TOPLINE: Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is safe and effective for weight loss in adults with class I, II, or III obesity, according to real-world data from a large US study. METHODOLOGY: Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of 1506 adults (85% female, 70% White) with severe obesity (501 class I, 546 class II, and 459 class III) who underwent ESG at […]

Why do some people have a more severe course of COVID-19 disease than others? A genome sequence database created by an international collaboration of researchers, including many from the University of Toronto and partner hospitals, may hold the answers to this question—and many more. The origins of the Canadian COVID-19 Human Host Genome Sequencing Databank, known as CGEn HostSeq, can […]

Europe must continue to invest in health care after the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization’s European region chief said Wednesday, denouncing the “deafening silence” on the subject. As things stood, it was far from clear that the region was in better shape to withstand another pandemic than before the COVID crisis, he warned. “It’s amazing. We lost 7 million […]

Mount Sinai researchers have discovered a link between certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and an increased risk for thyroid cancer, according to a study published in eBioMedicine today. PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that can migrate into the soil, water, and air. Due to their strong carbon-fluorine bond, these chemicals […]

With temperatures slowly dropping across the country, Covid and flu cases are expected to go up as viruses thrive in the dry, cold conditions. This means that social settings could expose you to potentially infected respiratory droplets, putting you at a higher risk of contracting respiratory illnesses. Worryingly, your daily commute could be especially risky when it comes to contracting […]

In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers from Poland examined the impact of repeated sessions of whole-body vibration on resting metabolic rates of healthy young men below the age of 25 years. Study: Resting metabolic rate is increased after a series of whole body vibration in young men. Image Credit: Panchenko Vladimir/Shutterstock.com Background The energy expenditure […]

Blood tests are a common medical procedure, offering valuable insights into a person’s health. Whether you’re getting a routine check-up, diagnosing a medical condition or monitoring treatment progress, understanding the process can make the experience more comfortable and effective. For the majority of patients, blood collections are a minor inconvenience. Others may feel uneasy and anxious. Preparation strategies can help […]

Does a blood transfusion pass on the donor’s personality, too? Organ transplants and blood transfusions are undoubtedly lifesavers: last year around 4,600 people in Britain received organ transplants, and nearly 200,000 gallons of blood given in transfusions. But now some scientists are starting to ask whether something unexpected may be transmitted at the same time as the organ or transfusion. […]

A growing recognition of the health impact of social risks—such as food insecurity and homelessness—has prompted researchers, health care providers and policymakers to consider ways to address these risk factors as part of holistic clinical care. However, some health care providers worry the same interventions designed to help patients and families with social risks might also make them feel singled […]

In a recent study published in the journal Brain Sciences, scientists examine the role of β-carotene in maintaining cognitive performance and mental health, either alone or in combination with other dietary components. Study: The Effect of Beta-Carotene on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review. Image Credit: Danijela Maksimovic / Shutterstock.com About the study All relevant studies were obtained from multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed, and […]