A study led by King’s College London discovered that ancient viral DNA sequences are expressed in the brain, contributing to susceptibility for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. These sequences, called Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), were previously thought to be junk DNA but are now known to play a role in genetic vulnerability…
A study conducted in Scotland over 13 years found that £10 million in healthcare costs could have been saved if formula-fed infants were exclusively breastfed. The study included data from over half a million infants born between 1997 and 2009, revealing that breastfed infants had better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs, regardless of their…
A study presented at the American Thoracic Society’s annual meeting in San Diego found that ex-smokers who switch to vaping still face a high risk of lung cancer compared to those who quit nicotine completely. The study, conducted in South Korea, involved over 4.3 million participants and found that ex-smokers who had quit for more…
Patients and caregivers affected by rare diseases are advocating for more collaboration with the biopharmaceutical industry to advance research and ultimately find cures. Patient organizations, such as those focused on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), are funding research and facilitating access to clinical trials. These alliances are essential in driving progress in addressing rare diseases,…
Telea, a start-up company based in University College Cork, offers speech technology to help patients with Parkinson’s Disease maintain their voice and slow down the progression of the disease. Co-founded by a speech and language therapist and a software engineer, Telea’s digital therapy platform and app connects Speech and Language Therapists with Parkinson’s patients for…
Researchers are exploring the potential of the ‘love hormones’ oxytocin and prolactin in unlocking the mystery of migraine pain and prevention. Migraines, a common cause of disability worldwide, affect women more frequently than men, with hormonal fluctuations playing a key role. Oxytocin, known for its role in social bonding, has shown promise in easing pain,…
Concert Health partners with WellSpan Health to provide same-day behavioral health services to patients in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland through its digital health platform. The company uses a collaborative care model to support primary care providers in treating conditions like anxiety and depression. Patients are connected with a behavioral care manager for symptom…
California, Washington, and Montana are testing a program that pays people to stop using hard drugs like stimulants. California’s program focuses on stimulants like cocaine and meth, with participants earning gift cards for staying sober. This treatment, called “contingency management,” has been shown to be effective in reducing drug use and risky behaviors. The Biden…
A Grub Club program was initiated at a pediatric dialysis unit to improve patient knowledge around nutrition and kidney disease. Interactive sessions with games, resources, and meal preparation led to better control of renal levels, specifically phosphorous levels. Families attended off-unit sessions to learn about the renal-friendly diet, taste renal-friendly meals, and receive resources. Participants…
Biotech newsletter subscribers are updated on various industry news, including Biogen acquiring Human Immunology Biosciences for $1.15 billion, FDA evaluating Guardant’s colon cancer test, and AstraZeneca’s plans to double revenue by 2030. Maryland establishes a drug affordability board, studying the benefits of anti-seizure drugs for alcohol-associated liver disease, and the challenges of mass-producing an H5N1…
BMA has issued guidance for the supervision of medical associate professionals (MAPs), such as physician associates, requiring them to have a named supervisor in all healthcare settings. The guidance emphasizes the need for supervisors to have dedicated time for discussions with MAPs and to review patients according to their scope of practice. This is the…
New research from King’s College London has found that ancient viral DNA sequences in the human genome are linked to major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. These sequences, known as Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs), were previously thought to be junk DNA with no important function. However, recent advances in genomics research…
CYTENA, a BICO company, has launched the C.WASH PLUS, a microplate washer and dispenser designed for high throughput and automation for immune and cell-based assays. The device features patented centrifugal washing technology that reduces residual volumes. With advanced software and customizable workflows, the C.WASH PLUS seamlessly integrates into existing lab setups. The device offers low…
A study found that for patients with early-stage cervical cancer without high-risk factors, postoperative radiotherapy (RT) alone produces similar outcomes to concurrent chemoradiotherapy, regardless of histological subtype. Chemoradiotherapy led to more grade 3 or higher hematological toxicities. Among intermediate-risk patients, 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates were similar with RT alone and chemoradiotherapy. For…
Metformin, a diabetes medication, may help prevent blood cancer, specifically myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Studies have shown metformin to have effects beyond diabetes, such as reducing inflammation. Researchers from Denmark found that individuals who took metformin had a lower risk of developing MPN, with a greater protective effect seen in those who took it for more…
Venture capital firms are investing in healthcare technologies, but startups can also tap into a $1.3 billion funding source from the U.S. government through the NIH’s SBIR and STTR programs. These programs support small businesses and R&D efforts with the potential for public benefit. Startups should understand the differences between SBIR and STTR, as well…
Junior doctors in Northern Ireland are starting a second round of industrial action due to pay issues, including a 48-hour strike where they will withdraw their labor from hospitals and GP surgeries. This follows a previous walk-out on March 6, after members of the British Medical Association’s junior doctors committee voted overwhelmingly in favor of…
President Joe Biden is using the popularity of the Affordable Care Act as a key strategy in his reelection campaign, reminding voters that former President Donald Trump tried to repeal it. Biden’s ad highlights the importance of the ACA’s protections for people with preexisting conditions and the benefits it provides to households across the country….
