A health economic analysis found that school restrictive smartphone policies may reduce staff costs by £94 per pupil, but have minimal impact on pupils' mental wellbeing and quality of life. The study also revealed that school staff spend a significant amount of time administering smartphone policies.
Exercise has a medium-sized effect on depression symptoms and a small to medium-sized effect on anxiety symptoms, with aerobic formats being the most effective for relieving depression. All forms of exercise are as good as or better than medication or talking therapies for easing symptoms, regardless of age or sex.
A study from Sweden found autism rates among male and female individuals to be comparable, with a clear catch-up effect in females during adolescence. This challenges the long-held assumption that autism predominantly affects males.
A study from China finds that testing menstrual blood for human papillomavirus (HPV) can detect cervical cancer with high accuracy, comparable to clinician-collected samples. The non-invasive method allows women to collect samples at home, enhancing feasibility for large-scale implementation.
A pooled data analysis of 52 studies involving 6485 people found that transgender women have similar upper and lower body strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and muscle mass compared to cisgender women. However, their physical fitness is comparable despite greater muscle mass 1-3 years after hormone therapy.
Despite improvements in UK air ambulance service availability since 2009, regional gaps remain. The provision of advanced interventions like blood transfusion varies, while 24/7 doctor-based teams are not consistently available across the UK.
US research reveals patients with duplicate medical records are 5 times more likely to die after admission and 3 times more likely to require intensive care. Researchers call for improvements in data integrity and health information management to boost patient safety.
A study analyzing 3225 trauma patients in South East England found that air ambulance pre-hospital care significantly improved survival rates, with 2125 patients exceeding 30-day survival. Those most likely to benefit were severely injured patients with moderate probability of survival, who unexpectedly survived for 30 days.
Research reveals leading US tobacco brands violate Instagram, FTC, and FDA marketing policies to restrict young people's access. Lax/missing age verification, disclosure on brand-influencer relationships, and health warnings are common violations.
Researchers found that sleeping without pillows can lower harmful high internal eye pressure in people with glaucoma. The study suggests that stacking pillows alter neck position, which compresses the jugular vein and prevents natural drainage of aqueous humor.
Researchers found that non-monetary honor-based incentives increased blood donation counts by 3.5% and 7.7% over time, with no significant effect on donor safety. The model, which grants frequent donors privileges such as free consultations, may be a sustainable strategy for addressing potential blood shortages.
A clinical trial found that natural ovulation before frozen embryo transfer is as effective as hormone treatment in achieving a healthy baby by IVF, with a lower risk of maternal complications. The study involved 4,376 ovulatory women and showed similar outcomes for birth weight and newborn complications.
Researchers found no association between long term use of proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of stomach cancer. The study, which analyzed data from five Nordic countries over 26 years, suggests that patients needing long term proton pump inhibitor therapy may not need to worry about a higher risk of stomach cancer.
A modelling study suggests that preventing high blood glucose from turning into type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes could result in a 67% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes management could cut CO2 emissions by 21%, adding nearly 2 extra years of life.
Research published in BMJ Medicine found that a mix of different types of physical activity may be best for prolonging the lifespan. Variety rather than total quantity alone is linked to a lower risk of death, with some activities associated with a 15% lower risk of death from all causes.
Glaucoma cases in the UK are already higher than expected and will continue to rise due to an aging population and growing ethnic diversity. By 2060, an estimated 1.6 million people will live with glaucoma, with a 60% increase from 2025 figures.
A large study found that home fingertip oxygen monitors give higher readings for patients with darker skin tones, which can lead to missed diagnoses and delayed medical attention. The researchers suggest interpreting SpO2 readings in context and developing guidance to address these limitations.
A clinical trial from Finland found that wearing a cast for six weeks is comparable to surgery for healing unstable ankle fractures, with fewer treatment-related harms. The study's results support the use of conservative treatment approaches to stabilize the ankle mortise and promote fracture union.
Nolo drinks have potential to improve public health, especially for heavier drinkers and those in lower socioeconomic groups. However, experts warn of risks such as marketing tactics and encroachment on alcohol-free spaces, calling for a precautionary approach to balance benefits and harms.
The study found that medical tourism postoperative complications may cost the NHS up to £20,000 per patient. The analysis of existing data revealed that patients who underwent surgery abroad were more likely to experience moderate to severe complications, with treatment costs ranging from £1058 to £19,549.
Smartphone apps based on psychological theories are 3 times more effective than minimal support in helping people quit smoking long-term. The apps improve sustained abstinence rates when combined with traditional interventions or pharmacotherapy.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Africa has surged, with a significant increase in obesity over the past two decades. Women are nearly five times more likely to be obese than men, while those with tertiary-level education are three times more likely. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted public health interven...
A study analyzing personal injury claims data for England and Wales found that mental trauma succeeds 1 in 7 dog-related injuries, resulting in the need for time off work and/or loss of earnings. Most incidents occurred in public spaces, with unrestrained dogs being a common cause.
A study of 168 second-time mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety, after accounting for influential factors.
A systematic review finds that stopping weight loss drugs leads to rapid weight regain, reversing heart health markers in under two years. Average monthly weight gain is 0.4kg, with all cardiometabolic risk markers projected to return to pre-treatment levels within 1.4 years.
