The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has announced a new leadership program aimed at developing the next generation of infection preventionists. The 18-month program will include mentoring, assistance with certification, and leadership opportunities for participants. The first group of 10 participants will be chosen in 2025 and will start the program in…
The content discusses the latest updates in the health and medicine sector, particularly related to politics and policy. The focus is on the potential inclusion of the BIOSECURE Act in the National Defense Authorization Act, the FDA’s efforts to combat illegal vapes, a Supreme Court decision regarding Indian tribes’ healthcare, and a pending case on…
The senior officers at the Royal College of Physicians have called for President Sarah Clarke to resign due to a lack of confidence in her leadership regarding physician associates (PAs). Over 80 members have expressed their dissatisfaction with the college’s inaction on the matter. While recognizing Clarke’s efforts, the officers feel that she has lost…
An international team of researchers has developed a new biomarker tool, the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA), to improve astronaut health and aid in the field of aerospace medicine. SOMA is a database of integrated data and sample repository from various space missions that can provide valuable biomedical profiling for monitoring the health impacts…
Newcells Biotech has announced leadership changes, with Dr. Valeria Chichagova promoted to Director of Technology, Dr. Colin Brown appointed as Chief Scientific Officer, and Professor Lyle Armstrong taking on the role of Scientific Advisor. The company has also made new commercial appointments in the US to support its global customer network. These changes come as…
The FDA has granted accelerated approval for Iqirvo for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis in adults who do not respond adequately to UDCA or cannot tolerate it. PBC is a rare liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver transplant if untreated. Iqirvo, the first new drug for PBC in nearly a decade,…
The FDA issued a warning after six people were hospitalized in four states after consuming Diamond Shruumz’s microdosing chocolate bars. Microdosing involves consuming small amounts of psychedelic substances for therapeutic benefits. Patients experienced severe symptoms like seizures, confusion, nausea, and abnormal blood pressure. Consumers are advised not to eat or sell the chocolate bars, while…
Functional, standardized referral pathways are crucial for patient outcomes, especially in vascular health. Highly integrated systems like the Mayo Clinic make it easy for primary care physicians to identify and refer patients to specialists, improving patient care. In contrast, unintegrated systems in rural areas rely more on personal relationships for referrals, potentially causing delays in…
Prof Mary Horgan has been appointed as the interim Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, following the departure of Prof Breda Smyth to RCSI. Prof Horgan, a professor of infectious diseases at UCD and Mater Hospital, has extensive experience in healthcare and previously served on NPHET during the Covid-19 pandemic. The appointment was…
More than 23 million low-income households were dropped from the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal internet subsidy program created in 2021 that helped reduce internet costs by up to $75 a month. This aid was important for rural areas, especially for telehealth services. Lawmakers failed to keep the funding for the program, leading to increased…
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has launched a new podcast called “Healthy Children” to provide expert medical guidance for parents and caregivers. The first two episodes cover safe sleeping and social media. Hosted by Dr. Edith Bracho-Sanchez, the podcast aims to provide information on child health and wellness in a medium preferred by parents….
Syntis Bio, a new company founded by biotech veterans Bob Langer and Giovanni Traverso, has emerged with plans to develop pills for a variety of conditions including obesity and rare diseases. Their technology, called SYNT, coats organ surfaces to change drug absorption or hormone triggers. Inspired by the adhesive used by mussels, this oral polymer…
The Liberal Democrats have released their UK general election manifesto focusing on health initiatives. They aim to improve GP access, reduce wait times for treatment, and enhance cancer care. Party leader Ed Davey emphasized the importance of addressing the health crisis with a bold and fully costed plan. The manifesto includes commitments to invest £9.4bn…
Two new studies presented at the ASMBS 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting suggest that total robotic metabolic and bariatric surgery may have advantages over laparoscopic approaches, including shorter operative times, reduced hospital stays, and fewer complications. One study found that total robotic procedures for gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy had better outcomes compared to laparoscopy. Another…
Independent pharmacists are struggling financially due to new Medicare policies that reduce drug costs for patients. The changes in prescription pricing have resulted in lower reimbursement for pharmacies at the time of purchase, causing cash flow issues. Pharmacies are facing staff shortages, drug shortages, and rising operating costs, leading some to cut back on medications…
New research shows that men who stop using performance-enhancing steroids experience depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction within the first year. The suppression of testosterone secretion caused by steroids can lead to these symptoms. About 65% of men who quit steroids will restart within a year, with 30% developing a dependence syndrome. Using antidepressants or linking…
Researchers have found that following a healthy and sustainable diet, known as the planetary health diet, can benefit both human health and the health of the planet. This diet focuses on plant-based foods with smaller amounts of meat and dairy. A study involving over 200,000 participants showed that those who adhered more closely to this…
