The global death toll from suicide has increased by nearly 20,000 over the past 30 years, driven by population ageing and growth. Despite a decline in age-specific suicide rates, countries face challenges in reversing this trend due to aging populations.
The study suggests that COVID-19 eradication is technically possible due to the availability of safe vaccines, lifelong immunity, and effective government management. However, securing high vaccine coverage and responding quickly to variants are major challenges.
Research published in the BMJ Open journal suggests that middle-age height loss is associated with a heightened risk of early death from heart disease or stroke in Northern European women. Regular physical activity may help prevent height loss and lower cardiovascular disease risk, according to the findings.
Research found that men diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis before their peak reproductive years have lower fertility rates, fewer pregnancies, and poor sperm quality compared to those diagnosed at older ages. Inflammatory arthritis is linked to male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and insufficient testosterone production.
Research published in The BMJ found that poor physical function from around age 65 is associated with an increased risk of death. Signs of decline, such as difficulty getting up from a chair or dressing, emerge up to 10 years before death.
A low glycaemic diet has been shown to produce small but meaningful improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, weight, and other risk factors in people with diabetes. The findings are based on a systematic review of 27 randomised controlled trials involving 1,617 participants with type 1 or 2 diabetes.
A Hong Kong study suggests a link between the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in childhood short-sightedness, with children spending less time outdoors and more time on screens. The study found that around 1 in 5 children developed short-sightedness during the pandemic, compared to around 1 in 3 over three years.
Researchers project a further decline in excess male births in countries like China and India, but warn of a surplus of young men globally, posing social and economic challenges. A global loss of 22 million female births could occur by 2100 if all at-risk countries are included in projections.
The World Health Organization has fired 500 staff on the polio programme, potentially ending a multibillion-dollar crusade. Despite reducing cases by 99.99%, polio efforts have been stagnant for years, raising questions about the effectiveness of funding and integration with routine immunization services.
Research found nearly two thirds of vaping-related videos on TikTok portray e-cigarettes positively, viewed over 1.1 billion times. Tighter regulations are needed to curb teens' potential exposure, given the platform's popularity with this age group.
A study published in Gut journal found that children with autism have a distinctive and underdeveloped range of gut bacteria, significantly fewer linked to neurotransmitter activity. This characteristic microbial profile may play a role in social behaviors and warrants further investigation.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found nerve fibre damage and an increase in dendritic cells on the eye surface may be identifying features of 'long COVID'. Patients with neurological symptoms showed greater corneal nerve fibre loss and higher dendritic cell density compared to those without symptoms.
A study published by The BMJ found that remote 24-hour monitoring for cancer patients receiving chemotherapy significantly reduces symptom burden, anxiety, and work limitations. Patients who used the system experienced improved quality of life and reduced supportive care needs.
A group of leading doctors and health experts warn that the UK government has failed to deliver on its promise to make England smoke-free by 2030. The smoking rate remains high, with over 200,000 children under 16 starting to smoke in the last two years.
A study published in Evidence-Based Mental Health reveals that one in eight children have mental disorders requiring treatment, but most will not access services. The authors highlight the need for increased investment in children's mental health budgets and effective interventions.
A patient with no previous history of facial nerve palsy developed two episodes of Bell's palsy after receiving Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine doses. The author suggests a potential link between the vaccine and Bell's palsy, emphasizing cautious use for those at risk.
A review suggests lockdowns may not be associated with large numbers of deaths in countries that avoided large COVID-19 epidemics. Lockdowns also did not lead to increased deaths from suicide, but mental health declined during the pandemic, making it challenging to separate lockdown impacts from COVID-19 itself.
Experts urge UK government to prioritize vaccination over mass infection, citing unacceptable risks to vulnerable populations. The strategy is deemed 'unethical and unscientific' by Dr Deepti Gurdasani and colleagues.
A study published in The BMJ found a strong association between ultra-processed food intake and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Consuming five or more servings of ultra-processed food per day was linked to an 82% increased risk of IBD.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis of statin use in healthy adults found a generally favorable benefit-to-harm balance. The study, published in the BMJ, suggests that the potential harms of statins are small and should not deter their use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that people with learning disabilities are at a higher risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19, particularly those with severe to profound disability. The researchers emphasize the need for prompt access to testing and healthcare, targeted preventive measures, and updated learning disability registers.
Younger athletes are at greater risk of atrial fibrillation than older athletes, with a 3.6 times higher likelihood. Mixed sports athletes also have a higher risk compared to endurance sport athletes. The study suggests that athletes face significantly greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
Researchers found modest increases in heart attack hospitalization rates in younger women and men aged 15-34 years, with possible links to more sensitive diagnostic tests. Rates had declined since the 1980s but remain high, prompting continued surveillance and preventive strategies.
A systematic review of 68 studies found that men are more likely to exhibit bullying behaviors, while women are more likely to be victims, highlighting the need for improved interventions to address academic bullying in medical settings.
Experts debate whether COVID-19 vaccination should be delayed in children due to unclear benefits and risks. Vulnerable people worldwide should be prioritized instead, but some argue that children should not be disadvantaged.
Despite widespread use, many common joint procedures like hip replacements and shoulder repair surgery have limited high-quality evidence to support their clinical effectiveness. The analysis highlights the urgent need for research and definitive trials to evaluate these interventions.
