A study found that men with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing complications such as cardiovascular disease, eye issues, foot and leg problems, and kidney complications compared to women, regardless of the duration of the disease. The study included survey responses from 267,357 people in Australia, with 25,713 having diabetes. Men had higher…
A new drug called Imdelltra has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of small cell lung cancer. This aggressive type of cancer often relapses after chemotherapy, but Imdelltra offers a new treatment option. The drug is an immunotherapy that targets a protein abundant in small cell lung cancer cells. Clinical trial results showed…
The author reflects on the legacy of appreciating Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, and contrasts the behavior and civility between Dublin and Bordeaux. The installation of the ‘Portal’ art sculpture in Dublin led to lewd and inappropriate behavior, highlighting a lack of respect and decorum. The author also discusses the behavior of some consultants in…
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and epilepsy. It involves implanting electrodes in specific parts of the brain to regulate neuron activity and correct timing errors that cause symptoms. By providing electrical stimulation to activate neurons directly, DBS can help improve symptoms like tremors, rigidity,…
Saint Luke’s Mid America Heart Institute in Kansas City is partnering with Story Health to develop an atrial fibrillation program for its patients. The program will offer lifestyle recommendations, medication monitoring, and identify patients who may benefit from procedures like ablation. Story Health coaches will assist patients between visits, collecting health data and integrating it…
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The ACOG Annual Clinical & Scientific Meeting will focus on the importance of leadership in obstetrics and gynecology to create positive change. The meeting, taking place May 17-19 in San Francisco, will feature fewer but impactful sessions, including a keynote address by Abby Wambach. Sessions will cover topics such as AI in healthcare, clinical scenarios,…
The week is ending, and plans for the weekend are being made, including seeing mascots, watching a movie, and hosting a listening party. A new treatment from Amgen for small cell lung cancer has been approved by the FDA, extending life expectancy to 14 months. Novo Nordisk is optimistic about a fire at a manufacturing…
Five babies died of whooping cough in England in the first three months of 2024. Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, is most dangerous for young infants. The disease is included in the 6-in-1 combined vaccine given to babies at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Vaccination during pregnancy has been shown to…
A new study developed a blood test combining biomarkers and a clinical score to accurately detect large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, a severe type of ischemic stroke. This test could help patients receive life-saving treatment faster and improve outcomes. By combining levels of specific proteins with field assessment stroke triage data, the test demonstrated 93%…
A recent study published in Thorax explored the connection between social media use and cigarette smoking and vaping risk among young individuals in the UK. The research found that increased time spent on social media was associated with higher odds of smoking cigarettes and using e-cigarettes. The study included over 10,000 participants and indicated that…
As we age, the macula in our eyes can deteriorate, leading to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting millions worldwide. AMD has genetic and age-related causes, and it can lead to vision loss through dry AMD or wet AMD. While dry AMD affects more people, wet AMD is more progressive and requires immediate treatment to prevent…
A minority of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer in the US undergo genetic testing for homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations, which can influence treatment decisions like the use of PARP inhibitors. A study found that 37.7% of patients received HRR testing, with rates peaking in 2020. Factors associated with lower odds of testing included…
The Mediterranean diet is linked to many health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic conditions and improving mental wellness. A study from the University of South Australia found that adherence to this diet can help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety in elderly adults. Specific elements of the diet such as fruit, nuts, and…
Dan Shoenthal, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, highlighted the importance of tailoring innovation initiatives to fit the specific priorities and goals of each health system. At MD Anderson, the focus is on enhancing patient and clinician experiences through both technological and non-technological solutions. For example, training staff to…
The Western Health and Social Care Trust is seeking to fill two Consultant Haematologist positions at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Londonderry. The salary for the position is between £94,127 and £126,907 per annum. The closing date for applications is June 14, 2024. A waiting list may be established for future vacancies. Applicants must demonstrate how…
MediSecure, a digital prescription platform in Australia, has been hit by a ransomware attack affecting personal and health information. The attack is believed to have originated from a third-party vendor. National Cyber Security Coordinator Michelle McGuinness is assisting in the response, stating that no e-prescriptions have been impacted. The extent of the breach is still…
