The Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital is a specialist hospital for eye, ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders. It is a University Teaching Hospital with a history dating back to 1814. They are currently seeking candidates for medical positions, specifically a Senior House Officer in Ophthalmology from July 2024 to January 2025….
The phase 2 KARDIA-2 study showed that a single subcutaneous dose of zilebesiran, an investigational RNA interference agent, reduced systolic blood pressure when added to other antihypertensive medications. The drug was generally safe, well-tolerated, and showed promise as part of combination therapy, offering a potential option for patients with hypertension. Data from the study also…
Grail, a cancer screening firm, is using a blood test called Galleri to detect multiple types of tumors early. However, the clinical trial endpoint for this test is being challenged. The test is available in the U.S. but not approved by the FDA or reimbursed by Medicare, except for specific clinical trials. Owned by Illumina,…
Clostridium butyricum, a hardworking microbe found in the gut and in soil, plays a crucial role in our health. It produces the short-chain fatty acid butyrate, which benefits intestinal cells. This microbe helps improve gut microbiome composition, supports digestive health, immune system function, and mental health. Some strains are used as probiotics and may be…
Heavy alcohol use in middle-aged adults increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by affecting liver and pancreas function, which impacts blood sugar control. Research presented at the American Physiology Summit in Long Beach found that heavy drinkers had higher fasting glucose levels. While young adults may not experience severe glucose level impairment from…
Douglass Williams was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at 16, which led to significant health challenges including weight loss and limitations in his diet. Despite these challenges, he pursued his passion for cooking and found that focusing on creating dishes he could eat helped him cope with the disease. Managing stress and finding joy in cooking…
A new trial called TELE-ACS showed that patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent PCI had a 76% lower rate of hospital readmission after 6 months if they participated in a remote monitoring protocol. The protocol included consultation with a cardiologist who reviewed home-monitoring data. Results also showed lower rates of emergency department visits, unplanned…
A study has found that chronic musculoskeletal pain can increase the risk of cognitive decline. The research suggests that persistent pain in the muscles and joints may have a negative impact on cognitive function. This finding highlights the importance of managing chronic pain effectively to prevent potential cognitive issues. The study also indicates the need…
As interest rates rise, digital health companies are facing a tighter VC market, with funding dropping from $29.1 billion in 2021 to $10.7 billion in 2022. Despite this, some VCs are still willing to invest in industry-leading companies. Entrepreneurs need to demonstrate a large market, strong unit economics, a world-class team, and a compelling plan…
Specialists at the IMO AGM discussed the rise of semaglutide as a weight-loss drug, with newer, more effective medications on the horizon. Prof Donal O’Shea highlighted the potential of tirzepatide and retatrutide in treating obesity. He emphasized the need for a shift in how obesity is treated, debunking the “eat less, move more” myth. The…
Chelation therapy, involving IV infusions of a metal-binding agent, did not show clinical benefit in post-MI patients with diabetes, according to the TACT2 trial. The therapy reduced lead levels in the blood but did not improve cardiovascular outcomes. The trial involved 1,000 patients with diabetes and a prior heart attack who received 40 weekly infusions…
A recent study presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting revealed that about half of cancer drugs approved through the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway do not show improvement in patient survival or quality of life in subsequent clinical trials after five years. Despite this, the FDA has been converting accelerated approvals into…
France plans to introduce a five euro penalty for patients who miss medical appointments, aiming to address the 27 million consultations wasted each year. The penalty is part of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal’s efforts to improve the struggling healthcare system due to increasing demands from an aging population. The measure aims to free up appointments…
A new study presented at the American Physiology Summit shows that regular aerobic exercise later in life can prevent DNA damage and telomere dysfunction, improving vascular health. Previous studies indicated that aerobic exercise in older individuals reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease-related mortality. This study focused on how exercise impacts genomic stability, particularly in endothelial…
Chronic stress can worsen health conditions like arthritis by triggering inflammation and increased perception of pain. Managing stress is crucial to maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Exercise is an effective stress reducer and can help alleviate arthritis pain. Meditation and deep breathing techniques can also help lower stress levels. Alternative relaxation techniques, staying connected with…
An interarterial shunt (IAS) device that showed promise in improving heart failure (HF) in pilot studies did not meet the primary efficacy endpoint in a pivotal trial. The trial showed potential harm among patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) greater than 40%. Results indicated that the IAS device was beneficial for patients with…
Vitamin D deficiency is linked to eczema in young children, according to a study by researchers from Chang Gung University in Taiwan. The study involved 222 children with and without atopic dermatitis, testing for vitamin D levels and allergen sensitization. Results showed that vitamin D deficiency was associated with a higher prevalence of eczema in…
Mechanical and oral antibiotic bowel preparation have been shown to reduce morbidity in patients undergoing elective rectal resection, according to a study published in JAMA. The study suggests that these preparations can help improve outcomes for patients undergoing this type of surgery. Additionally, the use of cookies on the website is mentioned, with information on…