Experts warn that mandatory vaccination for care home workers in England is unnecessary, disproportionate, and misguided. The authors highlight that uptake of the first dose of covid-19 vaccination among care workers is below 80% in only three London areas, but this can be attributed to very low numbers of staff employed by these homes.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that muscle relaxants have a small effect on reducing pain intensity in the short term, but this effect is not clinically meaningful. The use of muscle relaxants may also increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and nausea.
The UK's official list of COVID-19 symptoms is too narrow, say experts, and expanding it could help identify more cases sooner. This would require careful implementation, but new data suggests that testing people based on combinations of unofficial and official symptoms could be used to achieve this.
A recent trial found that consuming a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids significantly reduces headache frequency and severity compared to a typical diet. The study, published in The BMJ, suggests that increasing omega 3 intake can lead to reduced levels of pain-reducing oxylipins and improved quality of life for those with migraines.
A systematic review of international studies on COVID-19 management found that border controls, testing, self-isolation, and quarantine are key elements in stopping the spread of infection. The best strategies include comprehensive case finding, repeat testing, and use of smartphone apps for contact tracing and monitoring compliance.
A large long-term study found that individuals with high physical activity levels and healthy sleep patterns had lower risks of death from heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Those who were physically inactive and had poor sleep quality were most at risk of dying from these causes.
A pooled data analysis of 19 studies involving 8676 children and teens found that interventions focused on boosting PE quality increased brainpower and academic prowess, mainly in maths skills. Schools should place more emphasis on PE to raise students' cognition and academic performance.
Burnout is a significant issue in today's NHS, with 44% of staff reporting work-related stress. Improving staff health and wellbeing is crucial for the moral, social, and economic priority it represents.
The number of NHS doctors taking early retirement has more than tripled over the past 13 years, with 1358 doctors quitting in 2020-21. The British Medical Association blames tax regulation changes and freezing of the lifetime allowance for pensions taxation, citing a potential mass exodus of highly experienced doctors.
A special report highlights the controversy surrounding the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID, with clinicians weighing in on the role of exercise in rehabilitation. While some advocates reject research on exercise, others argue that careful screening and individualized treatments are key to helping patients manage t...
Life expectancy in the US decreased by nearly two years between 2018 and 2020, widening the gap with other high-income countries, especially among Hispanic and Black Americans. The largest declines were observed in these groups, with life expectancy falling by 15-18 times more than in peer countries.
Researchers found that fortified tea with folate and vitamin B12 can increase serum levels of these essential nutrients in Indian women. The study showed significant average increases in serum folate and vitamin B12 levels, as well as improved haemoglobin levels, after 2 months of daily consumption.
Research found that spending cuts to children's support centres in England resulted in 4575 more obese children and 9174 more overweight/obese children between 2010/11 and 2017/18. The effects were worst in deprived areas, widening the 'obesity gap' between rich and poor kids.
The study found that 88% of mobile health apps can access and potentially share personal data, including advert identifiers, email addresses, and geolocation information. Clinicians are advised to inform patients about potential privacy risks before installing and using these apps.
A junk food diet may increase the risk of dangerous driving among truck/lorry drivers by boosting fatigue. The study found that vegetable-rich and staple food diets were associated with safe driving behaviours, while animal protein and snack diets were linked to higher rates of errors and unsafe behaviour.
A consensus statement by a US expert panel suggests that strict rest after a sports-related concussion can slow recovery and prolong symptoms. Most athletes will recover fully within 2-4 weeks, but factors such as previous concussions, loss of consciousness, and underlying conditions may complicate recovery.
Research suggests that 'ice' flavoured e-cigarettes may be positively associated with conventional smoking and nicotine dependence among young adults. The study found that vapers of ice flavours were more likely to report smoking regular cigarettes, symptoms of vaping dependence, and using disposable non-cartridge devices.
Experts warn that India's current vaccination approach is causing huge numbers of avoidable deaths and is deeply inequitable. The government's focus on younger age groups has resulted in unequal access to vaccines, with rural areas and disadvantaged urban populations receiving limited coverage.
A six-country study found that plant-based and/or fish diets were associated with lower odds of moderate to severe COVID-19 infection, with 73% and 59% reductions, respectively. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of nutrient-dense foods on immune system function.
A study analyzing e-scooter injuries in Berlin found that most incidents occur on weekends, at night, and are caused by loss of control or kerb jumping. The researchers advocate for stricter regulations, including helmet use, age limits, and technical modifications to reduce injury risk.
Scientific papers suggesting nicotine has a protective effect against COVID-19 were funded by the tobacco industry. Studies have since found that smoking increases the risk of COVID-19-related death. The BMJ investigation reveals undisclosed financial links between authors and the tobacco industry.
Experts recommend making COVID-19 jabs free in India to boost uptake and curb the death toll from the infection. The country is facing a critical shortage of hospital beds, ICU beds, medicines, ventilators, oxygen, and healthcare staff due to high infections.
Research found nearly all Indian films rated suitable for children under 12 contained alcohol imagery, with 97% of films featuring some form of alcohol reference, write the researchers. This highlights the need for stricter controls on films aimed at young people in India.
A recent investigation by The BMJ found that vaccine advisory committees in the US and UK have different disclosure standards, leaving the public uncertain about experts' industry ties. Experts on these committees rarely disclose conflicts of interest, despite significant financial payments from pharmaceutical companies.