A study published in JAMA Network Open evaluated a large language model (LLM) for generating emergency medicine handoff notes. The study found that LLM-generated notes were highly useful and safe compared to notes written by physicians, reducing documentation burden without compromising patient safety. Handoffs in healthcare are critical communication points and a known source of…
Chronic exposure to glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research on mice showed that even regulated levels of glyphosate led to neuroinflammation and accelerated Alzheimer’s-like pathology, persisting even after exposure was stopped. Glyphosate, used in agriculture and weed control, has been deemed safe by the EPA but classified as…
During the holiday season, Dr. Meghan Martin warns about the dangers of “Granny’s purse syndrome,” where children accidentally ingest medications left by grandparents. Around 20% of poisonings in young kids are due to this. To prevent accidents, medications should be kept in locked cabinets, out of reach of children. Avoid taking medication in front of…
Cybersecurity in healthcare is crucial for patient safety, as data breaches can disrupt care and delay treatment. Large healthcare systems in urban areas often have more resources for cybersecurity, while smaller providers in rural areas struggle due to budget constraints. Cyberattacks on healthcare facilities have direct consequences for patients, such as delays in care and…
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The availability of effective Covid vaccines marked a high point in vaccination history, but with the nomination of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a top health official, experts fear a resurgence of deadly epidemics. Kennedy’s nomination raises concerns about vaccine safety and could lead to weakened vaccine laws and policies. This may result…
Asthma increases the risk of poor outcomes in pregnancy. Biologic treatments, such as omalizumab, may be safe during pregnancy but require shared decision-making between the patient and physician. Studies show that biologics like omalizumab do not negatively impact live births, gestational age, or congenital abnormalities. Patients with asthma, especially those with exacerbations, have higher risks…
In 2001, Victor Ambros received an email asking him to review two studies on microRNAs. He had previously discovered these genetic molecules in C. elegans roundworms with his wife Rosalind Lee, believing them to be unique to this species. However, a collaborator found microRNAs in various animals, indicating they were widespread. Ambros and Lee discovered…
Trusts have been reminded to inquire about time-critical medicines for patients after a patient died due to missing Parkinson’s medication. The patient did not receive 10 out of the 18 required doses during a three-day stay in the emergency department. Subsequently, he was transferred to a ward where his condition worsened and he eventually died….
Researchers from Kyushu University and Nagoya University have developed a model using artificial intelligence (AI) to predict the development of organoids at an early stage, specifically focusing on hypothalamic-pituitary organoids. These lab-grown tissues mimic organ function and structure and have the potential for personalized transplants and disease modeling. The model was trained to classify organoids…
Researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health have developed a computational pipeline to identify protein biomarkers associated with complex diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. The pipeline analyzes biomarkers that induce 3D structural changes in proteins, providing insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. The study identified seven key proteins linked to Alzheimer’s risk…
Telehealth has been well-received by patients undergoing cancer treatment or in palliative care, with high satisfaction rates reported in studies. Despite peaking in 2020 during the pandemic, telehealth encounters have been steadily declining. Experts note that telehealth adoption in oncology needs improvement, with barriers including technical issues, reimbursement uncertainties, and regulatory challenges. Research is needed…
Researchers have found that for individuals with diabetes, a larger waist circumference may actually reduce the risk of mortality, contrary to common belief. A study of 6,600 U.S. adults with diabetes found that the relationship between waist size and risk of death is not linear, with different patterns based on gender. For women, a waist…
StretchDollar, a health benefits company, has secured $6 million in funding to assist small businesses in providing their employees with pre-tax funds for individual insurance plans. The San Francisco-based company offers an ICHRA-focused model, simplifying the process and giving employees more choice. This funding round was led by Fika Ventures and Oscar Health and will…
Prof Eoin O’Brien reflects on his 50-year association with the Irish Medical Times (IMT), founded by Dr John O’Connell in 1967. O’Connell aimed to provide a resource for the medical and allied professions in Ireland, with a focus on general practice, hospital medicine, and academia. Despite not fulfilling his political ambitions as Minister for Health,…