The host of KFF Health News’ weekly podcast, Julie Rovner, discusses the spread of bird flu among dairy cows, a cyberattack on the Catholic hospital chain Ascension, and other health policy issues with panelists from various news outlets. The episode explores the similarities between the response to bird flu and covid-19, Congress working to extend…
The American College of Physicians (ACP) advocated for policies to increase the physician workforce, grant exceptions to step therapy protocols, and address practice cost inflation at its Leadership Day event. Among the key priorities discussed were the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act of 2023, the Physician Fee Schedule Update and Improvements Act, and the Safe…
This week’s “Readout LOUD” podcast episode was recorded live at STAT’s Breakthrough Summit West in San Francisco, focusing on AI in drug discovery. The episode features conversations with AI correspondent Casey Ross, who discusses AI-centered drug discovery with NVIDIA and Google-backed Isomorphic Labs. The episode also covers biotech news, including obesity drug data from Roche…
A fundus image of a woman in her mid-60s with type 2 diabetes showed visual disturbances in her left eye. She had high HbA1c levels and had not undergone diabetic retinopathy screening before. Her left eye had decreased visual acuity and had haemorrhages, exudates, and neovascularisation in the temporal macula. The bleeding was initially confined…
Men with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing major health effects compared to women, regardless of the duration of their diagnosis. A study found that rates of cardiovascular disease, foot, leg, kidney complications, and diabetic retinopathy are all higher in men. The researchers analyzed data from over 25,000 people with diabetes and found…
Researcher Shan Luo has received $3.1 million in funding to study the early brain development of babies born to women with diabetes during pregnancy. This study aims to understand why these babies are more likely to develop obesity and metabolic disorders later in life. Using neuroimaging data from the ENIGMA consortium, Luo will evaluate the…
Multiple U.S. agencies are working to contain a recent bird flu outbreak among cattle to prevent further spread to humans. The aim is to use lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic to keep farm workers and the public safe. The potential outcomes range from containment to a new influenza pandemic if the virus mutates. Authorities…
The US FDA has granted accelerated approval to tarlatamab-dlle (Imdelltra, Amgen) for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) that has progressed after platinum-based chemotherapy. Tarlatamab is a first-in-class bispecific T-cell engager that activates T-cells and targets DLL3-expressing cells. Approval was based on data from the DeLLphi-301 trial, showing an overall response rate of 40% and…
A recent study from the University of Stirling, Scotland, U.K., found that men with obesity who received text messages with cash incentives were four times more likely to lose weight. The Game of Stones study followed 585 men for a year and showed that those who received up to £400 ($507) along with text messages…
Aeroflow Health has expanded its lactation consultation services to Virginia Medicaid, offering new mothers access to breast pumps and a network of lactation consultants. The company provides medical devices and education on topics like breastfeeding and breastmilk storage. The partnership with Virginia Medicaid aims to increase access to maternal health services for new and expecting…
The HSE recruitment freeze is delaying the hiring of almost two-thirds of the specialist neurology nurses promised by the Government. The Neurological Alliance of Ireland highlighted the impact of this freeze on the delivery of neurology services across various regions in the country. They called for funds to be released to allow for these employments,…
Manifold, an AI-enabled clinical research platform, added five new leaders to its team and two advisors. The new appointments include Chris McMahon as chief people officer, Alex Akers as VP of growth, Danielle Kowalski as VP of legal, Megan Ahigian as senior director of product and partnerships, and Taylor Gleason as senior director of marketing….
During a protest against Israel’s bombing of Gaza at UCLA, volunteer medics treated injured protesters with severe wounds caused by police projectiles. The medics described setting up makeshift medical clinics in tents, treating injuries ranging from puncture wounds to broken bones. The protesters faced police brutality, with officers firing less lethal projectiles at them. Despite…
At the ARVO meeting, Dr. George O. Waring IV discusses the Tecnis Odyssey’s tolerance to refractive error. A study conducted by Waring and colleagues showed that patients with refractive error had good visual and refractive performance with the Tecnis Odyssey IOL. In the presence of up to 0.5 D of hyperopic defocus, 100% of patients…
On graduation day, the first class of the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation will have nine new Indigenous physicians, aiming to address severe physician shortages in rural areas. The graduates, who represent 20% of the class, come from 11 different tribes in Oklahoma. The school provides support to ensure…
The content discusses a radio broadcast featuring a young woman with breast cancer, prompted by the death of Kris Hallenga, the founder of CoppaFeel! The broadcast emphasized the importance of breast examination for women in their 20s. However, the data suggests that breast cancer in young women is rare, and self-examination may not be beneficial….
Researchers at Columbia University have identified brain-cell circuitry in fruit flies that converts sensory signals into color perceptions. These neurons respond selectively to different hues, including ultraviolet wavelengths important for survival in some creatures. By using a fly-brain connectome to map neural circuits, the researchers developed mathematical models to simulate the brain’s activity and capabilities….
