Admissions for atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and heart attack rose faster in Western US states with legal cannabis sales, with faster rates for atrial fibrillation (2%), heart failure (4%), and heart attack (3%)
The article highlights the urgent need for accurate data on greenhouse gas emissions during armed conflict to hold militaries and governments accountable for their environmental impact. Greenhouse gas emissions from conflicts have been found to be significant, with some estimates suggesting that the first 14 days of the Iran war produc...
A ringfenced share of green transition revenues can be spent on improving health systems in low and middle-income countries. Reducing fossil fuel subsidies and introducing carbon taxes can generate substantial resources for domestic public health programmes.
Attacks on water systems are attacks on health, warn experts, as damaged infrastructure leads to health crises and exacerbates existing conflicts. The authors outline priorities for health leaders, including tracking water quality and antimicrobial resistance, to prepare for and mitigate the impact of water loss.
Climate change is a major threat multiplier, not a reason to increase military spending, experts argue. Reducing military emissions requires reducing overall military size and transitioning to lower-emitting doctrines, according to Neta Crawford. Increasing defence expenditure diverts funds from health, education, and climate efforts, ...
Conflict and climate change are driving global food shortages, with 60%-70% of the world's most undernourished people living in conflict-affected areas. Strengthening agri-food systems and reducing global emissions through plant-based diets and cutting food loss and waste are key to building more resilient food systems.
A large international study found that diverse and sustained social activities may boost cognitive performance and slow the decline in brain health associated with ageing. Engaging in at least 3 social activities, including volunteering and sports club membership, was particularly effective in keeping minds sharp.
US vaping rates have increased substantially between 2013-14 and 2023, with daily vaping rising by 230% and vaping among under 21s quadrupling. The increase in vaping frequency among adults has contributed to the overall rise in vaping rates, with vaping days among those under the minimum legal age of 21 more than quadrupling over the ...
High-nicotine vaping surged 80% among US 18-24 year olds from 2017 to 2022, associated with increased nicotine dependence and daily vaping. The proportion of young adults vaping daily doubled, from 26% to 55.5%, and high-nicotine e-cigarettes' popularity rose among this age group.
The rapid expansion of private testosterone prescribing may extend treatment to those with non-specific symptoms, raising concerns about overtreatment and strain on the NHS. National data on private prescriptions are needed to ensure evidence-based care and protect patients.
A recent study found that medical device adverse event reports are often incomplete, inaccurate, and delayed, with 55% exceeding the FDA's 30-day reporting deadline. The study highlights the need for immediate improvements to better protect patient safety and meet FDA standards.
The study found that HPV vaccination before pregnancy is associated with a lower risk of major pregnancy complications, including preterm birth. Women vaccinated at an earlier age showed a greater reduction in risk. The study's results suggest that HPV vaccination may confer additional benefits beyond cancer prevention.
Three NHS genetics labs are failing to share vital genetic variant data with public databases, causing uncertainty and delaying treatment for rare disease patients. Experts and families say this failure is a
Research published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that statins may lower the risk of developing open-angle glaucoma and reduce the need for treatment. Statin use was associated with a 15% lower risk of glaucoma development and a 36% lower risk of incisional glaucoma surgery.
A UK study found that women with pregnancy complications, including gestational diabetes and high blood pressure, face an elevated risk of developing cardiometabolic-renal conditions in subsequent years. The study, which followed over 1.4 million women, identified associations between postnatal depression and an increased risk of four ...
Studies comparing robotic and conventional joint replacement surgeries found no differences in implant survival, revision risk, or surgical complications. However, robotic surgery was associated with a lower risk of hip revisions. Further research is needed to compare patient functional outcomes and evaluate the technology's effectiven...
Experts argue that digital menstrual tracking apps and cycle syncing practices have weak evidence bases and pose risks to health, privacy, and wellbeing. Despite their potential benefits, these apps require critical interrogation and resistance due to their potential for widespread impact on women's health.
Research suggests that isometric exercise training, even with less frequent training, can help maintain significant blood pressure reductions. The study found that those who exercised once or twice a week maintained improvements in blood pressure and other cardiac measures.
Research found that people with evening chronotypes have a 1.7 fold elevated risk of needing to retire early and take a disability pension compared to morning chronotypes. This association was present for both men and women, and was linked to poorer health choices and disrupted internal body clocks.
Research finds that people with more severe glaucoma are more susceptible to increased fluid pressure in their eyes, particularly with colder air temperatures. A study of 77 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma found a significant association between air temperature and intraocular pressure.
A large Danish study found that current use of oral menopausal hormone therapy is associated with an increased risk of blood clots in legs/lungs, with no general increased risk seen with transdermal hormone therapy. Stroke and heart attack risks were limited to prolonged high-dose oral hormone therapy.
A pooled data analysis of 51 prospective cohort studies found that higher ultra-processed food (UPF) intake is associated with greater risks of multiple chronic health issues, including cardiovascular events, cancer, obesity, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, and death. Consuming extra 100g of UPFs correspondsingly increases risks.
A UK clinic's data suggests non-prescribed ketamine use among under-16s starts at age 13, with attendees more likely to live in socioeconomically deprived neighbourhoods and have experience of the care system. Heavy ketamine use is rising in the UK, with 8.4% in treatment now reporting ketamine use.
A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 8449 participants found that structured exercise was associated with significant improvements in overall survival and reduced risk of cancer recurrence. The benefits were strongest among participants who completed at least 70% of their exercise program.
Research suggests air pollutants like PM2.5, NO2, and noise pollution may increase risk of death by suicide and suicidal thoughts. Environmental exposures are considered modifiable risk factors in suicide prevention strategies.
Scholasticide, deliberate attacks on education systems, has devastating consequences for health and healthcare. Systemic degradation can lead to long-term learning loss, economic rebuilding challenges, and diminished future opportunities.
Half of England's health boards impose minimum waits of up to 16 weeks for hip, knee, and cataract surgery, breaching the NHS Constitution's 18-week referral-to-treatment standard. This delay can lead to prolonged pain and reduced mobility for patients, according to the Royal College of Surgeons.
A third of the UK government's nutrition advisors have significant ties to the food industry, including Coca Cola and Nestle, despite new rules banning such links. Experts argue that these conflicts should be removed immediately to maintain public health and scientific integrity.
A child developed erythema ab igne after resting a laptop on his abdomen for hours, highlighting the risk of disfiguration from electronic device heat. The condition, usually clearing up when heat is removed, can also result in persistent pigmentation or malignant transformation in chronic cases.
Research found that different combinations of step count and intensity lower risk of early death, with brisk pace for 30 minutes/day and fewer steps at faster pace or more steps at slower pace being associated with lower risk. Higher intensity at lower volume provides health benefits comparable to higher volume at lower intensity.
A study suggests that exposure to Helicobacter pylori may be associated with a 1.6-fold greater risk of bowel cancer, with a potential link to around 1 in 5 cases worldwide. The risk is higher among those born in more recent decades, highlighting the need for further research and preventive strategies.
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.