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Medicine
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Medicine. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
The Ngau Tam Mei site in the Northern Metropolis, with land reserved for Hong Kong’s third medical school. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong should open third medical school sooner amid Sino-US tensions: expert

Former head of Hospital Authority Anthony Wu says new institution must embrace technology and prepare to train talent soon.

Wellness

5 years after pandemic began, long Covid still turns lives upside down

US-China relations

Opinion | US-China science pact renewal a ray of hope amid techno-nationalism

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Wellness

Snake gut secrets unlocked by new study may help treat human diseases

Research on how pythons regenerate their guts may open door to treatment for Crohn’s and coeliac diseases, colorectal cancer, even diabetes.

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The mechanisms pythons use to regrow their intestines may provide insight on treatments for human gastrointestinal diseases, a new study shows. Photo: Dreamstime/TNS
Science

A liver acid could be an anti-ageing ‘elixir’, Chinese scientists say

Researchers find naturally occurring acid induces pseudo-starvation effects, resulting in anti-ageing effects in animals.

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Wellness

Why Chinese Gen Z are getting TCM winter body check-ups

Lei Yun Shang’s traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic in Shanghai is seeing more young people get health checks as winter sets in.

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Wellness

Surge in colon cancer in young people reflects global lifestyle changes

Colon cancer rates are falling among older people, but rising among young people because of sedentary lifestyles and processed-food diets.

Snack foods tend to be in high in salt, sugar, and fat. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

Trump nominees should ‘steer clear’ of undermining polio vaccine: McConnell

Republican heavyweight Mitch McConnell warns against efforts to undermine public confidence in the polio vaccine.

New medical drugs

Novel drug awaits Hong Kong diabetics suffering from debilitating eye disease

Oculis’ OCS-01 eye drops, currently in phase 3 trials for diabetic macular edema, can be an alternative to injection, CEO says.

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Wellness

Explainer | Why ‘growing snakes’ – shingles – is so painful and how to prevent it

Shingles causes a rash that can feel like ‘being burned and electrocuted’ at the same time. We look at its symptoms, treatment and vaccine.

That snake-like shingles rash can appear anywhere - not just on the trunk, but also the face where it can affect the eyes and vision. Photo: Shutterstock
Wellness

Explainer | As TCM is promoted in Hong Kong, a primer on the cultural ‘treasure’

A festival of traditional Chinese medicine and a dedicated hospital are ways TCM is being promoted in the city. Here’s what you need to know.

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Chinese herbal medicine is dispensed at a pharmacy in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Mainland internships ‘could be option’ at proposed Hong Kong medical school

Two experts say planning and preparation for Hong Kong’s third medical school will take time.

Britain

UK bans puberty blockers for under-18s with gender dysphoria

Health Secretary Wes Streeting cited a review that concluded that the long-term benefits for treating gender-related distress were unproven.

Food and Drinks

What is Pei Pa Koa and why is Ariana Grande adding it to her ‘vocal box’?

The Chinese cough syrup, loved by singers like Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey, is also finding its way into cocktails around the world.

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Ariana Grande arrives at the fourth annual Academy Museum Gala on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Help for 5,000 in Hong Kong traditional Chinese medicine mental health project

Baptist University project promotes use of Chinese medicine to treat depression, anxiety or insomnia.

The Chinese medicine practitioner examines tongue coating, complexion and pulse of the participant, as well as his or her physical characteristics. Photo:
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

About 90% of vulnerable Hongkongers got last Covid jab more than 12 months ago

Concern group urges residents to get inoculated against Covid-19 as city enters winter flu season.

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Hong Kong society

Editorial | Effort needed to lift Hong Kong’s organ donation rates

While respect for cultural sensitivities must be maintained, becoming a donor is ultimately about saving and improving the quality of lives.

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Gun violence in the US

Murder and memes: CEO’s killing exposes frustrations with US medical system

His death did not draw much online sympathy, and a research group noted his firm denies a striking one-third of all health insurance claims.

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Police have released this image of the suspected shooter in the slaying of UnitedHeathcare CEO Brian Thompson. Photo: NYPD via TNS
Artificial intelligence

Tsinghua University-fostered start-up to widen test of AI-based virtual hospital

The Agent Hospital developed by Tairex, formed under Tsinghua’s Institute for Al Industry Research, will conduct public tests next year.

Joe Biden

White House hosts Aids Memorial Quilt for first time

Marking World Aids Day, President Joe Biden lauded the Aids advocacy movement and praised Dr Anthony Fauci.

Biomedicine: Companies

Hong Kong start-up eyes global pest control market with scent-based products

Plasticvore is a two-year old biotech start-up offering alternative, humane solutions to controlling and eliminating pests, founder says.

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Plasticvore is eyeing orders from the US, Europe and Southeast Asia, founder Rick Lui says. Photo: Edmond So
Britain

UK lawmakers give initial support to assisted dying bill

Mentally competent, terminally ill adults with six months or less left to live would be allowed to end their lives with medical help.

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The assisted dying proposal has stirred a national debate in Britain, with former prime ministers, faith leaders, doctors, judges, the disabled and ministers in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government weighing in. Photo: Reuters
Cancer

Scientists developing rapid, portable test for skin cancers

The three-year study will examine how to create the rapid sensor, which would not need specialist training to use.

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Icons and Influencers

Who is Donald Trump’s glam surgeon general nominee, Janette Nesheiwat?

Before becoming a top doctor in the US, Nesheiwat worked as the medical director for CityMD – a chain of urgent care centres across New York – and regularly contributes to Fox News.

Health & Fitness

China expands health insurance coverage with 91 new drugs, innovative treatments

The health authority shows its support for novel drugs, while driving tough bargains with pharmaceutical firms on prices.

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China has added dozens of new drugs to its medical insurance reimbursement list. Photo: Getty Images
Education in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s new medical school to work closely with Northern Metropolis partners

Task group unveils framework for proposals to set up school, as health minister stresses need for ‘quality and quantity’ of medical professionals.

The Northern Metropolis will house the new medical school and an integrated teaching and research hospital. Photo: Martin Chan
Beauty

Beauty’s latest hero? Why cica, or Centella asiatica, is sprouting everywhere

The botanical wonder started out as an anti-inflammatory and has now graduated to skincare, say dermatologists Dr Jason Stevens and Dr Eugene Tan.

Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Senior managers at Hong Kong public hospitals to face pay freeze over blunders

Firing staff not an option for punitive action given public health sector’s manpower crunch, Hospital Authority chairman says.

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