An international study found that insomnia, disrupted sleep, and daily burnout are linked to a heightened risk of not only becoming infected with coronavirus but also having more severe disease and a longer recovery period. The study also revealed that every extra hour of sleep at night was associated with 12% lower odds of infection.
The article suggests paying for elderly care homes in lower-income countries as a practical solution to the eldercare crisis. The proposed policy would enable older citizens to access affordable and decent care, while also benefiting local economies.
A study found no evidence of increased risk during the first wave of the UK pandemic, but small increased risks of infection and hospital admission in adults living with children. The researchers conclude that close monitoring will be crucial as schools reopen.
A pooled data analysis of 31 clinical trials found that wearable fitness trackers and step counters significantly helped people with weight-related health conditions lose weight. Those using research-grade step counters/accelerometers lost an average of 4.4 kg, while commercial fitness trackers produced a 3 kg loss.
Research published in BMJ Open found that preschoolers' extensive electronic media use is associated with hyperactivity, short attention span, and friendship issues. The study suggests that excessive screen time may impede healthy development, affecting language and social skills.
A large UK-based study found that high blood pressure is poorly controlled in over half of those diagnosed with the condition, with older age, black ethnicity, and low earnings being key risk factors. Despite treatment, nearly two-thirds of patients are not receiving proper care.
Research published in Thorax journal found a strong association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and the development of childhood allergic rhinitis. The study suggests that infants exposed to high levels of PM2.5 during late pregnancy and early childhood are at increased risk of developing allergic rhinitis.
Research suggests that the UK's sugar tax on soft drinks has resulted in a decrease of around 30g of sugar per household per week, equivalent to three fewer teaspoons. This reduction occurred without affecting overall sales or purchases of other drink types, indicating potential benefits for public health.
The pandemic has exacerbated existing mental health issues among children and young people, with increased rates of self-harm and anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts reported, while education disruptions pose uncertain futures.
Early commercial batches of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine had lower than expected levels of intact mRNA molecules, a finding that raised concerns about the manufacturing process and its impact on vaccine potency. Regulators like the EMA and FDA are unsure of the implications for safety and efficacy.
US and UK digital COVID-19 symptom checkers failed to identify severe COVID-19, bacterial pneumonia, and sepsis, often advising patients to stay home. The study suggests that these symptom checkers may delay treatment for serious illness and confer an increased risk of morbidity and mortality.
A large national study found significant racial disparities in heart attack patient care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) patients were more likely to be admitted to hospital and die early compared to white patients.
The Wellcome Trust, a top funder of health research, holds significant investments in companies producing covid-19 treatments. This has raised questions about the charity's independence and conflicts of interest in pandemic response efforts. Experts weigh in on the implications of private charities' financial interests on global health.
Despite Africa being home to 17% of the world's population, African authors account for only 3% of COVID-19 research papers. Analysis of top medical journals reveals a significant underrepresentation of African authors and perspectives in global health literature.
A WHO expert panel recommends against the use of hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 infection in people without symptoms. The guideline is based on high certainty evidence from six randomized controlled trials involving over 6,000 participants.
Research found a strong association between birthweight of 2.5kg or more and lower IGF-1 levels, which are linked to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in adulthood. The study involved 112,736 women and 68,354 men from the UK Biobank study.
A new study reveals that menthol cigarettes contributed to a significant increase in smoking prevalence among US youth and adults between 1980 and 2018. The researchers estimated that the availability of menthol cigarettes led to 10.1 million extra smokers, resulting in 378,000 premature deaths over the 38-year period.
A UK-based trial found that statins do not increase the frequency or severity of muscle symptoms in people who had previously reported severe muscle symptoms when taking statins. Most participants planned to restart treatment after completing the study.
A trial in Mumbai found that regular clinical breast examination led to earlier diagnosis and reduced deaths from breast cancer, especially among women aged 50 and older. The study suggests that implementation of population screening by trained health workers is feasible in low and middle income countries.
A whole foods, plant-based diet has been shown to ease the symptoms of livedoid vasculopathy, a blood vessel disorder causing painful ulcers on the feet and lower legs. The condition affects mostly women in their 30s, with poor blood flow being a contributing factor.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that night owls are more likely to experience poor health, insomnia, and social jet lag, leading to underperformance at work. The study also linked evening chronotype to a higher risk of early retirement due to disability.
Experts discuss the ethics of criminalizing false vaccine information. Melinda Mills argues that deliberate intent to spread malicious disinformation should be considered criminal due to preventable deaths. Jonas Sivelä believes this approach may not address underlying issues like vaccine hesitancy and lack of trust in institutions.
A study published in The BMJ found that COVID-19 deaths accounted for 15-20% of all sampled deaths in Zambia, contradicting the widely held view that the virus has largely skipped Africa. The virus was detected in 70 people, with most deaths occurring in the community and among older adults.
Hospital admissions in the UK due to food-induced anaphylaxis have more than tripled over the past 20 years. Despite this increase, the death rate from food-induced anaphylaxis has halved, according to research published in The BMJ.
Research published online in the journal Heart found that recreational substance use is associated with a higher likelihood of premature and extremely premature heart disease. Those who use 4 or more substances are 9 times as likely to be affected, with increased risks observed among women.
