AI algorithms have the potential to improve health monitoring for older adults, but data gaps risk widening health inequities. Healthcare algorithms are largely built from data that exclude older adults, women, people of color, and those from rural and low-income communities. Innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors can help bridge this gap by prioritizing solutions that address…
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that extracranial surgery and anesthesia are linked to worsened cognitive and functional outcomes after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study, based on data from TRACK-TBI, included 1835 participants with TBI. The researchers found that patients who underwent extracranial surgery had significantly worse outcomes at 2 weeks and 6…
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is spreading among deer populations and has the potential to infect humans. Research shows that the barriers to spillover into humans are less formidable than previously believed. Experts are working on a major initiative to address the threat of CWD, focusing on public health surveillance, lab capacity, diagnostics, risk communication, and…
Biogen announced that it would no longer sell or study Aduhelm, an Alzheimer’s disease treatment that was approved in 2021, due to corporate mistakes and regulatory issues. This marks the end of the road for the drug and serves as a cautionary tale in pharmaceutical history. The decision has significant implications for the biotech industry…
Laura Kudrna and her colleagues argue that for better health outcomes for ethnic minority groups, higher quality and more inclusive health research is necessary. They discuss the current limitations in the peer review process for funding applications, as well as the need to address systemic and interpersonal racism in medicine and society. They propose the…
Fermentation techniques in food production have become popular, with lactic acid fermentation being a significant contributor. Lactic acid bacteria are instrumental in producing a low pH environment that prevents food spoiling. Lactobacillus brevis, a bacterium that thrives in slightly acidic pH, is often present in fermented products like sauerkraut and pickles. The bacteria produce organic…
A recent study published in EBioMedicine found that physical activity levels are associated with changes in the gut microbiota. By using accelerometer-based assessments, researchers collected data from 8416 individuals to determine the impact of sedentary, moderate, and vigorous activity levels on gut microbiome abundances. The study showed that sedentary habits were linked to increased risk…
Erika Page has lived with vitiligo since she was seven years old, and found strength and connection through the vitiligo community. She felt isolated and alone until she connected with others online and in person, and found a sense of normalcy and understanding. This inspired her to create a positive platform, Living Dappled, to share…
Higher scores on the dietary inflammatory index in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) were linked to increased pain over 10 years of follow-up. The study involved 944 adults aged 50-80 with KOA, who underwent MRI and completed a pain questionnaire. Results showed that higher dietary inflammatory index scores were associated with greater pain, but not…
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in the gut and play a crucial role in supporting women’s health. They promote digestive balance, immune function, and maintain vaginal health. Factors to consider when choosing probiotics for women include strain selection, CFU count, formulation, delayed release, quality and purity, and health goals. Some recommended probiotics for women include…
