The ‘Digital for Care: A Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030’ was recently launched, but there are concerns about its lack of imagination to truly transform the health service. Former head of digital transformation at the HSE, Prof Martin Curley, believes the plan lacks specifics on implementation and may fall short like previous eHealth strategies….
Researchers in Florida are investigating a rise in leprosy cases, with a focus on Central Florida. Armadillos are suspected to play a role in spreading the disease to humans, though questions remain about transmission. The study aims to identify who is at risk and prevent infections. Cases have been increasing in Florida, with Brevard County…
A study presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference showed that conducting extubation readiness assessments twice a day led to a decrease in ICU length of stay for patients. The research, conducted by Julie-Kathryn Graham, found that patients in the ICU spent less time in the ICU following the adoption of twice-daily assessments. This…
In a trial involving patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic was found to reduce the risk of death. The diabetes drug lowered the risk of cardiovascular-related deaths by 29% and all-cause deaths by 20%. The study suggests that treating 39 people with Ozempic over three years could prevent one…
Public satisfaction with the NHS is at its lowest, and the use of private healthcare is on the rise. The number of UK adults with health insurance doubled in recent years, with one in eight people in the UK using private healthcare and one in four considering it in the previous year. The relationship between…
Countries are working to finalize a global agreement on pandemic preparedness and response. The draft agreement includes five key sections: Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS), Prevention and Surveillance, Financing, Supply Chain and Logistics, and Vaccine Mandates and Lockdowns. The PABS system aims to facilitate the sharing of pathogen data with pharmaceutical companies for rapid…
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aims to reduce health care costs for older adults by eliminating cost sharing for certain drugs and vaccines covered by Medicare Part D. A study led by Dima Qato found that after the implementation of the IRA policy in January 2023, shingles vaccinations covered by Part D rose by 46%,…
Food allergies in the UK are on the rise, leading to increased hospital admissions. Karen Wright, a specialist dietitian, highlighted the burden food allergies place on families and the NHS. She noted that food allergies have tripled in children over the past 30 years, with significant costs for the healthcare system. Wright emphasized the importance…
A study from the University of Bristol found that exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in the womb or as a newborn can lead to delayed social development and respiratory issues in children. The research, published in eClinicalMedicine, showed that children exposed to COVID-19 during pregnancy or shortly after birth may experience long-term impacts on their development and…
The popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss is on the rise, with one in eight adults having taken these medications. However, concerns are raised about the ability of gyms, spas, and other non-medical providers to offer comprehensive obesity care with these drugs. Companies are expanding manufacturing capacity to meet the high demand for GLP-1…
Osteoporosis is no longer just a disease that affects older individuals, as recent studies show a significant number of younger people are also at risk. Factors such as social media, steroid use, eating disorders, and lack of physical activity are contributing to the rise of osteoporosis cases in younger patients. The pressure to look a…
Uber Health is introducing Uber Caregiver, a service allowing users to add caregivers to their profile to request rides and deliveries, track services, and pay using health benefits. Caregivers can access the care recipient’s benefits, request and pay for services on their behalf. The service will be available this summer and will provide insights into…
In a recent episode of KFF Health News’ “What the Health?” podcast, the panelists discussed the division within the anti-abortion movement on how far to go in restricting abortion rights. This comes as politicians face backlash over abortion restrictions in various states. The panel also highlighted new ways that bad actors are exploiting the health…
A study presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting found that men vaccinated for HPV have a lower risk of developing related cancers, especially head and neck cancer. This study reaffirmed previous data showing that women vaccinated for HPV also have a lower risk of cervical cancer. The study included over 5 million patients aged 9…
An independent panel of FDA advisers recommended approving Guardant Health’s blood-based colon cancer test, called Shield. The panel voted on the test’s safety, effectiveness, and risk-benefit balance with positive outcomes. FDA approval is crucial for coverage by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, determining the test’s widespread adoption. In contrast, CMS denied coverage for another…
UK’s landmark investigation into gender identity services for children and adolescents has led to Scotland and Wales following England in halting the prescription of puberty blockers. The Cass review revealed lack of evidence supporting the “gender affirming” model of care. In the US, medical organizations such as AAP and Endocrine Society have stood by their…
The UK’s Cass Review on transgender care for young people led to the cessation of prescribing puberty blockers outside research protocols. In contrast, the US largely ignored the review’s findings, which called for a more holistic approach to care due to inadequate evidence on puberty blockers and hormones for gender-related distress. Some medical associations have…
