Researchers used wearable activity trackers and AI to identify indicative physiological changes in people with COVID-19, detecting infections up to 2 days before symptoms began. The study found that the algorithm was effective in identifying positive cases, but its accuracy needs further improvement.
A balance test that measures an individual's ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds can predict mortality risk in middle-aged and older adults. Researchers found that those who failed the test had a significantly higher risk of death from any cause within the next decade, with an absolute difference of nearly 13%.
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
A study found that intense training schedules are associated with a heightened risk of non-allergic asthma in competitive cross-country skiers. Skiers with high-performance levels and intense training hours were more likely to develop non-allergic asthma, which was linked to airway damage caused by cold air.
A pooled data analysis reveals that 14.5% of the global population may have had tick-borne Lyme disease, with higher prevalence in men aged 50+, rural areas, and Central and Western Europe. The study suggests that improvements to antibody detection methods could enhance public health response policies.
Children using trampoline centers are at a higher risk of serious injuries and hospital admissions compared to those using trampolines at home. Mandatory safety standards for trampoline centers are urgently required, highlighting the need for public awareness and evidence-based safety measures.
Healthcare accounts for nearly 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with inhaled anaesthetics contributing significantly. Doctors advocate for a regulatory framework for mandatory reporting and accountability to reduce healthcare's substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published by The BMJ found a significant widening gap in death rates between US counties that voted for Democratic and Republican candidates. Between 2001 and 2019, mortality rates decreased by 22% in Democratic counties but only 11% in Republican counties, with the gap increasing sixfold.
Experts advise against routine prostate cancer tests for asymptomatic men due to the test's limited ability to prevent deaths and potential for overdiagnosis. Instead, they recommend using a 'risk checker' tool to explore options with a doctor, emphasizing the need for evidence-based guidance on PSA testing.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that three doses of the same vaccine or a combination of different vaccines work equally well in preventing COVID-19 infections. The research suggests that the number of vaccine doses is key to improving immunity, rather than the combination of vaccine types.
Leading ethicists argue that mandatory flu vaccination for healthcare staff is ethically justified due to the risks of nosocomial infections and staff shortages. In contrast, a COVID-19 vaccine mandate is considered unethical due to the low risk of serious illness among younger staff and concerns over coercion.
A global black market for COVID-19 antiviral drugs is emerging, putting patients' health in jeopardy due to unequal distribution and substandard products. The investigation found that patients are buying pills online without medical supervision, increasing the risk of birth defects and viral resistance.
The number of violent incidents recorded by police forces at UK general practices has almost doubled in the past five years, with 182 reported assaults resulting in injury last year. Malicious communications and stalking have also increased significantly, highlighting a growing issue of abuse against GPs and their staff.
A review of scientific evidence concludes that diet has little impact on the progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While a healthy diet brings other health benefits, the impact on these diseases is small and not clinically meaningful.
A new 'climate cardiology' specialty is needed to tackle the growing links between climate change and cardiovascular health. Experts warn that the healthcare sector contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
A new systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ provides a comprehensive understanding of the adverse outcomes associated with gestational diabetes mellitus during pregnancy. The study found that women with gestational diabetes had increased odds of caesarean section, preterm delivery, and infant complications.
A large Japanese trial found that daily vitamin D supplements had no clinically meaningful effect on preventing type 2 diabetes in people at high risk of the condition. However, results suggested a potential benefit for those with insufficient insulin secretion, warranting further research.
Research found that e-cigarette users spent more on healthcare services, including hospital stays, ER visits, and doctor appointments. The study estimated $15.1 billion in annual healthcare expenditures attributable to e-cigarette use in the US.
A large-scale study has found that men with prostate cancer have a 50% higher risk of developing serious and potentially fatal blood clots during the five years after their diagnosis. This increased risk is significant because venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a leading cause of death among people with cancer.
A large study found that vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a decrease in the likelihood of long Covid symptoms. Receiving a first and second vaccine dose was linked to a sustained reduction in long Covid symptoms, especially those severe enough to limit daily activities.
The WHO Foundation's Gift Acceptance Policy does not specifically preclude donations from the alcohol industry, allowing for case-by-case acceptance. However, critics argue that this lack of transparency and safeguards against corporate influence poses a risk to the agency's integrity and public health goals.
Researchers have trained sniffer dogs to detect SARS-CoV-2 in airport passengers with high accuracy, comparable to PCR swab tests. The dogs' performance was found to be robust across various scenarios, including low prevalence populations, suggesting their potential for widespread use in screening.
Exercise strengthens bones, reduces fracture risk, and improves posture in people with osteoporosis. A consensus statement recommends a balanced routine of muscle strengthening exercises on 2-3 days and moderate impact activities on most days.
A combination of aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises alongside personalized nutritional counselling reduced mobility disability by 22% over three years. The intervention also improved physical performance and reduced muscle loss in older adults.
Private companies like GlaxoSmithKline and Imperial College London have carried out high-risk breaches, handling sensitive patient data outside of agreed contracts. NHS Digital's audits show that many organisations have failed to protect patient confidentiality, with no consequences for those who breach agreements.
A study of 21,083 adults found that coffee consumption is associated with raised cholesterol levels, with brewing methods such as espresso showing the widest gender difference. Drinking 3-5 daily cups of espresso was linked to increased serum total cholesterol, particularly among men.
