The study estimates that tap water scald burns result in significant healthcare costs, with average costs of $572 per emergency department visit and $28,431 per hospital stay. Thermostatic mixing valves could reduce the risk of these burns by mixing hot water with cold water.
A large-scale Chinese study found that frequent socializing was associated with significantly longer survival in older adults. Those who socialized nearly every day had the greatest likelihood of living longer, with a 42% delay in time to death compared to those who never socialized.
A pooled data analysis of 16 studies found that most family outcomes were similar between sexual minority and different sex parent families, with some advantages in child psychological adjustment and child-parent relationships. However, risk factors such as stigma and discrimination can negatively impact family outcomes.
A study of US adults found that Black men have a 50% higher death rate within 30 days of elective surgery compared to White men and women. The researchers highlight the need for better understanding of challenges facing Black men requiring surgery in the US.
The US government invested at least $337 million in critical research leading to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines before the pandemic, and $31.6 billion during it. These public investments saved millions of lives and have potential to address future pandemics and treat other diseases.
The number of US minors receiving hormone treatment and surgeries has risen significantly, despite concerns over the lack of strong evidence. Experts are questioning the evidence underpinning guidelines from organizations such as WPATH and the Endocrine Society.
Research published in General Psychiatry found that satisfying mid-life relationships are linked to a lower risk of accumulating multiple long-term conditions in older age. The study, which included 13,714 Australian women, suggests that stronger social connections and higher relationship satisfaction are associated with a lower risk o...
A long-term study found that regular leisure time physical activity at any age is associated with better brain function in later life. Maintaining an exercise routine throughout adulthood was particularly beneficial for preserving mental acuity and memory. The study, which included over 1,400 participants, showed that being physically ...
An analysis of 13 million tweets suggests that celebrity tweets, particularly from politicians and news anchors, played a significant role in shaping public opinion on the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring social media activity to combat misinformation and promote health-protective behaviors.
An international survey found that most health and nutrition claims on infant formula products are backed by little to no high-quality scientific evidence. The study identified 757 products with an average of two claims each, including benefits for brain development, immunity, and growth.
Despite industry claims of high R&D costs, most biopharmaceutical companies spent more on selling and administrative activities. New medicines often offer little or no added clinical value, leading to concerns over high prices.
Experts warn that scrapping England's long term plan for cancer will lead to wide variations in access to effective treatments and quality of care. The current proposal jettisons decades of global consensus on the need for dedicated cancer plans.
An investigation by The BMJ found that only 30 of 200 private hospitals treated COVID-19 patients in April 2020. Meanwhile, some private hospitals devoted 60% or more of their capacity to treating private patients during the pandemic.
Decades of wars and conflict in Iraq have led to a catastrophic rise in antibiotic resistance due to destroyed healthcare infrastructure, medicine shortages, and high levels of heavy metal contamination. Research is urgently needed to understand the link between armed conflict and AMR to prevent millions of needless deaths.
Researchers estimate that up to 2% of adults in these regions have heart failure, with significant health risks and costs. The study analyzed digital health records from 11 countries and found that preventive treatment should focus on stopping further worsening of heart failure and kidney function.
A recent study published by The BMJ found that COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy may have benefits for both mother and baby. Two doses of mRNA Covid-19 vaccine were highly effective against delta infection, while two doses against omicron infection showed moderate effectiveness. A third dose during pregnancy also bolstered protecti...
A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that married individuals tend to have lower average glycemic levels compared to those without a partner. The researchers also discovered that marital transitions, such as divorce, can significantly impact blood glucose levels and the risk of pre-diabetes.
A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...
A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
The UK comic Beano promotes unhealthy food brands through quizzes and games on its website, raising concerns among health experts. The company collects data on children's consumption preferences, which is sold to companies, contributing to the problem.
Women who experience five major pregnancy complications face an increased risk of ischemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery. The study found that all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognized as lifelong risk factors for heart disease.
Researchers found that while some antidepressants are effective for certain pain conditions, most are either ineffective or the evidence is inconclusive. A more nuanced approach is needed when prescribing antidepressants for pain, say experts.
As abortion restrictions take effect, acute care surgeons should prepare to treat complications such as infection, haemorrhage, and injury to the uterus, bowel, bladder, and circulatory system. Experts argue that providers have an ethical duty to protect patient privacy and not report complications to law enforcement.
Researchers successfully treated a young man with recurrent non-gonococcal urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium using chloramphenicol. The patient showed improvement after 14 days of treatment, despite initial failure with first and second-line antibiotics.
A study found that people with coeliac disease have a 27% increased risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those without the condition. Despite this, they tend to have lower BMI and blood pressure, which are traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
A decade-long study found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitive activity, slows memory decline in older adults. Participants with the APOE gene, associated with Alzheimer's disease, also experienced slower memory loss.
