New wearable baby monitors are marketed as a solution to reduce parents' fears of SIDS, but no medical evidence supports their effectiveness. Experts call for prominent disclaimers and caution against relying on these devices for health benefits.
A study of over 6,100 British men found that those who paid for sex had twice as many lifetime sexual partners as the general population, but few were paid for. Young professionals with a taste for binge drinking and recreational drugs were more likely to engage in this behavior.
Starting smoking by age 13 is linked to an increased risk of chronic severe period pain. Smoking constricts arterial blood flow and affects hormones involved in menstruation, which may contribute to the association.
Mental health experts in The BMJ warn that UK immigration detention systems are broken and prioritize deterrence over protection, causing harm to detainees' physical and mental health. Experts call for NHS England to ensure detainees are screened for mental health problems and facilities maintain NHS standards.
Support for plain packs increased significantly after implementation, rising from 28.2% to 49%, with those who wanted to quit being more likely to accept them. Smokers with a higher desire to quit and low heavy smoking index were also more supportive of plain packs.
Research suggests that hospital interventions can significantly reduce smoking rates, with around 14.5% of hospital admissions being smokers. Implementing routine smoking cessation support could prevent hundreds of thousands of premature deaths.
Despite no detectable coronary artery disease, nearly three-quarters of patients experience severe or moderate symptoms before and after angiography. Symptoms persist in over seven out of ten cases. Validated questionnaires reveal higher anxiety levels, increased somatoform disorders, and hypochondria in these patients.
Long-term shift work is associated with impaired brain function, including lower memory and processing speed. Recovery may take at least five years after stopping shift work.
A high milk intake in both men and women has been associated with an increased risk of death and fractures, despite previous research suggesting the opposite. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine potential causality.
A report by Richard Wakeford highlights the shortage of doctors in general practice, with only 11% of new medical students planning a career in GP. The Medical Schools Council's lack of representation from GPs is a major concern, as it may hinder effective recruitment.
Clinical trials conducted in East Germany between 1983 and 1990 involved over 14,000 patients and 68 Western companies. Despite some strict regulations, the country's desperation for hard currency led to trials with potentially ethically uncertain processes, but no evidence suggests systematic harm to patients.
Researchers found that recreational drug use among swingers was associated with high-risk sexual behavior and STIs, especially in women. The study suggests that targeted interventions addressing safer sex practices and secondary prevention of drug use could be effective in reducing the spread of STIs.
Researchers found that exposure to traffic-related air pollutants during the second trimester of pregnancy is associated with reduced lung function in preschool children. Higher levels of benzene and NO2 were linked to impaired lung function, particularly among allergic children and those from lower social classes.
Research found that non-smokers living with smokers are exposed to PM2.5 concentrations three times higher than the WHO guidance, similar to heavily polluted cities. Inhaling in a smoke-free home could reduce exposure by over 70% for non-smokers.
A growing body of evidence links metal fumes to a heightened risk of bacterial lobar pneumonia in welders. New data shows welders are more than 3.5 times as likely to die from pneumococcal pneumonia compared to other workers.
The UK tops the global league table for gullet cancer, specifically adenocarcinoma, in men. This type of cancer has seen a significant increase in high-income countries, particularly among men. The strongest risk factors for adenocarcinoma include acid reflux and obesity.
Researchers found that family doctors may not be detecting lung cancer signs promptly enough, with one in seven patients dying within three months. Chest x-rays performed in primary care had lower early death rates, but frequent GP visits increased the risk.
Poor dental health among athletes affects their wellbeing, performance, and quality of life. High-carb diets and acidic sports drinks exacerbate the problem, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues.
Research on 1221 Danish men found a link between moderate weekly alcohol intake and poorer sperm quality, with effects more noticeable at higher consumption levels. The study showed that even habitual drinking was associated with changes in reproductive hormone levels, leading to lower sperm counts and abnormal sperm shape.
A large UK study has found a significant link between gout and diabetes in the general population, particularly among women. Women with gout were 71% more likely to develop diabetes than those without, highlighting the importance of prompt treatment of shared risk factors.
Research found a significant association between high alcohol intake and heightened HPV infection risk in men, even after adjusting for other risk factors. The study suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may be crucial to reducing this risk, alongside safe sex practices and smoking cessation.
A minimum unit price of 45p would significantly reduce consumption and health harms among harmful drinkers, with effects estimated at 40-50 times greater than a below cost selling ban. This policy is likely to save thousands of lives and hospital admissions per year.
A recent study found that adhering to healthy lifestyle habits such as a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and not smoking can significantly reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. The study estimated that nearly half of all diabetic pregnancies could be prevented through these low-risk lifestyle factors.
A study of over 93,000 women found that increases in skirt size are strongly associated with a higher risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. Women who gained one size every 10 years were 33% more likely to develop the disease, while those who gained two sizes faced an 77% greater risk.
A leading expert suggests that taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital may be actively harmful and recommends empowering ambulance staff with skills to optimise CPR at the scene. This approach could save lives and reduce unnecessary transports, but experts acknowledge the complexity of applying guidelines in different regions.