President-elect Donald Trump has selected candidates for key federal health agency positions who propose major changes. The Supreme Court seems likely to support Tennessee’s ban on transgender health care for minors. Key takeaways include potential changes in FDA, NIH, and CDC leadership, potential uphold of laws limiting transitional care for transgender minors, and possible dropping…
At the Academy 2024 conference, researchers presented data showing that individuals with prediabetes have lower choriocapillaris flow deficits compared to controls. This suggests a potential protective mechanism in response to early prediabetic changes. The study recruited 46 participants and used OCT imaging to analyze the retinal and choroidal vasculature. The mean flow deficit percentage was…
The murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked shock and grief among his family, colleagues, and the public. Many people feel anger towards the healthcare system due to its unaffordability, lack of accessibility, and rising costs. The system has become financially driven, with for-profit organizations prioritizing stock values over quality care. The monopolization of…
Hospitals are facing a potential “quad-demic” this winter as cases of covid-19, influenza, norovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rise, according to NHS England. The increase in cases has led to long delays in emergency departments and concerns about hospital capacity. Last week, there were an average of 1099 people hospitalized with flu per day,…
A detailed analysis published in The Lancet reveals that the U.S. is falling behind other countries in health progress. Life expectancy is forecasted to increase modestly by 2050 but the country’s global ranking is expected to drop. Mortality rates have declined, but the U.S. still lags in healthy life expectancy. Women’s health is declining faster…
A study led by Weill Cornell Medicine researchers found that EZH2 inhibitors, a new class of anticancer drugs, could enhance the potency of cancer immunotherapies for non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas. The inhibitors target the EZH2 enzyme, known to be a significant factor in many cancers. Combining EZH2 inhibition with T-cell based immunotherapy was found to be…
Approximately 1 in 6 young adults with breast cancer experienced significant financial difficulties that persisted into early survivorship, with factors such as Hispanic ethnicity, higher BMI, unemployment, bilateral mastectomy, and arm symptoms increasing the risk. A study of 1008 young adults aged 40 and under with stage 0-III breast cancer found that 16.3% experienced moderate…
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield faced backlash for a proposed policy that would limit coverage for anesthesia during surgeries. The policy was set to take effect in 2025 but was met with criticism from medical professionals, lawmakers, and the public. Critics argued that the policy jeopardized patient care by not accounting for complex surgeries. Connecticut…
The pandemic worsened healthcare’s workforce crisis, with many workers leaving due to stress and burnout. This has caused capacity constraints, care delays, and more complex cases for remaining clinicians. Creating a positive work environment and adopting software to reduce administrative tasks are strategies to address this issue. The rise of the chief wellbeing officer and…
In September 2024, during the WONCA Europe annual conference in Dublin, Irish doctors showed solidarity with their colleagues in Gaza by protesting for a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza is described as the most dangerous in the world for children and healthcare workers, with healthcare facilities being destroyed and healthcare workers killed or detained. The…
“Food noise” is the term used to describe a constant preoccupation with food, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and overwhelming focus on eating. This phenomenon can be linked to conditions like addiction, OCD, and compulsive disorders, stemming from shared brain pathways related to reward and motivation. Factors such as hormonal imbalances, stress, and environmental cues can…
In 2017, Republicans in Congress attempted to cut federal spending on Medicaid, a crucial health program for low-income individuals. California, heavily reliant on federal funding for Medicaid, was at risk of losing significant funds. With the possibility of Medicaid cuts looming again with a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, California’s healthcare…
The phase 3 LUCIA clinical trial of Duravyu for wet age-related macular degeneration has started, following the phase 3 LUGANO trial. Both trials are assessing the safety and efficacy of Duravyu, a sustained-release intravitreal insert that delivers vorolanib, in patients with wet AMD. Approximately 400 patients will receive either Duravyu or an aflibercept control in…
Senators criticized the FDA for not doing enough to address the obesity and diabetes epidemic in the US. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf argued that the agency needs more funding and authority from Congress to implement stricter regulations on the food industry. The issue has gained attention from lawmakers like Bernie Sanders and Bill Cassidy, who…
The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on a Tennessee law that bans healthcare providers from providing transgender minors with puberty blockers, hormone therapy, or surgery if it conflicts with their sex at birth. The case will determine if the law violates the 14th amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees equal protection of law….