Research published in BMJ Open found that carrying excess weight from mid-life onwards increases the risk of physical frailty in older age. The study tracked over 4500 participants and found that obesity and high waist circumference were associated with a higher risk of pre-frailty/frailty, highlighting the importance of maintaining a ...
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that daily moderate and vigorous physical activity is positively associated with mid-life brain power. However, replacing these activities with just 6-7 minutes of sedentary behavior negatively impacts cognitive performance. The study analyzed data from over 4,4...
Insufficient sleep during teenage years is linked to a higher risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are associated with a 40% and 50% increased risk, respectively. The study suggests that sufficient restorative sleep may be an important preventive factor against MS.
Higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids found in seafood are associated with a modestly lower risk of chronic kidney disease and slower decline in kidney function. Plant derived omega 3 fatty acids show no association with CKD risk.
A large Danish population study found that premature birth before 34 weeks is linked to lower scores in maths and language tests as a teenager. However, the researchers noted that cognitive outcomes are not predetermined at birth but are heavily influenced by social circumstances.
A study found that Tibetan Buddhist monks with long-term deep meditation practice had distinct gut microbiome profiles, associated with lower risks of anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular disease. Their gut microbiota was enriched with beneficial bacteria that may influence mental health.
A pooled data analysis of international evidence finds that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy nearly doubles the risk of maternal death and severe illness. Babies born to infected mothers are also at increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that frequent visits to urban green spaces were associated with lower use of prescription meds for depression, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, and asthma. The frequency of green space visits was linked to a significant reduction in medication use, particularly am...
A large study found that most symptoms of long COVID resolve within a year after a mild COVID-19 infection. Vaccinated people were at lower risk of breathing difficulties, the most common effect to develop after mild infection, compared with unvaccinated people.
Research suggests that frequent antibiotic use may heighten the risk of inflammatory bowel disease among older adults. The study found a cumulative risk, with the highest risk observed 1-2 years after antibiotic exposure, particularly for those targeting gut infections.
Swimming-induced pulmonary oedema (SIPE) is a relatively little known hazard associated with open water swimming. Risk factors include older age, long distances, cold water, and female sex. SIPE can occur in fit and healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of awareness and prevention.
A study suggests that increasing the inefficiency of physical activity, like walking in the style of Monty Python's Mr. Teabag, can have important public health benefits. Adults could achieve global physical activity targets by doing just a few minutes of teabag-style walking per day.
A study published in The BMJ found that people who believe in conspiracies and reject the covid-19 vaccine are more likely to endorse mythical causes of cancer than non-conspiracists. However, awareness of actual causes of cancer is generally higher among these groups.
A nationwide cohort study in Sweden found that elite male football players have a lower risk of alcohol and drug related disorders compared to the general population. This protective effect was seen only for those who first played in the 1960s and later, while players from earlier eras had similar risks as men from the general population.
A recent study found that AI failed to pass a radiology qualifying examination, with an average accuracy of 79.5%. However, the researchers suggest that further training and revision could lead to improved results.
A pooled data analysis of 7 clinical trials found that probiotics, including Lactobacillus salivarius and Streptococcus salivarius, reduced OLP scores and volatile sulphuric compound levels in the mouth. However, the effects were relatively short-lived and more high-quality research is needed to verify these findings.
A new study suggests that chronic dysentery is unlikely to have been the cause of Edward the Black Prince's death. Instead, experts point to alternative causes such as malaria, inflammatory bowel disease, and brucellosis, which could have contributed to his fluctuating illness.
Researchers found that 'The Secret', a centuries-old folk medicine remedy, does not prevent bleeding after invasive coronary procedures. However, the study suggests that it may have therapeutic value due to its placebo effect, potentially providing stress relief for its believers.
A recent study by BMJ Group found that oat biscuits are the best option for healthcare workers during tea breaks. The research ranked biscuit varieties based on nutritional content, crunchiness, and durability after dunking, with oat biscuits emerging as the top choice.
Healthcare workers surveyed found they would take an average of 3.32 free hot drinks before considering it excessive. Doctors consumed more free hot drinks than emergency department staff. Researchers estimate providing three hot drinks daily would cost £32,692,935 per year.
Experts, including a pediatrician, suggest phasing out coal as punishment in Christmas stockings due to its damaging effects on children's health and the environment. They propose alternative gifts, such as recycled or plant-based options, to foster friendships and combat anxiety.
A Christmas-themed physical activity intervention during Advent showed promise for increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary time among inactive adults. The study, published in the BMJ, found that participants who received a daily email with physical activity ideas reported participating in more moderate-to-vigorous intensity...
Research suggests that most dual smokers and vapers will continue smoking or vaping over time. The study found that vaping didn't contribute to substantial smoking cessation at the population level, emphasizing the need to help dual users ditch both products.
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games reported a lower overall injury rate of 8% compared to previous Games, but injuries sustained were more severe. Newly introduced sports of taekwondo and badminton had high injury rates, prompting calls for prevention measures.