Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly in drug development, but it is facing a major threat from exaggerated marketing claims. Press releases often portray AI as a miracle product that can unlock the secrets of biology and cure diseases with ease. This hype is concerning to industry experts, with Daphne Koller from Insitro warning against unrealistic…
Kimberly Sibille and colleagues discuss the importance of advancing health disparities research to improve health outcomes for all individuals. The article emphasizes the need to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare to reduce disparities in healthcare access and outcomes. The authors call for increased focus on understanding and addressing the social determinants…
A study conducted in Switzerland found that distractions caused by digital devices, also known as “technoference,” do not have a more negative impact on parent-child interactions compared to distractions from non-digital sources. Researchers observed that distractions, regardless of their source, led to impairment in the quality and quantity of parent-child interactions. The study involved 50…
DGIST announced the development of a new implantable wireless health monitoring electronic suture system for use in orthopedic fields. The system, developed through joint research with Yonsei University and Korea University, aims to address the increasing need for monitoring tissue recovery during rehabilitation. The system functions as a strain sensor and can be easily applied…
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) showed improved lung function and reversal of lung fibrosis after 12 weeks of treatment with an investigational inhibitor of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Data from a phase 2a trial with the novel oral agent ENV-101 indicated improvements in forced vital capacity (FVC) and lung function, potentially offering a disease-modifying…
A study revealed that spending time on social media can increase the risk of smoking and vaping among young adults. Those who spend more time on social media are at a higher risk, with triple the risk for those who use social media more than seven hours daily. Social media exposure to advertisements and promotions…
In Europe, the PTC Therapeutics drug Translarna, used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, failed a confirmatory study but remains on the market for now. The European Commission declined to adopt a recommendation against renewing its marketing authorization. The drug received conditional approval in 2014 based on Phase 2 data and was up for renewal. The…
World Laughter Day is celebrated in May, a day dedicated to the benefits of laughter. Laughter releases endorphins, reduces stress hormones, and strengthens social bonds. While humor can be a powerful tool, it should be used sensitively and appropriately. The day involves laughter contests, parades, and marches worldwide. Laughter has physical and emotional benefits, but…
Teladoc is facing a potential class action lawsuit from investors who claim the company made false statements about its marketing spending on mental health offering BetterHelp. The lawsuit alleges that Teladoc’s increased marketing spend on BetterHelp led to decreased revenue and stock price. The company’s former CEO resigned after poor financial performance. The lawsuit also…
Over 20 million people have been kicked off Medicaid during the redetermination process after the Covid-19 public health emergency. Native Americans are particularly vulnerable to losing coverage due to obstacles in reenrolling. The process has caused unnecessary hardships for patients, including one teenager who lost coverage while seeking lifesaving care. Tribal leaders are facing challenges…
The FDA approved fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki for adults with HER2-positive tumors. Social media posts by HCPs regarding product approvals or launches declined by 6% in April compared to March. Health care professionals on social media expressed enthusiasm about the FDA approval of the treatment, with many praising it as a major milestone in precision medicine. The…
Executives from the major pharmacy benefit manager companies, including Optum, CVS Caremark, and Express Scripts, have been invited to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability on June 4. The companies and committee did not respond to requests for comment. This exclusive story from STAT provides insights into the upcoming testimony and the…
The final report of the infected blood inquiry in the UK details how tens of thousands of people were infected by the NHS with HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne infections from the 1970s to the 1990s, costing the UK public an estimated £2bn to £4bn. The inquiry highlights a lack of data and understanding of…
A study led by Dr. Yijun (Nicholas) Pan and Dr. Liang Jin found that anxiety and neurological disorders are associated with an increased likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, conditions such as arthritis, cancer, gastric complaints, and high cholesterol were linked to lower odds of Alzheimer’s. The study, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Diagnosis, Assessment…
A study at Hebrew University examined guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, focusing on therapeutic alliance and attachment styles. Significant improvements in depression and insomnia symptoms were found over time. The study highlights the importance of the therapeutic alliance and attachment styles in internet-based therapy. The study included 39 participants in a cognitive behavioral…
Research presented at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists annual meeting found that pregnant women who use marijuana are less likely to see it as risky. Despite this, many women who used marijuana during pregnancy did not receive counseling on stopping its use. There is a growing prevalence of marijuana use during pregnancy, despite…
Researchers have found that changes in the color and texture of nails could indicate a person’s risk for developing cancers, specifically BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome. This rare-inherited disorder is associated with an increased risk of cancerous tumors in various parts of the body. A study led by the US National Institutes of Health identified a…
Many payers, government bodies, and lawmakers have expressed concerns over lack of transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), impacting drug pricing for payers and members. The industry has been slow to address this issue, but with new PBM models and unbundled services gaining popularity, change may be on the horizon. Dan Reedy from Abarca discusses…
The upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting in 2024 will focus on the theme ‘The Art and Science of Cancer Care: From Comfort to Cure’. More than 40,000 oncology professionals are expected to attend the three-day event in Chicago. The conference will highlight advancements in lung cancer treatments, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and…
