she faced the possibility of changing doctors due to the hospital being out-of-network. Contract disputes between hospitals and insurers are increasing, leaving patients at risk of losing coverage…
A study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting found that a 2.5 mg/mL dose of triamcinolone acetonide is equally effective in treating nail psoriasis compared to higher doses. The study included 10 adult patients with isolated nail psoriasis and found that lower concentrations of the treatment were superior to higher concentrations for…
John Green, a popular novelist and YouTuber, has announced a public-private funding partnership with USAID and the Philippines to fight tuberculosis. Green, along with his family, will contribute $4 million of the $57 million in new funding to test and treat tuberculosis in the Philippines. His ultimate dream is to see a world where tuberculosis…
Robert Geoffrey Chaytor was a medical school graduate from King’s College who served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in various locations. He later trained as an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and became a consultant in 1952. Chaytor played a key role in opening the new Walkergate Hospital in Newcastle, which was repurposed from…
A blood test for colon cancer by Guardant Health, called Shield, performed well in a study, catching 83% of cancers but missing precancerous growths. The test costs $895 and is not yet FDA-approved. Colonoscopy remains the gold standard for screening, but some avoid it due to inconvenience. Guardant recommends testing every three years. The study…
SOPHiA GENETICS collaborated with the French Kidney Cancer Research Network (UroCCR) on a study using an AI algorithm to predict post-operative outcomes in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients, with results published in npj Precision Oncology. The study showed the AI model provided strong prediction compared to usual prognostic scores. UroCCR, a collaborative network focusing on…
As summer approaches, young adults are considering using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic to lose weight for “bikini season.” However, experts warn that these medications are not the best first option for weight loss, especially for those without obesity-related conditions. Teens should focus on eating nutritious foods and exercising before considering medication. For overweight or obese…
US medical school graduates discovered their residency placements on Match Day 2024, revealing a decrease in interest in pediatrics and a resurgence in emergency medicine. The number of available residency positions increased by 3%, with emergency medicine filling 99.5% of positions and pediatrics having an 8% unfilled rate. The medical community closely watches Match Day…
World Sleep Day highlights the importance of sleep, with 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. not getting enough rest. Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, with children and teens requiring more. Sleep deprivation can lead to memory and focus issues, skin problems, eye appearance changes, food cravings, weight gain, mental health issues, fatigue,…
Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that most commonly occur in the legs. They can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. The main causes of varicose veins include genetics, age, pregnancy, and obesity. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, compression stockings, and medical procedures such as vein ablation or sclerotherapy. If…
Technology company Solera Health has partnered with Aon to offer personalized health benefits to employers and measure return on investment. Solera’s HALO Platform allows employers to manage various health solutions in one place, connecting employees to services like WeightWatchers, Sword Health, and Headspace. Aon’s Health Risk Navigator identifies high-risk individuals in need of intervention. The…
The lack of focus on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) medication is highlighted due to male-dominated executive leadership in the companies that produce it. The shortage of HRT medication is discussed in comparison to other global shortages. The author shares their personal experience with menopause and the positive impact of HRT. The fear factor associated with…
The FDA has granted Fast Track designation to elritercept (KER-050) for the treatment of anemia in adults with low- or intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Elritercept is a fusion protein designed to increase red blood cell production and platelet production. Initial data from a phase 2 trial showed promising results, with 50% of patients achieving an erythroid…
Perimenopause is the transitional period to menopause, characterized by hormonal changes leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, and mood swings. The average age for perimenopause onset is between 40 and 44, but it can affect women as young as 30. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options can help manage…
AION Labs, an Israel-based AI-enabled drug discovery partnership, has launched a new startup company called CombinAble.AI to accelerate therapeutics development by focusing on antibody design challenges. CombinAble.AI was established after an AION Labs startup challenge aimed at using AI for therapeutic antibodies. The company will use a platform integrating AI and computational methods for biomolecule…
President Biden addressed key issues in his State of the Union speech without explicitly naming them, namely Donald Trump and abortion. Biden, a devout Catholic, has historically supported abortion rights but has struggled to talk about it. In his speech, he avoided saying the word “abortion” but focused on protecting reproductive rights. Biden’s administration has…
Optometrists play a crucial role in recognizing adverse effects of systemic medications, according to Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO. At Vision Expo East, she emphasized the importance of collaboration with prescribing physicians to assess the risk of continuing medication on ocular health and visual function. Two medications for gynecological cancers have ocular toxicity warnings….