A study of 105,260 adults found associations between higher intakes of certain preservatives and increased risks of breast, prostate, and other cancers. Researchers call for re-evaluation of regulations governing food industry use of additives to protect consumer health.
A large comparative study found that even low daily alcohol intake increases mouth cancer risk by 50% in India, with locally brewed drinks posing the greatest threat. Chewing tobacco use is also a major contributor to this risk, accounting for up to 62% of cases.
A small analysis found AI-generated images of doctors exaggerate and reinforce existing stereotypes on sex, gender, race, and ethnicity. This contradicts recent medical workforce statistics, which show a more diverse range of doctors in the UK and US.
A study found that the week after the autumn clock change is associated with a reduction in demand for NHS services for anxiety, cardiovascular disease, depression, and psychiatric conditions. However, there is little evidence to suggest that the spring clock change has any short-term effect on health conditions.
Playing soothing live music in NICUs helps babies lower heart rate and respiratory rate while increasing feeding volume. Music sessions also provide a moment's respite for parents, allowing them to bond with their baby.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that children living in poor quality housing missed more school days and achieved worse test scores than their peers. Improving housing conditions, especially reducing damp and overcrowding, may have significant benefits for child health and school outcomes.
A BMJ investigation found that over half a million patients are being cared for in temporary spaces in English hospitals, with some trusts installing permanent facilities like portable sinks and toilets. The practice is causing harm to patient care and staff, with senior doctors describing it as 'heartbreaking' and 'undignified',
A large international study of 220,947 participants found that concurrent physical frailty and depression significantly increase the risk of dementia. The interaction between these two factors contributes approximately 17% to the overall risk, while individual associations were found for frailty (2.5 times higher risk) and depression (...
A study reports on the underdiagnosis of 'topical steroid withdrawal syndrome' (TSW), a condition triggered by sudden or tapered use of steroid creams for inflammatory skin conditions. TSW can lead to severe symptoms, including skin reddening, burning, itching, and systemic problems like insomnia and depression.
A study published in The BMJ found a 25% decline in diversity language in NIH grants from January 2024 to June 2025. Researchers analyzed 17,701 grants and found that words related to diversity, equity, and politics were deleted at a 10-fold higher rate in 2025.
A third of teenagers use AI companions for social interaction, with some reporting more satisfying conversations than humans. Experts caution against problematic chatbot use as a new environmental risk factor, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A study analyzing 1000 biomedical articles found that almost 1 in 5 'recent' references are at least 10 years old, suggesting the term is used more as a narrative device than a measure of time. Citation patterns varied across medical specialties, with some fields citing older references than others.
A case report warns that heavy energy drink consumption may pose a serious stroke risk due to high caffeine and sugar content. The study highlights the potential cardiovascular risks associated with energy drinks and proposes increased regulation of sales and advertising campaigns to protect public health.
The study found that escalation area care is widespread and routine, compromising patient safety and generating substandard experiences. The highest proportion of patients were treated in waiting rooms and corridors, with children and mental health patients also being cared for in these spaces.
Researchers found that women notified of their dense breasts felt more anxious and confused about their breast health, with increased intentions to talk to their GP. The study suggests that population breast density notification should be carefully considered due to potential adverse outcomes.
Social media influencers share biased or misleading medical advice, causing harm, experts argue. Strategies include effective regulation, stronger accountability, and user empowerment through targeted education.
GenAI tools risk eroding medical students' critical thinking skills while reinforcing data bias and inequity. Medical educators must adjust curricula to mitigate these risks, warns an editorial in BMJ Evidence Based Medicine.
Creating a safe space free from body shaming is key to minimising female athletes' future risks of injury and protecting their health. The FAIR Consensus Statement provides practical recommendations for promoting gender-specific supportive environments in sports.
Research found a heightened risk of preschool wheeze and school age asthma associated with maternal eating disorders. The study suggests including dedicated support for these disorders in maternal healthcare to improve respiratory health.
A trial from Hong Kong found that tai chi is comparable to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of chronic insomnia. The study showed that tai chi was non-inferior to CBT at the 12-month follow-up, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment approach for middle-aged and older adults.
Researchers found that famous singers in the UK/Europe and North America died an average of 4 years earlier than those not in the spotlight. The effects of fame are comparable to other known health risks, such as smoking, which confers a heightened risk of death.
Drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day may slow the biological ageing of people with severe mental illness by lengthening their telomeres, equivalent to 5 extra biological years. However, no such effects were observed beyond this daily amount.
A Nigerian survey found that 80% of children exposed to skin bleaching products were under 2 years old, with mothers citing aesthetic preferences and social benefits as primary reasons for use. The study highlights the need for policy interventions to safeguard children's health from the risks associated with skin lightening products.
A review of 1.6 million women found that two-thirds experience excessive or inadequate weight gain during pregnancy, associated with complications such as preterm birth and large birth weight. The study supports the development of global healthy growth and weight gain standards to improve outcomes for mothers and babies worldwide.
An investigation by The BMJ reveals that almost 9 in 10 UK acute trusts use locally employed doctor (LED) contracts without safeguards on pay, hours, teaching, or supervision. Doctors from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to be trapped in these unsuitable contracts for over 2 years.