A study published in Environment International explored the impact of PFAS compounds on sperm DNA methylation and gene expression in offspring’s metabolic organs. Male fertility is decreasing globally due to exposure to EDCs like PFAS, which affect hormone levels. PFAS presence in human blood and semen raises concerns about male fertility. Exposure to PFOS alters…
Personalized repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) targeting the hippocampal network showed promise in improving cognitive and functional performance in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, used personalized fMRI analysis to guide stimulation at the optimal target site. Results showed significant improvements in memory and daily living activities in the…
Leg cramps can be a major hindrance after a long day of physical activity. Fortunately, there are various relief solutions available in the market. ZapCramp tablets are a chewable option that uses capsaicin to stimulate TRP receptors and prevent muscle cramps. HERBALICIOUS Quinine Capsules use cinchona bark to relieve cramps and improve digestive health. Bio…
Value-based care models are being implemented in the healthcare industry to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and increase satisfaction for patients and clinicians. Healthcare companies are considering taking on financial risk in contracts, while payers are exploring payment innovation to align incentives. Health systems are looking for vendors who are willing to invest in the…
The introduction of a chickenpox vaccine in Ireland’s national immunization program is set to transform the future of the disease. The vaccine, approved by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, will be administered in two doses to children, potentially reducing severe cases and eliminating chickenpox altogether. This move is expected to benefit vulnerable populations, such as…
California-based Atropos Health has secured $33 million in Series B funding led by Valtruis. New investors include McKesson Ventures, Merck GHI Fund, and Cencora Ventures, with existing investors also participating. The company offers real-world data platform and AI innovations to assist physicians in making evidence-based clinical decisions. They will use the funds to expand into…
Abortion is a key issue for the upcoming elections, with the movement against Roe v. Wade divided on further restrictions. Politicians facing backlash for opposing abortion. Bad actors exploiting the health system in new ways. Abortion opponents finding it difficult to agree on new restrictions. Laws in Louisiana and Kansas impacting abortion access. Republican lawmakers…
Vitamin B12 supplementation is beneficial for those with deficiencies, but its effects on the general population are unclear. It is essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system function. Individuals following vegan diets or with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for deficiency. Evidence on the benefits of vitamin B12…
The prevalence of strokes in the United States has been rising over the past decade, particularly among adults under 65. This increase comes despite the availability of medications and treatments to reduce risk factors. Factors contributing to this rise include a rise in cardiovascular risk factors among younger adults, including obesity and high blood pressure….
This content discusses the importance of supporting specialist, associate specialist, and specialty doctors (SAS) and locally employed doctors (LED) within the medical workforce. These doctors, who are not consultants and not part of a recognized training program, play a vital role in delivering NHS services. They often do not receive parity in terms of educational…
A study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shows that adolescent children may benefit from parental advice even if they don’t seem receptive. Researchers observed conversations between fifth-grade students and their mothers about academic problems and found that mothers often encouraged active coping strategies like cognitive reappraisal, strategizing, and help-seeking. Despite varied responses from the…
A study from Ruhr University Bochum identifies a mammal-specific domain in prion proteins that affects protein aggregation, potentially shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases. Prion diseases, caused by misfolded proteins, lead to brain damage and are fatal. The study suggests that the evolution of prion proteins in mammals may be linked to the development of these…
New research suggests that consuming highly processed foods may be harmful to the aging brain, increasing the risk of cognitive decline and stroke. The study followed a large cohort of adults for over 10 years and found that eating more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) was associated with higher risks, while consuming unprocessed or minimally processed foods…
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden revealed that men with poor resilience to stress during adolescence are at an increased risk of developing psoriasis later in life. Psoriasis is a dermatological condition that occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, leading to patchy, scaly, and inflamed skin. Those with psoriasis…
Fem Therapeutics, a Montreal-based medical device company focused on women’s health, won the Canadian Pitch Track at MedCity INVEST. The company aims to create personalized devices for common pelvic floor conditions, starting with the largest market of pelvic floor disorders affecting over 1.3 billion women. Through the development of customized devices such as pessaries and…
The average adult health insurance premium in Ireland has increased by almost 13 per cent in the past 12 months, now standing at €1,685. The latest statistics from the Health Insurance Authority show that 46.8 per cent of the population has private health insurance, with Vhi Healthcare leading in market share. Consumers mostly opt for…
Aevice Health, a Singapore-based respiratory health IT company, has received a $1 million investment from A&D Company for expansion in the US and Japan. Aevice can utilize A&D’s sales network and technology for new products. Meanwhile, South Korean medical AI company Lunit has fully acquired Volpara Health Technologies, integrating Volpara’s breast health platforms into their…