The rate of exposure to synthetic THC increased by 89% overall over a recent 2-year period, with the highest increase seen among children and older adults. A study found that children in the U.S. experienced a 132% increase in exposure to synthetic THC products. The majority of exposures involved delta-8 THC and were due to…
The series of stories published by STAT reveals a persistent injustice where physicians have steered sickle cell patients towards sterilization, echoing the history of eugenics in America. Reporter Eric Boodman’s investigation found instances where patients were discouraged from having kids or pressured into sterilization without clear consent. The stories are heartbreaking and shed light on…
The Infected Blood Inquiry, led by former High Court Judge Brian Langstaff, has revealed the disastrous consequences of the unsafe administration of blood products in the 1980s in the UK. The report highlights a pattern of ignoring dissenting views, excluding relevant information, and making decisions without engaging with those affected. The government’s response to the…
Research has shown that babies in the womb can hear and learn about speech, with newborns already preferring their mother’s voice and recognizing stories heard in utero. A new study found that babies exposed to a mix of languages in the womb are more sensitive to a wider range of sound pitches compared to babies…
A recent study in China published in EBioMedicine aimed to understand the impact of microplastic pollution on human health by analyzing microplastics found in thrombi from deep veins, coronary, and cerebral arteries. They used multiple detection methods and found various polymer types and physical characteristics of microplastics in human thrombi. The levels of microplastics were…
The latest analysis of the ORBITA-2 trial presented at the EuroPCR conference reveals that symptom relief, not the severity of coronary disease, is the key predictor of the benefit from PCI in stable angina patients. Patients with more typical angina symptoms are more likely to experience a reduction in angina following PCI, regardless of the…
A study found that prenatal fluoride exposure can increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems in toddlers. Water fluoridation has been in the US since 1945 to prevent tooth decay, but previous research suggests it may affect children’s IQ. A study of 220 mother-child pairs in Los Angeles found that higher maternal fluoride levels were linked…
The TSX Venture Exchange has a strong track record of helping early-stage health and life sciences companies raise patient capital. In 2023, nine new life sciences companies went public on the TSX and TSXV, raising a total of $13 billion in equity capital over the past five years. Eupraxia Pharmaceuticals, Hamilton Thorne, and Quipt Home…
The Mater Hospital is campaigning for funds to purchase genetic-screening equipment that could save lives by detecting hidden heart conditions. A young boy named Ben Murray died of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) at 13 years old, which was caused by the inherited heart condition CPVT. Ben’s family underwent genetic screening and discovered they also…
Uber Health is introducing Uber Caregiver, which allows users to add a caregiver to their profile to request rides and deliveries, track them in real time, and pay using the caregiver’s health benefits. Caregivers can access insights into the care recipient’s benefits, such as grocery benefits or covered rides. To delegate a caregiver, an Uber…
Senator Ron Wyden is calling for stronger actions to stop insurance brokers from fraudulently enrolling or switching people in Affordable Care Act coverage. He wants the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to hold these brokers criminally responsible. Complaints have been growing about unauthorized enrollment schemes, where unscrupulous agents change coverage through private platforms integrated…
The SLE Severe Infection Score-Revised (SLESIS-R) is a more accurate and feasible tool for predicting severe infections in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared to the previous version, SLESIS. The updated score was developed by adding new markers based on higher quality data from a prospective cohort study. The SLESIS-R was found to have an…
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging state and local health officials to maintain peak flu surveillance levels over the summer to monitor for signs of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu virus. This is due to an ongoing outbreak of H5 among domestic dairy cattle that has spread to 51 herds…
A report by the National Engineering Policy Centre stresses the need for better management of wastewater and sewage to protect the public from exposure to harmful pathogens in waterways. The increased use of UK waters for recreational activities has raised concerns about public health. Chief medical officer for England, Chris Whitty, highlights the importance of…
A recent study published in the journal Allergy by Trinity College Dublin researchers focused on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), a common skin condition characterized by recurrent hives. The study found a link between rare immune cell types and treatment response in CSU patients who responded well to omalizumab. The research, led by Professor Niall Conlon,…
Research found that more than 1 in 5 adults in Canada lack access to primary care, with significant regional disparities. This equates to over 6.5 million adults without a family doctor or nurse practitioner. The study, part of the OurCare initiative, gathered data from over 9200 individuals across Canada, revealing challenges in accessing timely care,…
Exposure to fluoride during pregnancy may lead to neurobehavioral issues in children by age 3, as per a study in JAMA Network Open. This adds to previous findings linking fluoride to childhood IQ, neurotoxicity, and brain development. Pregnant individuals are advised to drink filtered tap water. Fluoride can cross the placenta and impact brain development….
