Journal Articles
News Articles
BCI could help comatose patients communicate
Key Highlights
- Noninvasive brain-computer interfaces could help comatose patients with hidden consciousness communicate with healthcare providers and family members.
- Research has shown that many patients with acute brain injury have preserved consciousness despite appearing comatose.
- Dr. Jan Claassen, a pioneer in recognizing hidden consciousness in brain-injured patients, led the study and hopes to give these patients a voice in the future.
A recent study at Columbia University found that unresponsive ICU patients were able to communicate by raising and lowering the frequency of a beeping tone with their minds using noninvasive EEG electrodes.
Large dataset reveals hidden causes of side effects of medicines and vaccines
Key Highlights
- Researchers at the University of Tartu developed a questionnaire on side effects completed by participants of the Estonian Biobank, with over 13,000 reporting medicine-related side effects and nearly 16,000 reporting vaccine-related side effects.
- The dataset allows for the study of rare and serious side effects that are often difficult to detect in smaller studies, offering opportunities to investigate the genetic basis of side effects and why individuals may react differently to the same medication.
- Identifying genetic variants associated with increased risk of side effects can help healthcare professionals personalize treatment plans and improve medication safety for patients.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology reveals a large dataset of medicine- and vaccine-related side effects reported by nearly 46,000 participants, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals to better understand patient experiences and challenges.
Call to end financial discrimination of cancer survivors in Europe
Key Highlights
- Many cancer survivors face financial discrimination years after successful treatment.
- The 'Right to be Forgotten' allows survivors to no longer declare their past cancer after a set period without relapse.
- Several EU Member States have adopted legal protections for cancer survivors, with Ireland and Malta being the most recent.
- The revised EU Consumer Credit Directive limits the use of cancer history for insurance linked to consumer credit, but mortgages are not covered.
- Variations in waiting periods, loan ceilings, and covered financial products still exist across Europe, highlighting the need for consistent protections.
Healthcare professionals in Europe are being called to end financial discrimination against cancer survivors by recognizing the 'Right to be Forgotten' as a human right. This initiative aims to ensure that survivors are not refused or charged more for mortgages, loans, and insurance based on their medical history.
Taipei Brings Six Biomedical Innovations to MEDICA 2026
Key Highlights
- BioSenseTek specializes in electrophysiology integration and wireless vital-sign monitoring for smart wards and emergency care.
- JUBILEE Biomedical uses cold plasma, ultrasound, and microbubble technologies for medical aesthetics, skin health, and chronic wound care solutions.
- ACT Genomics focuses on precision oncology through next-generation sequencing and genomic profiling to support cancer care and Biopharma programs.
Six Taipei-based biomedical companies will showcase innovations in precision medicine and smart healthcare at MEDICA 2026, supported by the Taipei City Government to connect local innovators with global market opportunities.
Atrial fibrillation: heart rhythm management for stroke prevention
Key Highlights
- Ischemic stroke is the most common type of stroke, where blood flow is blocked to part of the brain.
- Early rhythm control can be achieved through medication, electrical cardioversion, or catheter ablation.
- Restoring the heart's normal rhythm early in patients with both stroke and atrial fibrillation may lower the risk of a second stroke.
Early rhythm control for atrial fibrillation in patients who have had an ischemic stroke may reduce the risk of another stroke or blood clot by up to 6%. The study suggests that early rhythm control could be a beneficial prevention strategy for this population.
Key Highlights
- More than 80 nutrition experts are calling on the White House to release the proposed definition of ultra-processed foods.
- The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University is leading the effort to present the petition to the Office of Management and Budget.
- The Department of Health and Human Services wants the definition to be released before the upcoming midterms as part of the Make America Healthy Again movement.
Over 80 nutrition researchers and experts are urging the White House to release the proposed definition of ultra-processed foods, which was canceled under pressure from major food companies. The Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University is leading the effort to push for the release of the definition before the
Key Highlights
- Health insurance premiums have risen by 9%, making coverage more expensive for many Americans.
- An increasing number of Americans are finding it difficult to access health insurance, leading to potential gaps in coverage.
- Healthcare professionals should stay informed about these trends and be prepared to help patients find affordable healthcare options.
Health insurance premiums have increased by 9% and more Americans are facing challenges accessing coverage. Healthcare professionals should be aware of these trends and be prepared to assist patients in navigating the changing landscape of healthcare.
Key Highlights
- China biopharma industry facing potential crackdowns
- Health insurance costs for employer-sponsored plans increasing, especially for workers at small companies
- Increased efforts to target fraud in healthcare industry
Healthcare professionals should be aware of looming crackdowns on China biopharma, soaring health insurance costs, and increased efforts to target fraud in the healthcare industry.