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.
A large observational study found that replacing red meat with high-quality plant foods like beans and nuts reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. Substituting whole grains, dairy products, and eggs for red meat also yields lower CHD risk.
The COVID-19 vaccine's effectiveness and risks require transparent communication to build trust and achieve herd immunity. Healthcare professionals must provide comprehensive information on the pros and cons of vaccination to influence uptake.
A coroners' analysis of two deaths found that swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can kill. The public is largely unaware of the potential safety hazards, and more needs to be done to protect those at risk, such as children, people with dementia/confusion, and those with mental health issues.
Experts urge governments to adopt a more pragmatic, evidence-based approach to COVID-19 infection control in primary schools. They recommend relaxed rules and prioritization of vulnerable children for vaccination and testing, to minimize school closures and its impact on physical and mental health.
A study of over 1 million children found that those born early had a higher risk of hospital admissions throughout childhood. The risk declined with age, but remained elevated until age 10, especially for those born at 38 and 39 weeks' gestation.
New global guidelines suggest exceeding weekly recommended physical activity levels can counter early death risk linked to long periods of sedentary time. The World Health Organization recommends 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity or 75-150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week.
The new 'green Med' diet contains more plant-based foods, green tea, and Mankai (duckweed) than the traditional version. After six months, those on the green Med diet lost more weight, had lower waist circumference, and improved cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors.
A study of over 300,000 UK births found that many new mothers miss their scheduled postnatal check-ups, with younger women and those from deprived areas being the least likely to attend. This gap in care can have serious consequences for women's physical and mental health.
A large long-term study found that hormonal contraceptives may lower the risk of severe asthma bouts in women of reproductive age. However, the protective effect is relatively small and does not include progestogen-only Pill.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended against using remdesivir for treating COVID-19 patients in hospitals, regardless of their severity. The guideline is based on a review of four international trials involving over 7,000 patients and found no meaningful effect on mortality or ventilation needs
A recent study challenges the UK's current guidance on treating high blood pressure with medication, suggesting that it may not be necessary to consider age and ethnicity when choosing a treatment. The researchers found similar reductions in blood pressure for three major drug types in people of all ages and ethnicities.
A study of 286,825 participants found a significant association between permanent night shift work and moderate to severe asthma. The researchers suggest that adapting shift work schedules to individual chronotype may be a worthwhile public health measure.
Designing and marketing sexbots for older adults with disabilities could promote emotional health and wellbeing, counter ageism and stereotyping. This is based on research showing that sexual desires are fundamental to human dignity and respect, even in older age.
A study published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that newly retired women experience a sharp rise in sedentary time, which persists 2+ years later. The research suggests that prolonged sitting is more harmful than short bouts and may be linked to social isolation and decreased physical activity after retirement.
The BMJ argues that suppressing science is a danger to public health and maladministration of taxpayers' money when entangled with commercial decisions. To safeguard science, full disclosure of competing interests and transparency about decision-making systems are essential.
A study suggests that rapid finger-prick antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 may deliver inaccurate results, with around 1 in 5 positive tests indicating a false positive. The test's accuracy varies depending on the individual's previous infection status, and laboratory confirmation is recommended for reliable results.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that women who stop using some forms of contraception, such as injectable methods, may experience a temporary delay in their return to fertility. After eight months, most women are able to conceive normally again.
Diseases of despair, including substance abuse and suicidal thoughts, have soared in the US over the past decade, affecting all ages. Between 2009 and 2018, life expectancy fell year on year, and deaths among middle-aged white non-Hispanic men and women rose sharply.
A leading ethicist suggests paying people to get the COVID-19 jab to achieve widespread coverage and stamp out infection. The proposal aims to boost vaccination uptake when voluntary schemes prove insufficient, considering financial or 'payment in kind' incentives.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found associations between exposure to high temperatures in pregnancy and increased risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. The study analyzed data from 70 studies across 27 countries and found that the odds of preterm birth rose by 5% per 1°C increase in temperature.
Researchers found a significant impact on mortality if cancer treatment is delayed, whether it's surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. A four-week delay in treatment was associated with an increased risk of death across all common forms of cancer treatment.
Research found machine learning and statistical techniques have similar performance at the population level but vary substantially in individual-level risk predictions. Machine learning models often ignore censoring, leading to biased predictions.