A recent study found that daily egg consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and specific types of stroke. The research, conducted in China, involved over half a million adults aged 30 to 79 and followed them for an average of 8.9 years.
Regular commuters with active travel patterns have a 30% lower risk of fatal cardiovascular disease, while those who combined active commute and non-commute travel had an even lower risk. More active patterns of travel were also associated with an 8% lower risk of all-cause mortality.
A study published in The BMJ found that a moderate to high intensity exercise program improved physical fitness in individuals with mild to moderate dementia. However, the program did not slow cognitive decline or improve daily activities. Researchers suggest exploring other forms of exercise and considering potential negative effects ...
A new study found that obesity is associated with an increased risk of taking up smoking and higher smoking frequency. The research suggests that genetic markers linked to body mass index may play a role in influencing smoking behavior, with potential implications for public health interventions.
A study published in BMJ Open reveals a large gender imbalance in cancer research funding, with male researchers receiving far greater funding than their female equivalents. The analysis of public and philanthropic funding data showed that men received 1.3 times more grants and £38% higher average grant values than women.
A study found that asthma mortality rates are falling among younger people in the poorest areas compared to the wealthiest, but remain higher in older adults. Regional variations persist, with significant differences in outcomes across England.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that men with highly physical jobs have an 18% higher risk of early death compared to those with inactive work. The analysis controlled for leisure time physical activity and found no such association among women.
A study published in The BMJ found that many national recommendations for newborn screening do not assess the key benefits and harms of screening. Effective screening programmes can save lives, while ineffective ones can cause more harm than good. Only 22% of the 276 recommendations were based on evidence from systematic reviews.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that vertebroplasty, a surgical procedure to repair spinal fractures, does not provide significant pain relief for patients with osteoporosis. The trial involved 180 adults and showed no difference in pain scores between those who received vertebroplasty and those who underwent a sham procedure.
Experts discuss capping GP consultations, with some arguing limits protect GPs and patients from dangerous workloads. However, others argue caps could inhibit professionalism and worsen waiting times for appointments.
Research estimates that police violence resulted in over 57,000 years of life lost in 2015-16, disproportionately affecting young people and people of color. The study uses The Counted database to track deaths and injuries due to police violence, highlighting the need for better data to inform policy.
A snapshot survey of over 120,500 US Airbnb rentals found that most properties had smoke detectors but fewer had fire extinguishers or first-aid kits. The study suggests that further investigation and intervention are needed to ensure adequate fire safety in these venues.
A former police chief and LEAP UK argue that harsher drug laws are ineffective in reducing violence and suggest a shift towards public health policies. They point to the failure of punitive approaches and highlight the need for regulation, taxation, support, and education.
A study published by The BMJ found no evidence of 'gaming' after death rates for bowel surgeons were publicly reported. However, improvements were seen in mortality rates for patients undergoing non-emergency surgery, suggesting that the introduction of public reporting may have triggered better outcomes through teamwork.
A trial found that emollient bath additives provide no meaningful benefit when used in addition to standard eczema care in children. The study included 482 children and found no statistically significant difference in eczema control between the two groups. This may help guide decisions around effective prescribing in this area.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that adults living closer to farms had lower rates of allergic sensitization, with proximity to pigs and cattle being particularly significant. Long-term exposure to farm environments was also associated with reduced allergy risk.
A diet rich in fish and legumes is associated with a delay of over 3 years in natural menopause, while a high intake of refined carbs like pasta and rice speeds up the process. The study also found that vegetarians and those who eat more fruits and poultry may experience later menopause.
Research suggests a link between moderate to severe mid-life anxiety and later life dementia, with potential benefits from non-pharmacological therapies such as mindfulness and meditation. The findings support previous evidence of mental illness being associated with dementia in older age.
Patients treated by older surgeons (aged 60 or over) have slightly lower death rates in the first few weeks after their operation than those treated by younger surgeons. The study found that for every 333 patients, one fewer death would occur if quality of care was the same between ages.
A UK study found a link between long-term use of certain anticholinergic drugs and an increased risk of dementia in patients over 45. The study suggests that clinicians should avoid prescribing these drugs to older patients due to potential cognitive effects.
E-cigarettes may be as effective as nicotine replacement therapy in quitting smoking, but concerns over addiction and youth smoking initiation remain. However, experts argue that the risks are largely irrelevant for most vapers, and e-cigarettes can help smokers quit as part of a comprehensive anti-smoking strategy.
Exposure to moderate to high caffeine levels while pregnant is associated with excess weight gain in early childhood. High caffeine intake during pregnancy was linked to a 15-66% increased risk of faster excess growth in infancy and overweight at ages 3 and 5 years.
A pooled analysis of published study data suggests that around 11% of PMS cases may be associated with alcohol intake globally. Heavy drinking is estimated to increase the risk by 79%, with potential biological explanations including altered sex steroid hormone levels and serotonin production.
A review of 41 trials involving over 1000 people with type 1 diabetes found that artificial pancreas systems provided almost two and a half extra hours of normal blood glucose levels per day. The treatment also reduced time spent in both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia compared to other types of insulin-based therapy.
The European Commission considers a partial ban on valproate use in pregnancy amid concerns about physical abnormalities and developmental problems. Experts debate the balance between treatment efficacy and risk, highlighting the need for informed patient choice and regular review.
