The FDA approved gene therapies from Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Bluebird Bio for sickle cell disease. Both treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, use gene therapy to potentially cure the inherited blood disorder and target those aged 12 and older. Sickle Cell Disease is a rare, debilitating, and life-threatening blood disorder with significant unmet need. Healthy red blood…
The author reflects on the power of volunteering and the impact it has on individuals and communities. They share their experiences of witnessing volunteering in the US and in Ireland, highlighting the diversity of volunteer work and the positive effects it has on society. They also speak about their own involvement as a volunteer for…
A recent meta-analysis of 18 studies published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can reduce the intensity of chronic low back pain. This is significant as opioid misuse is common in patients with chronic pain and non-pharmacologic therapies like MBIs are preferred to avoid worsening impairment and disability. The meta-analysis…
Urinary incontinence is a common problem affecting approximately 30% of the world’s population. This includes stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, total incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis. Causes for this include pelvic floor damage, neuromuscular damage, blockage of the urethra, and inability to control bladder movement. In addition, issues with your sleeping patterns and sex life…
The at-home fertility care company Mosie Baby received FDA 510(k) clearance for its over-the-counter intravaginal insemination kit, allowing individuals to perform at-home insemination with fresh or frozen donor semen. The kit retails for $129.99 and includes two syringes and collection cups. Mosie’s CEO, Maureen Brown, expressed pride in helping over 100,000 families. The company plans…
Data demonstrates that Black women and infants in the South face higher health risks during pregnancy and childbirth. Black women are more likely to face unfair or indifferent treatment from medical professionals, and the legacy of systemic discrimination has led to poor health outcomes. In states like South Carolina, where abortion bans have been upheld,…
Serge Resnikoff, MD, PhD, chair of the International Myopia Institute, discussed the cost of early management of myopia progression at the FLORetina meeting. He dispelled misconceptions about the high cost, stating that a recent study showed the lifetime cost of myopia management is equivalent to traditional myopia correction with single vision glasses. While special glasses,…
A Colorado state board voted not to place Vertex Pharmaceuticals’ cystic fibrosis medication on a list of drugs for which payment limits will be set for most residents. The board unanimously found the $310,000 medicine to be “not unaffordable.” This decision came amidst a series of meetings reviewing proposed medicines, as Colorado is one of…
The new government of New Zealand (Aotearoa) plans to abandon tobacco control measures, prompting condemnation from the Māori health organization Hāpai Te Hauora. These measures include raising the legal age of sale for tobacco products, reducing retail outlets, and removing nicotine from tobacco products, aimed at creating a smoke-free generation. Smoking is a major cause…
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a highly sensitive e-skin for robotic prostheses in collaboration with the automotive company Honda. This technology allows robotic hands to perform delicate tasks such as grasping an egg or lifting a glass of water without breaking it. The skin is also capable of distinguishing between normal…
