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Thursday, April 16, 2026
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Morning Briefing |
In This Edition:
From KFF Health News:
1. New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month of Work. Some States Demand More.
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Applicants must show they’ve been working for at least a month before receiving benefits. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period. (Samantha Liss, 4/16)
2. As US Birth Rate Falls, Feds’ Response May Make Pregnancy More Dangerous
A funding notice for Title X shifts the program’s emphasis from contraception to fertility, family formation, and addressing conditions that could cause infertility, including endometriosis. Experts say these priorities overlook key demographic trends, epidemiology, prevention of unwanted pregnancies, and the nation's high maternal mortality. (Céline Gounder, 4/16)
3. Political Cartoon: 'OR Lost and Found?'
KFF Health News provides a fresh take on health policy developments with "Political Cartoon: 'OR Lost and Found?'" by Dave Coverly.
Here's today's health policy haiku:
If you have a health policy haiku to share, please Contact Us and let us know if we can include your name. Haikus follow the format of 5-7-5 syllables. We give extra brownie points if you link back to an original story.
Opinions expressed in haikus and cartoons are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions of KFF Health News or KFF.
Summaries Of The News:
4. HHS Hires Economic Adviser To Oversee Health Care Affordability
The newly appointed chief economist and chief regulatory officer, Casey Mulligan, served on the Council of Economic Advisers during the previous Trump administration. This comes ahead of the midterms, as voters continue to express concern over health care costs, Axios reports.
Axios: HHS Brings On New Official To Tackle Health Care Affordability Ahead Of Midterms
The Trump administration is bringing on a new official to focus on health care affordability, the Department of Health and Human Services tells Axios. The personnel move suggests the administration is attempting to respond to voters' concerns about health care costs ahead of the midterm elections. (Owens, 4/16)
More on the high cost of health care —
Modern Healthcare: Baylor Scott & White Health Plan Exits Medicaid, ACA Marketplaces
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan is quitting Medicaid and the health insurance exchange, the company announced Tuesday. The insurance division of the Dallas-based health system Baylor Scott & White Health notified members and Texas regulators it would leave the Medicaid managed care program on Aug. 31 and shut down its individual exchange operations at the end of the year. (Tong, 4/15)
Modern Healthcare: The ACA Exchanges Are Shaky. This Insurer Wants In Anyway
Colorado Access President and CEO Annie Lee knows it’s a strange time to enter the health insurance exchanges. The expiration of enhanced subsidies combined with unexpectedly high medical costs and uncertainty over how President Donald Trump’s administration will reshape the Affordable Care Act of 2010 marketplaces hasn’t exactly attracted insurers, she said. CVS Health subsidiary Aetna notably exited the market last year, for example. “Things have become more volatile. There’s not a financial draw,” Lee said. (Tepper, 4/15)
The CT Mirror: Lamont Pushes Health Insurance Tax Credits For CT Employers
Gov. Ned Lamont has got a sweet deal for Connecticut small businesses struggling to provide health insurance coverage to their employees. (Golvala, 4/15)
NBC News: This CEO Wants To Cover Weight Loss Drugs For Employees. They're Just Too Expensive
For Dr. Joseph Cacchione, the math on GLP-1 drugs stopped making sense. The CEO of the Philadelphia-based nonprofit hospital system Jefferson said his organization now spends more on prescription drug coverage — fueled by the soaring use of weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound — than it does on inpatient care. (Lovelace Jr., Herzberg and Thompson, 4/16)
Modern Healthcare: Hospital M&A Ramps Up As Providers Prepare For Medicaid Cuts
Hospital merger and acquisition activity has ramped up as health systems brace for financial pressure from shifting federal policies. Health systems proposed 22 hospital mergers and acquisitions in the first quarter, up from five in the first quarter of 2025 and nearing pre-pandemic levels of deal activity, according to data from consultancy Kaufman Hall. Executives have inked more merger and acquisition agreements this year following a historically slow 2025, and advisers expect the momentum to continue for the rest of the year. (Kacik, 4/15)
Stat: CMS Proposes Rolling Back Breakthrough Device Payment Flexibilities
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is proposing to repeal a pathway that currently allows breakthrough devices to qualify for supplementary payments without proving they provide a substantial clinical improvement over alternatives. (Palmer, 4/15)
5. RFK Jr. Taking The Hot Seat To Answer For Hot-Button Health Care Initiatives
Starting today on Capitol Hill, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will likely face lawmakers' questions regarding the court-blocked changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, the upheaval at HHS during his tenure, and the department’s budget, Capitol Hill aides say. Plus, the latest on RFK Jr.'s peptide push.