An expert panel advised the FDA to expand the use of CAR-T therapy in blood cancer, voting in favor of Carvykti and Abecma for multiple myeloma patients. Despite concerns about side effects, the panel found that the benefits outweighed the risks, especially for patients who have not responded to initial treatments. Both drugs showed significant…
be an innovative way to deliver care that promotes peer support and allows for more efficient use of healthcare providers’ time. However, the study found that while patients generally expressed satisfaction with shared appointments, there was no evidence of improved health outcomes or reduced healthcare service utilization compared to individual appointments. More research is needed…
A study led by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine found that many COVID-19 patients hospitalized in 2020 experienced gastrointestinal problems and psychological trauma over a year later. The research emphasizes the connection between the intestines and the brain, shedding light on long COVID symptoms. More than 60% of participants in the study met…
In a study published in BMC Medicine, researchers examined the challenges of vaccinating high-risk children against malaria, emphasizing health system-related risks and proposed solutions for universal protection. Limited government health financing and vaccine allocation frameworks were identified as significant barriers, necessitating transformative changes in health financing to ensure wide accessibility. Strengthening vaccine allocation frameworks, updating…
A world-renowned researcher has made groundbreaking discoveries in Crohn’s disease that have benefitted millions of people, including himself. His innovative studies have led to significant advancements in understanding and treating the condition. His contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of patients with Crohn’s disease, improving their quality of life and overall health….
Measles cases in the United States are on the rise due to unvaccinated travelers, low vaccination rates, and misinformation. The CDC has reported 45 cases in 17 jurisdictions, with outbreaks in Chicago and elsewhere. Measles can have serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccine misinformation plays a role in the uptick in cases, despite the…
A recent study found that children with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and neurodevelopmental comorbidities, such as ADHD or learning disabilities, are at a higher risk of cognitive impairment, including memory and learning difficulties. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, often leading to other conditions like food allergies, hay…
A study found that high folic acid levels during early pregnancy may increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes. The study suggests that women should be cautious about taking excessive folic acid supplements during pregnancy. Cookies are used on the site for analytics, advertising, and to improve the user experience. By continuing to use the…
There is a need to address online misinformation and stigma surrounding sexual health, especially with the rise in STD rates reported globally. The emergence of AI-driven technologies offers hope in improving STD detection, diagnosis, and prevention. AI can streamline and enhance STD diagnosis, provide accurate sexual health information through chatbots and virtual assistants, assist healthcare…
The National Ambulance Service is facing significant challenges with demand for services exceeding capacity, impacting staff well-being and retention. The HSE recruitment freeze has affected middle management and specialist expertise. The NAS needs 1,080 additional staff to address immediate challenges. A strategic plan has been approved by the HSE Board but is awaiting Government sign-off….
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 63.5% increase in antidepressant dispensing to adolescents and young adults, mainly driven by girls and women. The study tracked antidepressant prescriptions from 2016 to 2022, finding a rise in new initiations and monthly dispensing rates after the pandemic began. Female patients saw a significant increase in dispensing rates,…
Pawan Kohli, a strategic advisor at Redesign Health, spoke at HIMSS24 Venture Connect about learning from failure in the digital health market. Global digital health funding decreased significantly in 2023, with a drop in deals and mega-rounds. Companies like Olive and Pear Therapeutics shut down in 2023. Kohli suggested buying small rural health systems could…
In early 2019, Jennifer Hepworth and her husband were surprised by a bill of $3,500 for their daughter’s cystic fibrosis medication, which had previously cost $30. This increase was due to a change in their health insurance plan that no longer counted copay assistance towards their deductible. This practice, known as copay accumulator programs, allows…
The Contact Lens Institute’s “See Tomorrow” initiative revealed that nearly half of glasses wearers are interested in contact lenses, but only one in 10 were suggested them by their eye care provider. Survey results showed that patients were not trying contact lenses due to lack of information or recommendation from their eye care practice. Factors…
Scientists faced public backlash following the publication of genomic sequencing results from the All of Us Research Program. The study aimed to diversify genetic datasets with 1 million volunteers from underrepresented backgrounds, but critics found issues with how race and ethnicity were portrayed in the data using UMAP graphs. The controversy highlights the importance of…
The BMA has demanded an immediate investigation into reports of doctors and healthcare staff in Gaza being mistreated and assaulted by the Israel Defense Forces. The BMA representative Latifa Patel expressed concern and emphasized that healthcare workers are protected by the Geneva Conventions. She condemned any attacks on medical professionals, stating that such mistreatment is…
