Researchers conducted a study on the drug zodasiran, which targets a liver protein and significantly lowers triglyceride and lipoprotein levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia on statin therapy. The drug, an siRNA that silences the ANGPTL3 gene, showed promising results in reducing lipid levels and improving cardiovascular health. The reductions in liver fat content with…
A study found that individuals with poor mental abilities in their teenage years are at a triple risk of stroke by age 50. A stroke is a sudden emergency that disrupts blood flow to the brain, impacting speech, movement, and other functions. The study analyzed data from 1.7 million young Israelis who underwent cognitive tests…
Health data platform Arcadia recently acquired CareJourney, a health analytics firm focusing on value-based care contracts. This acquisition allows Arcadia to provide a more comprehensive suite of value-based care technology by combining data platforms, analytics, and workflow tools. CareJourney’s dataset includes data across various healthcare plans and providers, giving Arcadia access to valuable insights. The…
The IHCA warns that the deficit of acute psychiatric inpatient beds in Ireland may be closer to 1,800, rather than the previously reported 832. A recently obtained HSE report highlights that there are just over 1,100 acute psychiatric beds in the public health service, falling far short of the recommended numbers. The report also shows…
Georg Hafner PhD’s review of the evidence shows that dietary saturated fat is not a leading cause of heart disease and should not be avoided. Saturated fat is an essential nutrient and there is little evidence to suggest it is harmful when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Trans fats and hydrogenated…
TPG’s The Rise Fund has invested over $200 million into Foodsmart, a telenutrition platform that partners with health plans, employers, and commercial health plan members to provide virtual access to registered dietitians. Foodsmart also offers a digital food benefits management platform for meal planning, grocery ordering, and applying for SNAP benefits. The company works with…
KFF Health News senior correspondent Aneri Pattani discussed the Supreme Court’s Purdue Pharma decision and the opioid settlement on WHYY’s “Studio 2.” KFF Health News ethnic media editor Paula Andalo talked about California’s new heat rules on Radio Bilingüe’s “Línea Abierta.” KFF Health News contributor Andy Miller discussed the impact of social media use on…
A randomized phase 3 trial evaluating xevinapant with chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancers has been discontinued due to lack of benefit. Chemoradiotherapy has been a standard treatment for this cancer type, but new approaches, including immunotherapy, have not been successful. The addition of xevinapant did not improve event-free survival for patients with advanced squamous…
A collaborator and paid consultant of Cassava Sciences, Hoau-Yan Wang, has been indicted for defrauding the National Institutes of Health in grant applications supporting the company’s Alzheimer’s drug, simufilam. Wang, a neuroscientist, published key papers supporting the drug’s effectiveness, but his work has been questioned by outside researchers for containing fabricated and falsified data. The…
Leaked documents from Philip Morris International suggest questionable research ethics and marketing practices for its heated tobacco products. Analysts note that the company’s claims of transparent science contradict the leaked documents, and products are being promoted as “reduced risk” despite evidence to the contrary. The Tobacco Control Research Group at the University of Bath found…
Withanolides are compounds found in plants that have shown promise in inhibiting cancer cell growth and preventing metastasis. However, obtaining these compounds in large quantities has been challenging. Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a scalable synthesis method for withanolides, allowing for efficient production on a gram scale. This innovative approach eliminates the need…
A team of researchers led by Penn Medicine received a $10 million grant to study the link between traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms of TBI-related neurodegeneration (TReND) using over 1,000 tissue samples. The new initiative, TRANSFORM-TBI, will investigate why TBIs increase…
A work group formed by the Alzheimer’s Association has updated the criteria for diagnosing and staging Alzheimer’s disease. The new criteria incorporate fluid and imaging biomarkers and aim to define the disease biologically rather than based on symptoms. Core biomarkers have been identified to measure neuropathologic changes and disease severity. The revised criteria provide flexibility…
Night-time exposure to bright light has been found to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a recent study conducted by researchers at Flinders University in Australia. The study involved 85,000 healthy adults without diabetes and found that exposure to light between 12:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. was linked to a 67% increased…
Biotech company Alumis has raised $250 million for pivotal tests on its lead drug candidate for treating plaque psoriasis. The drug targets the enzyme TYK2 involved in inflammation pathways. Alumis aims to show that its drug, ESK-001, can achieve complete inhibition of TYK2 without causing safety issues, unlike competitors’ drugs that have shown limitations in…
The Government has appointed Bríd O’Flaherty BL to lead an inquiry into the use of sodium valproate among pregnant women in Ireland due to the high risk of developmental disorders and malformations in children exposed to the drug in the womb. The non-statutory inquiry will review the prescription of the drug and Ireland’s health service’s…
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is collaborating with EvolutionaryScale, an AI company, to provide access to ESM3 language models for drug discovery. EvolutionaryScale recently secured $142 million in funding with support from AWS and NVIDIA. ESM3 allows scientists to create new proteins and streamline protein design workflows. AWS customers can access the open-source version of ESM3…
A federal judge has found California prison officials in contempt for inadequate mental health staffing, ordering fines of $112 million. The fines are due to the state’s failure to hire enough mental health professionals despite court orders. Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a budget deficit and plans to appeal the ruling. The lack of mental…
A study conducted by Jerome Hadjadj, MD, PhD, and colleagues found that among targeted therapies, patients with VEXAS syndrome responded most overall to JAK inhibitors and IL-6 blockers. The study included 110 adults with VEXAS syndrome who received different targeted therapies, with JAK inhibitors showing the longest survival without treatment discontinuation. The researchers noted that…
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended changes that will likely result in fewer older adults qualifying for insurance coverage for RSV vaccines. They also did not make a recommendation on the use of GSK’s Arexvy vaccine in adults aged 50 to 59 due to insufficient data. Without ACIP and CDC recommendations, insurance companies are…
Despite efforts to control malaria, the number of cases and deaths have increased in recent years, with the African region being the most severely affected. The World Health Organization aims to reduce both incidence and mortality rates by at least 75% by 2025 and 90% by 2030, but progress falls far short of these goals….
