A study of 104 grocery store employees in Boston found that those in customer-facing roles were 5 times more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than their colleagues. Additionally, three out of four infected workers had no symptoms, highlighting the potential for asymptomatic transmission among key workers.
A study from Scotland found that healthcare workers and their families are responsible for 17% of hospital admissions for Covid-19 in the working age population. Those in front door patient-facing roles, such as paramedics and A&E department staff, were at the highest risk of hospital admission.
A new study published in The BMJ provides updated estimates of the increased risks of breast cancer associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use. For longer-term HRT use, the increased risks are lower than previously reported, while a more pronounced decline in risk is observed once HRT has stopped.
The rate of fatal police shootings of unarmed Black people in the US is significantly higher than among White people. Researchers found that the total numbers of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) killed in police shootings have not budged over the past 5 years.
Despite majority view that government is to blame for COVID-19 spread, survey data shows no clear link between public health issues and voting intentions. Researchers found 'null' results in terms of public opinion influencing electoral politics, suggesting politicians may not be punished or rewarded for pandemic management.
An international time trends analysis reveals that foreign disinformation social media campaigns are strongly associated with a decline in global vaccination rates. The study found a cumulative drop of 12 percentage points across the decade, with a 15% increase in negative tweets about vaccination.
Current Covid-19 vaccine trials are not designed to detect a reduction in serious outcomes such as hospitalisations, intensive care use, or deaths. The trials evaluate mild disease and may not provide evidence of vaccine effectiveness in preventing severe illness or transmission.
Research published in Thorax finds a clear association between steroid treatment and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Patients prescribed high doses or multiple courses of steroid tablets were more likely to develop these conditions, highlighting the need for bone protection guidance in asthma management.
A new risk prediction model, QCOVID, estimates severe illness risk from Covid-19 in the UK adult population. The model performs well, predicting 73% of variation in time to death, and identifies individuals at highest risk.
A study of 4923 Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes found that drinking 4 or more cups of green tea daily and 2 or more cups of coffee daily was associated with a 63% lower risk of death. Higher quantities of both beverages were linked to even greater reductions in mortality risk.
The Cardiff model, a data-sharing approach between hospitals and police, is lowering violent injury rates worldwide. Cities adopting this model are seeing significant drops in violence, with the World Health Organization endorsing its impact.
A 45-year-old man with asthma experienced sudden permanent hearing loss in one ear after being treated for COVID-19, highlighting a possible new side effect. Prompt steroid treatment can reverse the condition.
Research suggests that psychological distress during pregnancy may be linked to a heightened risk of asthma and poorer lung function in children. The study found that mothers' overall psychological distress was associated with a 45-92% increased risk of current asthma in their children, while fathers' symptoms had no association.
A review of COVID-19 policy changes found that pandemic restrictions widened existing gaps in access to abortion services across Europe. Enforced innovations such as telemedicine and home provision of abortion services could reverse this trend and promote long-lasting change for essential health services.
Research published in BMJ Global Health found that viewers who trust right-wing US TV media are less likely to engage in preventive behaviors and more likely to report risky behaviors. This association was observed despite health behaviors becoming more cautious over time.
Research suggests that pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and diabetes in pregnancy are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. Women who experienced early menarche, polycystic ovary syndrome, or low birth weight also showed an increased risk of heart disease.
A re-analysis of data from Imperial College London's report suggests that school closures would lead to more overall covid-19 deaths, while general social distancing was effective in reducing cases. The study also found that mitigation strategies focusing on shielding elderly and vulnerable people could minimize deaths.
A five-year exercise training trial found no correlation between physical activity and increased longevity among elderly participants. Researchers suggest that current guidelines for moderate-intensity exercise may be sufficient for reducing mortality risk in older adults.
A global analysis found that men predominate in over 85% of expert groups and task forces, with women making up just 11.5%. This 'disturbingly accepted pattern' of health governance underpins ineffective responses and costs lives. To combat this, experts advocate for truly representative membership, open communication, and inclusive da...
A surge in COVID-19 research submissions has led to a wave of retracted papers and concerns about data integrity, posing significant risks to patients and clinicians. The rapid pace of research raises questions about quality checks and ethical oversight.
A study published in The BMJ found that women with irregular or long menstrual cycles are at a greater risk of premature death. The researchers suggest considering the menstrual cycle as a vital sign of general health for women throughout their reproductive lifespan.
A study of critically ill adults with COVID-19 found that cardiac arrest is a common occurrence, associated with poor survival rates. Patients who received CPR had improved survival rates, but only a small percentage survived with normal neurological function.
Experts argue that the assisted dying debate needs a radical shift in perspective, moving beyond a medical framework. Studies show that depression, hopelessness, and perception of being a burden are stronger predictors of desire to hasten death.
A new study finds that regular use of acid reflux drugs is associated with a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The longer these drugs are taken, the greater the risk seems to be, prompting researchers to advise blood glucose check-ups for long-term users.
Folate, magnesium, and dairy products have been found to be associated with a lower risk of bowel cancer. A diet high in fibre, fruit, and vegetables also shows promise, while garlic, onions, tea, coffee, fish, and meat may not have the same protective effect.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that excess belly fat is associated with a higher risk of early death from any cause. In contrast, larger hips and thighs were linked to a lower risk of premature mortality. This suggests that measuring central fatness may be a more reliable indicator of risk than body mass index.
