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.
Researchers found a 30% decline in UK coronary heart disease rates over two decades, but this was offset by rising rates of other cardiovascular conditions. The decline primarily benefited older age groups, with little improvement seen in younger or more deprived populations.
The UK government's plan to partially fortify flour and rice with folic acid will only prevent about 20% of neural tube defects, while full fortification could prevent around 80%. Neural tube defects can cause lifelong disability and lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death.
A clinical trial found that heavy resistance training for 12 months preserved leg strength in older adults, while moderate intensity training and comparison groups experienced declines. The study suggests that resistance training with heavy loads at retirement age can have long-term effects on muscle strength.
A private school secondary education was associated with better cardiometabolic health outcomes than a comprehensive school education. Attending a higher status university was also linked to better cognitive function, while no degree was linked to poorer health compared to normal status university attendance.
The BMJ Commission outlines its vision for a healthier UK with recommendations to address the current NHS crisis, including an independent Office for NHS Policy and Budgetary Responsibility. The commission also prioritizes improving the workforce, addressing public health challenges, and investing in general practice.
The number of people aged 65 and older with type 1 diabetes increased from 1.3 million to 3.7 million between 1990 and 2019, while death rates fell by 25%. However, substantial global inequalities in diabetes care persist, with higher mortality rates in low- and middle-income countries.
Patient harms associated with medical procedures and treatment increased globally from 11 million to 18 million between 1990 and 2019. Older people, especially those aged 65-69, were disproportionately affected by these incidents.
New Alzheimer's drugs aim to halt condition progression, but UK patients may face limited eligibility due to lack of biomarker testing and diagnostic scans. The study suggests that over 20,000 people per year will need access to confirmatory investigations to determine suitability for treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for low back and/or pelvic pain during pregnancy has been retracted due to fundamental flaws in the research design and data extraction. The journal BMJ Open announced the retraction after multiple issues were raised following publication.
Researchers found a coordinated effort by Mallinckrodt to reframe concerns about addiction as phobia and muddle dependence as pseudoaddiction. The company employed tactics like recruiting influencers, planting articles in scientific journals, and developing continuing medical education courses to boost sales.
Researchers used facial thermal imaging and AI to accurately predict coronary artery disease in a study of 460 people. The approach was found to be more effective than conventional methods, identifying traditional risk factors such as high cholesterol and smoking.
Researchers analyzed excess deaths in 47 countries and found that mortality rates remained high for three consecutive years, with significant variations among countries. The study highlights the need for governments to investigate underlying causes of persistent excess mortality.
A recent study found that the combination of alcohol and cabin pressure during long-haul flights can lower blood oxygen levels and raise heart rates, even in young and healthy individuals. The researchers suggest that restricting access to alcohol on board may be necessary to protect passenger heart health.
Despite efforts to cut ties with the tobacco industry, top medical journals continue to publish research funded by tobacco companies. The BMJ has updated its tobacco policy to exclude research funded by the industry and authors with personal financial ties to it.
The Cass Review found inadequate evidence for puberty blockers and hormones in children, yet many US professional bodies stand by their recommendations. The review calls for a more holistic approach to care, but its impact has been largely ignored in the US.
Experts say devolving responsibility to local organizations would spread resources thinly, compromising national oversight and increasing the risk of incidents going undetected. National quality assurance services have already been reduced, leading to fewer site inspections and potential problems not being picked up early.
A large observational study found that epidural analgesia during labor is associated with a significant reduction in severe maternal morbidity, including heart attacks, sepsis, and hysterectomies. Women with medical indications for epidurals, such as obesity or premature birth, saw greater reductions in risk.
A large long-term study found that regular fish oil supplement use might increase the risk of first-time heart disease and stroke among those in good cardiovascular health. However, it may slow the progression of existing poor cardiovascular health and lower the risk of death.
A recent Finnish study found that teenage girls spend close to 6 hours a day on their smartphones, with a significant proportion likely addicted to social media. This has been associated with poorer health and wellbeing, as well as increased anxiety and lower self-esteem.
Pedestrians may be twice as likely to be hit by electric or hybrid cars as those powered by petrol or diesel, according to a study of casualty rates in Great Britain from 2013-17. The risk is greater in urban areas, where background ambient noise levels are higher.
Research found that children and young people who spend more than 7 hours a day on social media are more likely to smoke, vape, or do both. The study suggests that social media platforms' marketing clout and addictive nature contribute to the increased risk.
A long-term study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that men with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease, leg/foot complications, and eye disease compared to women. The study analyzed data from over 25,000 people with diabetes and found that men were 51% more likely to develo...
The updated medical guidance shifts away from using the controversial term 'excited delirium,' which has been linked to deaths in police custody. Experts argue that the term is outdated and potentially offensive, with a related term being more commonly used in the UK.
A new study shows that HPV vaccination in England has substantially reduced rates of cervical disease, with benefits seen across all socioeconomic groups. The study found that well-planned public health interventions can improve health and reduce inequalities.
A study of the first 200 athletes to run a mile in under 4 minutes found that they lived nearly 5 years beyond their predicted life expectancy. The runners, who were born between 1928 and 1955, outlived the general population by several years on average, with those whose first successful attempt was in the 1950s living an average of 9 ...
The British Journal of Sports Medicine has retracted six further articles authored by Dr Paul McCrory due to plagiarism, and corrected two others due to inappropriate reuse of content. The investigation into his single-authored articles published in BMJ journals is now complete.
Dr Sarah Benn, a suspended climate activist GP, believes her actions are justified to raise awareness about the climate crisis. She advocates for doctors to take a leadership role in addressing this issue, which is a health crisis threatening life and future generations.
The BMJ investigation found that nine of the FDA's past 10 commissioners have ties to the drug industry, including Margaret Hamburg, who had relationships with regulated companies before and after her stint at the FDA. Despite pledging to divest, she and her husband retained significant holdings in an exclusive hedge fund.
A 30-year US study found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to a slightly higher risk of death. The strongest associations were found with ready-to-eat meat, poultry, and seafood products, as well as sugary drinks and dairy-based desserts.
A systematic review of psilocybin for treating symptoms of depression has been placed under expression of concern by The BMJ due to a methodological concern related to an error in the calculation of standardized mean differences. This may have resulted in overestimated benefits of psilocybin treatment.
Psilocybin has shown promise in reducing symptoms of depression after one or two doses with few side effects and no current evidence of causing addiction. The study found a large effect size favouring psilocybin, but further research is needed to clarify the factors that maximise its treatment potential.