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Study shows chatbots’ cognitive limitations using dementia screening

Almost all leading large language models or "chatbots" show signs of mild cognitive impairment in tests widely used to spot early signs of dementia, finds a study in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

19 Dec 2024

Lean methodology-based approach reduces unnecessary work hours for surgical residents

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have shown that a systemic approach to eliminating inefficiencies in surgical residency programs can reduce unnecessary work hours in the general residency program at UC San Diego.

19 Dec 2024

A novel approach to combatting prostate cancer

New research by a team of Indiana University School of Medicine scientists and their collaborators has uncovered a novel vulnerability in prostate cancer animal models that starves prostate tumors of critical nutrients and stunts their growth, which could lead to the development of new treatments for the deadly disease.

19 Dec 2024

Multiple chronic conditions linked to kidney function decline in older adults

Older adults with multiple chronic conditions may face a high risk of kidney function decline, according to new research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

19 Dec 2024

Light and moderate wine consumption linked to lower risk of cardiovascular complications

Light and moderate consumption of wine is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular complications, according to a multicenter study led by researchers from the University of Barcelona, the Hospital Clínic and the August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), the Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBEROBN) and the University of Navarra (UNAV).

19 Dec 2024

Study shows how peptides from nature could combat melanoma drug resistance

Antimicrobial peptides derived from a crab and a spider may provide the pathway to overcoming drug resistance in advanced melanoma.

19 Dec 2024

Smartwatch bands may expose users to harmful forever chemicals

Smartwatches and fitness trackers have become ubiquitous forms of wearable tech, accompanying many people throughout their days (and nights).

19 Dec 2024

Research identifies key stressors impacting midwives' wellbeing

Research into stress among midwives has identified the most effective actions individual midwives and healthcare trusts can make to enhance wellbeing and reduce negative outcomes, including staff leaving the profession.

19 Dec 2024

Surgeons slow to adopt new biomaterials for bone defects

Two million bone transplants are performed worldwide yearly, including half a million in the United States alone. Yet, a QUT-led study has found surgeons are slow to adopt newly developed biomaterials or tissue-engineered solutions.

19 Dec 2024

NHS risks developing two-tier hospital system due to underfunding and poor infrastructure

A combination of continued NHS underfunding, poorly maintained infrastructure and increasing numbers of patients risks creating a two-tier hospital system in England, a leading financial expert has warned.

19 Dec 2024

Social and mentally stimulating activities benefit cognitive function

It’s that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.

19 Dec 2024

Breakthrough study unravels molecular subtypes of breast cancer

Breast cancer, with its myriad subtypes, has long eluded a uniform treatment strategy. The disease's molecular complexity has rendered traditional, blanket treatments insufficient, particularly for the aggressive triple-negative form.

18 Dec 2024

Australian researchers discover potential lifeline for premature babies

Australian researchers have discovered a potential new lifeline for the tiniest and most vulnerable newborns. Scientists at Monash Children's Hospital have successfully collected and reinfused umbilical cord blood cells in extremely premature babies, offering a glimmer of hope for preventing brain injuries.

18 Dec 2024

Decoding sleep disorders through fairy tales

Some traditional fairy tales and classic children's fiction that have soothed many a child to sleep may also provide accessible and engaging ways to discuss healthy sleep with children, suggest researchers in the Christmas issue of The BMJ.

18 Dec 2024

Researchers investigate oxygen's effect on overactive cells in type 2 diabetes

Researchers from the University of Missouri are studying potential therapies to target specific cells linked to the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

18 Dec 2024

New app offers relief for parents mourning the loss of a child

A new study shows that an app can help parents who are mourning the loss of a child. Parents who used the app for three months reported reduced symptoms of prolonged grief and post-traumatic stress, and also had fewer negative thoughts.

18 Dec 2024

Research pinpoints critical age for improving children's cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical public health concern, with risk factors such as high blood pressure, abnormal blood sugar levels, elevated cholesterol, and obesity beginning in childhood.

18 Dec 2024

Cough syrup ingredient may help combat lung fibrosis

A common over-the-counter ingredient in many cough syrups may have a greater purpose for people suffering from lung fibrosis that is related to any number of serious health conditions.

18 Dec 2024

Syphilis family traced to Pre-Columbian Americas

In spring 1495, the Italian campaign of Charles VIII of France was interrupted by an intense outbreak of an apparently unknown illness – a disease of high mortality that quickly engulfed the whole of Europe and left its survivors with life changing impairments to their bodies and minds.

18 Dec 2024

MS medications do not increase pregnancy risks, research shows

An analysis of over 3,700 pregnancies of women with multiple sclerosis indicates that the therapy doesn’t lead to increased risks of miscarriage, premature birth or serious birth defects.

18 Dec 2024