Adults can still grow new neurons in their brains, which contribute to cognitive function. While most brain development occurs in early life, certain regions continue to generate new neurons throughout adulthood, albeit at a slower rate. Research has shown that the absence of new neurons may be linked to cognitive challenges in conditions such as…
Redlining, a practice from the mid-20th century where home loans were denied to African American and minority neighborhoods, has been linked to poor health outcomes and increased mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups. A new study from Texas A&M University shows that individuals who lived in redlined neighborhoods in 1940 had an increased risk…
Physicians are often advised to consider common conditions over rare ones when diagnosing patients, but this approach may not hold true for kidney diseases and injuries. A recent case highlighted the importance of considering kidney damage as a potential complication of seemingly unrelated conditions. Infections, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, medications, cancer treatments, and other factors…
Nearly a dozen babies in Spain have been diagnosed with Hypertrichosis, also known as “Werewolf Syndrome,” which causes excessive hair growth on the body. The condition is believed to have been triggered by the use of a hair loss medication by the parents. The babies may have been exposed to the drug through direct skin…
The Department of Health and Human Services found issues with health risk assessments used by Medicare Advantage insurers, leading to concerns about the accuracy of diagnoses and lack of treatment for serious conditions. Insurers earned significant payments based on diagnoses reported on home risk assessments (HRAs) alone, without other service records. The OIG report and…
A study published in Lancet Microbe suggests that higher rates of colorectal, bladder, and prostate cancers in industrialised countries may be linked to two strains of E.coli that produce a substance known as colibactin. Researchers propose that targeting these strains with treatments or vaccines could reduce cancer risk. The study also highlights the potential for…
Federal law requires nonprofit hospitals to have charity care policies to help reduce or expunge medical bills for those in need. However, research from Dollar For shows that fewer than one-third of eligible individuals actually receive this assistance. “An Arm and a Leg” host Dan Weissmann speaks with Dollar For founder Jared Walker about their…
A study presented at the CHEST Annual Meeting showcased the safety and effectiveness of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy in targeting small and peripheral lung lesions. Conducted across 21 sites, the study included 679 patients with lung lesions, with a median size of 18.5 mm. The technology demonstrated robust diagnostic yield, particularly for cancer detection, with 65.7% of…
Atlas Venture, a prominent venture capital firm in the biotech industry, has raised $450 million for its 14th fund. The fund will focus on seed and series A rounds for biotech companies, with Atlas often playing a role in creating these companies. Unlike other firms, Atlas does not usually accept pitches from outside entrepreneurs, but…
Duncan Nichol, the chair of the Countess of Chester Hospital trust board, admitted during a public inquiry that he failed to realize a report on unexpected baby deaths did not exonerate nurse Lucy Letby. Letby is accused of killing and attacking babies on the neonatal unit from June 2015 to June 2016. Nichol, who also…
An unidentified disease has caused the deaths of at least 27 people in the southwest region of the Democratic Republic of Congo in just over a month. The illness, characterized by fever, headaches, and cough, has affected people of all ages, including children. The cases have occurred in a region with limited health facilities, prompting…
Combining creatine supplementation with resistance training has shown to be a safe and effective strategy for improving muscle health and cognitive vitality in older adults. Sarcopenia, an age-related condition characterized by muscle loss and reduced function, can be prevented and treated with this combination. Creatine supplementation increases muscle performance, lean mass, and overall physical capabilities….
Between 20% and 30% of hospitalized patients in Germany suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to complications and reduced quality of life. Malnutrition weakens the immune system, leads to muscle mass loss, and prolongs recovery times, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths annually. Children and adolescents with disease-associated malnutrition also face significant health impacts, including…
Researchers have found that consuming ultra-processed foods, such as cereals, frozen meals, soft drinks, and packaged snacks, can lead to increased fat accumulation around thigh muscles. These foods are designed to be appealing and can activate the brain’s reward system, leading to a higher risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. A study presented at the…
Fello, a peer support platform, has raised $10.4 million in funding to expand its product that connects people struggling with loneliness to experienced individuals. The app matches users with Fellos who have backgrounds in areas like addiction, parenting, or relationships. Users can book video sessions with their Fello for support, guidance, and empathy. The funding…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is looking to fill two Consultant ENT Head and Neck/Thyroid Surgeon positions at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary for the positions ranges from £100,400 to £132,000. The closing date for applications is Friday 27 December at 3:30pm. Applicants must show how they meet the criteria on…
Anita Blanchard struggled with losing and regaining 20 pounds multiple times, realizing that diets did not work for her. She discovered Ozempic, a medication for type 2 diabetes that also helps with weight loss. Despite the initial coverage by the state health insurance, the cost of medications like Ozempic led to its exclusion from coverage….
A study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that irregular sleep patterns can increase the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), such as stroke or heart attack. Researchers analyzed data from 72,269 individuals aged 40 to 79 and found that irregular sleepers had a 26% greater risk for MACE compared…
The UK will offer Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, tirzepatide, to people with a body mass index of over 35 and at least one related health condition. The National Health Service will prioritize treating around 220,000 individuals with the highest clinical need, despite eligibility for 3.4 million patients in England alone. This decision comes as…
Vicky Sibson from the First Steps Nutrition Trust highlights the normalization of commercial baby foods in infancy and early childhood, despite mounting evidence of their problems. The infiltration of big food brands in schools and nurseries through marketing raises concerns about conflicts of interest. The presence of these brands can influence childhood obesity and shape…