The total cost of emergency admissions for mental health among children and young people in England rose from £22.5 million to £87.3 million between 2012/13 and 2021/22, driven by increases in admission rates and lengths of stay. Eating disorders and self-harm were the two most costly conditions, with over 80% of total mental health co...
A new trial from China finds that giving tranexamic acid to women with placenta praevia undergoing caesarean birth leads to a significant reduction in severe bleeding after delivery. The treatment also showed no evidence of an increase in serious adverse events.
A new UK drug approval pathway is expected to benefit the pharmaceutical industry while prioritizing earlier revenue over patient needs. The pathway, which aligns regulatory review by the MHRA with NICE's health technology appraisal process, has raised concerns about its impact on population health and NHS resources.
Aerobic exercise consistently demonstrates robust reductions in ambulatory blood pressure, while combined exercise and HIIT show promising results. The findings suggest that resistance training should be viewed as a complementary strategy to lower high blood pressure.
A study found associations between mothers' occupations held before conception and ASD diagnosis in offspring, particularly in ground transportation, public administration, and military jobs. The researchers suggest that exposure to toxins and combustion products, as well as high stress at work, may contribute to neurodevelopmental risk.
Researchers estimate that between 3000-3700 cases of avoidable healthcare-associated harm occur every year in English prisons. The study found that prisoners are 41-67 times more likely to experience such harms due to poor healthcare compared to the general public.
A higher dietary intake of soy and legumes is associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The optimal daily amount may be around 170g of legumes, which include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans, and 60-80g of soy foods.
A systematic review of 59 studies found no association between aluminium-adjuvanted vaccines and serious or long-term health outcomes, including autism, type 1 diabetes, asthma, and myalgia. Persistent nodules or granulomas at the injection site were the most consistently documented reactions.
A large South Korean study found no increased risk of psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorders in children whose mothers used sedative drugs during pregnancy. The study, published by the BMJ Group, tracked nearly 3.8 million children and analyzed data from the National Health Information Database.
A new non-invasive brain stimulation technique called accelerated continuous theta burst stimulation (a-cTBS) has been shown to improve social communication in children with autism. The study found significant improvements in social communication and language abilities in the a-cTBS group compared to the sham group.
Cancer cases are on the rise among younger adults in England, with a significant increase in bowel and ovarian cancer rates. The study found that excess weight is a key contributor, but it's unlikely to fully explain this trend, as trends in risk factors such as smoking and diet have been stable or improving over the past decade.
An AI model called REDMOD can pick up the very early subtle tissue changes of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, which conventional imaging and the human eye find difficult to detect. The model detected 'invisible' signature of pre-clinical pancreatic cancer an average of 475 days before clinical diagnosis.
A Swedish study found that children adopted into families with better home environments showed improved adult psychosocial outcomes, including lower criminal convictions and higher educational achievements. The benefits also extended into the next generation, with offspring displaying modestly higher psychosocial functioning.
In England, 13,386 patients waited at least three days for A&E treatment in 2025, with numbers spending a whole day in emergency departments increasing by a third since 2023. The prolonged waits are causing harm to patients nationwide, with some saying they'd rather die at home.
Doctors should exercise caution when commenting on public figures' mental health, as diagnoses require direct assessment. The BMJ opinion article explores ethical tensions and the importance of professional standards in such cases.
A comprehensive analysis of UK suicide data from 2019-2024 found a significant rise in cases involving sodium nitrite poisoning, predominantly affecting Gen Z and Millennials. The study highlights the need for urgent action to restrict access to this preservative and provide antidotes to mitigate its effects.
In an analysis of child and teen fatalities from 2019 to 2024, the average age of young fatal stab victims is now 14, with Black ethnicity individuals being 13 times more likely to be fatally stabbed. Children living in the most deprived areas are 7 times more likely to die of their wounds than those in affluent areas.
The FDA is reviewing a petition to revoke the approval of Roche's top-selling drug ocrelizumab for treating primary progressive multiple sclerosis in women due to concerns over its lack of effectiveness and potential increased risk of breast cancer. The investigation highlights internal FDA warnings about the drug's safety and effectiv...
Researchers found that extending vaccination opportunities, involving community members, and providing financial incentives are effective ways to increase vaccine uptake. The study analyzed international trial evidence and highlighted the most effective components across different populations and contexts.
A large US study found that children born to mothers who used buprenorphine for opioid addiction during pregnancy did not have a greater risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD and autism. Buprenorphine was associated with a slightly lower risk of developmental disorders compared to methadone.
Research suggests that exercising at a time that matches an individual's natural chronotype (morning or evening alertness) can lower cardiovascular disease risk. The study found that chronotype-aligned exercise improved blood pressure, fasting glucose, cholesterol levels, and sleep quality more effectively than mismatched timing.
The Journal of Medical Genetics has retracted most of a 2019 guest-edited special issue due to issues with objective peer review and editorial assessment in 7 of the 8 papers. The remaining paper was found to be sound, according to an external review by a subject specialist.
A recent study found that 5 popular chatbots provided inaccurate and incomplete medical information, with half of the answers being 'somewhat' or 'highly' problematic. The researchers urge for public education and oversight to avoid amplifying misinformation.
Two new TB vaccines, VPM1002 and Immuvac, demonstrate safety and effectiveness in preventing progression to active TB in latent infection, particularly in children. However, they do not offer general protection against all forms of TB or prevent weight-related mortality.