Researchers have found that regular bicycling can reduce the likelihood of arthritis and ease the symptoms of knee pain in those at increased risk. A study of 2,600 individuals with an average age of 64 revealed that those who biked at some point in their lives were 21% less likely to develop arthritis with joint…
Mental health is closely linked to physical health, especially in chronic condition management. Dr. Tejaswi Kompala, an endocrinologist, emphasizes the need for mental health support in diabetes and obesity management. The complexity of chronic care requires a holistic approach, addressing nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress. Success in chronic condition management programs involves personalized care,…
The Irish government has announced plans to roll out electronic health records (EHR) and a patient app as part of its Digital Health Framework for Ireland 2024-2030. The new system will integrate patient records across the health service and allow for easier access to medical information. Other commitments include expanding virtual care initiatives, implementing artificial…
Medtech Global, in partnership with Zed Technologies and Horizon Radiology, enables real-time radiology reporting for general practitioners through API integration. This allows for direct sending of reports to doctors’ inboxes using the Zed medical image-sharing platform. The integration was successfully piloted at Tamaki Health’s Sylvia Park clinic and is now being scaled across the group….
Chief Washington correspondent Julie Rovner and Atul Grover of the Association of American Medical Colleges discussed how graduating medical students are avoiding training in states with abortion bans. The analysis found a decrease in applicants to residency programs in states with strict abortion laws, particularly in the Midwest and South. This trend affects all specialties,…
Oral antibiotic use in adults was not linked to an increased risk of early-onset colorectal cancer, according to data presented at Digestive Disease Week. A study conducted at Kaiser Permanente Northern California found no evidence of a connection between oral antibiotic use and early-onset colorectal cancer. While an increased risk was observed in patients with…
The Biotechnology Innovation Organization announced 30 layoffs as part of a restructuring, including the departure of senior leaders. AstraZeneca plans to nearly double revenue to $80 billion by 2030, launching 20 new medicines to increase revenue from $45.8 billion in 2023. The company’s investor update is its biggest in a decade. This news comes amid…
Professor Yodi Mahendradhata from Universitas Gadjah Mada questions the viability and cost-effectiveness of President-elect Prabowo Subianto’s proposed policies of providing free school lunches and tripling the number of medical schools in Indonesia. He argues that these initiatives may hinder evidence-informed health policy making in the country. The free lunch program is deemed simplistic and costly,…
Research conducted in Canada found that over 1 in 5 adults lack access to primary care, with significant regional disparities. The study, part of the OurCare initiative, surveyed over 9,200 individuals to understand their experiences with primary care. It revealed that even those with access to a primary care clinician face challenges in getting timely…
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity tested a coach-supported mHealth intervention to reduce dementia risk factors in underserved populations. The intervention modestly improved the dementia risk score in the test group, with high adoption rates, but faced implementation challenges. Both the UK and China were involved in the trial, targeting populations with at…
A study published in Nature Medicine shows that an AI system developed by Dr. Chin-Sheng Lin and colleagues alerts hospital physicians about high-risk patients, leading to a reduction in mortality rates. The AI system utilizes 12-lead ECG data to identify patients who would benefit from intensified care. In a randomized controlled study involving 15,965 patients,…
Certain mental health and neurological symptoms can indicate the onset of underlying autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. Research has shown that nightmares and hallucinations can be early warning signs of autoimmune diseases and may signal an approaching disease flare. A study surveyed patients with lupus and clinicians, finding that disrupted dream sleep and distressing nightmares…
Major companies like Walmart, Optum, and Walgreens have been withdrawing from primary and virtual care offerings, while Centivo is expanding by acquiring virtual-first primary care startup Eden Health. Centivo, founded in 2017, aims to provide affordable healthcare to American workers and improve the current healthcare payment system. The company focuses on advanced primary care and…
Hims & Hers, a direct-to-consumer virtual care company, has added GLP-1 medications to their weight-loss program. Users will have access to generic and compounded injectable medications and oral medication kits starting at $199 a month. The company’s partnership with a U.S. manufacturer allows for more affordable and readily available medications compared to brand names like…
Plant-based diets have been linked to reductions in body weight and cholesterol, as well as a lower risk for cancer and death. However, caution is advised when recommending these diets due to study limitations. A recent umbrella review of 2 decades of research showed that vegan and vegetarian diets were associated with better health markers,…