Change Healthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group’s Optum division, recently experienced a cyberattack that disrupted payment processing for thousands of providers. The healthcare sector faces increasing cyber threats due to the valuable patient data it holds. Despite increased investments in cybersecurity, organizations struggle to keep up with sophisticated hackers. The attack exposed vulnerabilities in third-party vendors,…
Consultant psychiatrist Prof Matthew Sadlier recommends that Ireland issue a public health warning about social media’s negative effects on young people, following in the footsteps of the US Surgeon General. He suggested implementing a system of ‘minimum usage pricing’ and requiring social media users to verify their identity to combat addiction. Although he did not…
ARCA biopharma and Oruka Therapeutics have merged and will now operate under Oruka Therapeutics. The merger agreement includes the combining of all stocks which will now be traded on the Nasdaq under ORKA. The companies anticipate that the merger will fund Oruka’s leading programs, ORKA-001 and ORKA-002, through proof-of-concept. Oruka plans to enter clinical trials…
A new heart pump from Abiomed was found to reduce deaths in severe heart attack patients in a recent trial presented at the American College of Cardiology conference. The trial followed 355 patients for 180 days, with half receiving the heart pump and the other half receiving standard care. Results showed that 46% of patients…
A study found that waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a better predictor of fat mass (FM) in pediatric patients compared to body mass index (BMI). The study included 7,237 9-year-old children and found that WHtR remained relatively stable over time while BMI increased. WHtR had better agreement with total FM and trunk FM compared to…
Researchers found that Black men with a recent prostate cancer diagnosis had lower microvascular function compared to white men. This racial disparity may contribute to disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes as well. The study included 28 men who were within three months of a prostate cancer diagnosis, with Black men showing significantly lower microvascular function…
Weekends are perfect for being active, but this can lead to muscle soreness. Sore muscles can result from new activities, increased intensity, or lengthier workouts, causing minor injuries to muscle fibers. Joint pain can indicate osteoarthritis, overuse, or injury. Experts recommend using ice for immediate relief and heat later to increase blood flow. Acetaminophen or…
Men with lower urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate may benefit more from a surgical implant called UroLift than from the commonly prescribed drug tamsulosin, according to new data presented at a urology congress. In a trial comparing the two treatments, men who received the UroLift implant reported greater improvements in urinary symptoms,…
Dry shampoo is a convenient hair care product that absorbs excess oil and refreshes locks in between washes, making it ideal for busy schedules. By selecting the right dry shampoo based on hair type, ingredients, formulation, scent, color, and desired effects like volume and texture, you can maintain a clean, revitalized appearance with minimal effort….
Odisha Government has implemented strict measures to address the issue of fake doctors in the state. The government aims to crack down on individuals practicing medicine without proper qualifications by conducting thorough background checks and investigations. These measures are intended to protect the public from potential harm caused by fraudulent medical practitioners. By using cookies…
Chicago-based company Prenosis recently received FDA clearance for its AI-based sepsis detection technology, making it the first of its kind to be approved by the agency. The technology, called ImmunoScore, uses 22 different parameters to assess a hospital patient’s risk of sepsis within 24 hours. Prenosis aims to bring precision medicine to acute care by…
At the Irish Medical Organisation AGM, various roles in healthcare were discussed, including the impact of social media on young people, the role of GPs as primary vaccinators, new drugs for obesity, and the use of AI in healthcare settings. The focus was on the role of physician associates (PAs) and concerns about their responsibilities…
The federal government has started offering fertility benefits to its employees, including coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures and artificial insemination cycles. This move comes as more companies are providing generous fertility benefits to attract and retain top talent. However, the controversial nature of IVF has led to debates among anti-abortion Republicans, highlighting the…
Cody McKenzie of Glaukos discusses the impact of the iDose TR at the ASCRS meeting. He announces that the travoprost intracameral implant received a permanent J-code, J7355, from CMS for reducing IOP in open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension, effective July 1. This will increase patient access and streamline claims processing. McKenzie, the vice president and…
Boehringer Ingelheim is laying off sales reps due to poor U.S. sales of its biosimilar version of Humira. The company will switch to a hybrid sales model. Meanwhile, India faces a crisis over the supply of the polio vaccine as Sanofi has shut down its manufacturing plants in the country. This has raised concerns about…
Exposure to secondhand smoke, even in small amounts, is associated with a higher risk of a serious heart rhythm disorder known as atrial fibrillation. A study presented at EHRA 2024 found that the longer individuals were exposed to passive smoking, the greater their likelihood of developing atrial fibrillation. This risk was seen in various settings,…
A study in mice presented at the American Physiology Summit suggests that obesity and a high-fat diet can accelerate aging in the blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, leading to cognitive decline. The research highlights the importance of vascular health and cellular aging in cognitive deterioration and may provide new therapeutic targets for preventing…
Mood problems, including depression and bipolar disorder, affect millions of Americans, leading to a high annual cost for treatment and lost wages. Many people are seeking mood supplements and alternatives to drugs to improve their mood. Some common mood supplements include St. John’s wort, SAMe, valerian, lavender, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and vitamin D….