Research shows that car safety equipment is designed based on male bodies, leading to women in the front seat being more likely to suffer severe or fatal injuries in a crash. A study found sex differences in injury patterns and a higher likelihood of women experiencing shock in car crashes, despite having fewer injuries than…
A recent study published in Nutrients examined the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and eating behaviors among pregnant individuals and their non-pregnant partners in the US. The results showed that poor cognitive restraint was linked to higher GWG, indicating that restrained eating by couples could reduce the risk of complications such as infant macrosomia,…
Actress Olivia Munn shared her battle with breast cancer on Instagram, revealing an aggressive form of the disease despite a normal mammogram and negative genetic tests. Munn emphasizes the importance of individual risk assessments, which helped detect her cancer early. She underwent four surgeries, including a double mastectomy. Munn urges women to educate themselves about…
A new study examined metabolic syndrome trajectories and cancer risk, finding that adults with worsening metabolic syndrome over time are at increased risk for any type of cancer. Previous research has shown an association between metabolic syndrome and various cancers, but the reasons for this link remain unclear. The study of 44,115 Chinese adults over…
A man in Florida with severe migraines was diagnosed with neurocysticercosis, caused by tapeworm larvae in his brain. The infection was likely from eating undercooked bacon. The patient’s symptoms worsened over four months, leading to a CT scan that revealed cysts in his brain. Further tests confirmed parasitic tapeworm larvae, causing neurocysticercosis. Despite not traveling…
A recent study found that patients with cirrhosis who undergo contrast-enhanced CT scans are not at a higher risk for developing acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to those without cirrhosis. The study suggests that the use of contrast-enhanced CT scans in cirrhosis patients does not increase the risk of AKI. The findings provide reassurance for…
HiLabs, a company using AI to clean dirty data for health insurers, has raised $39 million in Series B funding. The company’s MCheck platform helps reduce healthcare operational costs and improve patient outcomes by cleaning healthcare data. With products for provider data accuracy, clinical results, payment accuracy, and value-based care, HiLabs aims to tackle the…
The Irish Kidney Association is marking World Kidney Day, emphasizing the need for increased awareness of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its link to other conditions. A recent report found that over 200,000 people over 50 in Ireland have CKD, with 1 in 10 of the population affected. Despite the prevalence of the disease, many…
Telehealth usage for addiction treatment increased among insured adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, with federal regulations allowing for more flexibility in treating substance use disorders. Telemedicine led to greater access to care and potentially reduced substance use. However, racial and ethnic disparities in treatment persist, with Latino/Hispanic adolescents having lower initiation rates and Black adolescents…
Foundation Health, a San Francisco healthcare technology company, closed a $6 million seed funding round. Investors include Garry Tan of Y Combinator and others. The company focuses on digital pharmacy and telehealth solutions, working on APIs, virtual pharmacies, and direct-to-consumer services. The funds will be used to provide quick and scalable healthcare solutions. Founder Umar…
A battle over abortion access is intensifying in Montana, with challenges to state laws pending in court, a ballot initiative for extra protections, and upcoming state Supreme Court seats that could impact abortion rights. The state remains abortion-friendly due to a 25-year-old court ruling. Anti-abortion advocates are facing hurdles in overturning abortion protections, with recent…
An online obesity treatment and maintenance program resulted in significant weight loss among primary care patients, with participants losing an average of 3.6 kg during the 3-month weight loss phase. The study included 540 adults with overweight or obesity who were enrolled in a Rhode Island primary care network. Different maintenance interventions were then tested,…
A new study conducted by scientists at the University of Texas Medical Branch suggests that the antiviral drug obeldesivir may be effective in treating Ebola Sudan infections, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The drug, given in pill form, showed promising results in primate tests, with all treated animals surviving. If…
Kamran Abbasi, editor in chief of The BMJ, reflects on past strikes and the ongoing doctors’ strikes in the UK, highlighting the government’s unwillingness to negotiate meaningfully. He draws parallels between the treatment of miners in the 1980s and doctors today, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues beyond pay such as personal debt, training opportunities,…
Sleep is crucial for overall health, with many restorative processes happening during sleep. We sleep at night due to our biological clock, and disruptions can lead to poor health outcomes like cognitive issues, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Not sleeping enough or poor quality sleep can affect mental health, and societal factors like electronic device…
Nuclera, a biotech company revolutionizing protein expression screening, has appointed Joseph Bertelsen as Chief Commercial Officer. With 20+ years in life science tools and drug development, Bertelsen brings valuable sales experience to drive adoption of Nuclera’s eProtein Discovery platform. Previously at the Institute for Protein Innovation, Diagenode, and Abcam, Bertelsen has a MSc in Pharmaceutical…