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.
A low-carb diet may lead to higher rates of type 2 diabetes remission in the short term, with benefits diminishing at 12 months. The study found that low-carb diets increased weight loss and reduced medication use, but also showed worsening quality of life and cholesterol levels at longer term.
Experts argue that UK government's mass testing strategy in schools risks spreading COVID-19, particularly if pupils test negative and return to class. The 'serial-testing' approach is criticized for its reliance on inaccurate INNOVA rapid lateral flow tests, which may not rule out COVID-19 in symptomless individuals.
Experts warn that the Innova lateral flow test lacks supporting evidence and may cause serious harm. The government's plan to widen its use risks misleading the public about test accuracy and implications. Experts call for pause in rollout and clearer messaging on risks until better data is available.
Research suggests that COVID-19 severity may be influenced by the composition of the gut microbiome, with certain bacteria contributing to inflammatory responses. The study found that patients with COVID-19 had altered gut microbiota compared to healthy individuals, including lower levels of beneficial species.
A pooled data analysis suggests that drinking several cups of coffee daily may be associated with a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. The study found that each additional daily cup was linked to a relative risk reduction of nearly 1%, with the highest intake group showing a 9% lower risk compared to the lowest.
A systematic review of smartphone fitness apps and wearable activity trackers found they increase physical activity levels in healthy adults by an average of 1850 steps per day. The interventions that were most effective included text-messaging prompts, tailored features, and goal-setting tools.
Research published in Thorax journal links advanced glycation end products (AGEs) from cooked meat to increased risk of childhood wheezing and respiratory symptoms. Higher AGE scores were associated with increased odds of wheezing, sleep disruptions, and medication use.
Research finds that goal striving stress is linked to progressive kidney disease in African Americans, with higher levels of stress increasing the risk. The study, published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine, suggests that traditional risk factors only partially explain this disparity.
Researchers found that hospital clowns significantly reduced anxiety during medical procedures and improved psychological wellbeing in children with acute and chronic conditions. However, the study also highlighted some limitations, including risk of bias and differences in data collection.
A study found that days with high-profile European football matches are associated with more traffic accidents in Asia. Drivers stay awake late to watch the game, leading to poor attention management and impaired decision-making.
The article highlights various Christmas-related health risks, including arsenic poisoning, injuries from falls and slips, and gastrointestinal problems. The authors argue that while some sources suggest the benefits of Christmas outweigh its harms, they themselves found no strong evidence of widespread adverse effects.
Doctors suggest Father Christmas's skills can inform medical practice, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and empowering team members to raise concerns. They also emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness in high-pressure situations like Christmas Eve deliveries.
A Swedish study reveals that one in five doctors has at least one parent who is also a trained medical professional. The finding suggests that the profession may be increasingly hereditary, which could impact patient outcomes and the diversity of the healthcare workforce.
A study estimates that nearly a quarter of the world's population may not have access to a COVID-19 vaccine until at least 2022. Researchers found that 3.7 billion adults worldwide are willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of equitable strategies.
A study has found that certain types of mouth bacteria are associated with an increased risk of lung cancer in non-smokers. The findings suggest that a wider range of bacterial species is linked to a lower risk, while specific types like Firmicutes and Spirochaetes may contribute to heightened risk.
Opioid prescribing rates vary hugely across England, even in similarly deprived areas. Higher prescribing rates are associated with a higher prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis, urban areas, and socioeconomic deprivation.
A study found that George's Marvellous Medicine contains 34 toxic ingredients, including engine oil and antifreeze, which can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, heart rhythm problems, kidney injury, convulsions, and stomach damage. Researchers advise parents to be cautious and check medicinal ingredients for potential toxicity before use.
Resusci Annie is a plaster death mask created from an unknown woman found in the River Seine in 19th century Paris. Her face has been used in CPR training for over 50 years, helping to save an estimated 2.5 million lives, and inspiring songs like Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal.
A trial found that listening to soothing words and music during surgery reduced postoperative pain levels by 25% and decreased opioid consumption by 16%. This non-invasive technique could offer a safe and inexpensive way to reduce pain and opioid use after surgery.
A study published in The BMJ found that dog owners with diabetes are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes themselves than owners without a diabetic dog. However, no shared risk was found between cat owners and their pets.
A US study found that patients who undergo surgery on their surgeon's birthday experience higher mortality compared to other days. The researchers suggest that surgeons may be distracted by life events unrelated to work, leading to potential medical errors.
A special report by The BMJ reveals that the UK government has kept its advisors' financial conflicts of interest unpublished, leading to calls for greater transparency. SAGE members have been accused of being unbalanced in their scientific proficiency and favoring certain types of expertise.
A study found a significant rise in depressive symptoms among children aged 7-12 in England during the UK-wide lockdown. The effect size was medium to large, indicating a substantial impact on mental health.
Research found healthcare workers 7 times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than non-essential workers, with social care and transport sectors at elevated risk
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that transgender women may still retain a competitive advantage in athletic performance even after more than 12 months of hormone therapy. The study, which reviewed fitness test results and medical records of 29 trans men and 46 trans women, suggests that governin...
A UK study found that teenage body dissatisfaction is a strong predictor of depression in early adulthood, particularly among boys. By age 18, the risk of depression increases significantly, with girls more likely to experience severe symptoms than boys.
Research highlights three key periods of dynamic brain changes sensitive to alcohol's effects: gestation, later adolescence, and older adulthood. Low or moderate drinking during pregnancy is associated with poorer outcomes in offspring, while binge drinking in adolescence and aging affects brain volume and cognitive functions.
A study published in The BMJ found that people born with major birth defects face a higher risk of cancer throughout life. The relative risk is greatest in childhood, but the risk persists into adulthood. Major birth defects are associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including leukemia.