The AEGIS-II trial evaluated the impact of ApoA1 product CSL112 on cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke in patients with MI and additional risk factors. Results showed no significant reduction in the primary endpoint, but a trend toward benefit in cardiovascular death and MI. Exploratory analysis revealed significant benefits in patients with higher LDL…
Expressive arts therapy is a creative approach to exploring one’s inner self through various forms of art, music, movement, and more. It is increasingly recognized as an effective tool for mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Karen Corona, a psychotherapist and creativity coach, integrates expressive arts into her work to promote healing and…
The USFDA has approved Carvykti for patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma who have received at least one prior line of therapy. This medication is used to treat this specific group of patients. Additionally, cookies are used on the site for analytics, advertising, and to improve user experience. By continuing to use the site,…
At the LSI 2024 Emerging MedTech Summit, Alpha Sophia announced that their Enterprise plan now provides full access to all-payer commercial claims data. This update positions Alpha Sophia as the most affordable and comprehensive intelligence tool in the market. Biolinq Incorporated, a health tech business, secured a $58 million financing round led by Alpha Wave…
The CEO of the HSE outlined plans for restructuring and reforming the organization by decentralizing decision-making and implementing changes to improve public confidence in healthcare. He mentioned successes such as reducing delayed transfers of care and discussed plans for a new patient app to store health information. It was noted that the recruitment freeze will…
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program covers $30 monthly internet bill payments for low-income households, benefiting over 23 million households. The program, expected to run out of funding by April or May, provides essential internet access for healthcare and education. Health care providers work to enroll patients in the program to expand telehealth services. A bipartisan…
A study presented at the ACC Scientific Session and published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that mandibular advancement devices may be better for lowering blood pressure compared to CPAP devices for patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. The study, known as CRESCENT, found that patients using mandibular advancement devices…
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference and published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy improved symptoms and physical function in patients with obesity, diabetes, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This is the second trial conducted by Novo on Wegovy in HFpEF, following…
Consultants in England have voted to accept the government’s improved pay offer, with 83% in favour. This deal includes pay uplifts ranging from 2.85% to 12.80% in addition to a 6% pay award for 2023-24, backdated to March 1, 2024. Both the BMA and the Hospital Consultants and Specialists Association recommended acceptance of the deal,…
A long-term study presented at the European Association of Urology Congress in Paris found that an oral spray-based vaccine, MV140, can prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) for up to nine years in over half of participants. The vaccine was shown to be safe and effective, with 48% of participants remaining UTI-free during the follow-up…
The University of California, Irvine research team has created the first genetic reference maps for short DNA repeats linked to over 50 fatal diseases. The UC Irvine Tandem Genome Aggregation Database allows researchers to study the connection between these mutations, known as tandem repeat expansions, and diseases like ALS and cancer. Published in Cell, the…
Various experts from prestigious institutions such as Northwestern University, Yale School of Medicine, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics caution against the excessive use of dietary supplements. The FDA advises on how to identify false claims about cures and report issues with supplements. Research suggests personalized nutrition is impacting multivitamin use, while organizations like…
Empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, did not significantly reduce first heart failure hospitalization or death in high-risk patients after a heart attack in the EMPACT-MI trial. However, a secondary analysis showed a significant reduction in first HF hospitalization and total HF hospitalizations with empagliflozin compared to placebo. The drug was deemed safe, but there was no…
Vaping is often seen as a safer alternative to smoking, but recent research suggests that e-cigarette users may be at a higher risk of developing heart failure than those who do not vape. A study of over 175,000 participants found that e-cigarette users had a 19% higher risk of heart failure compared to non-users, even…