Barbie’s big medical question = Are Barbie and Kens bodies physically possible in real life? It is very unlikely. Barbie has an estimated BMI of 16.24. But is this body possible for Barbie in real life? Ken has an unusual body as well. The debate has been restarted by the new Barbie film, which was […]
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Oppenheimer’s awareness of medical effects of atom bomb Who was Oppenheimer? What did he do and did he have any regrets? And was he aware of the long-term medical effects of the atomic bomb? This article will answer these questions. Who was Oppenheimer? Robert Oppenheimer (1904-1967) is often credited with being the ‘father of the […]
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How much exercise is needed to ease depression? A new study in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) by Laird et al has found that just 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day for 5 days a week can lower the risk of depressive symptoms significantly. Methods. The study aimed to find the lowest […]
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What? The National Health Service (NHS) has announced a significant expansion of the eligibility criteria for shingles vaccination starting this September. This extension will make nearly one million more people (900,000) qualified for the Shingrix vaccine, known for its effectiveness in preventing shingles – a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus. At […]
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What? The National Health Service (NHS) in England is preparing for a significant disruption due to the first strike of consultant doctors and hospital-based dentists in a decade. The strike is expected to take place from 7 a.m. Thursday until 7 a.m. Saturday, with consultants providing only emergency care services during this period. This comes […]
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Hormonal vs copper IUDs – which is right for you? Both hormonal coils (such as a Mirena), and copper coils are small T-shaped plastic devices which are inserted into the uterus to prevent pregnancy. Both methods of contraception are over 99% effective and long-lasting; so may be good options if you don’t want to have […]
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________________________________________ ________________________________________ This week a blog from guest author Hannah Afsar who sheds light on a timely issue faced by patients. AI vs. Human Doctors: A Comparative Study What? In recent months, artificial intelligence (AI) and its adoption in various sectors, especially healthcare, has been a hot topic. Its potential use in doctor-patient interactions is […]
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Ketamine versus ECT for nonpsychotic major depression In the NEJM recently Anand et al carried out a RCT of ketamine versus ECT (electro-convulsive therapy) in major depression. Method. Patients with treatment-resistant major depression without psychosis were recruited and assigned to receive ketamine or ECT. During an initial 3-week treatment phase, patients received either ECT three […]
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What? In a recent turn of events, junior doctors in Scotland have agreed to hold off impending strike after the Scottish government proposed a new pay offer. The British Medical Association (BMA) Scotland agreed to pause the strike, initially scheduled for 12-15th July, while they consult with their members about the proposed 12.4% pay increase […]
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Study finds metformin reduces the risk of long COVID by 40% Metformin – a cheap, safe, and widely available diabetes drug – could reduce the incidence of long COVID if given during the acute phase of COVID-19, a new study in the Lancet indicates. A two week course of metformin given within three days of […]
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