The latest review of ICU activity in Ireland found issues such as delays in patient discharge and high bed occupancy rates. The report revealed that there are not enough critical care beds in Ireland compared to international standards. Delays in urgent admissions were seen due to full ICUs, with only 30 percent of patients admitted…
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory for healthcare providers to implement phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect against cyber threats. The advisory follows a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) conducted by CISA that identified vulnerabilities in healthcare organizations. Cyberattacks can impact patient care through extended hospital stays and increased mortality rates….
Telstra Health has announced its full acquisition of pharmacy IT solutions provider Fred IT Group, purchasing the remaining 50% equity from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Fred IT co-founder and CEO Paul Naismith. Naismith will remain CEO, and Fred IT will continue to develop solutions and services as usual. The acquisition is part of…
Julie Rovner, chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ podcast “What the Health?”, discusses the upcoming Supreme Court rulings on abortion-related cases and the potential impact on healthcare policies. The cases involve the abortion pill mifepristone, federal emergency care laws, and the interpretation of legislation by federal agencies. Laurie Sobel, an associate director…
A study found that a weekly intake of 14 or more potatoes was associated with a lower risk of death compared to an intake of six or fewer potatoes. Each 100g per day increment of potato consumption was linked to a 4% decrease in the risk of death. The study focused on the effects of…
Novartis has filed a lawsuit to block a Maryland law that requires them to supply medicines to any pharmacy working with hospitals in the 340B government drug discount program. The company argues that the law is illegal, preempted by federal law, and violates the U.S. Constitution. The 340B program was created to help hospitals and…
The Cass review, conducted by Hilary Cass in April 2024, highlighted issues with NHS services for children and young people questioning their gender identity. The review pointed out lack of evidence on long-term effects of hormonal prescriptions for young people with gender dysphoria, leading to a call for more evidence-based and holistic services. The toxic…
Tobacco-funded research is still being published in major medical journals, despite some attempts to cut ties with the industry. While some journals have policies banning such research, enforcement is challenging due to the industry’s involvement in pharmaceutical and health technology fields. The Investigative Desk and The BMJ found numerous relationships between Big Tobacco’s subsidiaries and…
Three UN agencies warn of worsening malnutrition in Sudan due to ongoing conflict, lack of access to food, water, and healthcare. Children and mothers are at risk of famine, with acute malnutrition levels reaching emergency levels. Displacement and violence hinder humanitarian access and delivery of aid, exacerbating the crisis. Malnourished children face life-long health challenges…
First-trimester use of antiseizure medications (ASMs) does not increase the risk for miscarriage, according to a UK population-based cohort study. The elevation of risk among users is likely due to underlying psychiatric conditions for which the medications are used. Overall, 14.5% of pregnancies with first-trimester ASM exposure ended in miscarriage, compared to 12.2% without exposure….
Researchers have found that adopting heart-healthy behaviors can potentially delay the aging process. A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association showed that individuals who followed a heart-healthy lifestyle had a younger biological age and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as a reduced risk of mortality. The…
A recent report from Deloitte and the Meharry School of Global Health reveals that the U.S. spends $477.5 billion annually on unnecessary expenses related to mental health inequities, with projected costs increasing to $1.3 trillion by 2040 if left unaddressed. The report suggests integrating mental health and primary care, incentivizing mental health screenings, and improving…
Construction of the National Children’s Hospital in Ireland has faced delays, with completion now pushed back to February 2025. The hospital is not expected to admit its first patient until August 2025. The budget for the project has increased to €1.88 billion, with an overall budget of €2.24 billion approved by the government. Despite delays…
Researchers have discovered that mosquitoes protect themselves from getting sick from viruses like dengue and Zika by producing small RNAs that target and degrade viral RNA, which is facilitated by a protein called Argonaute 2 (Ago2). By genetically modifying mosquitoes to remove the Ago2 gene, they become vulnerable to these viruses and die before being…
SamaCare, a specialty medication workflow platform, has secured $17 million in a Series B investment round led by Questa Capital, with existing investors participating. The California-based company offers a cloud-based platform to streamline the process of obtaining prior authorization for specialty drugs and verifying benefits. The funds will be used to enhance their Script-to-Therapy Operating…
Lawmakers and state officials are pressuring federal regulators to crack down on insurance agents enrolling people in Affordable Care Act plans without their knowledge. Customers are often left unaware until they are denied coverage or face unexpected bills. Proposed legislation would hold fraudulent brokers accountable, but current penalties have not been enforced. States using the…
The Cleveland Clinic is currently hosting its biannual Medical Dermatology Therapy Update meeting, where news about medical therapies in dermatology is being discussed. Anthony P. Fernandez, MD, PhD, a clinical assistant professor at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and the activity director for the meeting, highlighted the importance of the event in a video….
