An analysis of media reporting on celebrity suicides found a significant association with increased suicide rates in the general population. Reporting on the specific methods used was also linked to an increased risk of suicide by the same method.
Research comparing teen e-cigarette users with those who tried other tobacco products first found that only a tiny proportion of experimental vapers went on to smoke. Young vapers were less likely to smoke than peers trying out other tobacco products, contradicting previous studies linking teen vaping to smoking.
A renowned expert urges the establishment of an independent international safeguarding agency to handle athlete disclosures, investigate and process allegations, and support victims of abuse. An international offender database is also needed to prevent 'perpetrator migration' to new sport organisations.
A UK study found that cyclists have a 45% higher risk of hospital admission for a first injury compared to car commuters, but lower risks of cancer, cardiovascular disease and death. Cycling also offers health benefits such as improved fitness and lower body fat.
A study published in Injury Prevention found that around 100,000 convicted felons in the US may still possess firearms, with California being the only state to enforce a recovery program. The researchers estimate this number is based on data from the Armed and Prohibited Persons System database.
Around 1 in 20 NHS 111 calls lead to unnecessary emergency care visits, with factors like female sex and young age increasing the risk. The study analyzed 16 million calls and found that 83% of those advised against emergency care still visited within 24 hours.
Persistent sleep difficulties in infancy are associated with heightened risks of childhood anxieties and emotional disorders. Infants with persistent severe sleep problems are nearly three times as likely to have emotional problem symptoms when they are 4 years old.
Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.
A large US-based observational study found no association between moderate egg intake and increased cardiovascular disease risk. Egg consumption was not linked to higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, or coronary heart disease. However, replacing eggs with processed red meat may be associated with an increased CVD risk.
A large UK Biobank study found that regular fish oil supplement users had a 13% lower risk of all-cause mortality, a 16% lower risk of CVD mortality, and a 7% lower risk of CVD events. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may help prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce mortality.
Research found a short-term drop in the proportion of boys born in Ontario, Canada's most populated province, following the 2016 US presidential election. This effect was observed only in politically liberal areas, not in conservative ones, suggesting a potential impact of societal stressors on birth ratios.
A survey of UK parliamentarians found that those with additional work roles or probable mental health issues were more likely to engage in hazardous drinking. The study suggests that the high-stress nature of MP work may contribute to increased alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for better support and resources for MPs' wellbeing.
A large-scale malaria vaccine study by the World Health Organization has been criticized for failing to obtain informed consent from parents whose children are taking part in the study. The WHO claims that a 'pilot introduction' and not a research activity, but experts argue that this violates international ethical standards.
Research suggests that conventional cardiovascular disease risk factors are not associated with menopause age, but estrogen loss does compromise heart health. Women should be given hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent this harm, according to specialists in a linked editorial.
A portable 'electronic nose' device detected Barrett's oesophagus with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 74%, comparable to breast and bowel cancer screening methods. The non-invasive technique shows high acceptability and low costs, making it a promising approach for primary care screening.
A 20-year study found that mid-life weight gain accelerates the natural decline in lung capacity with aging, while weight loss slows it down. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to stave off serious respiratory illness and extend life expectancy.
A study analyzing global data found that chronic respiratory diseases have increased by 18% between 1990 and 2017, with the poorest regions experiencing the greatest disease burden. Smoking, environmental pollution, and body weight were identified as key risk factors for deaths and disability.
A study found that macrolide antibiotics prescribed during early pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of major birth defects, particularly cardiovascular malformations. Alternative antibiotics should be used instead until further research is available.
Eating a Mediterranean diet for a year boosts beneficial gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and may help curb frailty and cognitive decline in older people. The diet is associated with increased diversity of the microbiome, improved brain function, and reduced harmful inflammatory chemicals.
A comprehensive review of published evidence links 24 genetic variants to a heightened risk of developing endometrial cancer. Women with most or all of these variants may be twice or three times more likely to develop the disease.
A recent study published in BMJ Case Reports highlights the serious complications of measles, including hepatitis, appendicitis, and viral meningitis. The authors report on three cases of adults treated for measles, highlighting the need for urgent efforts to ensure global coverage with two-dose measles vaccines.
A study published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health found that having 10 or more lifetime sexual partners is associated with a heightened risk of cancer diagnosis in both men and women. Women who reported this number were 91% more likely to be diagnosed, while those with limiting chronic conditions were 64% more likely. The study sug...
A recent analysis of GMC data reveals that doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to be appointed for specialty training posts compared to their white counterparts. The findings suggest that little progress has been made in addressing bias since a landmark paper published in 1993.
Growing concern that AI may exacerbate existing health disparities due to biased data, particularly in skin color recognition for melanoma detection. Experts warn that market incentives alone cannot overcome historical gaps in medical research for ethnic minority groups.
Investigation by The BMJ reveals that UK medical schools are unprepared to deal with racism and racial harassment experienced by black and ethnic minority students. Only half of the 40 public undergraduate medical schools in the UK collect data on complaints, with just 11 recorded since 2010.
Doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are up to three times more likely to fail exams than their white peers. Improved learning experiences and inclusive curriculums can help address this institutional problem. Strong leadership and tackling prejudice are key to creating a more equitable healthcare system.
A large study found daily exposure to ground level ozone in cities worldwide is associated with an increased risk of death. The study suggests that more than 6,000 deaths each year could be avoided if countries implemented stricter air quality standards.
A review of evidence published in The BMJ found that smartphone apps assessing mole risk cannot detect all skin cancers. While AI-powered apps offer potential for earlier detection and treatment, limitations and variable performance indicate insufficient promise to recommend their use.
A recent investigation found at least 37 canine fertility clinics operating in the UK, with many lacking veterinary staff. The clinics often advertise services that require veterinarian expertise, raising concerns about animal welfare.
A new study finds that rosiglitazone increases the risk of heart failure and cardiovascular events by 33% compared to controls. The research highlights the importance of access to raw clinical trial data for accurate drug safety assessments.
A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.
Daily e-cigarette users are more likely to be recent quitters than non-users, while vaping is rare among those who quit more than a decade ago. E-cigarettes appear to be helping smokers quit successfully, particularly among those who quit within the last two years.
A pooled analysis of 14 studies found that text messaging was associated with significantly lower rates of looking left and right before crossing, as well as moderately increased rates of collisions and close calls. Listening to music was not linked to any heightened risk of pedestrian behaviours.
A higher intake of fermented soy products, such as natto and miso, is associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality. The study found that men who ate natto had a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality than those who did not.
The study reveals that a small subset of providers account for disproportionately high amounts of opioids, with the top 1% prescribing nearly 1,000 times more than the middle 1%. Most providers generally prescribe safely below recommended thresholds.
A Swedish study found that infants born to mothers who smoked during early pregnancy have a small increased risk of fractures before age 1. However, the association disappears after age 5, suggesting smoking has only short-term effects on bone health. The study followed over 1.6 million offspring from birth to young adulthood.
The survey found that UK doctors working in emergency medicine and general practice are most at risk of exhaustion, stress, and compassion fatigue. Doctors scored lower than average for resilience, with 31.5% experiencing high levels of burnout.
The law banning smoking in cars carrying children has been shown to reduce teenage exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke by 72% in England. This significant drop in exposure is attributed to the legislation, which aims to protect children from the harms of secondhand tobacco smoke.
A systematic review of observational studies found that industry funding of patient groups is common, with estimates ranging from 20% to 83%. Few patient groups have formal policies governing corporate sponsorship, and financial transparency is inadequate. The researchers call for greater transparency in reporting industry funding and ...
A study found that adult exposure to chickenpox is associated with a lower risk of developing shingles, but the protective effect does not last forever. The researchers suggest that previous assumptions about childhood varicella vaccination policy in the UK may need to be revisited.
Research suggests that medicinal cannabis users may experience increased difficulty falling asleep and more frequent waking during the night due to tolerance development. Additionally, cannabinoids have been found not to be effective in reducing cancer-related pain.
Ethicists argue that sperm donation after death is morally permissible to plug the UK's shortage of donor sperm and increasing demand. The process would involve collecting and freezing sperm after death through electrical stimulation or surgery, with health checks addressing potential genetic concerns.
A large study of over 200,000 working-age people found that the self-reported health of poor Brits is worse than that of people born a century ago. The gap in health has widened between the richest and poorest, with those from lower-income households more likely to have long-term conditions and poor general health.
A study of over 23,000 adult childhood cancer survivors found a significant decline in serious heart conditions and coronary artery disease risk since the 1970s. The decline is largely attributed to efforts to reduce toxic effects of treatment, including radiotherapy.
School packed lunches in the UK still have low nutritional quality, with only 1.6% meeting food standards, according to a study. The analysis found that sugar levels decreased, while vitamin C content dropped significantly.
An expert review concludes that melatonin for jet lag may not be effective in relieving symptoms due to scant evidence. The review suggests that non-drug treatments like timing exposure to bright light and altering bed and mealtimes may be more complicated.
A survey of 3,080 UK rescue dog owners found that most believed their dogs were imported under the EU Pet Travel Scheme, despite only 1% actually using this method. The study highlights concerns about the risks of exotic diseases and calls for stricter checks on imported rescue dogs.
A study of US health professionals found that adopting five healthy lifestyle factors can add up to 10 extra years of disease-free life, with women gaining the most benefit. Participants who adopted four or five low-risk lifestyle factors had significantly longer life expectancy free from major chronic diseases.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that US states with comprehensive regulations for open water swim sites have significantly lower drowning death rates. States with stricter regulations tend to have lower drowning rates, particularly among high-risk groups such as people of non-white ethnicity and children/teens.
A US$1 dollar increase in the minimum wage is linked to a significant fall in suicide rates, with an estimated reduction of 3.5-6%. The effect is strongest during periods of high unemployment, suggesting that economic interventions can have a positive impact on mental health outcomes.