A study published in Veterinary Record found that commercial raw meat diets (RMDs) are contaminated with zoonotic bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans. The research highlights the need for pet owners to be aware of these risks and take proper hygiene measures to minimize exposure.
An investigation by The BMJ found that researchers misrepresented the results of animal studies to gain funding and approval for human trials. Experts call for urgent action to tackle poor practice and make animal research more transparent and reliable.
A study published in The BMJ found that improving diet quality leads to greater weight loss in people with a high genetic risk of obesity. The research analyzed data from two large studies and found that adhering to healthy dietary patterns can attenuate the genetic association with weight gain.
A new genetic risk model predicts age of onset for aggressive prostate cancer, guiding screening decisions. Men with high scores are at almost three-fold greater risk of developing aggressive disease.
Experts argue that sugar may play a key role in obesity and type 2 diabetes due to its unique metabolic effects, potentially beyond just excess calories. The World Health Organization describes the twin epidemics as a 'slow-motion disaster,' but critics say current recommendations targeting only calories are insufficient.
A recent study found a rapid increase in type 1 diabetes cases among children in China over the past two decades. The majority of new cases are diagnosed in adults, highlighting the need for more resources to improve care for adult-onset type 1 diabetes.
Clinical commissioning groups in England received over £3.7 million in payments from drug companies that were not disclosed to patients and the public. The findings show that only two-thirds of payments and a quarter of their value were listed in registers or declarations published by CCGs.
Experts say pay for performance programs have limited effect, with no significant difference in mortality rates between early and late adopters. The study suggests that increasing incentives and focusing on key measures may improve outcomes.
Researchers found that most dog treats contain undefined ingredients, including sugars, and often exceed the recommended daily energy allowance. Treat labels should be more explicit and provide detailed information on ingredients and energy content to prevent obesity and related health issues.
Experts warn of a significant peak in chocolate poisoning risk for dogs during Christmas and Easter, due to increased accessibility of festive treats. Researchers analyzed 386 cases of dog intoxication from UK veterinary practices between 2012-2017, finding vomiting, heart rate increases, and agitation were common symptoms.
A study by the Dairy Herd Health Group at the University of Nottingham's School of Veterinary Medicine and Science found that 25% of UK dairy farms used over half of all antibiotics in the sample. The research also identified factors associated with high antibiotic use, including oral antibiotics and digital dermatitis treatments.
Kids who regularly eat take-away meals may be boosting their risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. A diet rich in calories and poor in vitamins and minerals was found among regular consumers of take-aways.
A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that drinking hot tea at least once a day is linked to a significantly lower risk of developing glaucoma. The researchers analyzed data from over 10,000 US adults and found that hot tea-drinkers were 74% less likely to have glaucoma compared to non-tea drinkers.
Despite efforts to streamline the process, UK child organ donation rates have failed to rise, with many families of dying children not being considered as donors. The authors argue that family refusal remains a major obstacle and call for improved consent rates and support for family decision-making.
A large observational study found no link between rainfall and visiting the doctor with joint pain, dispelling a commonly held belief. Despite this, researchers suggest larger data on disease severity may be needed to confirm or deny the relationship.
Experts say children aged 8-10 are best placed to explain surgical facts to patients due to their everyday language usage. Research shows that clear information reduces anxiety and improves patient satisfaction.
Research suggests that larger wine glasses may be linked to increased drinking in England over the past two decades. The average capacity of wine glasses in England has increased from 66 mL in 1700 to 449 mL in 2017, a sevenfold rise.
A recent study found that digital assistants on smartphones are less effective than laptop-based Google searches in providing quality sexual health advice. The researchers tested Siri and Google Assistant with 50 questions and compared their answers to laptop-based Google searches, finding that Google performed better in most cases.
A recent study published in The BMJ found no evidence that pet ownership is linked to improved physical or psychological functioning in older adults. In fact, researchers analyzed data from over 8,700 adults and found no association between pet ownership and biomarkers of healthy aging.
Dr Catherine Bell suggests that exposure to Peppa Pig may encourage patients to seek unnecessary medical attention and visits. She analyzes three case studies, highlighting the potential impact of the show on patient behavior and primary care services.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that pride levels are inversely associated with the risk of falling in older adults. High levels of pride were linked to a 19% lower odds of reported falls. The researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 adults aged 60 and older, suggesting that pride may be a protective factor against falling.
Motorcyclists are advised to ride with extra care during a full moon due to an increased risk of fatal crashes, according to a new study. The research found that for every two full moon nights, there was one additional fatal crash.
A Canadian academic investigated the claim of man flu, suggesting adult men have a higher risk of hospital admission and influenza-associated deaths compared to women. Men also exhibit higher rates of complications and mortality from acute respiratory diseases due to their less robust immune system.
Experts argue that the European Athletics Council's proposal to disregard pre-2005 world records is overly simplistic and unfair to clean athletes. The plan aims to address past doping violations but risks removing inspirational performances from history.
Experts argue that regulatory failings led to new devices being marketed with inadequate evidence, resulting in serious complications for over 100,000 women worldwide. The authors recommend improving the evaluation of implantable devices through longer-term studies and patient registries.
