Research published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found a significant association between lower diligence levels and higher cardiovascular disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle remains beneficial regardless of diligence level.
A Danish study found long-term exposure to air pollution and road traffic noise increases the risk of infertility in both men and women. Men exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 had a 24% increased risk of infertility, while women over 35 years old exposed to louder road traffic noise had a 14% increased risk.
Rates of prostate cancer across Europe more than doubled from 1990 to 2017, with highest increases in northern Europe, France, and the Baltic countries. Death rates were lower, sparking concerns about overdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment, emphasizing the need for carefully planned screening programs.
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The number of NHS general practices in England has shrunk by 20% over the past decade, but patient list sizes have expanded by 40%. The average practice list size increased from 6967 to 9724 patients, while the number of GPs per 1000 patients fell by 15%.
Research published in the journal Heart found that women, Black people, and those from low-income households are less likely to be offered heart surgery than men, White people, and affluent individuals. When they do receive surgery, they are more likely to die within a year. The study highlights the need for prompt action to tackle the...
A large observational study found that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors used to treat type 2 diabetes may prevent dementia, with a 35% reduced risk of developing the condition compared to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Longer treatment duration was also associated with greater benefits.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that high dose psilocybin had a similar effect on depressive symptoms as the SSRI drug escitalopram. The study included 15 psychedelic trials and five escitalopram trials, showing a small but significant improvement in depressive symptoms for patients treated with high dose psilocybin.
An analysis of evidence from 20 countries found that suicide rates among male doctors decreased over time, while female physicians remained significantly more likely to die by suicide. The study highlights the ongoing need for research and prevention efforts among doctors, particularly women.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that even light smoking of 1-2 cigarettes a day before or during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of major newborn health issues. The study analyzed data from over 12 million mother-infant pairs and found that women who smoked had higher risks of neona...
A small comparative study found that 20 minutes of mindful breathing significantly reduced cancer pain intensity and unpleasantness, as well as anxiety. The researchers suggest that this brief intervention holds promise in enhancing pain management for cancer patients.
A study found that affluent households are twice as likely to shop online for groceries, while those in lower social grades opt for take-away meals. Users of food delivery apps are more likely to be living with obesity, the research suggests.
A study published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry suggests that psychological wellbeing noticeably declines 2-6 years before mild cognitive impairment (MCI) diagnosis. Key findings include lower levels of purpose and personal growth among participants with MCI, even without apparent cognitive impairment.
Researchers analyzed data from 1741 women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer and found that symptom-triggered testing can lead to diagnosis of low-disease spread cases. In most cases, complete surgical removal of the cancerous tissue was possible, challenging the assumption that symptoms always signal advanced disease.
Analysis of international longevity data reveals Australians have the best life expectancy at birth since the early 1990s, with a 4 to 5 year advantage over the US. Lower death rates from drug and alcohol misuse, screenable cancers, and cardiovascular diseases contribute to this advantage.
The NHS is under scrutiny after investing $150m in a blood test called Galleri that promises to detect multiple types of cancer. Interim results have not been published, raising questions about the test's efficacy and the trial's ethics.
The study found that sugary drink intake among children and adolescents increased by an average of 23% from 1990 to 2018, with the largest increases seen in sub-Saharan Africa. The global average intake was 3.6 standard servings per week, with significant variations by region, age, sex, parental education, and rural vs urban residence.
The International Olympic Committee should sever its ties with Coca Cola to promote athlete health and sustainability, despite the brand's lucrative sponsorship deal. The IOC's continued association with Coca Cola puts the Games at risk of being complicit in global epidemics of poor nutrition and environmental degradation.
A team of UK doctors report treating the first 8 cases of artificial stone silicosis, a severe form of lung disease caused by silica exposure. The authors call for a ban on artificial stone kitchen worktops and improved workplace safety regulations to prevent further cases.
Reducing child poverty in England between now and 2033 would significantly boost child health, cut infant deaths, children in care, hospital admissions, and childhood nutritional anaemia. The most deprived regions, especially in the North East, stand to benefit the most.
Researchers recommend banning artificial stone in the UK and Europe to reduce exposure to silica dust, which can cause irreversible lung disease. Alternative materials like marble and granite are better regulated and not associated with a heightened risk of silicosis.
Trauma centers in Southern California reported an increase in cerebrovascular, orthopedic, and spinal injuries caused by border wall falls. Most patients (85%) were discharged outside the San Diego area, despite having severe injuries, highlighting a humanitarian crisis with inadequate follow-up care.
Research finds that a quartet of factors contributes to the 18-year US lifespan gap, with individual risks rising in tandem with more factors. A simple scoring system helps identify those at risk of early death.
A study of 140 adults with rheumatoid arthritis found a link between inflammatory activity and specific cognitive impairments, including diminished visuospatial abilities and executive functions. Cognitive impairment was recorded in 60% of patients compared to 40% of volunteers.
A small comparative study found that rubbing a lettuce leaf on a nettle sting may provide similar relief to using a dock leaf. The cooling and soothing effect of sap evaporation from the crushed leaf is thought to be responsible for this effect, which may work just as well without any treatment.
The use of mood-altering drugs among children and young people is rising steadily, with a tendency to prescribe them for longer periods. Experts emphasize the need for better understanding of psychotropic medications' risks and safe doses in different age groups.