Pelago, a digital substance use management clinic, has launched a new Inpatient Centers of Excellence network. This network includes organizations like the Recovery Centers of America and Banyan Treatment Centers and offers members access to a nationwide network of inpatient substance use disorder treatment centers. Pelago aims to match patients with the best facility for…
The high prices of weight-loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic may soon be a focus of Medicare drug price negotiations. List prices for these drugs are between $936 and $1,349 per month. The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Biden allows for direct negotiation of drug prices with manufacturers for the first time. Medicare spent…
Failed spinal anesthesia prior to total hip or knee arthroplasty was associated with inferior outcomes compared to successful anesthesia. Patients who experienced failed spinal anesthesia had increased blood loss, IV opioid use, and longer time to ambulation. However, there were no differences in pain scores between the groups. Additionally, patients with failed spinal anesthesia had…
Advisers to the FDA voted unanimously to recommend the approval of Eli Lilly’s drug for early Alzheimer’s disease, Donanemab, citing its ability to slow cognitive decline outweighing safety risks. This outcome is favorable for Lilly, making FDA approval likely for a broad population of patients with mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s. Neurologist Kathleen Poston…
The opioid giant Mallinckrodt, a major player in the US pharmaceutical market, was forced to release over 1.3 million internal documents revealing deceptive marketing practices and efforts to shape medical opinions. The company, known for selling a significant amount of prescription opioids, employed tactics like developing educational programs, influencing key opinion leaders, and promoting the…
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have grown ‘mini-guts’ in the lab to study Crohn’s disease, finding that epigenetic changes in DNA switches of gut cells play a key role in the disease. These mini-guts could lead to personalized treatments for patients by identifying the best treatment options for each individual. By collecting tissue samples…
Stunt performers in the film industry often experience head trauma but are reluctant to report it due to fear of being sidelined or labeled a liability. A recent study by Ohio University researchers sheds light on the challenges faced by these professionals and the impact of head injuries on their health and careers. The qualitative…
Semaglutide, a diabetes and weight-loss drug, has been shown to improve heart failure-related symptoms and physical limitations in patients with obesity-related heart failure and preserved ejection fraction, regardless of diuretic use. The drug has benefits in reducing daily loop diuretic dose, preventing new loop diuretic initiation, and increasing discontinuations. However, there are still some uncertainties…
Omega-3 supplements are popular for their numerous health benefits, including improved heart health, reduced inflammation, lower blood pressure, and enhanced brain function. For vegetarians, vegan Omega-3 supplements like Calgee offer the same benefits without the fish-based ingredients. These supplements are derived from sustainably harvested algae oil, providing a sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Calgee is…
Despite limited success with cannabis in reducing eye pressure for glaucoma patients, Skye Bioscience has shifted focus from eye drops to developing a drug for weight loss. The drug targets the endocannabinoid system and aims to block CB1 receptors to promote weight loss, similar to a previous drug that was withdrawn due to safety concerns….
Proposed rules in California would require school districts to find ways to keep classrooms cool to protect students and staff from extreme heat. If approved, indoor workplaces, including schools, would need to be cooled below certain temperatures to prevent overheating. The new regulations are part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to the impacts of climate…
An FDA advisory panel voted 11-0 in favor of donanemab as a treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. The committee also agreed unanimously that the benefits of the treatment outweighed the risks. Donanemab, a once-per-month, 30-minute infusion treatment by Eli Lilly & Co., was found effective in treating individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild…
High temperatures can lead to heart attacks, as shown in a lab experiment that exposed participants to increasing heat levels. Older individuals with heart disease are particularly at risk, as changes in weather, both extreme heat and cold, can trigger chest pain, heart attacks, and sudden death. The experiment revealed that even resting in heat…
Hiam and colleagues warn of worsening health and increasing inequalities in the UK without urgent action. The Institute of Health Promotion and Education in Altrincham has created a manifesto with 10 recommendations to address these issues. The manifesto aims to tackle health problems without solely blaming those in poverty, emphasizing a more holistic approach. Michael…
University of Arizona researchers have identified functional sex differences in nociceptors, nerve cells that produce pain. The study found that substances like prolactin and orexin B can affect nociceptor activation thresholds differently in males and females. This discovery suggests that there are male and female nociceptors, leading to potential new approaches in pain management based…
Particle Measuring Systems and Pharma Integration have collaborated to launch the BioCapt Single-Use AutoM Microbial Impactor, designed for use in robotic pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. This innovative device enhances the reliability and repeatability of microbial air sampling readings, with a unique design that reduces human interference in the monitoring process. The impactor features a magnetic lid…
