A British cardiologist and former president of the European Society of Cardiology has been found to have committed severe misconduct after receiving over £50m from lucrative drug research contracts. The investigation found that Kim Fox and his wife had served as co-directors of a contract research organisation involved in running clini...
Analysis of UK baby food pouches found they often contain high sugar and low nutrient levels, failing to meet guidelines for complementary foods. Only a small percentage met the desired criteria, raising concerns about the suitability of these products for young children.
A new study published in The BMJ found that nearly a quarter of former NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had confirmed CTE, with stage IV CTE linked to symptoms typical of dementia. The study provides one of the most informative estimates to date of CTE burden among former NFL players.
A shocking majority of exhibitors at the UK's biggest school food event supply foods high in fat, sugar, or salt, contradicting the government's plans to introduce updated school food standards. The findings raise concerns over the perpetuation of unhealthy eating habits in schools.
A clinical trial found that giving intravenous iron to patients with anaemia before heart surgery reduces the need for red blood transfusion and results in an extra day at home in the first 90 days after surgery. This treatment also saves approximately 44 units of blood products for every 100 patients treated.
A large study found that very disturbed or long sleep (9+ hours) at age 50 was associated with a 9-month reduction in workforce participation. Reporting no sleep disturbances was linked to a 13-year 5-month working life expectancy, while severe sleep disturbances were associated with a 12-year 10-month expectancy.
A large Danish study found that children with childhood epilepsy tend to have poorer exam grades and lower educational attainment, with those with early onset or complicated epilepsy being especially disadvantaged. The study highlights the need for assessment and targeted intervention to optimize educational potential.
The NHS 10 Year Health Plan risks patient harm due to a lack of digital safety architecture, warn experts. The plan relies on statutory digital clinical safety standards, but compliance is not routinely monitored or enforced, according to researchers.
The International Olympic Committee recommends routine screening and monitoring of elite athletes' mental health, addressing contributory factors in training and competition. The statement also emphasizes the importance of organisational culture fostering good mental health and wellbeing.
A data analysis on excess deaths was retracted by BMJ Group after concerns were raised about the quality and messaging of the research. The Princess Máxima Centre found no evidence of malicious intent or falsification of data, but concluded that the authors' explanations for excess deaths were misleading and selective.
A recent study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found nearly 500 children were injured by e-scooters between 2019 and 2024. Most injuries occurred due to falls or collisions with vehicles, highlighting the need for clearer public health messaging and regulation.
Adding tirzepatide to standard care reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, by 32% compared to sitagliptin. The study found significant benefits on individual MACE components and mortality from any cause.
Exposure to pesticides increases the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by 60-70%. Men exposed to herbicides and insecticides are twice as likely to develop the condition as unexposed men.
An analysis of over 4 million letters reveals that most are less readable than recommended for patients, highlighting a gap between policy recommendations and real-world practice. The study suggests that clinician letters must balance medical record requirements with patient communication, emphasizing the need for targeted intervention...
A comparative study found that men prescribed tadalafil (Cialis) for enlarged prostate symptoms are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The researchers suggest that these patients should have their eye health monitored closely, especially those with existing high blood pressure or family history of glaucoma.
A review of 47 trials involving 6,230 children and adults found that adding oral antihistamines to existing treatments showed small but clinically unimportant reductions in eczema severity. First-generation antihistamines may also increase cognitive impairment and the risk of stopping treatment due to side effects.
Researchers have found a potential side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes: an increased risk of non-scarring alopecia. The absolute risk is low, but awareness may inform treatment decisions. Rapid weight loss and hormonal changes are thought to be contributing factors.
Use of newer GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide was associated with a significant reduction in alcohol-related hospital admissions among adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings suggest a potential role for these medications in treating alcohol-use disorder.
A study published in RMD Open found that specific oral microbiome imbalances may contribute to the development of hand osteoarthritis by influencing systemic inflammation and gut microbiome dysbiosis. The research suggests a potential role for the oral-gut microbiome axis in symptomatic hand arthritis pathogenesis.
Researchers argue that social media restrictions should be viewed as part of a complex system rather than isolated policies. They suggest using systems mapping to anticipate effects and design more balanced approaches, considering factors such as school engagement, social connections, and industry responses.
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 births in Scotland to examine the effects of epidural analgesia on newborn health. The study found no association between epidural use and serious neurological conditions, sepsis, or cerebral palsy in childhood.
Data shows Black doctors are up to 30 times less likely to be offered medical training posts, with some specialties seeing a gap of over 100-to-1, while Asian applicants face similar challenges. The findings highlight ongoing barriers faced by ethnic minorities in the UK health service.
Higher cultural engagement is associated with lower physiological ageing and improved health markers. Adults who participate in frequent cultural activities have a younger physiological age, suggesting that cultural engagement can help support healthy ageing.
A study found that children born during the first COVID-19 lockdown in England had lower executive function skills, including difficulty focusing and regulating emotions. Overall language scores were at or above expected levels, but expressive language skills were below average.
Pedestrian deaths in New York State show that nearly half involved substance use, leading researchers to call for more public health messaging on walking while under the influence. Substance use is particularly concerning when combined with alcohol, increasing cognitive impairment and neurocognitive deficits.
