Medicare has started negotiating drug prices for the first time, but neither the government nor the drug makers are revealing details. Last week, Medicare made its first offers to 10 drug manufacturers, leaving it up to them to discuss the proposals. AstraZeneca executives did not disclose any details about the price negotiation for their diabetes…
Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, urged for more debate on the impact of charitable funding on the NHS for both staff and patients. The organization aims to provide the best healthcare for everyone in the UK, but faces challenges such as growing winter pressures, stretched resources, and budget constraints. With the aftermath of…
Salk scientists have discovered a novel mechanism that removes improperly functioning mtDNA and sends it from inside to outside of the mitochondria. This process can cause inflammation in the immune system and has implications for aging and diseases. The team used imaging techniques to trace the steps of the pathway, which can be targeted with…
Researchers in Poland published a study exploring the connection between the gut microbiome and skin diseases, focusing on the use of probiotics to correct gut dysbiosis as a treatment. Skin diseases contribute substantially to global health, and environmental and genetic factors often cause them. The gut microbiome plays a significant role in various diseases, including…
Alzheimer’s disease affects the person with the disease and their loved ones, making it difficult to maintain the relationship. Understanding the stages of the disease and adapting to the changes is crucial. Relationship-centered care approach helps in tailoring care to the person’s unique needs while keeping the family involved in decision-making. It’s important to recognize…
Breast cancer mortality in the United States decreased significantly between 1975 and 2019, attributed to improved screening and treatments, particularly for hormone receptor-positive cancers. Therapeutic advances, such as 30 new anticancer drugs approved between 2010 and 2020, played a crucial role in this decline. Models developed by the Cancer Intervention and Surveillance Modeling Network (CISNET)…
A study suggests that alternating arms while receiving multi-dose vaccines can result in a better immune response. Researchers found a four-fold increase in immune response among those who alternated arms when receiving the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The study evaluated 947 participants and found that the improved immune response lasted beyond 13 months. The study also…
A study found that bariatric surgery is the most effective method for long-term blood pressure control among obese individuals. The study concluded that lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy are not as effective as bariatric surgery in controlling blood pressure in the long term for obese individuals. Researchers suggest that bariatric surgery should be considered as a…
Amazon has recently cut hundreds of jobs in the healthcare sector, sparking speculation about the company’s future in the industry. However, industry experts caution against oversimplifying the situation, pointing to the company’s recent acquisitions and investments in healthcare software as potential reasons for the downsizing. Amazon has made significant moves in the healthcare space in…
The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a new presidential advisory highlighting the cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, which encompasses obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease risk. More than 90 million adults in the US have at least 3 risk factors for CKM syndrome. Prevention efforts and early life screening for risk…
Amazon is reportedly cutting over 100 jobs at One Medical and Amazon Pharmacy to decrease operating losses. The job cuts could amount to several hundred as part of a company-wide effort to save $100 million. Amazon Health Services is realigning roles in the Finance, Legal, and Tech teams. The company plans to continue investing in…
The race to replace the late Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California is highlighting the issue of reproductive rights, with abortion being a key focus. Democratic candidates are emphasizing their support for abortion rights, while Republican candidate Steve Garvey, a political novice, is avoiding taking a definitive stand on the issue. Garvey’s campaign did not…
The REGAIN study by UK researchers involved an online program to aid people with long Covid, focusing on mental health therapy and exercise guidance. 485 subjects were divided into two groups, one of which received a standard advice session, while the intervention group received an individualized, self-paced approach to eight-week group sessions of psychological counseling…
Preventative services such as sexual health and weight management are facing a funding shortage next year, which will not be enough to reverse the impact of a decade of budget cuts. The grant for these services, along with tobacco, drug, and alcohol services, and early years provision, has been significantly reduced over the past ten…
A new research paper titled “PROX1 interaction with α-SMA-rich cancer-associated fibroblasts facilitates colorectal cancer progression and correlates with poor clinical outcomes and therapeutic resistance” has been published in Aging. The study found that the tumor microenvironment plays a key role in tumor progression, with cancer-associated fibroblasts expressing alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) correlates with unfavorable outcomes…
A global review of studies found that about 1.6% of women and girls meet criteria for Pre Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The data suggests this equates to around 31 million women and girls globally, with a higher proportion having provisional diagnoses. Symptoms of PMDD include mood changes, physical symptoms, and cognitive problems, and the condition…
A recent study published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that there is a lack of consensus within the scientific community about what “low carb” means. Most studies define low-carb as having 100 grams or less of carbohydrates daily, but some have much stricter definitions. The study’s principal investigator, Taylor Wallace, emphasized…
Sage, a journal and publisher, retracted three papers related to abortion issues due to multiple concerns and potential conflict of interest. The retraction implicates a Supreme Court case on the legality of restricting the abortion pill, and draws attention to the influence of advocacy organizations. The lead author of the retracted papers accused Sage of…
This content highlights the importance of using the best purple shampoo to preserve and care for blonde or silver hair. It provides a list of ten highly-rated purple shampoos available on Amazon, each with different benefits and features. These shampoos are designed to neutralize brassiness and yellow tones, moisturize and nourish the hair, and maintain…
A study has found that cochlear implants are safe and effective for infants under 9 months old. The research shows that these implants can improve hearing and language development in young children with severe to profound hearing loss. The findings support the idea that early intervention with cochlear implants can have significant benefits for infants….
