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Health
U.S. Launches New Actions Against Alpha-Gal Syndrome
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced new actions to address alpha-gal syndrome. The CDC estimates 500,000 Americans have the tick-borne illness.
Latest in Health
Big Tobacco Strategies Used in Ultra-Processed Foods
Big tobacco firms applied cigarette marketing and formulation tactics to ultra-processed foods like Lunchables. Researchers say these methods targeted children’s psychological needs and increased health risks.
New Maternity Billing Codes Take Effect in January
New fee-for-service billing codes for maternity care begin in January, replacing a decades-old bundled payment system. The change allows personalized care billing and separate reimbursement for specialists, with costs to patients depending on insurer adoption.
Journal Urges Policy Action on Ultra-Processed Foods
A special issue of the American Journal of Public Health calls for government regulation of ultra-processed foods. Researchers say public education alone cannot address health risks and cite broad political support for interventions.
Primary Infertility Linked to Earlier Menopause
Women with primary infertility reach menopause one year earlier than others. They face higher risk of early but not premature menopause.
Study Urges Shift to Plant-Based Foods in Dietary Guidelines
A 2026 study finds the 2025–30 Dietary Guidelines for Americans increase environmental harm by promoting animal-based protein. Replacing ultra-processed foods with plant-based options would benefit public and planetary health.
Munster Charged With Smuggling Deactivated Mpox Virus
Vincent Munster and Claude Kwe were charged with smuggling vials of deactivated mpox virus into the U.S. and lying to authorities. Both virologists failed to declare the biological materials or obtain required import permits.
Gamitrinib Shows Safe Early Results in Phase 1 Trial
Gamitrinib was safely given to 18 patients with advanced cancer in a phase 1 trial. No dose-limiting side effects occurred, and blood tests confirmed expected drug behavior.
Prayer Reduces Pain and Anxiety in Primary Care Patients
A University of Maryland School of Medicine trial found five minutes of proximal intercessory prayer reduced pain and anxiety more than music in primary care patients. Black participants reported larger symptom improvements, and most supported offering prayer in future visits.
UC Irvine Study Links ADC Cancer Drugs to Blood Risks
UC Irvine researchers identified serious blood-related side effects from certain antibody-drug conjugates used in cancer treatment. The study analyzed data from 3,511 patients across six UC medical centers between 2012 and 2024.
Uninsured Rate for Young U.S. Children Rises
A Georgetown University study found the uninsured rate for children under 6 rose from 4.3% in 2022 to 5.3% in 2024. Texas had the highest state-level rate at 10.8% in 2024.
ICE Detainees Allege Systemic Medical Neglect
Hundreds of detainees in 33 states sue ICE over systematic denial of medical care. Lawsuits cite worsening conditions, untreated illnesses, and preventable deaths in custody.
Vaping Alters Thousands of Genes, USC Study Finds
Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that regular vaping changes activity in 3,124 genes. Flavor type and device generation drove more genetic variation than vaping frequency.
Vanderbilt Study Finds Lower Alzheimer’s Pathology in Black, Hispanic Older Adults
Vanderbilt Health researchers found Black and Hispanic older adults with cognitive impairment show less Alzheimer’s pathology on brain scans. The study suggests ethnoracial dementia disparities may stem from differing underlying causes.
CMS Issues Medicaid Work Rules for 2025
The CMS released guidance requiring many Medicaid adults to work or volunteer 80 hours monthly starting January 1, 2025. Exemptions apply to certain groups, but not the homeless, and states determine qualifying medical conditions.
FDA Approves XOCOVA to Prevent COVID-19 After Exposure
The FDA approved XOCOVA as the first oral drug to prevent COVID-19 after exposure in people 12 and older. Clinical trials showed it reduced symptomatic infection risk by 67% when taken early.
Survey Finds Rising AI Chatbot Use for Youth Mental Health
A 2025 survey found 19% of U.S. adolescents and young adults used AI chatbots for mental health advice. RAND researcher Ryan McBain called for regulation due to lack of safety standards.
GRWD5769 Shrinks Tumors Across Six Cancer Types
An early trial shows GRWD5769 shrank tumors in 26 of 83 patients with treatment-resistant cancers. The tablet was well tolerated and halted progression in up to 55% of some cancer groups.
FDA Misses Deadline to Ban Shock Devices
The FDA missed its May 2026 deadline to decide on banning electrical shock devices used on people with intellectual disabilities and autism. The agency had renewed its regulatory process after Congress granted it explicit authority in 2022.
Bovine Colostrum Gains Traction as Gut Health Supplement
Bovine colostrum is being promoted as a supplement for gut and immune health. Experts note limited evidence and caution against relying on it over diet and lifestyle.
PROTEUS Trial Shows Apalutamide Improves Prostate Cancer Outcomes
Adding apalutamide to androgen-deprivation therapy improved metastasis-free survival and pathologic response in high-risk prostate cancer patients. Adam Kibel called the results promising for reshaping standard care.
Replimune to Resubmit Melanoma Drug Application
Replimune plans to resubmit its melanoma drug application to the FDA for review. The agency has agreed to prioritize the review following recent leadership changes and constructive talks.
Twenge Links Student Score Declines to Tech Use
Jean Twenge attributes U.S. student reading and math score drops since 2013 to increased technology and social media use. She argues immigration cannot explain the scale of decline and recommends limiting screen access for students.
Tomato-Soy Juice Lowers Inflammation in Adults With Obesity
A 2026 clinical study found tomato-soy juice reduced inflammatory markers in adults with obesity. The juice contained high-lycopene tomatoes and soy isoflavones, and effects were not seen with a control juice.
Top facts in Health
- Big Tobacco Strategies Used in Ultra-Processed Foods 0 facts
- New Maternity Billing Codes Take Effect in January 0 facts
- Journal Urges Policy Action on Ultra-Processed Foods 0 facts
- Primary Infertility Linked to Earlier Menopause 0 facts
- Study Urges Shift to Plant-Based Foods in Dietary Guidelines 0 facts