A recent analysis found that 93% of physicians who endorsed a prescription drug or medical device on Twitter also received payments from the manufacturers. The average payment was over $27,400 for things like food, speaking, consulting, or travel. Most payments were related to specific products endorsed on the platform, with only one physician being paid…
On 26 May, New Delhi experienced its highest ever temperature exceeding 50°C, while 37 other cities in India also witnessed temperatures above 45°C. One death has been confirmed due to the heatwave, with at least 13 more reported across the country. Authorities in Delhi are investigating the record-breaking temperature, suspecting a faulty sensor. Concerns have…
New research from the University of Lausanne shows that both an excess and a deficiency of the AFF3 protein can lead to severe intellectual deficiencies. This discovery is crucial for early diagnosis of the rare genetic disorder KINSSHIP syndrome, characterized by mutations in the AFF3 gene. The study reveals that abnormalities in the protein’s levels…
A study led by Mass General Cancer Center found that statins may block a pathway linked to cancer development from chronic inflammation. Environmental toxins activate signaling pathways that lead to inflammation in the skin and pancreas, contributing to cancer development. Pitavastatin, a statin, effectively suppresses inflammation and prevents cancer development in mice and human tissue…
The FDA has approved Onyda XR, a liquid nonstimulant medication for treating ADHD, making it the first of its kind. The drug can be used alone or in conjunction with stimulant medications in children aged 6 and older. Onyda XR offers a convenient option with nighttime dosing to help individuals better control their ADHD symptoms….
A large-scale study in the U.S. revealed that girls are experiencing their first periods at an earlier age and taking longer to regularize their menstrual cycles than previous generations. The trend is more pronounced among Black, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed-race participants. Factors such as environmental influences, obesity, and socioeconomic status may contribute to this trend….
A new report by J.D. Power showed a significant gap in customer satisfaction between top- and bottom-ranked commercial health plans. The study, based on responses from over 29,000 members, measured satisfaction in eight dimensions. Overall satisfaction with commercial health plans increased slightly from the previous year, but there is still a 79-point difference between the…
The RCPI Faculty of Paediatrics Spring Conference featured the presentation of awards to notable professionals in the field. Prof Hilary Hoey received the Kathleen Lynn Medal, Prof Desmond Cox was honored with a Special Recognition Award, and Dr Judith Meehan, Dean of the Faculty of Paediatrics, was also recognized. The event was attended by Ms…
Venture Startups International, operating as Updoc, has secured A$20 million ($13.2 million) in funding from Bailador for its telehealth services, which include virtual consultations, prescriptions, specialist referrals, and more. The company aims to use the investment for international expansion and technology development. Updoc has served 200,000 patients, and the funding will help it reach more…
Farmworkers are facing intense exposure to the bird flu virus, with dairy farm workers in Texas and Michigan testing positive for the virus. Scientists are concerned about the potential for the virus to mutate and spread among people like the seasonal flu. However, many farmworkers lack health insurance and paid sick leave, making it difficult…
Regular fish oil supplement use had different impacts on cardiovascular disease (CVD) progression based on prior cardiovascular health. A study found that in individuals with no prior CVD, fish oil supplements were associated with an increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation. However, in those with existing CVD, regular fish oil supplement use had beneficial…
After failing to build a sustainable business model, Akili Interactive, the maker of a video game designed to treat ADHD, has announced that it will go private in a merger with Virtual Therapeutics, a deal expected to benefit Akili’s shareholders with $34 million. Akili gained attention in 2020 for receiving FDA clearance for their ADHD…
Sudan’s South Hospital in El Fasher has been targeted twice in two days as the civil war in Darfur continues. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that the ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has left no safe place for civilians in the city. Patients and medical staff are at…
New research in Washington, D.C. highlights the critical intersection of homelessness, pregnancy, and racial inequities. The study focuses on the experiences of 20 DC residents who were homeless while pregnant, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes to support vulnerable populations. Recommendations include timely access to safe housing, comprehensive care coordination, and economic justice. Stable…
The review article in Nature Communications emphasizes the importance of translating food security efforts into commercial applications by utilizing innovative startups to advance alternative protein sources. With the global challenge of feeding 10 billion people by 2050, various solutions have been identified, including precision agriculture, genetic modifications, and alternative protein sources. The article highlights three…
A study from the CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry found that Black patients with psoriasis are less likely to switch biologic therapies compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Response rates with biologics were similar across groups, but treatment patterns differed. The study compared discontinuation and switching rates in diverse racial/ethnic groups and found that Black patients…