Nanoscribe and Advanced BioMatrix have partnered to launch four advanced bioresins for high-resolution 3D bioprinting using Two-Photon Polymerization technology. This collaboration combines Nanoscribe’s expertise in precise 3D printing with Advanced BioMatrix’s biomaterial development skills to enhance bioprinting capabilities. The bioresins offer unmatched precision and resolution, providing researchers in life sciences and biomedical fields with new…
Orleatha Smith is a successful educator, author, holistic lifestyle coach, and co-founder of Sip Herbals, a best-selling coffee substitute brand. Despite struggling with eczema for 45 years, she has managed to control it through various lifestyle changes. Smith recommends wearing cotton clothing, using unscented detergent, and combining natural and commercial skincare products. She practices meditation…
Urate, the cause of gout, can increase cardiovascular risk due to its effects on the vasculature. Following guidelines for gout treatment, including the use of colchicine, can help reduce these risks. Studies have shown that soluble urate stimulates the production of C-reactive protein (CRP), a predictor of cardiovascular disease. Patients with gout have impaired vascular…
The National Kidney Foundation awarded Dr. Robert A. Montgomery with the Excellence in Transplantation Award for his contributions to transplantation surgery, including innovations such as the laparoscopic procedure and domino paired donation. Montgomery, a professor at NYU Langone Health, has led groundbreaking surgical teams and performed the first successful gene-edited pig-to-human kidney xenotransplant in 2021….
A study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research found that 20% of California adults experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), with nearly 40% of this group having unmet mental health needs. ACEs can disrupt healthy brain development and increase the risk of serious conditions in adulthood. Positive childhood experiences can counterbalance…
The DS-7 Spectrophotometer is a new 1 uL UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the DS-Series Quantification Range by DeNovix. It is designed to provide budget-conscious labs with high-performance, full-spectrum UV-Vis measurements for DNA, RNA, and protein quantification. It offers rapid and reliable 1 µL UV-Vis quantification, optional cuvette mode, and pre-configured applications for different biomolecule types. The…
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a high risk of cardiovascular events but are often undertreated for managing this risk. Rheumatologists should consider a patient’s cardiovascular disease status before deciding on RA treatments. Studies have shown that methotrexate and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can reduce cardiovascular events in RA patients, while JAK inhibitors may increase…
The National Kidney Foundation has awarded Suma Nair, PhD, MS, RD, with the Public Service Award for her work in advancing health care equity, specifically in equal access to organ transplants. Nair, who works at the Health Resources and Services Administration, has improved the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network’s performance to ensure timely and equal…
A study by Rutgers Health found that blood pressure medications more than double the risk of life-threatening bone fractures in nursing home residents due to impaired balance and low blood pressure. The increased risk is especially high in patients with dementia and high blood pressure. The study analyzed data from nearly 30,000 elderly patients in…
RedShiftBio has announced the launch of Aurora TX, a cutting-edge instrument with MMS technology for biomolecular analysis, at the upcoming PEGS conference in Boston. Aurora TX offers ultra-sensitive and precise measurements of biomolecule structure and stability, with the addition of thermal ramping capability. This technology allows for background-subtracted measurements of a wide range of biomolecules…
A pilot study presented at the 2024 annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies in Toronto, Canada, demonstrated a telehealth-based approach to reducing repeat asthma visits in children. The study, called TEACHH, focused on educating children aged 5-13 with uncontrolled asthma using a tool kit that included visual aids and color-coded stickers for inhalers. The…
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that women who conceive through infertility treatment have a higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who conceive naturally. The risk of hospitalization for heart disease within a year post-delivery is 2.16 times higher in women who underwent infertility treatment, particularly those with…
Patients with hereditary angioedema experienced fewer hospitalizations and ED and outpatient visits after beginning prophylactic treatment with berotralstat, according to a study presented at a recent conference. The study included 260 patients and showed a significant decrease in healthcare resource utilization, particularly for angioedema-related visits, after using berotralstat. These findings suggest that berotralstat is a…
Genetic factors play a significant role in treatment-resistant depression (TRD) that does not respond to standard therapy, with overlaps found in genes associated with schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, cognitive traits, and body mass index (BMI). Researchers studied ECT as a surrogate for TRD, identifying genetic loci associated with ECT response and BMI. Patients with lower…
Researchers from the U.K. and U.S. analyzed blood samples from 200,618 U.K. Biobank participants, identifying 17 genes positively selected and driving clonal hematopoiesis. Clonal hematopoiesis involves the clonal expansion of mutated blood cells, with potential links to aging-related diseases. The study used exome sequencing to find genes under positive selection, including MTA2, SPRED2, and SRFS1,…
Researchers at the University of Michigan have created the first cellular map of a human ovary, a significant development in the quest to create a human artificial ovary for fertility restoration. This atlas of the ovary provides valuable insights into the molecular programs driving ovarian follicle development, shedding light on the biological mysteries of the…