Research highlights grandmothers' significant role in newborn care across collectivist cultures in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite this, initiatives focus primarily on young mothers and nuclear families, excluding grandmothers and their valuable knowledge and practices.
Patients given prophylactic anticoagulants within 24 hours of admission with COVID-19 are less likely to die compared to those who don't receive them. The study found a significant reduction in mortality risk among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with a relative risk reduction as high as 34%.
Former UK health secretary Jeremy Hunt blames delayed NHS workforce expansion for the country's inadequate pandemic response. He advocates for urgent reform of workforce planning and calls for government publication of staff requirements each year.
Two studies published in The BMJ found no associations between prescription opioids or macrolide antibiotics and major birth defects during pregnancy. Researchers did find a small increased risk of cleft palate associated with opioid use, but overall risks were deemed minimal. The findings provide reassurance for women and inform clini...
Research finds cheap herbal cigarettes and bidis are widely available online, often with unverified health claims, and may act as a gateway to conventional tobacco products. The study calls for urgent regulation of their sale and marketing.
Research published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood suggests a link between fetal exposure to antibiotics in mid-to-late pregnancy and an increased risk of childhood asthma. The study found that children born vaginally were more likely to develop asthma, with higher odds for more serious cases.
A man in his 40s, treated for mild COVID-19 4 months after a severe initial bout, tested positive twice more. Experts suggest waning immunity may increase risk of reinfection, while milder symptoms second time around could be due to residual immunity from the first infection.
Researchers found that adding colchicine to standard treatment reduces the need for oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 infection. The study also shows that colchicine is safe and well-tolerated with few side effects.
A senior editor at The BMJ argues that politicians' inaction during the pandemic amounts to 'social murder' and demands accountability through legal and electoral means. The BMJ editorial calls for citizens to lobby their representatives for a public inquiry and for professionals to speak out against negligent leaders.
A large study found that prolonged high dose use of cyproterone acetate increases the risk of developing meningioma, a mostly non-cancerous brain tumour. The risk declines after stopping treatment, suggesting a biologically plausible causal relationship.
A study of 137,130 people across 21 countries found a strong association between high refined grain intake and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death. Higher intakes of refined grains were associated with 27% higher mortality rates and 33% higher cardiovascular event risks compared to lower intakes.
A study reveals that xylazine, a non-opioid sedative, is implicated in nearly a third of fatal overdoses involving heroin and/or fentanyl in Philadelphia. The substance has been increasingly appearing in the illicit drug supply across the US.
A study found that nearly a third of US teens and young adults prescribed psychoactive drugs misuse them, with stimulants and tranquillisers being most frequently misused. The likelihood of misuse increases with age, highlighting the need for comprehensive health promotion approaches among youth.
The current 14-day limit on human embryo research is being urged to be extended to 28 days, as technology and knowledge have advanced over the past 40 years. This could lead to discoveries of new treatments for recurrent miscarriage and developmental abnormalities.
Researchers found that long-term occupational exposure to sunlight is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer in women after the age of 50. Vitamin D levels may protect against the disease, but the study's limitations highlight the need for further investigation.
Researchers found that counties with more legal cannabis dispensaries had lower opioid-related mortality rates, with a 17% reduction associated with one additional dispensary. This association held for both medical and recreational dispensaries, particularly for deaths linked to synthetic opioids.
Experts argue that UK government should focus on supporting people in high-risk occupations and living conditions with free accommodation, income protection, and job security. A lack of resources and fear of financial consequences are major barriers to self-isolation, leading to low adherence rates among certain groups.
A large-scale study found that air pollution is associated with an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Higher exposure to fine particulate matter was linked to a higher risk of AMD, while other pollutants were associated with changes in retinal structure.
Research suggests that regular afternoon napping may be associated with better mental agility, including improved locational awareness, verbal fluency, and working memory. The study found significant differences in cognitive performance scores among nap-takers compared to non-nappers.
A pooled data analysis of available evidence suggests that listening to music can reduce anxiety and pain after major heart surgery. The study found that the first postoperative music session was associated with significant reductions in anxiety (4 points) and pain (1.26 points).
A new trial published in The BMJ found that adding the arthritis drug tocilizumab to standard care for patients with severe Covid-19 did not improve clinical outcomes at 15 days. In fact, the study showed an increased number of deaths among patients receiving the drug.
A systematic review of antidepressant effectiveness for back and osteoarthritis pain found small, insignificant benefits for some patients. The evidence suggests that antidepressants may not be a worthwhile treatment option for chronic pain, highlighting the need for large-scale, industry-free trials.
The global rollout of 5G networks should be halted until the safety of the technology is confirmed, warns an expert. The increased transmitter density required for 5G means more people will be exposed to potentially harmful levels of radio frequency electromagnetic fields.
A pooled analysis of 17 studies involving over 562,000 participants found that fried food consumption is associated with a heightened risk of major cardiovascular events, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. The risk increases by 3%, 2%, and 12% for every additional 114g weekly serving.
An analysis of health insurance claims data reveals a 7-fold variation in euthanasia rates across the Netherlands. Regional differences and demographic, socioeconomic, and personal factors are associated with varying euthanasia rates.