Public health officials in Pasadena, California, sprang into action when a resident contracted dengue fever without traveling. They quickly responded by testing residents, eradicating carrier mosquitoes, and containing the outbreak. This was made possible by increased funding in the state budget for public health and preparedness, spearheaded by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. However, Newsom is…
A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that a higher intake of food additive emulsifiers was linked to an increased risk for type 2 diabetes in adults in France. The most common foods containing emulsifiers were ultra-processed fruits and vegetables. Participants who consumed higher levels of emulsifiers had a greater risk of…
Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe was dismissed from an antitrust case brought by the Federal Trade Commission against U.S. Anesthesia Partners (USAP). The FTC alleged that USAP monopolized markets in Texas to raise prices. While Welsh Carson’s dismissal was a victory for private equity firms, the case against USAP continues. This decision will maintain scrutiny…
A support scheme for family doctors in Scotland, introduced six years ago, has been suspended, risking the future of dozens of practices. A survey by BMA Scotland found that 30 practices are in a precarious position, with six considering returning their contracts to the health board. The GP sustainability loan scheme, a critical component of…
A UK report is set to be released exposing a scandal where thousands of people died after being treated with infected blood between the 1970s and early 1990s. Tens of thousands were infected with viruses like HIV and hepatitis, leading to lifelong health problems for many. The report is expected to criticize politicians, health officials,…
Researchers developed the MK-801 bimodal drug that treats obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia in mouse models by combining NMDA and GLP-1 receptor antagonism. The study found that inhibiting NMDA receptors can reduce weight and food consumption. MK-801, created using peptide cleavage and disulfide linker production, showed effective weight loss in rats and increased weight loss effectiveness…
Adding atezolizumab to chemotherapy in anti-PD-L1-positive TNBC patients who have relapsed did not improve survival, as shown in the IMpassion132 trial. These patients have a poor prognosis, are typically young, and have aggressive disease resistant to standard therapies. Patients treated with capecitabine had better survival rates than those on carboplatin/gemcitabine, suggesting prior therapy may influence…
A study has found that long-term adherence to the popular keto diet can lead to accelerated organ aging and pro-inflammatory effects. Taking breaks from the diet is recommended to avoid these consequences. The study, conducted on mice, showed that those on a continuous keto diet had more senescent cells in their organs, particularly the kidneys,…
Healthcare costs in the employer space are rising, with obesity being a major contributor. Weight-loss medications like GLP-1s are seen as a potential solution, but they come with high costs. Employers face tough decisions on how to create a healthier workforce while managing expenses. Integrating GLP-1 and other weight-loss medications can lead to improved health…
Children in urban areas with asthma and overweight or obesity have significant metabolic changes compared to other urban children with asthma. Obesity-related asthma is a growing issue in inner cities, leading to greater asthma symptoms, healthcare use, and poor response to standard treatments. Metabolomic profiling may help link genetics and environmental factors, allowing for more…
Cytokinetics is facing pressure to sell itself to a large pharma company after positive late-stage results of its heart drug, but CEO Robert Blum believes the biotech can launch the treatment on its own. The drug, aficamten, showed promising results in treating obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and investors speculated the company would get acquired. Despite doubts…
Gallbladder cancer rates have been stable or declining for most Americans but rising among Black individuals, leading to later-stage diagnoses. This disparity is believed to be due to delayed access to healthcare. Non-Hispanic Blacks have not seen the same improvements in mortality rates as other racial and ethnic groups. The study analyzed data from over…
Researchers in a recent review published in Nature Reviews Cancer argue that understanding artificial intelligence (AI) is essential in cancer research due to its advancements and benefits. They introduce AI technologies like artificial neural networks and deep learning, emphasizing their applications in cancer research and need for adoption. The review aims to guide non-computationally inclined…
Patients with onychodystrophy who have a history of tinea pedis, chronic kidney disease, peripheral vascular disease, or type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk of having onychomycosis. An accurate diagnosis is crucial due to increasing antifungal resistance. A retrospective case-control study evaluated 1256 patients with onychodystrophy, finding that tinea pedis, chronic kidney disease, and…
Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute has introduced a new program in collaboration with Story Health to help patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) manage their condition in between clinic visits. The program offers personalized support, guidance, and data collection for patients, aiming to streamline care and improve outcomes. The initiative is designed to address the…
Youth in Puerto Rico living in high social vulnerability communities are more likely to develop asthma, with low household incomes and perceptions of poverty also playing a role. The study looked at 405 children from San Juan, with asthma and without, and found that those with higher social vulnerability index (SVI) scores were more likely…
The Food and Drug Administration has approved wearable devices like the Apple Watch to market health benefits, but experts caution that the data generated may not be useful for patients or doctors. One primary care physician shared a frustrating experience where she couldn’t access a patient’s continuous glucose monitor data for over an hour due…
Researchers at the University of East Anglia have developed a new resin for 3D printing intraocular devices, which have the potential to improve eye implants used in cataract and refractive surgeries. The 3D printed lenses could be customized to fit each patient’s needs, potentially leading to better vision correction and comfort. This innovation also promises…
Lack of detailed record-keeping in clinics and emergency departments may lead to inappropriate antibiotic use, according to new studies. Around 10% of children and 35% of adults prescribed antibiotics during office visits had no specific reason recorded. The issue is prevalent in adults in emergency departments and clinics with Medicaid or no insurance. Clinicians failing…