New analysis reveals that most obesity medications do not meaningfully improve quality of life, cardiovascular health, or reduce mortality risk. However, some emerging drugs like tirzepatide and subcutaneous semaglutide show potential benefits in weight loss and reduced heart failure risk.
A study of over 3 million NHS births found that one-size-fits-all charts often misclassify babies, leading to missed cases and unnecessary interventions. Customized GROW charts provide more accurate data, improving safety for mothers and babies.
A pooled data analysis of 44 countries reveals that early menopause is more prevalent in rural areas, but education and delayed childbearing minimize the risk. The overall prevalence was 7% among women aged 30-49, with the highest rates found in Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
Rates of diagnosis after emergency admission are even higher among women who are young, old, frail, or live in areas of deprivation, findings indicate. Ovarian cancer is the eighth most common female cancer worldwide, taking over 200,000 lives every year.
The NHS will divert £45bn from other services to pay for new medicines under the UK-US trade deal. This could increase excess preventable deaths by 229,000 by 2036, mainly due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and cancer. The government has committed to more than doubling spending on new medicines.
A Danish study found a small increased short-term risk of blood clots among inpatients at psychiatric hospitals who underwent mechanical restraint. The absolute risk remains low, but the findings support ongoing efforts to reduce the use and duration of mechanical restraint where feasible.
A new study found that Australia's Social Media Minimum Age Act has little effect on reducing teen social media use, with many under 16s using platforms despite age restrictions. The study also showed that many teens are actively circumventing age verification checks.
An analysis of family court proceedings found that first-time mothers who faced care proceedings were 21 times more likely to die within 10 years. Most of these deaths (73%) were preventable and related to suicide, homicide, drugs/alcohol, or unintentional injury.
A large study found that hourly movement breaks of just 5 minutes each are the most effective balance between feasibility and effectiveness in mitigating sedentary harms. The breaks significantly improved mood and reduced fatigue, with no impact on work performance.
Using a massage gun on or around the eyes can cause major tearing and bruising to the retina, warns a recent case report. The device's rising popularity highlights the need for clearer manufacturer guidelines and standardised use instructions to prevent such injuries.
A large Danish study found that bending forwards and walking a lot at work during early pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage. The study associated each additional hour of forward bending with a 36% higher risk, while walking was linked to an 18% higher risk.
A clinical trial found that low-dose atropine eye drops are safe and effective in reducing myopia progression in UK children. The treatment led to a small decrease in refractive error and eye growth compared to placebo.
Airborne levels of formaldehyde regularly exceed EU limits in 70% of NHS pathology departments, with poor monitoring and control contributing to the risk. The researchers call for national regulatory intervention to protect NHS employees' health, citing increased risks of respiratory and reproductive problems, as well as cancers.
A study of 80 concussed teens found that moderate screen time in the first 3 days after a concussion is linked to faster recovery. The researchers analyzed data and found that an average of 141 minutes of daily screen time sped up symptom resolution by 35%. Balanced use, rather than total avoidance, may be helpful for concussion recovery.
Research synthesis reveals consistent biomarker increases and minor ventricular function changes after marathon running, varying by age, sex, and training level. However, the clinical relevance of these changes remains unclear, warranting further study to determine physiological responses versus long-term adaptations.
Despite overall declines in child mortality, progress has stalled, particularly among newborns and children under 5, who face major causes like preterm birth complications and pneumonia. Renewed commitment and investment are crucial to prevent an unfolding tragedy and meet international child survival targets.
Eight healthcare peers urge MPs to support urgent law reform on assisted dying, citing risks to dying people and public trust. The Bill aligns with best practices from overseas, including assessing capacity, informed consent, and safeguards.
A 30-year study found that 90-120 weekly minutes of strength training significantly lowers the risk of death from cardiovascular and neurological diseases, with added benefits from aerobic exercise. The researchers suggest different amounts of resistance training may be needed to optimize benefits across outcomes.
Analysis of medical records data found that GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, used for diabetes and weight loss, are associated with a significantly lower risk of knee replacement surgery. The greatest effects were seen with sustained use and newer agents semaglutide and tirzepatide.
The first national audit of advanced heart failure referrals reveals significant gaps in access to life-prolonging therapies, particularly for women. Women represent just 1 in 3 referrals, despite comparable disease burden.
A combination of guava juice and iron supplements is more effective than iron supplements alone in boosting haemoglobin levels, according to a meta-analysis. The study found that regular guava juice consumption can help lower the risk of anaemia in women, particularly those with low vitamin C intake.
The BMJ argues that healthcare has lost its human, moral, and relational foundations. Experts say reconnecting with these values is crucial for improving patient outcomes and staff well-being. By prioritizing kindness, compassion, and leadership, healthcare can rebalance its focus from technical power to individualized care.
A systematic review of 69 trials involving over 153,000 adults found that calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplements have little to no effect on fracture prevention. The findings suggest that routine supplementation may not be necessary, and instead focus should be on interventions like balance and resistance exercise.
Adults should aim for 560-610 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise a week to achieve significant cardiovascular risk reduction. Current guidelines are too low, and individuals with lower fitness levels need more exercise to achieve equivalent benefits.
Patients with breast cancer and low vitamin D levels experienced moderate to severe postoperative pain, while those with sufficient vitamin D levels reported less pain. Vitamin D deficiency was also associated with increased opioid consumption and nausea.