Aktiia wearable uses light to monitor blood pressure, 24/7

People with hypertension often have to perform arm-cuff blood pressure readings multiple times per day. Not only is this a hassle, but it may not provide a complete picture of their problem – that's where the always-on Aktiia wearable comes in.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingAktiia wearable uses light to monitor blood pressure, 24/7

Israel begins roll out of 4th COVID vaccine dose

Israel has begun the world’s first roll-out of a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose. The program is initially focusing on patients with compromised immune systems, while a study is underway testing the safety and efficacy of a fourth dose in 6,000 people.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingIsrael begins roll out of 4th COVID vaccine dose

FDA authorization of Merck COVID pill called “worst decision in its history”

The FDA issued emergency use authorization to a second oral COVID-19 treatment. Molnupiravir is not as effective as Pfizer’s recently approved COVID pill and experts are concerned the drug has the potential to generate new SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingFDA authorization of Merck COVID pill called “worst decision in its history”

CDC estimates Omicron now accounts for 73% of US COVID cases

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates the Omicron variant is now dominant in the United States. The CDC’s variant-tracking model found Omicron has skyrocketed in prevalence over the course of two to three weeks.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingCDC estimates Omicron now accounts for 73% of US COVID cases

Pfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral pill 89% effective against hospitalization

Positive data has been announced from a trial testing Pfizer’s antiviral pill developed to treat COVID-19. The final analysis revealed the five-day oral treatment reduced COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths by 89 percent in high-risk individuals.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingPfizer’s COVID-19 antiviral pill 89% effective against hospitalization

India’s Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine 77.8% effective, Lancet study finds

A new study in The Lancet is offering the first peer-reviewed and published data on the efficacy of Covaxin, a COVID-19 vaccine developed in India. The vaccine was 77.8 percent effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 in a Phase 3 clinical trial.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingIndia’s Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine 77.8% effective, Lancet study finds

Study compares decline in effectiveness of 3 COVID vaccines over time

A study comparing the effectiveness of three COVID-19 vaccines over eight months found protection from infection declined but protection from death remained strong. Tracking 800,000 US Veterans, the study found the J&J vaccine showed the greatest decline.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingStudy compares decline in effectiveness of 3 COVID vaccines over time

Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids aged 5 to 11 in the US

An endorsement by Rochelle Walensky, director of the US CDC, is the final regulatory hurdle to be overcome allowing a special pediatric formulation of Pfizer's mRNA vaccine to be administered to children across the United States.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingPfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved for kids aged 5 to 11 in the US

Statins unlikely to prevent severe COVID-19, Johns Hopkins study finds

New research has found no evidence statin use can reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 or death. Countering studies suggesting statins may protect against severe COVID-19, the study indicates statins could slightly increase the risk of serious illness.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingStatins unlikely to prevent severe COVID-19, Johns Hopkins study finds

Most US fast food found to contain potentially harmful chemicals

A first-of-its-kind study has measured levels of plasticizer chemicals in a number of fast food products. The findings reveal high concentrations of a number of potentially harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, in almost all samples studied.

Source of Article

Continue ReadingMost US fast food found to contain potentially harmful chemicals