Los Angeles County has launched an ambitious effort to tackle medical debt, aiming to track patient debt and hospital collection practices, provide bill forgiveness for low-income patients, and buy and forgive billions in medical debt. The county sees medical debt as a public health threat and has received both support and pushback, with some hospitals…
Proteinuria levels do not predict the type of lupus nephritis, requiring separate study approaches. Distinct serological profiles between membranous lupus nephritis (MLN) and proliferative lupus nephritis (PLN) indicate differing pathogenesis. A retrospective analysis of 260 patients with lupus nephritis showed no difference in proteinuria levels between MLN and PLN, but significant variations in serum creatinine…
Several biotech companies are working on developing longer-lasting therapies for weight loss using RNA interference, a Nobel Prize-winning science that degrades biological blueprints used by RNA to make proteins. By targeting specific genes involved in weight regulation, these companies aim to create medications that could be administered much less frequently than current options. This shift…
In a recent study, Smout and colleagues found that the positive predictive value of a clinical diagnosis of pertussis is higher during times of high prevalence compared to low prevalence. This means that healthcare professionals can more confidently diagnose pertussis when there are more cases circulating in the community. However, this is a mathematical certainty…
Enzo Servedio, 15, uses techniques from a child psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to manage stress and burnout during soccer practice. A survey by The Kids Mental Health Foundation highlights the positive impact of sports on kids’ physical, social, emotional, and mental health. Parents value qualities like teamwork, friendship, and joy over competitiveness and aspirations…
The study published in JAMA Neurology evaluated the impact of sleep duration on cognitive function in adolescents with different levels of adiposity. The results showed that overweight or obese adolescents experienced greater cognitive deficits after sleep restriction compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study used total body fat percentage as a measure…
Patients with low-lying placenta undergoing cesarean deliveries face higher risks of complications such as preterm delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, placenta accreta, and need for hysterectomy and transfusion. These risks are present even if they do not have placenta previa, according to data presented at a medical conference. Research suggests that low-lying placenta should be treated similarly…
Fish oil supplements have been known for their cardiovascular benefits, but a study suggests they may have different effects on healthy individuals versus those with pre-existing cardiovascular diseases. Regular use of fish oil supplements was associated with a reduced risk of disease progression and death in individuals with a history of cardiovascular diseases, but an…
The women’s health industry has seen advancements, but challenges still remain. Investors are often risk-averse, making it difficult for companies to secure funding. Health plans prioritize cost over clinical quality, hindering progress in areas like menopause treatment. A lack of investment in research results in conflicting data on women’s health topics, making it challenging to…
A recent study by University College Galway and international colleagues has identified critical targets in the molecular signature of Parkinson’s disease, potentially leading to the development of glycan-focused therapeutic devices for treatment and diagnosis. Researchers at CÚRAM, along with collaborators, published their work in the journal PNAS Nexus, shedding light on the complex role of…
Virtual speech therapy provider Expressable raised $26 million in Series B funding led by HarbourVest Partners, Digitalis Ventures, F-Prime Capital, and Lerer Hippeau. The Texas-based company offers virtual care sessions with licensed speech therapists for adults and children with various conditions such as speech delays, autism, and stuttering. The funding will be used to expand…
Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, received a gift of tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise from their real estate agent when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan. After finally setting sail in December 2022, Wasney experienced seizures on the ship, incurring medical expenses totaling $2,500.22, which had to be paid before…
A study showed a 600% increase in GLP-1 receptor agonist dispensing among adolescents and young adults from 2020 to 2023, particularly among girls and young women. The surge in interest is linked to the FDA approval of semaglutide for weight loss in adults and adolescents. The findings highlight the need for education on sex-specific safety…
Researchers have developed a method to scan wastewater for signs of the H5 influenza virus infecting dairy cows in the U.S. WastewaterSCAN, a surveillance network, is scaling up H5-specific testing at treatment plants across 36 states. This technology can help detect outbreaks and track the spread of the virus. Other research efforts, like sequencing the…
The World Child Cancer’s Nurturing Garden at the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show was designed to raise awareness of medical conditions and treatments, particularly for children undergoing cancer treatment. Designed by Giulio Giorgi, the garden served as a sensory haven with low maintenance plants representing countries supported by World Child Cancer UK. Other health-themed…
A study published in The BMJ found that having an epidural during labor is associated with a significant reduction in serious complications after giving birth, known as severe maternal morbidity (SMM). Women with risk factors for SMM are recommended to have an epidural. The study, based on data from over 567,000 mothers in Scotland, showed…