Research published in June 2024 suggests that service dogs can reduce symptoms of PTSD in veterans. A study conducted on post-9/11 veterans showed that those who received service dogs experienced milder symptoms, better quality of life, and lower odds of still meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD compared to those on the waitlist. This evidence highlights…
A study published in the Journal of Adolescence found that early social media use can have varying impacts on depression in adolescents and young adults. The research, conducted over 8 years with 488 participants, revealed that the effects of social media on mental health depend on individual factors such as parental support, peer relationships, anxiety,…
A study conducted in Australia found that using 5-mm margins to manage small melanoma in situ (MIS) lesions on low-risk body sites resulted in a low local recurrence rate of 0.9%. This approach potentially reduces treatment-related morbidity and costs without compromising patient outcomes. The retrospective analysis included 351 MIS lesions from 292 patients with a…
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an urgent alert due to the increase in dengue fever cases worldwide, particularly in the Americas. The CDC has reported a record-breaking number of dengue cases in 2024, with more than 9.7 million cases being reported in the Americas alone. In the United States,…
Transplant surgeons face challenges due to the critical shortage of organs, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Medical advancements have improved success rates, but also increased demand. Living donor programs, paired donations, and new technologies aim to bridge the gap. Policy and education play a crucial role in increasing organ donations. Healthcare professionals need to support…
Psychiatric nurses have voted in favor of industrial action, including strikes, due to the ongoing recruitment freeze preventing mental health services from hiring staff. The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) has issued the HSE with a three-week notice of impending industrial action. This decision comes as there are over 700 vacancies in mental health services, impacting…
In June 2024, the FDA announced a crackdown on harmful e-cigarettes. The agency is working with other government organizations to remove unapproved vaping devices and vape juice from the market. The rise in availability of e-cigarettes in appealing flavors is particularly concerning, as it attracts young people to nicotine dependency. E-cigarettes were initially seen as…
Sharecare, a publicly traded digital health company, has agreed to be purchased by Altaris for $518 million, taking the company private. Sharecare offers a virtual healthcare navigation platform and digital therapeutics for various health conditions. The deal will see stockholders receive $1.43 per share, representing an 85% premium. This acquisition is part of a trend…
California’s $25 minimum wage for health workers is being delayed but will rely on increased federal funding. The wage increase for over 400,000 health workers will be phased in over several years. The delay is part of a nearly $300 billion state spending plan that includes cuts to public health and health care programs. The…
A combination of durvalumab and chemotherapy was found to improve outcomes for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone. Durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1, has been approved for various oncology indications. The phase 3 NIAGARA trial included over 1,000 patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and showed improvements in event-free…
The use of artificial intelligence in rural health care is growing, despite challenges such as clinician shortages. AI technology is being implemented in various rural health systems to streamline administrative tasks and improve patient care. This includes AI-enabled software for note-taking, AI tools to reduce physician burnout related to patient messages, and AI models for…
Scarlett McNally emphasizes the importance of prevention in maintaining good health, pointing out that 40% of ill health is preventable through lifestyle changes. She highlights the need for political manifestos to address health priorities, advocating for funding for education, healthcare, and prevention measures. McNally suggests that political decisions should be evaluated based on their impact…
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify a distinct subset of endometrial cancer that increases the risk of recurrence and death. This discovery, published in Nature Communications, will help doctors identify high-risk patients who may benefit from more comprehensive treatment. The AI tool developed by Dr. Ali Bashashati…
Researchers conducted a study on the effects of tirzepatide on adults with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). They found that tirzepatide reduced the apnea index, body weight, inflammation, hypoxia, and blood pressure while improving sleep-related outcomes. Current OSA treatments like positive airway pressure therapy have limited efficacy, leading to the need for alternative options….