Dr. Anthony Viazis pioneered a new orthodontic bracket system in the early 1990s, which led to the creation of Fastbraces Technologies. This system reduces orthodontic treatment time to 60-90 days by using triangular brackets that allow for concurrent crown and root movement. The science behind Fastbraces involves alveolar bone remodeling and the balance between bone…
Deb Muro, CIO of El Camino Health, believes hospitals should use technology to ease nurses’ workloads. Automated processes like entering vital signs into EHR and virtual nursing can speed up tasks. El Camino also uses a deterioration index to predict patient health declines and prevent adverse outcomes. Technology like Laudio helps nurse managers engage with…
The Data Protection Commission (DPC) is investigating the HSE for breaches of security after videos showed personal data in paper records being stored in external facilities. The DPC is specifically concerned with the storage and retention of personal data in paper records held by the HSE in external storage facilities. The breaches involved unauthorized access…
A study published in Clinical Imaging showed that ChatGPT models, GPT-3.5 and GPT-4, simplified radiology reports differently based on the inquirer’s race. Researchers from Yale asked the models to simplify reports using different racial prompts and found statistically significant differences in the reading grade level of the output. This unexpected bias highlights the importance of…
Los trabajadores agrícolas, especialmente aquellos en tambos, enfrentan altas exposiciones al virus de la gripe aviar. Sin embargo, muchos de ellos carecen de recursos para buscar tratamiento si se enferman. En Estados Unidos, solo dos trabajadores de granjas lecheras han dado positivo por el virus. Los científicos advierten sobre la posibilidad de que el virus…
A study found that 1.4% of deceased kidney donors had dialysis before donation from 2010-2018, resulting in 969 transplanted kidneys. Kidney transplants from deceased donors who had dialysis were associated with a higher rate of delayed graft function but no significant difference in graft failure or death compared to those from donors who did not…
The American Clinical Laboratory Association and HealthTrackRx have sued the FDA over plans to regulate lab-developed tests, claiming the agency lacks authority. Historically, lab tests were unregulated, but the rise of complex tests led to unreliable results harming patients. Examples include Theranos’ blood tests and misleading genetic tests. The FDA’s finalization of test regulation last…
The Labour Party has pledged to clear the backlog of NHS patients waiting more than 18 weeks for treatment within one parliament, but experts say this will be challenging to deliver. Health professional bodies and think tanks are calling for sufficient funding, staffing numbers, and support for the workforce to ensure this goal can be…
An international team of rehabilitation experts has agreed on standardized labeling for spatial neglect, a common disorder following neurological injuries that affects awareness or response to stimuli. The consensus, reached through a modified Delphi method involving 66 experts, established “spatial neglect” as the standard term for the condition. Characterized by a lack of awareness of…
Research from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that most colorectal cancers begin with the loss of intestinal stem cells, rather than genetic alterations. This discovery challenges previous theories and provides new insights for early diagnosis. The study found that both conventional and serrated adenomas develop from a decrease in a protein called aPKC, leading to the…
About one in six children aged 3-17 have a disability that may impact their decision-making ability as they transition into adulthood. At age 18, young adults gain rights including making medical and education decisions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a policy statement to help pediatricians support those with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD)…
A study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases found that children who are introduced to peanut products during infancy and regularly consume them until the age of five have a reduced risk of developing peanut allergies in adolescence. The study showed that early introduction of peanuts can reduce the incidence of peanut…
Merck is acquiring the clinical-stage startup EyeBio for $1.3 billion in cash upfront, with potential milestone payments of up to $1.7 billion. EyeBio develops drugs for retinal conditions, with their lead program Restoret targeting the Wnt pathway in the eye to restore and maintain the blood-retinal barrier in diabetic macular edema. Early clinical data for…
The Government has announced plans to open an additional 3,438 acute inpatient beds in hospitals across Ireland by 2031, with 929 replacement beds also included. Since 2020, 1,218 new beds have been introduced, with a commitment to deliver 4,367 beds by 2031. The HSE Dublin and Northeast region will see the greatest increase, with Cork…
RFK Jr. claimed he had a brain-eating worm that caused memory loss and brain fog, but experts doubt his story. Brain parasites are real and can cause infections, but they don’t actually eat brain tissue. RFK Jr. also had mercury poisoning at the same time, which could have contributed to his symptoms. Despite his claims,…
South Korean startup HoneyNaps, which offers AI for diagnosing sleep disorders, raised $11.6 million in Series B funding. The funds will help expand its presence in the US market, where the sleep technology sector is valued at $9 billion and expected to grow to $39 billion by 2033. HoneyNaps received FDA approval for its SOMNUM…
Lori Tipton, a trauma survivor, found relief from crippling anxiety and hypervigilance through MDMA-assisted therapy in a clinical trial for PTSD. The potential of psychoactive drugs like MDMA, LSD, and ketamine to treat mental illnesses is being explored through research and investment. However, challenges include validation of benefits, trial data integrity, accessibility, and safety concerns….