A study published in The BMJ finds substantial differences in heart attack care across six high-income countries, including low use of blood vessel procedures in England and Netherlands, and high death rates in the US and Taiwan. This research highlights areas for improvement in these nations.
The BMJ recommends offering additional cholesterol-lowering drugs to adults at high heart disease risk, particularly those with 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels above 70 mg/dl. Ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors are recommended for the high and very high risk group, but not for those in the low risk category.
Overdose death toll has more than quintupled among American Indian and Alaska Native communities between 1999 and 2019, with opioid-related deaths increasing steeply. The study highlights the need for comprehensive interventions addressing socioeconomic factors and racial discrimination to tackle substance use disorders.
Firearm injuries and associated healthcare costs are highest in the poorer South, but federal state programmes cover only a third of these expenses. The researchers argue that this is tantamount to an 'anti-poor policy'.
A large US study found that counties with high vaccination coverage had a more than 80% reduction in death rates from COVID-19 compared to largely unvaccinated counties. The study, based on data from over 30 million cases and 400,000 deaths, suggests that increasing vaccination coverage can reduce COVID-19 related mortality and cases.
Using positive language in clinical practice can alter attitudes of both patients and physicians, fostering a relationship focused on shared understanding and collective goals. Language that casts doubt, belittles, or blames patients affects therapeutic relationships by altering patient behaviors.
A large observational study found that calcium supplements increased the risk of death and cardiovascular disease in older adults with aortic valve stenosis. The study, published in the journal Heart, suggests that long-term continuous calcium supplementation should be avoided for patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease.
A new combination of ulipristal acetate and meloxicam has emerged as a promising candidate for an on-demand contraceptive pill. The study found that the combination disrupted ovulation in 89% of women, with treatment cycles being around 3 days longer than baseline cycles.
The World Health Organization recommends Pfizer's nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for non-severe COVID-19 patients at highest risk of hospitalization, reducing hospital admissions by 84 per 1,000 patients. The guideline also suggests using remdesivir for high-risk patients and acknowledges cost and resource implications.
A healthy lifestyle is associated with longer life expectancies and reduced time spent living with Alzheimer's. For women and men with a healthy lifestyle, 10.8% (2.6 years) of the remaining years were lived with Alzheimer's, compared to 19.3% (4.1 years).
Research suggests that changing product availability in shops and restaurants can lead to healthier and more sustainable dietary choices. Studies have shown consistent effects of such interventions on consumer selection, with no evidence of adverse effects.
Independent sector providers are the least likely to be compliant with national guidelines and standards for online STI test services in the UK. The study found that many providers failed to provide adequate health promotion information, triage, or advice on accessing preventive treatment after exposure to HIV.
A review of clinical evidence suggests osteopathy may be effective in managing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly chronic non-specific low back pain and physical function. However, the evidence for its use in children, migraine, or irritable bowel syndrome is limited or inconclusive.
Steroid injections have been shown to lead to greater pain relief and improved movement in adults with hip osteoarthritis. The study found that patients who received steroid injections along with advice and education experienced significant improvements in pain intensity, physical function, and pain self-efficacy over six months compar...
Research published in the Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry found a strong association between childhood emotional trauma and an increased risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women. Women who experienced childhood abuse, particularly sexual abuse, were more likely to develop MS compared to those without a history of abuse.
Research found that UK medical students are missing out on comprehensive abortion care education, with varying curricula and barriers to teaching cited by educators. Most medical schools provide compulsory education on ethical and legal aspects of abortion care, but clinical aspects are often inadequate, leading to concerns about futur...
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for equitable access to vaccines and medicines. Mohga Kamal-Yanni argues that waiving intellectual property rules can help share knowledge and technology, ensuring universal access. In contrast, Thomas Cueni emphasizes the importance of financial incentives for biopharmaceutical innovation.
A study of 97 randomised controlled trials found that combining physiotherapy with psychological interventions is more effective for improving physical function and reducing pain intensity. Pain education programs and behavioural therapy result in the most sustainable effects of treatment.
Low MMR vaccine uptake is being blamed for a decline in protective immunity, with only 95% coverage needed to prevent outbreaks. Experts urge parents and healthcare professionals to improve awareness and uptake of the vaccine.
Lung cancer screening in the US has been associated with increased early detection of non-small cell lung cancer and improved survival rates. However, disparities in access to screening remain, with economically deprived areas and racial/ethnic minority groups showing reduced benefits.
A population study found a significant link between mothers' exposure to disinfectants during pregnancy and their children's risk of developing asthma or eczema. The study, published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine, suggests that prenatal exposure to disinfectants may exert an effect on allergies in offspring.
Experts warn that a global diet rich in ultra-processed foods is damaging human health directly and causing environmental degradation. The dominance of these foods is leading to declining agrobiodiversity, with fewer than 200 crop species accounting for over 66% of global food production.
A new study found that warmer summer nights are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease deaths in men aged 60-64, but not women or older men. A 1°C rise in temperature is linked to a 3.8% higher risk of male death, highlighting the need for preventive population health initiatives and novel urban policies
A trial found that prone positioning can reduce the risk of death and respiratory failure in patients with moderate hypoxaemia due to covid-19. However, poor adherence to time spent prone was a significant issue, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to encourage patients to adopt a prone position.