Pfizer’s mRNA flu vaccine worked better than a standard flu shot in a large Phase 3 trial, researchers reported. The results, published Nov. 19 in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggest that mRNA technology may help improve protection in future flu seasons. The Pfizer flu vaccine uses the same type of messenger RNA science… read on > read on >
Most folks with genetics that put them at risk for high cholesterol and early heart disease aren’t aware of their danger, a new study says. Nearly 90% of people carrying genetics that cause dangerously high cholesterol — an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolemia — were not aware of their risk, researchers recently reported in journal… read on > read on >
Increased use of hallucinogens like psilocybin hasn’t created an increase in ER visits or hospitalizations for bad trips, researchers recently reported in JAMA Network Open. “In fact, after a small rise through early 2020, admissions declined through 2023, with no correlation to decriminalization policies,” senior researcher Dr. Kevin Xu, an assistant professor of psychiatry at… read on > read on >
Common health problems of old age — dehydration, delirium, malnutrition or falls — can become catastrophic if they occur following a major surgery, a new study reports. Seniors who suffer these issues while recovering from surgery are more likely to die within a year, and will require more time in hospitals or nursing facilities, researchers… read on > read on >
A new flu variant spreading overseas may set the stage for another tough winter in the United States, experts warn. The strain, called subclade K, has caused a rise in flu cases in the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. And now signs suggest it is beginning to take hold across the United States as flu… read on > read on >
Adding even a few extra nurses can dramatically reduce burnout and improve morale among hospital medical staff, a new study says. Increasing nurse staffing by as little as 10% improved attitudes among both physicians and nurses working in hospitals, researchers reported Nov. 17 in JAMA Network Open. “Physician burnout is a global crisis, but few… read on > read on >
A new flu variant spreading overseas may set the stage for another tough winter in the United States, experts warn. The strain, called subclade K, has caused a rise in flu cases in the United Kingdom, Canada and Japan. And now signs suggest it is beginning to take hold across the United States as flu… read on > read on >
Adding even a few extra nurses can dramatically reduce burnout and improve morale among hospital medical staff, a new study says. Increasing nurse staffing by as little as 10% improved attitudes among both physicians and nurses working in hospitals, researchers reported Nov. 17 in JAMA Network Open. “Physician burnout is a global crisis, but few… read on > read on >
Use of head CT scans in U.S. emergency departments has more than doubled over the past 15 years, a new study says. Nearly 16 million head CT scans were ordered by ERs in 2022, up from under 8 million in 2007, researchers reported Nov. 17 in the journal Neurology. “Head CT scans are a critical… read on > read on >
Plasma infusions may help breast cancer survivors avoid genital and urinary symptoms while on hormone blockers, a recent study says. As many as 70% of breast cancer survivors suffer from vaginal dryness, itching, burning, frequent UTI and pain during sex while taking estrogen-blocking drugs called aromatase inhibitors. But an infusion of platelet-rich plasma relieved these… read on > read on >
Firefighters support better protection but say equipment must be safe and practical read on >
Eating disorders can harm a person’s physical and mental health in ways that linger for years, a new study reports. Anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and other such disorders bring with them a high risk of health problems like diabetes, kidney or liver failure, broken bones and premature death, researchers said. This risk is sky-high within… read on > read on >
Metal detectors and active shooter drills have become hallmarks of school safety, but many parents think educators should focus on children’s mental health, a new poll reports. Nearly 60% of parents of elementary and middle schoolers say teacher training to identify and support students with emotional or behavioral problems would make schools safer, according to… read on > read on >
Brain implants that deliver electric pulses can ease depression in people who aren’t responding to psychiatric drugs, a new study says. Half of a small group of people who received brain implants experienced significant improvement in their depression symptoms, researchers reported Nov. 18 in the journal Nature Communications. Further, more than one-third wound up virtually… read on > read on >
Thousands of clinical trial participants lost access to important medical studies this year after the Trump administration terminated hundreds of National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, according to new research published in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study found that 383 clinical trials had their NIH funding cut this year between late February and August, affecting… read on > read on >
Usually, it’s not until late middle age that folks start worrying about heart disease. But a first-of-its-kind online calculator is now available to help adults as young as 30 forecast their risk of heart problems decades out, researchers reported Nov. 17 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. This tool will help younger… read on > read on >