Research reveals huge variation in gluten-free food prescribing practice in England, with the most deprived areas having the lowest rates. The study found that factors such as clinical commissioning group policies and deprivation levels play a significant role in determining prescribing patterns.
Research published in the journal Heart found that eating several servings of nuts per week may lower the risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The study, which tracked over 61,000 Swedish adults for 17 years, found a strong association between nut consumption and reduced risk of these cardiovascular conditions.
A study published in The BMJ found that increasing cigarette prices by 50% would lead to significant gains in life years gained, treatment costs averted, and financial protection for low-income individuals. Men in the bottom income group would gain an average of five times more life years than those in the top income group.
Research highlights the dominance of car travel in school commutes, which contributes to childhood obesity, air pollution, and decreased independent mobility. Governments are advised to invest in active travel infrastructure, such as cycling and walking routes, to promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable transport.
A man developed excruciatingly painful episodic headaches after eating a Carolina Reaper, the world's hottest chilli pepper. His symptoms cleared up on their own, and a CT scan later showed that his affected arteries had returned to normal width.
Many NHS trusts in England fail to log, track, or disclose conflicts of interest for their staff, potentially undermining public trust in health professionals. Researchers recommend a statutory body like the US model to ensure strong policies are in place, similar to the Physician Payment Sunshine Act.
A large study found that conventional risk factors largely explain the links between loneliness and first-time heart disease/stroke, but social isolation remained an independent risk factor for death among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The study of nearly 480,000 people aged 40-69 found that social isolation was assoc...
A new trial suggests that tai chi is a viable alternative to aerobic exercise for managing chronic pain, particularly for those with fibromyalgia. The study found that participants who received tai chi showed significant improvements in symptoms compared to those who exercised aerobically.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, a type of diabetes drug, are associated with an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease. The study analyzed data from over 141,000 patients and found a 75% higher incidence rate compared to other antidiabetic drugs.
A study published in British Journal of Sports Medicine found custom-made foot orthoses ineffective in treating plantar heel pain. Other conservative interventions, such as modified footwear and taping, showed similar results.
A study published in BMJ Open found that GP surgeries with GPs trained in complementary and alternative medicine have lower antibiotic prescribing rates. This reduction is associated with a decrease in some antibiotic resistance. The authors suggest exploring additional treatment strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.
A study published in The BMJ found little evidence that national cancer policy initiatives since 2000 have improved short-term cancer survival in England. Despite steady improvements in overall cancer survival, socioeconomic inequalities in survival remain a major public health problem.
Weekly mortality figures show a 12.4% rise in extra deaths in England and Wales during the first seven weeks of 2018 compared to previous years. Experts argue that health chiefs are failing to investigate the cause of this trend, which cannot be explained by normal ageing or weather conditions.
The UK's low priority on children and young people's health threatens the country's economic growth and prosperity. Investing in child health can bring impressive returns, but current neglect may lead to reduced workforce participation and productivity.
A large European study found that women with larger families, particularly those with three children, experience an average of 4 fewer teeth than mothers with two children. Higher levels of educational attainment and age also contribute to a lower risk of tooth loss.
Research suggests iQOS's 'heat not burn' technology may release toxic chemicals when used improperly. The study found that thorough cleaning and proper use can increase the risk of charring and chemical release. Independent research has been lacking, highlighting the need for further safety testing.
A large study of Japanese adults found a significant association between higher vitamin D levels and a lower risk of overall cancer, including liver cancer. The researchers observed a reduced relative risk of around 20% for overall cancer and 30-50% for liver cancer.
Acupuncture may be a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain, with moderate benefit shown in a review of 20,827 patients. However, critics argue that the evidence is insufficient and that it can be linked to better quality of life compared to usual care. Doctors should consider a more flexible approach to guideline development.
A recent study published in The BMJ questioned the underlying evidence for current US cancer treatment guidelines. Researchers found that these guidelines often rely on low-quality or no evidence at all. The study highlights concerns about the justification of costly and toxic cancer drugs based on weak evidence.
The evidence for India's top-selling diabetes drug combinations falls short of WHO standards, potentially putting patients at risk. Only one trial assessed the balance between pros and cons, while 18 were sponsored by multinational corporations or conducted by pharmaceutical companies.
Research reveals geographical differences in lung cancer treatment rates in England significantly impact patient survival. If optimal treatment levels were achieved, approximately 800 additional years of life could be gained annually for patients.
A review of available evidence suggests that cannabis compound cannabidiol (CBD) may curb the frequency of epileptic seizures, particularly in children and teens with rare and severe forms of epilepsy. CBD was found to be more effective than a placebo at reducing seizure frequency by 50% or more, and improving quality of life.
A large US trial found that calcium supplements may increase the risk of serrated polyps, which are less common than conventional polyps but have the same risk of developing into cancer. Women and smokers were at higher risk when exposed to calcium supplements.
A review of available evidence found that pregnant women can safely engage in up to 35 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise at air temperatures of up to 25°C and 45% relative humidity. They can also participate in hot baths or saunas for up to 20 minutes without reaching the recommended core temperature limit of 39°C.
Annual increase in firearm injury severity found from 1993 to 2014, reflecting hospitalization of more serious injuries and outpatient management of less serious ones. Non-fatal firearm injuries account for 70% of all firearm trauma injuries in the US.