MPs are urging the Prime Minister to address the health, wellbeing, and employment arrangements for those living with Long Covid. The call comes after receiving first-hand accounts from hundreds of people living with the condition, highlighting the need for formal recognition and support.
A Canadian study found that SGLT2 inhibitors reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, among patients with type 2 diabetes. The study's findings suggest that these drugs offer cardioprotective benefits in a real-world setting.
Financial problems in UK medical schools could significantly affect student education. The sector's debts have risen over the past year, making institutions vulnerable to insolvency. Charity funded research is also expected to fall, resulting in a projected reduction in medical research investment.
A study of 213 asymptomatic individuals found they carried the same amount of virus in their noses and throats as symptomatic patients. This raises concerns about their potential role in driving the spread of COVID-19.
Hundreds of thousands of UK patients are self-medicating with illegal cannabis-based products due to limited prescription availability. Researchers found that concerns about a perceived lack of scientific evidence and resistance from the medical profession hinder prescribing, despite substantial evidence of effectiveness in various dis...
A semi-automatic phone triage system designed to help people with chest discomfort during out-of-hours periods has been found to be unsafe and unreliable. The system underestimated the severity of more than a quarter of patients with serious heart conditions, highlighting the need for input from nurses to ensure accurate assessment.
A study published in The BMJ found that eating foods with a poor Nutri-Score score is associated with higher mortality rates from all causes and specific diseases. The findings support the use of Nutri-Score to guide people towards healthier food choices, which could inform discussions on uniform food labelling systems across Europe.
Research published in BMJ Open found that 13-year-olds with lower peer group status were at a significantly higher risk of developing circulatory system disease in adulthood. Those who were marginalised had a 33-34% increased risk, while girls who were less popular had a graded association with higher risk.
Despite official recommendations, antipsychotic prescribing patterns for people with intellectual disabilities have remained unchanged over a decade, while antidepressant prescriptions have increased sharply.
Researchers estimate that diagnosing and treating high-risk cardiovascular conditions in England could prevent 3.4 million cases of heart disease and stroke, saving £68 billion over 25 years. Identifying undiagnosed diabetes would yield the greatest benefits, while following NICE guidelines would further increase health outcomes.
A UK hospital study found that intensive care staff have the lowest risk of COVID-19 infection, while cleaners and BAME workers were found to be at higher risk. The study suggests that type of personal protective equipment worn may play a key role in these differences.
A study published in The BMJ found a graded association between blood pressure categories and increased risk of cardiovascular events in young adults. Young adults with normal or high-normal blood pressure were found to have a higher risk of cardiovascular events compared to those with optimal blood pressure.
A new COVID-19 risk score, called the 4C Mortality Score, accurately predicts mortality in adult patients admitted to hospital with covid-19. The score categorises patients as low, intermediate, high, or very high risk of death, informing treatment decisions and resource allocation.
Data analysis by statistician David Spiegelhalter shows COVID-19 deaths closely follow the normal age-related risk of death from all other causes. The risk is highest for older adults, with a 12-13% higher death rate for each year older. In contrast, school children experience only a 2-day extra risk above the normal annual risk.
A study published in The BMJ found that workers exposed to sexual harassment in their workplace are at greater risk of suicide and attempting suicide. Workplace interventions focusing on the social side of the work environment could help reduce suicide rates.
Researchers found a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer and some types of breast cancer among women who used permanent hair dyes. Natural hair color was also associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, while the use of darker hair dye colors may be linked to higher concentrations of ingredients.
A large population-based study suggests that people with COVID-19 should be retested 4 or more weeks after symptoms first appear to minimize the risk of onward infection. The study found a relatively high rate of false negative test results in early convalescence, highlighting the need for accurate assessment and follow-up testing.
A study published in The BMJ found that pregnant women with COVID-19 are more likely to need intensive care and give birth prematurely compared to non-pregnant women. Maternal risk factors include increasing age, high body mass index, and pre-existing medical conditions.
A study published in The BMJ found that children and young people with COVID-19 experience milder symptoms, including fewer recorded deaths. However, Black ethnicity was disproportionately affected by severe illness, highlighting the need to refine WHO criteria for multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
Research published in Open Heart found a significant reduction in cardiology services during the COVID-19 lockdown, including a 40% decrease in heart attack diagnoses at one center in Scotland. This shift was attributed to virtual outpatient clinics, redeployed staff, and rescheduled non-urgent procedures.
Research published in Stroke and Vascular Neurology found that US hospital admissions for stroke and mini-stroke decreased by nearly a third during the height of the pandemic. This decline may have led to poorer patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for patients to seek medical care during the crisis.
Researchers argue that rigid social distancing rules are based on outdated science and oversimplify transmission risks. Experts suggest a more nuanced approach considering activity type, indoor vs outdoor settings, ventilation levels, and face coverings.
Patients with comorbidities and from deprived areas have poorer hospital outcomes, including higher death rates and longer stays. Severe comorbidity is associated with a 13-fold increased risk of in-hospital death.
Research suggests that maternal caffeine consumption is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and childhood obesity. Current health recommendations for caffeine during pregnancy may need radical revision as the evidence points towards no safe level of consumption.