#prevention

Anton Buter, a surgeon from South Africa, moved to Glasgow in 1998 to continue his training in upper gastrointestinal surgery. He was known for his modesty and private nature. He worked as a consultant at the Vale of Leven Hospital and helped reorganize services at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in 2003. He also contributed to…

Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have developed smart glasses for blind and low-vision users that use a combination of computer vision and sound to help users identify objects in their surroundings. The glasses produce “sound icons” based on the objects in the user’s field of view and have been shown to help users…

Gingerbread is a historic holiday treat popular for Christmas. Its origins date back to 2400BC, and it was later introduced in popular European countries in the 11th century with ginger as the main ingredient. The gingerbread house was made popular in 18th-century Germany and Queen Elizabeth I is known for gingerbread men. It is a…

A study found that women age 50 or older who have had surgery for early-stage breast cancer can undergo mammography every two to three years without affecting their outcomes. U.S. and UK guidelines currently recommend annual mammograms, but this study’s results suggest that de-escalating mammography could reduce stress and anxiety for patients and decrease the…

Experts are discussing “white lung syndrome” pneumonia in children and its connection to outbreaks in Ohio, Massachusetts, and Europe. The condition is not officially recognized but refers to pneumonia detected as white areas on a lung X-ray. Symptoms include upper respiratory symptoms, difficulty breathing, and dehydration. There is no connection to COVID-19, but it is…

A new study presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting examines the implications of a polygenic score called ACS10 for Black pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This score can predict patients’ response to cytarabine based on their genetic makeup and may help personalize treatment for Black pediatric patients with AML,…

A new study suggests that excessive smartphone use among adolescents may lead to adverse mental health effects. More than four hours of smartphone usage per day increases the risk of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use. The study involved over 50,000 adolescents and found that while some smartphone use may have benefits, excessive usage…

The Indian government has introduced a new category of Ayush visa for foreign nationals seeking treatment under Ayush systems. This initiative aims to boost medical value travel in India and make Indian traditional medicine a global phenomenon, in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision. The Ayush visa category is part of India’s Heal in India…

Diabetrin is a widespread pathology, characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood due to decreased insulin activity. It affects about 10% of people with diabetes and typically arises in childhood or adolescence. Type 1 diabetes is autoimmune, leading to the destruction of insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is more common and often goes…

A post-hoc mediation analysis of FIGARO-DKD and FIDELIO-DKD trials showed that early albuminuria reduction with finerenne accounted for the majority of the treatment effect against chronic kidney disease progression in type 2 diabetes patients. The reduction in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio mediated 84% of the treatment effect on kidney outcomes and 37% of the effect on…

Healthcare IT services have evolved to go beyond tech support, with companies offering a wider scope of services and greater expertise. The need for advanced IT support has increased due to the rising number of healthcare data breaches, ransomware attacks, and the growth of telehealth and administrative functions. IT partners now offer prevention-focused cybersecurity consulting,…

Irish-based scientists have developed a new surgical implant that could transform the treatment of complex bone infections. The material, similar to human bone, contains tiny copper nanoparticles to kill bacteria and a genetic molecule to stimulate bone growth. Preclinical lab tests showed that the implants could stimulate bone regrowth in two weeks and stop 80%…

Active transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) has been found to reduce pain intensity in patients with fibromyalgia (FM), according to a study published in BMC Neurology. Previous studies have shown that tDCS can effectively reduce pain intensity in FM patients. An updated meta-analysis of 20 studies and 664 participants found that active tDCS was effective in…

A new study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Science discusses the role of the protein WASF3 in preventing ME/CFS patients from generating normal amounts of cellular energy. ME/CFS is a condition characterized by extreme fatigue and neurological concerns with no known cause. Research has shown that people with ME/CFS have high WASF3 levels…

Healthcare mergers and acquisitions are currently in a state of decline, reflecting in data that shows a substantial drop in dealmaking activity. However, there is increasing optimism among dealmakers that next year will bring a meaningful upswing in M&A activity. This is due to factors such as shrinking valuations, divestitures of non-core assets, changing dynamics,…

Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a nonprofit newsroom focused on health and health policy. They distribute their journalism for free and without advertising through media partners of all sizes. KHN appreciates all forms of engagement from their readers and listeners and welcome support. KHN is an editorially independent program of KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). You…

Research on social determinants of health for children and young adults with leukemia and lymphoma is necessary to improve care, as these factors impact outcome disparities for patients with hematological malignancies. Access to novel therapies, such as immunotherapies, targeted treatments, and diagnostics, is a significant issue, and disparities are driven by systemic racism and historic…

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapies for sickle cell disease. The approval sparked discussions at the American Society of Hematology meeting, where doctors and researchers expressed measured optimism about the landmark shift in the treatment of the disease. However, questions were raised about whether these innovative treatments will reach the patients…

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is conducting a review of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic, Saxenda, and Wegovy, used to treat type 2 diabetes and weight management, after reports of suicidal ideation and self-harm. The review was prompted by the Icelandic Medicines Agency following reports of these issues in people using liraglutide and semaglutide. The…

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a smartphone attachment to measure changes in pupil size, useful for neurological conditions. This helps people with darker skin tones, who were previously underserved by available technology. The attachment fits over a smartphone camera and uses far-red light to capture images of the iris and…

A Japanese study found that wasabi, specifically its active ingredient 6-MSITC, may help boost memory in healthy adults aged 60 and older. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, involved 72 volunteers who showed an improvement in short- and long-term memory after taking a 100 mg wasabi extract supplement for three months. The researchers found…

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) has updated its recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a disease with diverse symptoms and traditionally limited treatment options. The updated recommendations, published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, emphasize multidisciplinary and individualized management, regular assessment of disease activity and organ damage, and…

As winter approaches, there is concern about distinguishing between a common cold and the more serious RSV, COVID-19, and influenza. Symptoms such as runny noses, coughing, and congestion are common to all four illnesses, but differentiating the three viruses from a common cold is important. With similar symptoms, it is crucial to consider testing for…

A study found that patients with multiple myeloma had dramatically worse outcomes in real-world settings than in clinical trials. Patients in the real-world experienced worse progression-free and overall survival on six of seven standard treatments compared with those in clinical trials. The analysis included nearly 4000 patients with multiple myeloma and compared real-world outcomes with…

The CDC has issued a health advisory for a more serious and infectious variant of the mpox virus reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), now spreading in 22 out of 26 provinces. This variant has a 10% fatality rate, with person-to-person transmission occurring, including through sexual contact and household contact. Health officials…

The Parliament has passed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Bill, 2023, which aims to transform the nursing education and practice landscape. The Act will replace the Indian Nursing Council with a modern regulatory structure, elevating standards and enhancing professional conduct. The key provisions include the establishment of National and State Commissions, fixed tenures…

Optivisol blinking is important for eye health, as it cleans and moisturizes the eyes. People with poor eyesight often stare at screens and strain their eyes, leading to dryness and fatigue. Blinking exercises can help keep the eyes moist and relaxed. Daydreaming and lack of outdoor play may also contribute to poor eyesight. Eating bright…

84 people across four states have been made ill by E. coli from contaminated lettuce used at Wendy’s restaurants. In total, 38 people have been hospitalized but no deaths have been reported. A direct source has not been confirmed, but 84% of cases reported eating at Wendy’s before getting sick, with 88% of people saying…

An experimental antibody therapy called ublituximab has been found to reduce symptom flare-ups in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients by preventing relapses and areas of inflammatory damage in the brain. If approved by the FDA, it would be the latest in a group of MS therapies called anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. Recent developments in this field show…

NMC relief for overseas medical students in the Philippines allows students enrolled in BS courses before new regulations to continue their medical education. In Bihar, four doctors and a clerk at a medical institute have been accused of demanding sexual favors from paramedic students in exchange for better grades. Elsewhere, a doctor in Kerala has…

