Eliminating the placebo effect is a common part of clinical evaluation leading to drug registration, and it is often considered an explanation for why alternative treatments may seem to work for some people. Its opposite, the nocebo effect, is mentioned far less often, even though a recently published study suggests it can be stronger and last longer.

Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious complication that significantly increases the risk of amputation and overall patient mortality. Although some lesions may appear healed at first glance, the risk of recurrence remains. A research team funded by the U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) has described a method that offers a new perspective on seemingly healed wounds and can detect the risk of complications early — transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

Lékaři dnes čelí nové informační asymetrii. Už nestačí být odborníkem, ale i komunikátorem, který dokáže obstát v prostředí algoritmů a emocionálních narativů. Zdravotní dezinformace na TikToku a dalších sítích oslabují důvěru pacientů a mění způsob, jakým lékaři musí vést rozhovor i edukaci. Jaká jsou doporučení pro medicínskou praxi?

Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a new tool in the rehabilitation of patients after a stroke. A team from University of Michigan Health has developed the NeuRRoVR system, which integrates VR elements into physiotherapeutic methods to support motor recovery and brain neuroplasticity. The technology enhances patient motivation and adds an element of playfulness to standard rehabilitation routines.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) show promising anti-obesity effects, but their efficacy varies among individuals. A newly published study examined the role of the NBEA (neurobeachin) gene in weight loss while using these drugs, analyzing two large cohorts of real-world patients.

"Herbs rather than chemicals." Doctors are hearing similar statements more and more often. This attitude reflects the so-called appeal to nature – a logical fallacy based on the assumption that natural means better and safer. In academic literature, this type of thinking is more broadly referred to as the naturalistic fallacy. Such reasoning significantly influences not only patients’ decisions but often also those of healthcare professionals themselves.

Shift work can be physically and mentally demanding for employees, often taking a toll on their health. Researchers in the United Kingdom set out to investigate how this type of work affects women—specifically, they explored the potential link between shift work and the development of asthma.