A recent study has found that the use of febuxostat among gout patients is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The study suggests that patients taking this medication should be monitored closely for potential cardiovascular complications. It is important for healthcare providers to consider this risk when prescribing febuxostat to patients with gout….
The MedCity Moves Podcast discusses recent executive appointments, promotions, exits, and layoffs in the healthcare industry. Katie Adams explores new leaders at Geisinger and Cedars-Sinai, as well as recent job cuts at Johnson & Johnson and Highmark Health. The podcast also features an interview with Brian Anderson, the new CEO of the Coalition for Health…
Listen To Your Microbes is a graphic story that tells the evolution of microorganisms on Earth over the past 3.7 billion years. Written by Fergus Shanahan and Laura Gowers, the book explains how microbes made the planet habitable for humans by generating oxygen, removing methane, and producing soil, plants, and animals. It also explores how…
A study published in The Lancet Digital Health found that using computer-aided detection (CAD) software during nonimmunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) screening and surveillance colonoscopies can reduce the adenoma miss rate (AMR) compared to conventional colonoscopy. The study, a randomized controlled trial, showed that the CAD system increased the detection of adenomas in colonoscopies….
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has launched Virtual Urgent Care, allowing children and young adults up to 21 years old to receive after-hours care for non-emergency illnesses or injuries via video meetings with CHLA providers. This service treats ailments like fever, respiratory infections, minor injuries, and more, providing prescriptions and discharge instructions when necessary. The hospital…
Bart and Barbara Klion faced a dilemma when their Humana Medicare Advantage plan was dropped by Saratoga Hospital, threatening their access to their doctors. Bart fought to keep his doctors, contacting multiple organizations for help. Medicare Advantage plans have become popular but have downsides, such as limited provider networks and disputes between insurers and providers…
Three major pharmaceutical companies, AstraZeneca, Boehringer, and GSK, have agreed to cap the price of asthma inhalers at $35, effective June 1. This decision came after pressure from Democratic lawmakers to lower inhaler prices due to high costs. The companies are also focusing on making respiratory medications more accessible to uninsured and underinsured patients. The…
Share your new hires, promotions, and other changes with us so we can share them with our readers. Don’t be shy, everyone wants to know who is coming and going. This week, Ocugen has hired Huma Qamar as chief medical officer, previously working at Medicus Pharma. Remember, all work and no play can make for…
Ellie Jackson and Harshit Kondapally from Sheffield, UK advocate for reform of rotational training, especially during the foundation years. They highlight the benefits of short rotations which offer exposure to different specialties and help develop clinical skills. They acknowledge that the effectiveness of these rotations depends on the specific placements. They also mention that a…
Researchers have developed a new super-resolution imaging method called SUM-PAINT, which allows for fast and detailed visualization of proteins in 3D neuronal cells. This technique has revealed a previously unknown type of synapse and has the potential to revolutionize the study of protein organization and neurological disorders. The team created a detailed atlas of neuronal…
2,6-DHNPs, a group of disinfection byproducts, are a significant concern for public health as they are more toxic and resistant to traditional water cleaning methods. A recent study found that these DBPs are 248 times more toxic than regulated pollutants in zebrafish embryos, leading to severe cardiotoxic effects. Boiling and filtration were found to be…
Medical illustrations are a crucial part of medical education, helping students and doctors understand the body and diagnose conditions. However, there is a lack of diversity in medical illustrations, particularly in showcasing skin tones of color. Efforts are being made by organizations like the Association of Medical Illustrators to address this disparity and promote diversity…
Many medical professionals, including surgeons at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA, have superstitions and rituals to ward off bad luck and boost their confidence. These rituals range from specific pre-surgery routines to wearing lucky items like Wonder Woman clogs. While there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these practices, many doctors…
Spring brings gentler temperatures and flowers but can be tough for those with seasonal allergies. Early diagnosis and precautions can help manage symptoms like runny nose, itchy eyes, and fatigue. Dr. Reenal Patel, an Allergist, says 25% of adults have seasonal allergies, which can develop in adulthood. Symptoms can affect eyes, ears, nose, throat, lungs,…
Hair-straightening products have been found to be linked to an increased risk of acute kidney failure, according to research. The findings emphasize the potential dangers associated with these products. The study highlights the importance of being cautious when using such products and being aware of the potential health risks they may pose. It is important…
Join nearly 300 healthcare investors, startups, and executives at MedCity INVEST 2024 in Chicago on May 21-22 at the Ritz Carlton. This event is a leading healthcare investment conference in the U.S., featuring networking opportunities and panels on healthcare investment trends, GLP-1 drugs, women’s health, and more. Speakers include executives from GE Healthcare, National Institutes…
The article discusses the RCPI Changing Horizons event, which focused on the future of training delivery in healthcare up to 2030 and beyond. The event featured speakers such as Dr. Suzanne Crowe, Dr. Diarmuid O’Shea, and Prof. Maeve Skelly from RCPI, as well as Dr. Siobhan Ni Bhriain and Mr. Liam Woods from HSE. The…
Abridge, a generative AI company, has partnered with Sutter Health to bring their clinical documentation software to Sutter clinicians, reducing provider workload by automating note-taking. The software will be integrated into Sutter’s Epic EMR system to improve patient experiences and reduce provider burnout. Abridge has received significant funding and investments, including a Series B led…
Smallpox was certified eradicated in 1980, sparking interest in the disease’s history. A podcast called “Epidemic: Eradicating Smallpox” delves deeply into the South Asian side of the eradication campaign. The program’s success in eradicating smallpox was attributed to the careful planning and implementation of a targeted vaccine strategy in India. However, it also exposed a…
The Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah has a high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, with a long waiting list to see a rheumatologist. Factors such as poor funding, lack of political will, and patient mistrust due to historical trauma have impeded efforts to improve access to care. Initiatives like the Rheumatology Access Expansion…
The content discusses the benefits of human milk, particularly focusing on complex sugars called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). HMOs are believed to support the microbiome in infants, leading to numerous health benefits such as a stronger immune system and protection against diseases. Researchers are exploring the potential of harnessing these benefits for adults, particularly immunocompromised…
Richard M. Hoffman from the University of Hertfordshire discusses the significance of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) in the fight against tobacco control. With poor diet surpassing smoking as the leading cause of death in many Western countries, he suggests the need for a coalition against ultra-processed foods (UPFs). A new umbrella review supports…
A new study found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in food does not increase hunger and can help reduce blood sugar levels. The research was conducted through a double-blind randomized controlled trial and showed that sweeteners did not impact appetite negatively, and even provided benefits such as lowering blood sugar, which is…
Sotatercept (WINREVAIR™) by Merck has been FDA approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a condition with a high risk of heart failure. Sotatercept disrupts signaling pathways by sequestering activin, a protein that promotes growth in the pulmonary arteries. ACVR2A, the target of Sotatercept, also plays a crucial role in various diseases beyond…
Holding on to past romantic attachments can lead to distrust and hinder a new relationship. Signs that your partner may still be hung up on an ex include constantly talking about them, keeping in touch online, and being emotionally unavailable. It’s important to communicate your feelings and set boundaries if necessary. Physical intimacy issues can…
Studies presented at the 67th German Congress of Endocrinology discussed the potential of targeting brown fat tissue for fat burning, as obesity rates are high in Germany. While current treatments focus on reducing energy intake, a more sustainable option could be to increase energy expenditure by activating brown fat tissue. Brown fat burns calories to…
Dr. Jason Shumard is redefining alternative healthcare with his unique blend of chiropractic knowledge and functional medicine expertise, dedicating his nearly 20-year career to exploring complex health conditions. His journey, sparked by the loss of his mother to type 2 diabetes, aims to reverse this condition and enhance the quality of life for countless individuals….
Lupin has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration for Eslicarbazepine Acetate Tablets, used for treating partial-onset seizures. The company’s latest pharmaceutical offering will help in managing this specific type of seizure disorder. Lupin’s achievement signifies another milestone in its commitment to providing effective treatments for various medical conditions. Additionally, the company’s use…
This roundup highlights some of the notable funding rounds in the provider technology space that took place in March. Zephyr AI secured $111M in Series A funding to develop a precision medicine platform. Nalu Medical obtained $85M in Series E funding to advance its neurostimulation system for chronic pain treatment. Hippocratic AI closed a $53M…
Sedatives and anabolic steroids made up more than half of the nearly 875,000 units of illegal medicines seized by health authorities last year. The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) warned of the health risks of buying prescription drugs online or from unauthorized sources. The detained medications also included erectile dysfunction treatments, analgesics, stimulants, and cosmetic…
A study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that increased systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial blood pressure in midlife are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation in later life. The study, conducted with participants from the ARIC study, showed that elevated blood pressure was linked to a…
San Francisco-based telemental health company Brightside Health secured $33 million in Series C funding from S32 and investors including Kennedy Lewis, Time BioVentures, and Anne Wojcicki. The funding brings their total raised amount to $100 million. The company provides care for anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders through a Crisis Care psychiatry platform. The funding…
The Supreme Court appears unlikely to restrict availability of the abortion pill mifepristone in its first abortion case since Roe v. Wade, with more abortion-related cases on the horizon. Republicans target health programs like Medicare and Medicaid, giving Democrats an advantage. Conservative justices express skepticism about challenges to mifepristone, which could impact the drug’s safety…
Surgeons at Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute performed a successful lung-liver transplant on a patient with advanced lung cancer, believed to be the first of its kind. The patient, Gary Gibbon, initially received treatment for lung cancer that damaged his lungs and liver, leading to the need for a transplant. Through the Double Lung Replacement…
“The Readout LOUD” is a biotech podcast that covers various topics including who can sue the FDA, the impact of a Supreme Court case on medication abortion and new medicines, and the implications of a trade war on the pharmaceutical industry. The podcast also discusses contrarian views on new obesity treatments, efforts to ban Chinese…
The article discusses the impact of alcohol minimum unit pricing (MUP) in Scotland, with critics highlighting an increase in alcohol related deaths since the policy was introduced. However, the final evaluation report concluded that MUP had a positive effect on population level health outcomes and reduced alcohol related health inequalities. Data showed that approximately 150…
New research from Karolinska Institutet supports the idea of lowering or removing the current recommendation of a weight gain of at least 5 kg during pregnancy for obese women. The study indicates that there are no increased health risks for either the mother or the child with weight gain below current guidelines. For women with…
A recent study from Kobe University analyzed how synaptic proteins change during early development in mice and marmosets, as well as individuals with autism spectrum disorders. This research provides insights into the mechanism behind synaptic development and potential treatments. Primate brains undergo a process of synaptic pruning after early childhood, reducing connections between brain cells….