Research suggests that unplanned pregnancies among active service women are likely curbing US military readiness, resulting in the loss of an estimated 2.5-4.5 million active duty days per year. The highest rates of unplanned pregnancies are among 18-24 year olds, White women, and those serving in junior ranks or the Army.
The study found that 79% of gun owners cited protection as the primary reason for owning a firearm, with increasing numbers of women and minority ethnic backgrounds citing this reason. Gun ownership has become predominantly motivated by protection, appealing to demographics beyond traditional firearm owners.
Researchers question the high levels of ice used at summer Olympics, citing potential stress on local resources and lack of evidence-based practices. They advocate for more sustainable approaches and better data on ice consumption.
The 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris are likely to experience high levels of ozone and grass pollen, potentially affecting athletes' health. Background air quality monitoring data suggests that PM2.5 levels are below the WHO recommended threshold, but NO2 levels exceed the limit at some stations
Research finds more than 12,000 lives lost to unintentional gun deaths between 2001 and 2021 across US states. Poverty, rural residency, non-White ethnicity, and firearms ownership are associated with higher rates of such incidents.
Some private UK biobanks are marketing umbilical cord blood banking services as a way to protect children's future health, claiming it can treat over 80 conditions. However, regenerative medicine experts say these claims are misleading and based on unrealistic applications.
A Norwegian study found that wearing a surgical face mask in public spaces reduces the risk of self-reported respiratory symptoms by 3.2%. The effect was moderate, with around 3,300 fewer infections per 100,000 people. However, researchers note that environmental concerns and potential biases should be considered.
A study estimates that prescribing NSAIDs to high-risk groups in England may result in significant healthcare costs and lost productivity. The estimated total loss of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over 10 years is 6,335 at a cost of £31.43 million.
A large Nordic registry-based study found no association between covid-19 infection or vaccination during the first trimester and major birth defects. The study included over 343,000 infants and adjusted for various factors, providing greater confidence in its conclusions.
A substantial increase in adults vaping for longer than six months has been reported, particularly among young adults, since 2021. Disposable e-cigarettes have played a significant role in this trend, with half of long-term vapers now mainly using these devices.
Trusted UK TV doctors are being 'deepfaked' to sell scam products on social media, preying on people's emotions and making it difficult to distinguish authentic videos from fake ones. Experts warn of the growing threat of deepfake fraud in the healthcare sector.
A small comparative study found that regular 3-minute resistance exercises every half hour for 4 hours can increase sleep duration by an average of 27 minutes compared to prolonged sitting. The study suggests that evening exercise may not adversely impact sleep quality, but further research is needed.
A large-scale study published in the BMJ Group found that commuters who cycle or walk to work have lower risks of mental and physical ill health compared to those who don't. Cyclists were associated with a 47% lower risk of death from any cause, while pedestrian commuters had an 11% lower risk of hospital admission for any cause.
A pooled data analysis found that IBS symptoms persisted for 6-11 months or more than 5 years in around half of those affected after a bout of gastroenteritis. The analysis also identified certain risk factors, including anxiety and diarrhea lasting over 3 weeks, as contributors to the development of IBS.
A trial published in The BMJ highlights the need to optimise speech therapy resources for people with Parkinson’s disease. LSVT LOUD is more effective than conventional NHS speech and language therapy or no therapy in improving voice handicap scores.
England's first patient safety commissioner Henrietta Hughes warns that the NHS's relentless focus on finance and productivity is failing to prioritize patient safety. Patients' concerns are often ignored, dismissed, or gaslighted, and it's not until a serious issue arises that action is taken.
Global challenges like access to care and widening social inequalities are addressed by the landmark WHO resolution, which outlines clear government responsibilities for social participation. The resolution aims to empower communities and foster partnerships to create healthier systems.
A 20-year study found that osteoarthritis may more than double the risk of speeding up progression to severe multimorbidity. Four different patterns of progression were identified, with those in class 4 progressing the fastest and having the highest cumulative total of long-term conditions.
Research found that unhealthy gut microbiome patterns are associated with a heightened risk of death after solid organ transplant. The analysis revealed that the more the gut microbiome patterns diverge from those of the general population, the more likely they are to die sooner after their procedure. High numbers of certain bacterial ...
Daily sugar intake decreased significantly in children and adults after the UK sugar tax was implemented, with soft drinks accounting for over half of the reduction. However, daily energy intake from free sugars remained higher than recommended by WHO.
The FDA allows employees to lobby the agency behind the scenes, despite restrictions on post-employment lobbying. This loophole enables former officials to indirectly influence the agency as they leave for jobs with industries they once regulated.
Research finds that UK military personnel, particularly those in lower ranks, are at higher risk of experiencing financial, relationship, and work-related problems due to gambling. The study highlights the need for better, earlier, and targeted support to address this issue.
Research suggests a strong association between lower teenage mental ability and an increased risk of early-onset stroke, with those having lower cognitive function being more than 2.5 times as likely to experience a stroke before age 50 compared to those with higher cognitive function.
At least seven out of 42 ICBs across England have had to close a specialist weight management service list in their area due to overwhelming demand. Experts say a lack of consistent government policy is hindering the ability of weight management services to keep up with the growing need for obesity treatment.