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Most Americans favor school vaccination requirements, but support is rising for opt-out options

A new survey finds that nearly three-quarters of US adults support requiring children to be vaccinated against preventable diseases, while over half support prohibiting unvaccinated children from attending school. However, support for this prohibition has dropped significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, and there is growing support f...

Move more, age well: Prescribing physical activity for older adults as a recipe for healthy aging

A review article discusses the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and improving functional independence among older adults. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with improved cognition, mental health, and quality of life, and can potentially add years to an individual's life.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 27, 2025

Higher costs limit attendance for life changing cardiac rehab

A Michigan Medicine study suggests that higher out-of-pocket costs for initial cardiac rehabilitation sessions are a major barrier to participation. Patients who shared the cost of their first session attended more sessions than those who paid nothing, but still had lower odds of completing over 24 sessions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·TypeObservational study·DateJan 17, 2025

A ‘smoke-free generation’ in Canada? New analysis says it would result in vast health gains, healthcare cost savings

A new analysis suggests that implementing a lifetime ban on tobacco products for individuals born after 2009 would result in vast health benefits and healthcare cost savings. The study estimates $2.3 billion less in healthcare costs and 476,814 more quality-adjusted life years for Canadians over a 50-year timespan.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalHealth Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 15, 2025

NCCN joins international meeting to improve cancer care in the Middle East and North Africa region

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has joined a two-day meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to review updated NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines for the MENA region. The guidelines provide evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive care, tailored for uniq...

Small antibody offers broad protection against influenza

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered an antibody-like molecule, E10, that can protect mice from various influenza viruses. The molecule targets a conserved part of the virus's surface protein shared across multiple influenza types, providing effective protection against seasonal epidemics.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2025

As prevention strategy for sexually transmitted infections rolls out, experts highlight both promise and knowledge gaps

The rollout of doxycycline as a prevention strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has shown promise in reducing syphilis and chlamydia rates, but its effectiveness on gonorrhea is limited. Close monitoring for antimicrobial resistance is necessary to ensure the long-term efficacy of doxy PEP.

Cancer-preventing topical immunotherapy trains the immune system to fight precancers

A new study by Mass General Brigham researchers reveals that a novel immunotherapy can eliminate precancerous spots and prevent skin cancer through the activation of specific immune cells. The therapy successfully cleared over 95% of facial lesions and showed long-term efficacy, with benefits lasting up to five years after treatment.

SourceMass General Brigham·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 2, 2025

Chinese Medical Journal review provides insights into respiratory syncytial virus

Researchers provide comprehensive review of RSV's virology, clinical impact, and prevention strategies, emphasizing the need for effective vaccines to mitigate this critical health need. The review highlights RSV's severe impact on infants, children, and older adults, as well as its potential effects on multiple organs and systems.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 20, 2024

American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation launch two prestigious awards to inspire next-generation innovation in nutrition science

The American Society for Nutrition Foundation and Novo Nordisk Foundation have launched two new awards to celebrate excellence in nutrition science, supporting mid-career researchers with groundbreaking discoveries. Early-career physicians are also recognized for innovative approaches to childhood obesity treatment.

Study links vaginal microbiome differences to higher cervical cancer rates in Native American women

Researchers found that protective Lactobacillus microorganisms were present at lower rates in Native American women compared to non-Native women. This disruption in the vaginal microbiome increased the risk of human papillomavirus infection, leading to higher cervical cancer rates among Native American women.

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalCancer Prevention Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 19, 2024

Worsening heat waves pose unique risks to people living with neurodegenerative disease

Worsening heat waves exacerbate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and dementia due to impaired sweating and blood flow. Doctors can take proactive steps by regularly screening for social isolation, providing resources, and utilizing telemedicine to monitor high-risk patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Neurology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 17, 2024

Combined screening can detect liver damage in diabetes patients

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that a combined screening approach can detect liver damage in people with type 2 diabetes. The method involves elastography, an ultrasound-based technique, which was found to be willing to be adopted by most patients. Early detection of liver fibrosis is crucial, as ...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 12, 2024

Smoking tobacco from childhood can cause premature heart damage

A study published in JACC found that children who started tobacco smoking at age 10 were significantly more likely to experience premature cardiac injury and increase their risk of cardiovascular mortality. Researchers also discovered that continued smoking from childhood can cause lasting damage to heart muscle and function.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateDec 11, 2024

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, wins prestigious award from the International Atherosclerosis Society

Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, has made significant contributions to the understanding of atherosclerosis through his research on inflammation, thrombosis, and treatment breakthroughs. His work has led to major advances in diagnosis and therapy, including the development of a cardiovascular 'polypill' that reduces cardiovascular mortality.

Protecting the health of wildlife ecosystems

A recent study published in Nature found that mother fleas can transmit the plague to their offspring, posing a significant threat to prairie dog colonies and other rodent populations. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding the role of animals in the dissemination of the disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024