Research found that workers experiencing high levels of job insecurity were more likely to develop asthma. The study, based on a German survey, indicates a potential link between psychological stress and new onset asthma.
Research suggests that sponsorship of nutritional supplements and sports drinks at sporting events may be misleading the public about their health benefits. The lack of strong scientific evidence for these products' effectiveness raises concerns about their value and cost.
Researchers analyzed recorded gun deaths in the US from 2000 to 2010, finding a significant disparity between racial groups. Gun deaths were twice as common among African-Americans as they were among white citizens, with rates rising in some states and falling in others.
Researchers found that chokeberry extract killed off cancer cells and boosted the effectiveness of chemotherapy drug gemcitabine in treating pancreatic cancer. The extract's anti-cancer properties were tested on human pancreatic cancer cells, with results suggesting a potential synergy between the two.
A urine HPV test showed high accuracy in detecting the virus compared to traditional cervical sampling methods. The test had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 94%, with improved results when using first-void urine samples.
A recent study suggests that treating mildly elevated blood pressure in low-risk individuals may not be effective in reducing cardiovascular disease or death. Experts urge clinicians to re-examine the threshold for treatment and promote lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and increased exercise, instead of relying on medication.
The study found a sharp increase in early-stage breast cancer cases among 70-75 year olds after national screening was introduced, suggesting overdiagnosis. The researchers argue that personalized screening decisions based on remaining life expectancy and individual risk factors are necessary to avoid unnecessary overtreatment.
A large case-control study found that long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the strongest association was seen with long-acting benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for careful balance between benefits and risks in elderly patients.
A recent study by researchers found no conclusive evidence to support the use of new hip and knee implants, highlighting concerns over inadequate regulatory oversight. The review of 15,384 implants in 13,164 patients revealed higher rates of repeat surgery associated with some devices.
E-cigarette nicotine refill cartridges contain high levels of nicotine, posing a risk to young children who may accidentally ingest them. The US CDC reports a massive rise in accidental poison calls related to e-cigarette refills, with over half involving children under 5.
Low-dose fish oil was found to reduce seizure frequency by a third in people with epilepsy who no longer responded to drug treatment. The study also showed a modest fall in blood pressure, but no significant changes in heart rate or fat levels.
A study of over 4,000 UK women found that dry eye disease affects nearly one-tenth of the population, with symptoms worsening with age. The condition is linked to various health issues, including pain syndromes, autoimmune diseases, and fertility problems.
Reducing sedentary activity appears to lengthen telomeres, which cap chromosomes in cells. A reduction in sitting hours was significantly associated with telomere lengthening in blood cells.
Experts argue that UK family doctors should embrace email services to improve patient access to primary care. However, concerns have been raised about the safety and efficacy of this approach, with some arguing that it may widen health inequalities and delay critical responses.
A study of 70 people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis found that high dietary salt intake was associated with more episodes of worsening symptoms and a higher likelihood of radiological signs of disease progression. Vitamin D levels also played a role, with low levels linked to the disease.
A recent study in Australia found no evidence to support industry claims that plain cigarette packs would harm small retailers or increase the trade in illicit tobacco. The research surveyed over 2000 smokers and found no change in their purchasing habits between 2011 and 2013.
The number of people from Germany and the UK opting for assisted suicide in Switzerland has more than doubled between 2008 and 2012. Neurological conditions such as paralysis and Parkinson's disease account for nearly half of all cases, with women being 40% more likely to choose this option.
Research reveals that being obese in one's 30s triples the risk of developing dementia later in life. The study found an incremental decrease in dementia risk with age, suggesting that weight loss or delayed onset of obesity may lower the risk of dementia.
A UK study published in the BMJ Group reveals a significant association between active commuting methods (walking, cycling, or using public transport) and lower BMI scores. For men, this equates to a difference of nearly half a stone in weight, while for women, it's around 5.5lb, compared to those who used private transport.
Experts criticize UK dyslexia charities for promoting the use of colored overlays and lenses without discussing the conflicting evidence base. This can lead to individuals spending large amounts of money on unproven products or expecting NHS support. Charities should adopt an evidence-based approach to educate the public on managing re...
A study found that clarithromycin, a widely used antibiotic, is associated with an increased risk of heart deaths in people over 40-74 years old. The absolute risk difference was 37 cardiac deaths per 1 million courses with clarithromycin.
A study of over 5,000 US adults found that those who felt part of their community had a 22% reduced risk of heart attack. The researchers suggest that friendly neighborhoods may be an extension of social support networks, excluding antisocial behaviors.
Researchers found that plastic handle needles are less prone to buckling than copper coil handle needles, reducing the need for stainless steel wires. Replacing copper coil handles with plastic ones could save up to 100 tonnes of copper wires and 20 million meters of medical grade stainless steel every year.
Young people's feedback reveals oppressive culture around anal sex with little regard for consent or pleasure. Researchers call for more open discussion on the importance of mutuality in anal sex.
Researchers found a significant reduction in blood transfusions with tranexamic acid, with no increased risk of complications. The study involved over 872,000 patients and found that the drug was effective in reducing blood loss during and after major joint surgery.