A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that one in two homeless people have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in their lifetime, with almost one in four experiencing moderate or severe TBI. The findings highlight the need for healthcare workers to be aware of the burden of TBI in this population.
The study found that globally, in 2016, 81% of 11- to 17-year-old school students did not reach WHO recommendations for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The gap between boys' and girls' physical activity levels has grown, with more than 80% of girls being inactive.
A 17-year-long observational study of over half a million Danish women found no link between abortion and increased risk of non-fatal suicide attempts. Pre-existing mental health problems were associated with the increased risk, suggesting policies based on this notion are misinformed.
A new report by The Lancet finds that climate change is having devastating effects on the world's children, with rising temperatures leading to malnutrition, infectious diseases, and air pollution. If left unchecked, this will have a lifelong impact on their health unless immediate action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A 16-year observational study found that patients who present to hospital for non-fatal self-harm are at high risk of suicide immediately following discharge. The study highlights the need for comprehensive assessment, safety planning, and early follow-up care to reduce this risk.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies found inadequate evidence for the effectiveness of medicinal cannabinoids in relieving depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, or psychosis. Despite some low-quality evidence suggesting pharmaceutical THC may improve anxiety symptoms, the overall risks and ne...
The Lancet report highlights the need for a new international approach to drug use, citing growing problems with stimulant use and emerging issues like cannabis legalization. The authors estimate that increased provision of opioid agonist treatment could help avoid up to 26% of opioid-related deaths.
The global demand for blood transfusions exceeds the available supply by 30 million units annually, with the largest shortages found in lower-income countries. The estimated shortfall varies sharply between countries, with some requiring up to 75 times more blood than their supply can provide.
A study in four low-income countries found that over a third of women experienced mistreatment during childbirth, including physical and verbal abuse. Younger and less educated women were more likely to experience mistreatment, highlighting gaps in quality and respectful maternity care.
A study published in The Lancet found that more than a third of women in four low-income countries experienced mistreatment during childbirth. Younger and less educated women were disproportionately affected. The study highlights the need for effective communication, informed consent, and respectful care to improve health equity.
A meta-analysis of 44,993 African men who have sex with men found that severe anti-LGBT legislation is associated with lower HIV testing rates and reduced awareness of the disease. The study suggests that countries with more protective and progressive legislation have higher testing rates.
A pioneering study published in The Lancet Neurology presents a four-limb robotic system controlled by brain signals that enabled a tetraplegic man to move his arms and walk. The system, operated by recording and decoding brain signals, showed promising early results but requires further improvements before clinical application.
South Africa sees a tenfold increase in adolescents on HIV treatment since 2010, yet fewer than 50% successfully initiate antiretroviral therapy. The rise is attributed to the country's successful ART program, but concerns about stigma and care barriers persist.
A new triple-therapy inhaler combining a steroid preventer, long-acting bronchodilator, and muscarinic antagonist significantly improved lung function and reduced moderate to severe asthma attacks. Patients with uncontrolled asthma who used the inhaler saw increased airway obstruction clearance and fewer exacerbations.
The Lancet Respiratory Medicine published a series of papers on cystic fibrosis treatment, including new CFTR modulator drugs showing promise and improving patient outcomes. Additionally, a three-in-one inhaler therapy was found to improve lung function and reduce asthma attacks in patients with severe asthma.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that artificial intelligence can detect diseases from medical imaging with similar accuracy to health-care professionals. However, the true power of AI remains uncertain due to limited high-quality studies, and researchers call for higher standards of research and reporting.
A systematic review of 24 studies finds that medical education lacks nutrition knowledge and skills, leading to inadequate care for patients. Researchers call for improved nutrition education integration into the curriculum, benchmarking of nutrition knowledge, and increased funding for innovative initiatives.
Survival rates for seven cancers have improved in Australia, Canada, and Norway compared to New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland, and the UK. The largest gains were seen in patients under 75 years old with poor prognosis cancers. Improvements in cancer control suggest progress has been made in these countries.
Scientists have identified a new strain of Streptococcus pyogenes causing more serious Strep A infections, including invasive diseases like bloodstream infections. The emm1 clone, M1UK, produces nine times more toxin than other strains, and its increased production may contribute to the severity of these infections.
A new report by The Lancet Commission on malaria eradication suggests that malaria can be eradicated by 2050 with the right tools, strategies, and sufficient funding. The report analyzes existing evidence with new epidemiological and financial analyses to demonstrate the feasibility of eradication.
A study found that mortality rates among Ebola survivors after hospital discharge were five times higher than expected in the general population. Those who stayed longer in treatment units had a higher mortality rate due to prolonged acute forms of the disease.
According to the PURE study, cancer is now the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 26% of all deaths. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant cause of mortality, particularly in high-income countries where its burden has decreased.
The Lancet published several studies on cardiovascular disease, including a new risk chart for 21 global regions and a trial on percutaneous coronary intervention versus coronary artery bypass grafting. Additionally, the journal presented findings on sirolimus-eluting stents versus durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents in patients ...
A new trial shows that care led by non-physician health workers significantly reduced the risk of heart disease and stroke compared to usual care. The comprehensive approach combined free medications, lifestyle counselling, and family support more than doubled blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
A new study analyzing worldwide epidemiological evidence finds a significant association between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer incidence. The research indicates that the risks are greater for users of oestrogen-progestagen hormone therapy than for oestrogen-only hormone therapy.