Women today are struggling to balance their many roles in life, leading to increased stress and decreased happiness. Lack of free time is a major factor in this trend. It is important for women to prioritize self-care to ensure they have the energy to fulfill their responsibilities. Making time for oneself should be treated as…
A study in preclinical models suggests that familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be transmissible via bone marrow transplant, but experts warn against immediate conclusions for humans. Researchers found that transplanting mutant amyloid precursor protein (APP) stem cells into mice resulted in rapid development of AD-like symptoms. While this finding raises concerns about disease transmission through…
Detoxing involves eliminating toxins to allow organs like the liver, kidneys, and digestive system to function optimally. Fiber-rich foods aid digestion, while anti-bloating products reduce discomfort. The products mentioned, such as Vitauthority Detox Nourish, Fiber Fix, Her Own Debloat Gummies, Inno Cleanse, and SkinnyFit Detox Tea, offer a holistic approach to detox. These products support…
Regular exercise 2-3 times a week may help reduce the risk of developing insomnia, according to a study published in BMJ. The study suggests that consistent physical activity over the long term can have a positive impact on sleep quality. It is important to maintain a regular exercise routine to potentially lower the risk of…
Interoperability tools in healthcare are not being adopted as widely as they should be, hindering the smooth exchange of patient data. Despite the development of standards like FHIR and tools like DICOM and HL7, many providers still rely on outdated methods like faxing. The resistance to change may be due to factors like cost, complexity,…
New measures announced by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will ban the sale of e-cigarettes at events for children, and their promotion near schools and at kids’ movies. These measures are part of an effort to reduce young people vaping, with a six-month lead-in period starting from September 23. The HSE will now have the power…
Thromboelastography (TEG) was studied as a tool for evaluating venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in female cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. TEG parameters were used to assess hypercoagulability, with 63% of patients showing this after the first cycle and 75% after the second cycle. Patients with ovarian cancer had higher TEG values compared to those with breast…
Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disease that primarily affects movement control. The three main symptoms are tremors, muscle rigidity, and slowness of actions. These symptoms result from the loss of nerve cells in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra region. Diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment aims to alleviate symptoms through drug therapy,…
Pelago, a digital substance use management platform formerly known as Quit Genius, secured $58 million in Series C funding, bringing its total raise to $151 million. Existing investor Atomico led the round, with participation from other investors including Octopus Ventures, Y Combinator, and Kinnevik AB. Pelago works with health plans, employers, and individuals to offer…
Controversial legislation in some states has allowed hospital mergers that create monopolies, despite the Federal Trade Commission’s belief that competition is beneficial for the economy. The creation of Ballad Health in Tennessee and Virginia resulted in a state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, leading to issues like longer wait times in emergency rooms. Critics argue that such mergers…
A study conducted in Finland found that people with glaucoma have higher direct costs compared to those without the disease, as well as higher rates of premature retirement, leading to a significant economic burden on individuals and society. The study evaluated data from the Health 2000 survey and found that glaucoma patients spent more time…
Adam’s Biotech Scorecard is a new subscriber-only newsletter focusing on biotech developments, with the inaugural edition discussing Viking Therapeutics. The company’s dual-acting GLP-1/GIP treatment for obesity, VK2735, has shown impressive weight loss results with minimal side effects, making it a strong competitor to existing obesity treatments. With a stock price increase of 800% and a…