The U.S. opioid crisis is a worsening public health issue, with nearly 110,000 overdose deaths in 2022. States have received over $50 billion in opioid settlement funding, but lack guidance on spending to support health IT infrastructure for opioid use disorder (OUD) care. Johns Hopkins and the Legal Action Center offer principles and strategies for…
The Minister for Health announced that funding has been allocated for the screening of Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) and Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in babies as part of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme. The funding of €700,000 will allow for the rollout of testing for these two conditions, along with the nine existing diseases…
A study published in the Harm Reduction Journal found that nicotine gum marketed as a consumer product, not as a medical therapy, does not appeal to non-tobacco users or young adults. The study examined LUCY Chew and Park commercial product, and conducted two separate surveys. The results showed that the gum primarily appealed to adults…
Seattle-based Outbound AI, offering AI-powered virtual agents for administrative tasks, is part of Microsoft’s Pegasus Program. Their conversational AI tool for healthcare uses 24/7 virtual agents focusing on revenue cycle tasks and is hosted on Microsoft’s Azure. Pegasus helps startups scale by providing cloud resources and mentoring. Outbound AI received $16 million in seed funding…
Enrollment in the Medicaid program is almost back to pre-pandemic levels after over 16 million people were removed from the program. Many were dropped due to procedural reasons or increased income, but many others have been reenrolled or signed up for the first time. Medicaid enrollment churn is not new, but it has happened in…
Three biotech venture capital veterans, including a co-founder of RayzeBio, have launched a new investment fund called Scion Life Sciences. They raised $310 million for the fund, surpassing their original $250 million target. Scion will take a longer approach than most venture capital firms, with a 20-year plan for its first fund, instead of the…
The BMA Cymru Wales junior doctors committee has announced new strike dates in their ongoing dispute over pay due to a lack of a credible pay offer from the Welsh government. Two further walkouts are scheduled for February and March following a 72 hour full walkout last month. The committee is calling for talks to…
Chronic jet lag can increase the risk of liver cancer for humans, a new study has shown. While people typically associate cancer with chemicals like tobacco and radiation, chronic circadian dysfunction has also been linked to liver cancer risk. The study used humanized mice and found that those subjected to simulated chronic jet lag had…
Parkinson’s disease is a common, disabling condition in Australia with no known cure. Managing and treating pain symptoms is crucial, as 85% of patients experience some form of pain. The University of South Australia is researching the characteristics and treatment of pain in Parkinson’s disease to improve patient-centered pain care services. Pain, which can occur…
Nutritionists are concerned about the impact of dietary consumption on cancer risk. 25% of cancer cases in the US could be prevented by improving nutrition, particularly being overweight or obese, which can increase the risk of certain cancers. Chronic inflammation from a poor diet can lead to mutations and has been linked to cancer. A…
A two-year follow-up study found that while the protection from daily vitamin D supplementation for reducing risk of autoimmune disease disappeared after the supplement was discontinued, the benefits of daily omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) continued for at least 2 additional years. The VITAL trial, involving 25,871 participants, showed vitamin D supplementation for 5 years…
Happy hormones, also known as neurotransmitters, play a significant role in regulating mood, pleasure, and overall well-being. The four main happy hormones are dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. Dopamine is released during pleasurable activities and helps with alertness, happiness, and motivation. Serotonin stabilizes mood and also affects sleep, hunger, and healing. Oxytocin is involved in…
A same-day combination of chemical peels and neurotoxins is a safe and effective cosmetic therapy for treating photoaging. This combination treatment helps to improve the appearance of aging skin, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of sun damage. The use of cookies for analytics, advertising, and site improvement is also mentioned in the content….