The European Hematology Association Congress 2024 in Madrid discussed CAR-T therapy in the treatment of large B-cell lymphoma. Researchers emphasized the importance of using this therapy in the first-line treatment due to potential changes in disease-related factors. Early and first-line use of CAR-T therapy could benefit patients at high risk of relapse. The management of…
Proper oral health habits developed in childhood can have a lasting impact on overall well-being. National Oral Health Month highlights the importance of effective teeth-brushing techniques, as advised by dental experts. Starting brushing habits early, using the right tools and techniques, and replacing toothbrushes regularly are key to maintaining good oral hygiene. Proper brushing techniques,…
Function Health, a membership-based platform offering access to over 100 lab tests, has closed a Series A funding round bringing its total funding to $53 million. The round was led by Andreessen Horowitz and included celebrity investors like Matt Damon and Kevin Hart. Since launching in beta last year, the platform has gained nearly 50,000…
The University of Galway held its Summer Conferring ceremony on June 13, 2024. Photos from the event were shared, featuring attendees Mike Shaughnessy and Martina Regan. The ceremony was a significant event for graduates receiving their degrees. The images captured the celebratory atmosphere of the day. The event was covered by the Irish Medical Times,…
Research has shown that violence, including suicide and homicide, peaks during the late night and early morning hours. Factors such as alcohol consumption, mental health challenges, and youth contribute to this increase in violent behavior after midnight. Young adults, in particular, are more vulnerable due to their underdeveloped impulse control and susceptibility to sleep deprivation….
Adonis, a healthcare revenue cycle intelligence and automation company, raised $31 million in Series B funding, bringing their total raise to $54 million. They use machine learning and artificial intelligence to streamline revenue workflows for healthcare organizations. The funds will be used to expand their workforce, speed up product innovation, and continue growing in the…
Los Angeles County supervisors voted to buy and forgive millions of dollars in medical debt as part of a plan to address the $2.9 billion burden affecting nearly 800,000 residents. The initiative, led by supervisors Janice Hahn and Holly Mitchell, involves partnering with Undue Medical Debt to relieve patients of their debt. This program is…
In-N-Out Burger announced the use of sesame flour in burger buns at certain locations. CEO Lynsi Snyder defended the decision, stating it is safe for those with sesame allergies. Allergy advocacy organizations and specialists expressed concern, emphasizing individual sensitivity to allergens. In-N-Out clarified that only Texas and Colorado locations will use sesame flour. Snyder later…
Michigan is taking steps to contain the spread of H5N1 bird flu infections among farmworkers. The state’s health authorities are conducting a seroprevalence study on farms to assess the risk to workers. Workers are asked to complete a questionnaire and provide blood samples for analysis by the CDC. The study aims to identify undetected cases…
The Royal College of General Practitioners has advised its members to halt the recruitment of physician associates (PAs) after a survey revealed concerns about patient safety and lack of supervision in general practice. More than 5000 GPs and GP trainees responded to the questionnaire, with 80% expressing concerns about patient safety and 50% aware of…
The lungs play a crucial role in oxygenating the blood, but can be affected by many chemicals and pollutants in the air, leading to various lung diseases. Asbestos exposure, common in construction and shipbuilding, can cause diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma. Other unusual lung diseases can be caused by inhaling particles from birds, blue cheese,…
A study published in Radiology reveals that brain structure and function on MRI can predict brain atrophy progression in early-stage Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder affecting over 8.5 million people worldwide, characterized by tremors, slow movement, and cognitive issues. Research focused on altered proteins in the brain characteristic of the disease, like…
A study showed that adults over 50 who experience chronic loneliness have a 56% higher risk of stroke. Situational loneliness did not increase stroke risk. The study emphasized the importance of assessing and addressing loneliness to prevent health issues. Loneliness has increased due to the pandemic and is linked to serious health consequences. Previous research…
A recent study revealed that adults over the age of 50 with anxiety have twice the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects 10 million people worldwide, characterized by nerve cell death in the brain. Researchers analyzed over 100,000 patients with anxiety and found they were more likely to develop…
States managing Medicaid programs are facing challenges like unwinding the Public Health Emergency, addressing workforce shortages, and navigating regulatory changes. Managed long-term services and supports (MLTSS) are crucial in transforming the Medicaid landscape, with innovations like alternative payment models (APMs) and improved coordinated care. MLTSS programs in Delaware and Pennsylvania have improved care coordination through…