A 1999 MRI study published in The BMJ found that the penis is shaped like a boomerang during sex, challenging previous assumptions. Additionally, it revealed that the size of the uterus does not increase during female sexual arousal, contrary to previous reports.
A large US study found that women born in the spring and summer had a slight but significant increase in cardiovascular death compared to those born in autumn. The researchers suggest that seasonal fluctuations in diet, air pollution levels, and sunlight may contribute to these differences.
A study by BMJ Group found that healthcare workers are less likely to receive honors compared to professionals in other industries. Healthcare workers received only 7.6% of New Year Honours from 2009 to 2018.
A US study of physician driving behaviors reveals that psychiatrists are most likely to be fined for extreme speeding, while cardiologists are more likely to drive luxury cars. The findings contradict the theory that certain specialties receive preferential treatment from law enforcement.
A study of over 6,000 UK adults aged 50+ found that regular engagement with the arts was associated with a lower risk of death. The more frequently people participated in arts activities, the greater the protective effect, with those attending arts events once or twice a year having a 14% lower risk of dying.
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that active grandparenting is associated with lower scores on loneliness and social isolation. Grandparents who care for their grandchildren have larger social networks and are in regular contact with more important people.
A study analyzing official safety incidents in England and Wales found that nearly half of reported cases resulted in child harm. The most common problems were faulty equipment, inadequate staff training, and communication issues.
Research finds that male scientists frame their research findings more positively, leading to higher citations and potential career advantages. Women are underrepresented in academic medicine and face biases in peer review.
A musical mnemonic based on a popular nursery rhyme can help young children learn and remember the proper hand hygiene technique, potentially reducing the spread of stomach bugs, coughs, and colds. The study found that the song lyric instructions led to a reduction in bacterial residue on children's hands after handwashing.
Researchers estimate that up to 43% of antibiotic prescriptions in the US are potentially inappropriate, highlighting the importance of proper documentation. The study found that patients with chronic conditions and those who spent more time with a physician were more likely to receive antibiotics without an indication.
Researchers found that labelling food with the amount and type of exercise needed to burn off its calories can lead to a reduction in daily calorie intake. PACE (Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent) labelling was associated with an average reduction of 65 fewer calories per meal, and up to 200 calories less per day.
A study found that advance care planning is associated with improved survival among terminally ill patients, particularly those with diseases other than cancer. This approach enables adults to discuss their wishes and priorities for end-of-life care.
A study finds that major political events, especially those aligning with conservative ideologies, are associated with declines in mood among young US physicians. Women were particularly affected by the election results, suggesting a disproportionate impact of sexist discourse.
A recent survey suggests that nearly one in four Californian adults lives in a household with a gun, with an estimated 7.3 million residents state-wide owning or living with someone who owns a firearm. This equates to a collective tally of 19.9 million firearms in the state.
Children of mothers with diabetes have increased rates of early onset cardiovascular disease from childhood to age 40. The study suggests that preventing and treating diabetes in women of childbearing age could help reduce the risk of CVD in their offspring.
A group of international experts proposes pathways towards financial independence from industry in healthcare to build a more trustworthy evidence base. They aim to tackle the problem of overdiagnosis and unnecessary care by disentangling decision-makers from those profiting from excess medicine.
A survey of over 700 young Irish doctors found widespread prescribing for personal use, with nearly two-thirds self-medicating. The study highlights the risks of this practice, including addiction and suicide, and calls for further education and inclusion in medical training.
A 25-fold increase in UK children's vitamin D supplement prescriptions has been recorded, with high doses and no prior testing common. Most GPs fail to follow nationally set recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
Researchers found that MedDevs often lack critical information on product composition, ingredients, and clinical effectiveness, raising concerns for children's safety. The authors call for revised regulations to ensure these products meet medicine standards before being marketed.
The UK National Health Service faces challenges in meeting growing demand while reducing costs. Key findings show that the NHS spent less on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries and had lower numbers of healthcare professionals. However, it achieved better rates for certain health outcomes.
A US study found short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with several newly identified causes of hospital admissions, including sepsis and kidney failure. The researchers suggest the World Health Organization air quality guidelines need revising.
A trial suggests that inducing labor at 41 weeks in low-risk pregnancies is associated with a lower risk of newborn death compared to expectant management. The researchers found no difference in adverse perinatal outcomes between the groups, but estimated that inducing labor could prevent one stillbirth for every 230 women induced.
Exercise referral schemes have been shown to improve physical activity levels among individuals with long-term conditions. However, the analysis of data from 23,731 participants found that while significant improvements were observed in most measures, they did not reach clinical thresholds for meaningful impact.
Researchers found that certain vegetable and/or meat broths can curb the growth of sexually immature malaria parasites by more than 50% in lab tests. Five broths were effective at stopping disease-causing parasites, with two showing comparable activity to a leading antimalarial drug.
A middle-aged man developed severe lung inflammation after introducing feather-filled bedding into his home, prompting doctors to sound the alarm about the potential risk. Repeated exposure to bird feathers can lead to irreversible scarring of lung tissue, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition promptly.