A study estimates that quitting tobacco could give a major economic uplift to over 20 million households in India, with the greatest impact felt in rural areas and among the poorest households. The analysis suggests that these households would receive a significant boost in income, potentially moving up one or two economic classes.
Shisha tobacco has almost 1,000 cafes in the UK, popular among young people and ethnic minority groups. Shisha is considered 'every bit as bad for you as smoking cigarettes', with unique design features increasing toxin delivery.
Research suggests that Kinesio taping (KT tape) may reduce pain intensity in the immediate and short term, but evidence for long-term benefits and its use in various musculoskeletal conditions is inconclusive. The majority of systematic reviews found inconsistent findings, and potential skin irritation remains a concern.
Researchers have identified a link between genetic variants involved in innate immunity and earlier breast cancer onset in BRCA1 carriers. The study found that mutations in genes involved in natural killer cell activation were strongly associated with an increased risk, suggesting the need for more refined risk prediction models.
Research suggests that individuals with more siblings may experience lower rates of mental health medication purchases after a parental death, particularly among women. The study analyzed data from Finland and found that those with fewer siblings were more likely to purchase psychotropic medications in the year before and after their m...
Experts warn that US policy changes pose a grave threat to global health, risking multiple international infectious disease outbreaks. The authors argue that the recent US decisions meet the criteria for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under International Health Regulations (IHRs).
A study of 10,978 participants found that cooking at home at least once a week is associated with a lower risk of dementia. Novice cooks with few culinary skills saw a 70% reduction in risk, while skilled cooks still benefited from regular meal prep
A data analysis found that maternal deaths increased by 11% in US aid-dependent countries during Republican administrations, eroding a fifth of the global decline in maternal deaths since 1985. The policy, which restricts family planning services, is associated with a 10.5% increase in maternal deaths.
A clinical decision support system using AI-assisted imaging analysis and evidence-based treatment recommendations showed better quality care and long-term outcomes for patients with acute ischemic stroke. The tool reduced new vascular events by 26% at three months and maintained the reduction at 12 months.
Research reveals associations between antiseizure drugs and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, with valproate and zonisamide linked to increased risks. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of new antiseizure drugs and further evaluation of their safety during pregnancy.
The global cosmetic procedure market is projected to exceed $180bn by 2033, with invasive procedures becoming increasingly invasive and harms on the rise. Experts call for consistent regulation, public education, and advertising controls to protect patients and reduce cosmetic tourism.
Analysis of unintended side effect reports reveals that Wegovy carries the highest risk of 'eye stroke' and sudden sight loss among semaglutide drugs, with odds nearly 5 times higher than Ozempic. The risk is particularly pronounced in men, with a signal nearly 3 times higher than in women.
Research found that Roseburia inulinivorans is positively associated with muscle mass and strength in both young and older adults. The study suggests that R inulinivorans may play a causal role in muscle strength, with notable increases in forelimb grip strength and larger muscle fibre size in mice treated with the bacteria.
A large population study found that female relatives' suicidal intentions may influence women's suicide risk, with shared familial environment and social factors having a key role. The study also found that genetic factors only partly explain the observed sex difference in suicidal behaviors.
A large US study published in The BMJ found that GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity may also help lower the risk of addiction to various substances. The study associated GLP-1 receptor agonists with reduced risks of adverse outcomes such as overdoses and drug-related emergency department visits and deaths...
In England, over a third of councils face industry legal threats for clean air campaigns; the stove industry lobbied local authorities to ignore public health risks. Key findings include wood burning's significant contribution to fine particle air pollution and its link to various health conditions.
Research found that pollen exposure is negatively correlated with matriculation exam scores, particularly in subjects requiring accuracy and concentration. Pollen levels above a certain threshold led to a U-shaped curve drop in exam scores.
A 15-year retrospective study found that physical assault and excessive MDMA use are primary causes of nightclub deaths in the UK. The study reveals a significant number of young women are at higher risk of dying from drug-related causes.
A large observational study found that sleeping 7 hours and 18 minutes per night may help prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, weekend catch-up sleep can increase the risk of impaired glucose metabolism in those who sleep beyond this threshold every night.
Only 6 of every 10 finalised post-authorisation studies uploaded protocols and less than 7% had results available for EMA's database. This lack of transparency hinders scientific review and research credibility.
A nationwide study in Sweden found that HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of invasive cervical cancer, with sustained protection observed for 13-15 years after vaccination. The study also showed a population-level decline in cervical cancer cases over time.
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
A study suggests that obstructive sleep apnea affects around 1 in 5 adults in both countries, resulting in significant annual productivity loss. The estimated total annual productivity loss in the USA could be as high as US$180.2 billion, with an annual productivity loss of $3727 for each worker affected.
Despite efforts by the government to increase GP numbers, England is facing a severe doctor drought, with patient demand far outstripping GP capacity. The British Medical Association and Royal College of GPs warn of a 'troubling picture' of general practice under growing strain.
A large Danish study found that menopausal hormone therapy is not associated with an increased risk of death in women with moderate to severe symptoms and no contraindications. The study also showed a significant survival benefit for women who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy after using hormone therapy.
A systematic review suggests that exercise has small, short-lived effects on knee osteoarthritis pain compared to placebo or no treatment. Moderate certainty evidence indicates negligible effects for hip and small effects for hand osteoarthritis. The findings question the universal promotion of exercise as a first-line treatment.