Eli Lilly’s metabolic disorder medication tirzepatide, which is approved for type 2 diabetes and weight management, has shown positive early clinical data for treating fatty liver disease (NASH) with no FDA-approved drug therapies. In a Phase 2 trial, 74% of participants on the highest dose of tirzepatide achieved absence of NASH with no worsening of…
Dermatologists play an important role in identifying and detecting various types of cancer before they reach later stages. Paraneoplastic diseases are clinical disorders that manifest in association with underlying malignancies. Dermatologists can help identify these diseases based on specific criteria, and they play a significant role in the early detection of internal malignancies. Cutaneous lesions…
Healthcare technology company Intellihealth has hired Annie Lorenzo as its executive vice president of clinical operations. She will manage the clinical operations personnel at Flyte Medical, an affiliate of Intellihealth. Lorenzo has extensive experience in clinical operations and telehealth care delivery, with previous positions at Propeller Health, Higi, Babylon, CirrusMD, and MDLive. Intellihealth CEO Sloan…
Enrollment in Medicaid has fallen by about 9.5 million people since last April due to procedural issues, leaving it on track to cover about 71 million people. The Biden administration underestimated the number of people who would lose coverage, as disenrollments are likely to exceed 17 million, with 70 percent due to procedural reasons. Nationally,…
The House panel passed a bipartisan bill to ban drug middlemen from charging fees based on drug list prices, representing Congress’ first PBM reform efforts. The bill, introduced by Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, would allow PBMs to only charge a flat service fee and would ban spread pricing. Additionally, it would prohibit PBMs from steering patients…
Publicis Groupe, an advertising firm that worked with opioid maker Purdue Pharma, will pay a $350 million settlement to all 50 US states. This is to resolve allegations of using deceptive marketing to increase doctors’ opioid prescriptions. The settlement is the first of its kind to hold an advertising company accountable for its role in…
Two studies have been published in Science Advances and a new platform capable of providing deep insights into T cell responses and TCR activation has been developed. The platform, referred to as T-FINDER, was designed by Dr. John M. Lindner and his research team at the BioMed X Institute in Heidelberg. The platform is capable…
A new Yale-led study reveals that access to pulmonary rehabilitation, an essential component of care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions, is difficult for millions of Americans to access. The study found that while around 80% of Americans live within a 30-minute drive of a pulmonary rehabilitation program, over 14 million people must travel more…
Recent research has linked yoga to a wide range of health benefits, including brain function enhancement, stress reduction, mood boosting, and protection against various health conditions. It has therapeutic effects on conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Parkinson’s, irritable bowel syndrome, and menopause. Yoga is accessible and can be made safe for people with…
A study published in the JAMA tracked 3613 gout patients aged 40-69 and found that aiming for serum urate levels of less than 5 or 6 mg/dL could prevent a majority of gout flares and hospitalizations. The study was conducted from 2006-2010 to 2017 or 2020 among 86% men. The study showed that patients with…
Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of suicide attempts, with a study finding an eight-fold higher risk compared to those without the condition. PCOS affects around 10% of women and is associated with increased production of male sex hormones, causing infertility, acne, hirsutism, and obesity. It is also linked to cardiovascular…
A study has shown that individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have an increased risk of developing hypertension. The study suggests that the chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with GERD could contribute to the development of hypertension. The findings highlight the potential connection between GERD and cardiovascular health, emphasizing the importance of addressing…
CDC reports 42% of Americans are obese and face a shortage of specialists and medications. A webinar on March 6 will discuss how physician practices can help patients with weight loss medications and generate revenue. Compounded versions of Ozempic and Mounjaro can be obtained for patients. The webinar will cover topics such as GLP-1 weight…
The HSE has approved seven new treatments for osteoporosis, antimicrobial-resistant infections, and cancer, among other conditions. The drugs will be funded from a €20 million allocation for new medicines this year. HSE’s chief clinical officer, Dr. Colm Henry, highlighted the significance of these new medications in meeting previously unmet needs and targeting specific at-risk groups….
The bipartisan Train More Nurses Act was unanimously passed in the Senate. The bill focuses on increasing the number of nurses, especially in underserved areas, and aims to strengthen career pathways for nurses. The legislation also seeks to facilitate the transition from LPNs to RNs. The bill awaits a vote in the House of Representatives…
Cedars-Sinai has introduced Xaia, a virtual psychotherapy companion accessible on the Apple Vision Pro headset. Xaia aims to assist people with anxiety, addiction, depression, and pain management through spatial-computing and AI technology. The experience, called “generated reality,” merges technology and therapy and uses mixed-reality environments to augment emotions and provide therapeutic techniques. Xaia remembers and…
Many states are using Medicaid funding for housing aid in response to the growing homelessness epidemic in the US. California is allocating $12 billion for the initiative, while Arizona is dedicating $550 million and Oregon is spending over $1 billion. The Biden administration is encouraging other states to follow suit. There is a debate on…