A study published in The BMJ found substantial variation in bowel cancer rates after colonoscopies in England, with lower rates seen at NHS providers. Reducing this variation could prevent or diagnose more cancers earlier, the researchers suggest.
A 10-year study found that middle-aged men with higher muscle mass had a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The researchers suggest that preserving skeletal muscle mass through regular physical activity and a protein-rich diet may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
A 16-year-old boy developed severe lung inflammation after vaping, leading to respiratory failure and prolonged hospitalization. The trigger was likely an exaggerated immune response to a chemical in the e-cigarette fluid, highlighting the potential risks of e-cigarettes.
A degenerative eye condition called AMD is projected to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050, with the number of existing cases rising by 15% and new cases increasing by 75%. The estimated projections show that one in four older adults will have AMD, ranging from under 1 in 10 for those younger than 65 to over 27% of those over 75.
A pooled analysis of 14 studies involving over 232,000 people found that any amount of running significantly lowers the risk of death from all causes. Even small doses of running, such as once weekly or less than 50 minutes, are associated with significant health and longevity benefits.
Research published in Heart journal reveals that cardiac patients who feel lonely are nearly three times as likely to be anxious and depressed, report a significantly lower quality of life, and have poorer physical health after a year. Lonely women are particularly at risk of dying from any cause within this timeframe.
Labelling menus with calorie content led to a small immediate decrease in average calories purchased, but this reduction was followed by a gradual weekly increase over the next year. The study suggests that calorie labelling alone may not be enough to make sustainable reductions in calorie intake in fast food restaurants.
A pooled analysis of data from 30 studies found that anti-inflammatory agents were 52% more effective in reducing symptom severity and 79% more effective in eliminating symptoms than placebo. NSAIDs, omega 3 fatty acids, statins, and minocyclines were among the most effective agents.
Research finds that UK vets need special training to report suspected animal abuse, boosting their confidence and skills in overcoming client confidentiality and earning loss fears. The study suggests that perceived self-efficacy is a key factor in reporting animal abuse.
Filters are ineffective and contribute to global plastic pollution, with the largest part being non-biodegradable cellulose acetate. Experts recommend banning filtered cigarettes to reduce waste and strengthen ties between environment and health communities.
A large Swedish study found stress-related disorders associated with a higher risk of life-threatening infections like meningitis and sepsis. Younger age at diagnosis and co-occurring psychiatric conditions further increased the risk, while SSRI antidepressant use appeared protective.
The incidence rate of anorexia nervosa among 8-12 year olds in the UK and Ireland has increased significantly, with a doubling of the previous estimate. The new rate is around 3.2/100,000, according to research published in BMJ Open.
Heavier social media use is associated with poorer sleep patterns among UK teens. Very high users are 70% more likely to fall asleep after 11 pm on school days compared to average users.
The UK veterinary profession is critically low and unprepared for a 'No Deal' Brexit, with concerns over workforce shortages, animal certification, and research. The government's lack of preparedness has been rated as red by Vet Record.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that transferring extremely premature babies from lower to higher level neonatal care units increases the risk of severe brain injury. Keeping these infants at lower level units after birth also results in a higher risk of death, compared to birth in a tertiary facility.
Direct-to-consumer genetic tests may report false positive and false negative results, and interpretation is complex and context-dependent. Experts advise doctors to put results in context for patients, discussing possible sources of error and lifestyle changes.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that weight gain from young adulthood to middle age increases the risk of premature death. Maintaining a normal weight throughout adulthood is crucial for reducing this risk, especially preventing weight gain during early adulthood.
For most healthy individuals, statin use is uncertain and its benefits are small, while potential harms exist. The research suggests that lower-risk groups may not reach acceptable levels of risk reduction to justify taking daily statins.
A clinical trial found that testosterone significantly increases young women's running capacity, with a notable impact on anaerobic performance and lean body mass. The study suggests that allowing female athletes with high testosterone levels to compete without hormone reduction could be fair.
Experts argue that improving access to effective contraception is crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the environmental crisis. The authors suggest that by slowing population growth through increased use of contraception, we can reduce emissions globally by an estimated 40% or more.
A study analyzing prescribing data from over 8,000 English general practitioners reveals substantial variation in the adoption of new prescribing guidance, with some practices changing much later than others. This variation can lead to avoidable health service costs and poorer patient care.
Breastfeeding for six months can save an estimated 95-153 kg CO2 equivalent per baby compared to formula feeding. The food industry's contribution to greenhouse gases is significant, with dairy and meat production being major contributors.
Experts advise against routine bowel cancer testing for everyone aged 50-79 due to small benefits and potential harms. However, men and women with a risk of 3% or more in the next 15 years should consider screening.
A study found that lop-eared rabbits are more prone to ear canal narrowing, ear infections, tooth overgrowth, and dental problems, potentially leading to pain and discomfort. The research calls into question the ethics of breeding and buying these popular pet rabbits.
A middle-aged man experienced a brief episode of acute psychosis after the 2016 Brexit Referendum, highlighting the potential impact of political events on mental health. The case highlights the importance of identifying early warning signs and providing prompt treatment to ensure quick recovery.