Health professionals, including The BMJ's Editor in Chief Dr Fiona Godlee, back legal action against the UK government for not cutting carbon emissions as required. They argue that climate change has serious implications for human health and wellbeing.
New guidelines permit full spectrum of conscientious objection, allowing trainees to opt out of abortion or contraceptive services due to personal beliefs. However, they must prioritize patients' sexual and reproductive health needs first.
Research suggests breast cancer screening in the Netherlands has a marginal effect on mortality, with improved treatments associated with a 28% reduction. Overdiagnosis has steadily increased due to extended screening and digital mammography.
Fetal monitoring specialists argue that continuous electronic monitoring is associated with lower infant mortality and should be used for all women in labor. However, other experts claim that the practice increases intervention rates and may not prevent neonatal deaths, suggesting a reevaluation of its benefits.
A study published in The BMJ found that air pollution from road traffic in London is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight babies born at full term. Exposure to PM2.5 pollutants was linked to a 2-6% increased odds of low birth weight and 1-3% increased odds of being small for gestational age.
Research analyzed 43 trials involving 8,406 women and found that vitamin D supplementation increased birth weight and reduced small baby risk, but results were inconsistent and limited by study quality. Further large-scale trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of prenatal vitamin D supplementation.
A review of 13 studies on war's impact on pregnancy found that mums-to-be in conflict areas are at higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies. However, the evidence for other complications like miscarriage and premature birth is less clear.
A synthesis of 15 studies found that married people had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to lifelong singletons and widowers. The researchers suggest that marriage may promote healthier lifestyles and social engagement among couples, which can contribute to a lower risk of dementia.
A study of over 200 studies found that moderate coffee drinking is associated with lower risks of death, heart disease, and certain cancers. However, high consumption during pregnancy or in women at risk of fracture may be detrimental. The authors suggest further randomized trials to confirm the findings.
Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that air pollution is associated with poorer quality sperm. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 6,500 men in Taiwan, discovered a strong link between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and abnormal sperm shape.
A global survey of over 30,000 adults found that spirits are most frequently associated with feelings of aggression, while beer and red wine are linked to relaxation. The study suggests that understanding the emotional factors behind alcohol preference is crucial for addressing alcohol misuse.
A study by BMJ Group reveals nearly 120,000 excess deaths in England due to spending cuts on health and social care. The majority of these deaths occurred among the over-60s and care home residents.
Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health found that heavy drinking and smoking are associated with visible signs of physical ageing. Light to moderate drinking was not linked to biological ageing or slowing down the visible ageing process.
Applying traffic rule exemptions enables rapid response vehicles to reach patients faster, with average response times reduced by 14 minutes. This could be critical for patients who are critically injured or sick, suggesting that the increased risk of road collisions may be justified.
Experts argue that a non-discriminatory legal framework governing involuntary treatment could replace unjust discrimination against people with mental ill health. Critics, however, worry that changing the law without proper resourced services could lead to reduced rates of compulsion and decreased care for vulnerable individuals.
A randomised trial found that keyhole repair is more effective than traditional open surgery for repairing ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms. The study showed lower mortality rates and reduced hospital stays in the keyhole group, leading to improved quality-adjusted life years.
The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is considering adopting 'accountable care organisations' (ACOs), a US healthcare model that aims to improve care coordination and reduce costs. Experts warn that this change would be a major overhaul of the NHS without proper public consultation.
A study published in The BMJ found that weight-reducing diets, mostly low in fat, may decrease all-cause early death in adults with obesity. This supports the implementation of public health measures to prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. However, the evidence for reducing heart disease and cancer deaths is limited.
A new study published in the Emergency Medicine Journal found that adopting four clinical standards for emergency care in English hospitals did not reduce excess deaths on Saturdays and Sundays. The study analyzed data from 123 hospital trusts and found no association between standard adoption and weekend death rates.
A large international study found that primary care consultations last less than 5 minutes for over half the world's population, with significant variations between countries. Shorter consultation times have been linked to poorer health outcomes and burnout among doctors.
A study published in Veterinary Record shows that dexmedetomidine gel significantly reduces behaviors related to fear and anxiety in dogs during fireworks displays. The treatment has been found to be safe and effective, with 72% of dogs showing good or excellent treatment effect.
Doctors in the north east of England are facing legal action from pharmaceutical companies for offering patients a safer and effective but cheaper alternative to a licensed drug. The cheaper option, bevacizumab, could save the NHS up to £13.5m a year within the next five years.
A survey of UK doctors reveals that workload pressures are a primary motivator for early retirement, particularly among GPs. Reducing bureaucratic burdens and shortening working hours could help retain senior doctors' expertise, which poses significant challenges for the medical workforce.
Research published in Gut found a significant association between long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and an increased risk of developing stomach cancer. The study, which monitored over 63,000 adults, revealed that the longer PPIs were used, the greater the risk, with daily use linked to a quadrupling in risk compared to weekly use.
The number of children admitted to intensive care has risen sharply since 2009, defying expectations of population growth or birth rate increases. The trend, driven by higher admission rates among younger children and those with breathing or cardiovascular problems, poses a significant challenge for the NHS.