Tuberculosis cases among children and adolescents in the USA have almost halved within a decade, yet stark differences exist in incidence rates between different groups. Disparities persist despite successful overall burden reduction, with higher rates found in indigenous populations, US islands, and children born outside the USA.
A study of 502 individuals found that high blood pressure and increasing blood pressure during midlife are associated with reduced brain volume and white matter lesions in later life. However, there is no evidence that these associations are linked to cognitive decline or the build-up of beta-amyloid plaques.
A study of almost 10,000 adolescents found that frequent social media use in teenage girls is linked to increased psychological distress, lower life satisfaction, and greater anxiety. Cyberbullying, sleep disruptions, and reduced physical activity are key mechanisms behind these findings.
The Lancet Group's new Diversity Pledge and No All-Male Panel Policy aim to increase the representation of women and colleagues from low-income countries among editorial advisers, peer reviewers, and authors. The policies also commit to reflecting a broader range of voices in communications activities.
A new chlamydia vaccine has shown promising early signs of effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial, provoking an immune response in all participants. The vaccine, CTH522, demonstrated improved performance with added liposomes, producing higher antibody levels and a more consistent cell-mediated immune response.
A novel treatment device that automatically dispenses small amounts of chlorine reduces child diarrhoea by 23% compared to controls. The intervention had the largest health benefits among children in Dhaka, reducing diarrhoea by 34%, while also increasing tap water quality and safety.
A recent study published in The Lancet found an AI model can identify patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation using a 10-second ECG test. The technology achieved an overall accuracy of 83% and has the potential to aid doctors investigating unexplained strokes or heart failure.
The study estimates that childhood cancers cause over 11.5 million years of healthy life lost globally every year, with the poorest countries facing a disproportionately large burden. Inequities in childhood cancer burden exist between high and low SDI countries, with low SDI countries accounting for 60% of global DALYs.
A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of testosterone treatment for women found significant improvements in sexual desire, function, and pleasure. Non-oral formulations appear to have fewer side effects compared to oral testosterone, with benefits including reduced concerns and distress about sex.
A new study found that compensatory strategies used by people with autism have both positive and negative outcomes, increasing social integration but potentially resulting in poor mental health. The study highlights the need for increased awareness among clinicians and support for those who need it.
A multi-country randomized trial found that half of patients in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam were not cured by first-line malaria treatment. The authors call for abandoning widely used drug combinations and adopting alternative treatments to prevent further development of multidrug-resistant malaria.
Oral diseases pose a major global public health burden, with 3.5 billion people affected, yet access to care remains inaccessible for billions. The Lancet Series on Oral Health calls for radical reform of dental care and tightened regulation of the sugar industry.
A systematic review of menstrual cups suggests they are a safe option for menstruation management. The review found similar leakage levels to disposable pads or tampons, with some studies showing significant less leakage. Practice, peer support, and training are key to initiation and adoption.
A novel surgical technique connects functioning nerves with injured nerves to restore power in paralyzed muscles, enabling participants to perform everyday tasks independently. The study suggests that nerve transfers can achieve similar functional improvements to traditional tendon transfers, with the benefit of smaller incisions and s...
A unique analysis of US county-level data finds strong associations between incarceration, economic hardship, and drug-mortality. County-level incarceration rates are linked with a more than 50% increase in drug-mortality compared to counties with lowest incarceration rates.
The Mexico City Policy is associated with a 40% increase in abortions and a decrease in modern contraceptive use among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The policy's restriction on funding to abortion-giving organizations likely contributed to the rise in abortions, as it reduced access to modern contraception.
A meta-analysis of 60 million individuals in high-income countries found significant decreases in HPV infections, anogenital wart diagnoses, and precancerous cervical lesions (CIN2+) after girls-only HPV vaccination. The study supports the WHO's revised position on vaccinating multiple age cohorts of girls aged 9-14 years old.
A randomised trial of over 7,800 African women found that a type of contraceptive injection (DMPA-IM), copper IUD, and levonorgestrel implant posed no substantially increased risk of HIV acquisition. The study suggests continued access to these highly effective contraceptives alongside high-quality HIV prevention services.
A 6-month lifestyle programme using wearable activity trackers, face-to-face coaching, and smartphone apps significantly reduces metabolic syndrome severity in high-risk employees. Improved physical and mental health leads to enhanced work productivity and quality of life.
New estimates from the World Health Organization reveal that one in five people living in conflict-affected areas has a mental health condition, including depression and anxiety. The prevalence of severe mental health conditions is 5%, with moderate conditions affecting 13% of the population.
Two new trials show oral semaglutide is more effective than subcutaneous liraglutide in treating type 2 diabetes, with the latest trial showing it's also safe for patients with moderate renal impairment. Another trial found that insulin degludec plus liraglutide is a durable therapy option for type 2 diabetes.
A new study found that rates of non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) in England grew from 2% to 6% between 2000 and 2014. Despite this increase, only a small proportion of those who engage in NSSH receive medical or psychological support.
A new Lancet Series highlights persistent failures by governments and health institutions to address gender equality despite its impact on health. The series presents evidence-based recommendations to reduce gender inequality, reform workplaces, fill data gaps, empower civil society, and strengthen accountability.
The Lancet journals present research on improving stroke outcomes, including effects of antiplatelet therapy and robotic training for upper limb rehabilitation. Papers also explore extending thrombolysis and stenting for symptomatic vertebral artery stenosis.
Firearm mortality is significantly higher in young men, particularly those with low education and from racial minorities. A study of 4 high-burden countries (USA, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia) between 1990-2015 found firearm deaths accounted for up to half of overall premature death risk among young men.