The FDA approved gene therapies from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Bluebird Bio for sickle cell disease. Both treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, use gene therapy to potentially cure the inherited blood disorder and target those aged 12 and older. Sickle Cell Disease is a rare, debilitating, and life-threatening blood disorder with significant unmet need. Healthy red blood…

The author reflects on the power of volunteering and the impact it has on individuals and communities. They share their experiences of witnessing volunteering in the US and in Ireland, highlighting the diversity of volunteer work and the positive effects it has on society. They also speak about their own involvement as a volunteer for…

A recent meta-analysis of 18 studies published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce the intensity of chronic low back pain. This is significant as opioid misuse is common in patients with chronic pain and non-pharmacologic therapies like MBIs are preferred to avoid worsening impairment and disability. The meta-analysis…

Urinary incontinence is a common problem affecting approximately 30% of the world’s population. This includes stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, total incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis. Causes for this include pelvic floor damage, neuromuscular damage, blockage of the urethra, and inability to control bladder movement. In addition, issues with your sleeping patterns and sex life…

The at-home fertility care company Mosie Baby received FDA 510(k) clearance for its over-the-counter intravaginal insemination kit, allowing individuals to perform at-home insemination with fresh or frozen donor semen. The kit retails for $129.99 and includes two syringes and collection cups. Mosie’s CEO, Maureen Brown, expressed pride in helping over 100,000 families. The company plans…

Data demonstrates that Black women and infants in the South face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Black women are more likely to face unfair or indifferent treatment from medical professionals, and the legacy of systemic discrimination has led to poor health outcomes. In states like South Carolina, where abortion bans have been upheld,…

Serge Resnikoff, MD, PhD, chair of the International Myopia Institute, discussed the cost of early management of myopia progression at the FLORetina meeting. He dispelled misconceptions about the high cost, stating that a recent study showed the lifetime cost of myopia management is equivalent to traditional myopia correction with single vision glasses. While special glasses,…

A Colorado state board voted not to place Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ cystic fibrosis medication on a list of drugs for which payment limits will be set for most residents. The board unanimously found the $310,000 medicine to be “not unaffordable.” This decision came amidst a series of meetings reviewing proposed medicines, as Colorado is one of…

The new government of New Zealand (Aotearoa) plans to abandon tobacco control measures, prompting condemnation from the Māori health organization Hāpai Te Hauora. These measures include raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products, reducing retail outlets, and removing nicotine from tobacco products, aimed at creating a smoke-free generation. Smoking is a major cause…

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a highly sensitive e-skin for robotic prostheses in collaboration with the automotive company Honda. This technology allows robotic hands to perform delicate tasks such as grasping an egg or lifting a glass of water without breaking it. The skin is also capable of distinguishing between normal…

The United States has approved breakthrough gene editing therapy using the CRISPR tool to treat sickle cell disease. This is a major advancement in gene therapy for patients with sickle cell disease, which affects over 100,000 Americans, mostly Black individuals. The therapy was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and uses Nobel Prize-winning…

Dr Rosalind Eggo, an Associate Professor at LSHTM, has been awarded over £1.9 million in funding to research health disparities and associated infectious disease burden across England. Health disparities are preventable differences in health outcomes based on factors like income, ethnicity, education, age, gender, or disability. The research will analyze health records for over 20…

The article discusses the benefits and popularity of no-spray, pesticide-free Christmas trees among environmentally concerned customers. It highlights the success of Reed Island Christmas Tree Farm in southern Virginia, which offers eco-friendly trees that attract hundreds of customers. The article also emphasizes that the practice of organic tree farming, such as at Reed Island, is…

The FDA approved two gene-editing treatments for patients aged 12 years or older with severe sickle cell disease, marking the first cell-based gene therapies for the condition. Exa-cel uses CRISPR gene-editing technology and demonstrated success in a clinical trial, while Lovo-cel uses a different technology and also showed positive results. Both treatments were found to…