Colorectal cancer screening remains below public health goals in the US, despite being the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. Different strategies, including offering patients a choice between colonoscopy and stool-based tests, have been found to increase screening rates. Text message reminders and targeted outreach to newly eligible patients have also shown success. The CDC supports…
Yellow fever is a potentially deadly infectious disease caused by a virus spread by mosquitoes, primarily found in Africa and South America. Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, and in severe cases, jaundice and internal bleeding. There is no specific treatment, but vaccination is highly recommended for travelers to high-risk areas. The vaccine offers lifelong…
Moderna is developing a combination vaccine for influenza and Covid-19 that only requires a single injection. The vaccine, mRNA-1083, has shown promising results in eliciting higher immune responses compared to individual vaccines. It is a pairing of two experimental Moderna vaccines, one for flu and one for Covid-19. The Phase 3 trials showed that the…
Researchers at Amsterdam University Medical Center conducted a study on Dutch people with high blood pressure to investigate the effects of antihypertensive medications on dementia risk. Dr. Jakob Schroevers shared insights on the study, highlighting the importance of addressing risk factors like elevated blood pressure to lower dementia risk. The study found that certain types…
La empresa de servicios públicos Xcel Energy cortó la electricidad a 52,000 hogares y negocios en Colorado como medida preventiva ante incendios forestales. Frasier, un centro de atención para adultos mayores, se vio afectado. Durante el apagón, se perdieron calefacción y algunas luces, pero los generadores mantuvieron el oxígeno y otros servicios esenciales. Los residentes…
Although there are currently no Lp(a)-lowering therapies available, measuring Lp(a) levels can still benefit patients by identifying those who would benefit from improved risk factor control. Kausik K. Ray emphasized the importance of measuring Lp(a) at least once in a lifetime, especially for individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Traditional risk factors alongside…
The web version of Health Care Inc. covers the flow of money in medicine. Reporters in the health care beat often focus on legal issues as new decisions are made in courts that can have a significant impact financially. While Congress struggles to pass legislation, powerful business and health policy decisions are often settled in…
A report from the Commonwealth Fund found that the US has the highest maternal mortality rate among 14 rich industrialised countries. Despite spending more on healthcare than other high-income countries, the US has much worse maternal health outcomes. In 2022, 22 US women died for every 100,000 live births, compared to much lower rates in…
A study published online in Cancer found that among US veterans diagnosed with lung cancer, those who underwent screening before diagnosis had a higher cure rate and were more likely to be diagnosed with earlier stage disease. This study was conducted from 2011-2018 within the Veterans Health Administration health care system. Patients who underwent screening…
A study led by researchers from Bochum found that chronic Hepatitis E infection may be caused by the virus incorporating host genetic segments into its genome, giving it a replication advantage. This insertion of host RNA could predict the transition to chronic infection. The study analyzed the virus populations in a chronically infected patient for…
Two studies found that patients prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists for obesity were often discontinuing the medication before seeing meaningful weight loss results. Factors influencing discontinuation included age, access to healthcare, provider specialty, co-pays, comorbidities, and gender and ethnicity. Patients with obesity were more likely to stop taking the medication compared to those with diabetes. Discontinuation…
A new study reveals that the use of social media photo filters is associated with increased symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, particularly among males. The study conducted among young adults in Canada found a correlation between the use of photo filters and elevated levels of dissatisfaction with muscularity and body image. Muscle dysmorphia is a mental…
Jonathan Kumar, founder of Samaritan, comes from a background of financial struggle and was inspired by his family’s experience of receiving support from a local church in their time of need. This led him to create Samaritan, a startup that provides financial and social support for people without homes. Samaritan works with various organizations and…
Xcel Energy turned off power to 52,000 homes and businesses near Boulder, Colorado during windy conditions to prevent wildfires, including an assisted living facility, Frasier. This was the first preemptive power outage in Colorado for wildfire prevention. Frasier staff prepared with generators to care for residents without power for 28 hours. Nursing homes are now…
Jonathan T. Yang, MD, PhD, has been appointed as the associate vice chair for clinical research and developmental therapeutics in the department of radiation oncology at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. Additionally, he will serve as the director of the metastatic disease service and clinical research at the Brain and Spine Tumor Center. Yang’s…
Stephen Quake, a professor at Stanford, is a prominent figure in the field of bioengineering and applied physics. He has made significant contributions to blood-based prenatal testing and microfluidic chip technology. Additionally, he serves as the head of science for the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, a company founded by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan with the…
A new glowing marker dye called IR800-IAB2M that attaches to prostate cancer cells could help surgeons remove cancerous tissues during real-time surgeries. This dye targets a protein called PSMA on prostate cancer cells and allows surgeons to visualize the edges of the tumor and detect any abnormal cell clusters. The dye was tested in a…