Every year, influenza sweeps through France, leading to over 1 million visits to doctors, 20, 000 hospital stays, and sadly, around 9, 000 deaths. This virus doesn't discriminate, but it does hit some groups harder than others. Adults aged 50 and over are at a higher risk. Why? As people age, they often develop long-term health issues. These conditions make it toughe...
The 100, 000 Genomes Project is a big deal in the world of genetics. It's all about sequencing genomes to find extra bits of information. This isn't just about finding out what makes us unique. It's also about discovering health risks that people might not know they have. But there's a catch. Returning these extra findings isn't cheap. So, how do we figure out if it'...
In many developing countries, tuberculosis (TB) often goes undetected or is diagnosed too late. This delay leads to unnecessary suffering, deaths, and further spread of the disease. One promising solution is decentralized testing, which brings accurate TB diagnosis closer to where people live. The Truenat MTB assays are a prime example of this approach. They offer po...
In January 2024, Chinese officials gave the green light to nirsevimab. This drug is designed to shield infants from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In Shanghai, researchers wanted to see if using nirsevimab for babies was a good deal. They looked at two plans: giving the shot all year or just during certain months. They also considered two scenarios: if the shot w...
Let's dive into the world of kidney disease treatment. Two main options exist for people with failing kidneys: home dialysis and in-center dialysis. Home dialysis, done daily, has some clear benefits. It can improve a person's quality of life and offer more flexibility in scheduling. However, the costs and potential life-saving benefits of this treatment method have ...
Tonsil issues in adults can be a real pain. For years, the go-to fix has been a tonsillectomy. This is where doctors remove the tonsils completely. But recovery can be tough. It often involves a lot of pain and time off work. So, researchers have been looking into a different approach: laser tonsillotomy. This method uses a laser to reduce the size of the tonsils ins...
Japan has been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, much like the rest of the world. As the virus continues to evolve, so do the treatments. One such treatment is molnupiravir. This antiviral drug has been a topic of discussion, especially when it comes to its cost-effectiveness for older adults. These are individuals aged 65 and above, who have mild to moderate COV...
Colorectal cancer is a serious health issue. It is the third most common cancer worldwide. It can be tough to treat, especially when it comes back after initial treatment, which is known as refractory colorectal cancer. Doctors have several options for treating this type of cancer. They often turn to systemic treatments. These treatments use drugs to fight cance...
Elderly individuals, particularly those needing assistance with daily chores, frequently find themselves in emergency rooms. This happens often and is a significant issue. Why does this matter? Because many of these hospital trips could be avoided with the right tools. Smart technology offers a solution by monitoring health remotely. This approach can catch health pr...
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a tricky disease to diagnose. It's a type of lung disease that scars the lungs over time, making it hard to breathe. Doctors often rely on biopsies to confirm IPF, but this can be risky and uncomfortable for patients. New technology is changing the game. Machine learning algorithms are stepping in to help diagnose IPF without n...