The Washington Post: Congress Set To Grill RFK Jr. Over Public Health Upheaval, Budget
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set for a marathon of congressional hearings starting Thursday, where lawmakers will have the opportunity to grill him for the first time in over seven months. Since then, Kennedy overhauled the childhood vaccine schedule to recommend fewer shots, a move which alarmed medical experts and has been blocked by a federal judge. His health department has undergone a major leadership shake-up. And Kennedy has leaned into his messaging around food and nutrition as GOP pollsters warn of the political risks of vaccine skepticism ahead of the midterms. (Roubein and Weber, 4/16)
The Hill: Protect Our Care Report Slams Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ahead Of Hearings
The progressive health care advocacy group Protect Our Care is releasing a highly critical review of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first 14 months in office ahead of a marathon series of hearings he will have in the House and Senate this month to defend President Trump’s budget request. In the report titled “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. vs. Public Health,” shown first to The Hill, Protect Our Care highlights the secretary’s actions on vaccines, medical research, food as well as his apparent aims of mobilizing his “Make America Healthy Again” base as a key voting block ahead of the midterms. (Choi, 4/15)
More on RFK Jr. and MAHA —
Stat: FDA Peptide Advisers Expected To Support RFK Jr.'s Legalization Push
The Food and Drug Administration will convene an outside panel of advisers to discuss whether to allow compounding pharmacies to manufacture certain peptides, the agency announced on Wednesday. The meetings will take place July 23 and 24. Another will be held before the end of February 2027. (Lawrence and Todd, 4/15)
NPR: Middle East Conflict Causes A Fluoride Shortage For US Drinking Water
This week, the City of Baltimore's public water system cut fluoride levels in its drinking water nearly in half. Baltimore City isn't alone. U.S. water systems are facing a shortage of hydrofluorosilicic acid, a chemical used to fluoridate drinking water to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The specialized chemical is mainly sourced from a small pool of international producers. And the conflict in the Middle East is disrupting the supply chain. Managers of U.S. water systems say the shortage in fluoridation chemicals is unprecedented. (Huang, 4/15)
CIDRAP: New Poll Shows Support For MAHA Is ‘Highly Vulnerable’
A new poll from a progressive polling firm shows support for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement is narrow and highly vulnerable, and that support drops significantly when voters learn about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s actions in office and his policies. The poll, conducted by Data for Progress and RFK Jr Watch, a project of 314 Action, comes from a national sample of 2,350 likely voters. While many say they support the movement’s goals, only one in six actually identify with the movement. Roughly 30% of those polled outright reject it. Half of Republicans (50%) and 40% of swing district voters said they support many tenets of MAHA but do not identify with the movement. (Soucheray, 4/15)
President Trump jokes about his soda consumption —
The Hill: Oz Says Trump Defended Diet Soda Habit, Joking It ‘Kills Cancer Cells’
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz revealed on Monday that President Trump has an unusual defense for his diet soda habit, joking that the president often says the beverage “kills cancer cells.” “Your dad argues that diet soda is good for him because it kills grass. It’s poured on grass, so therefore must kill cancer cells inside the body,” Oz told Donald Trump Jr. on “Triggered,” the president’s son’s podcast. (Brams, 4/15)
6. American Medical Group Association, Talkiatry Team Up To Broaden Access To Mental Health Providers
Under the terms of the deal, the more than 175,000 physicians who are members of the AMGA can virtually connect their patients to Talkiatry's network of more than 800 psychiatrists, Modern Healthcare reports.
Modern Healthcare: AMGA, Talkiatry Partner To Expand Psychiatric Care Access
The American Medical Group Association announced a deal with Talkiatry under which its member organizations can connect patients to the company’s virtual mental health providers. Patients of AMGA members will have access to Talkiatry’s network of more than 800 psychiatrists whose services are covered by more than 100 insurers, the organizations said Wednesday. Long wait times for behavioral care, high demand for services and a shortage of psychiatrists in the healthcare workforce were driving forces behind the partnership, AMGA and Talkiatry said. (DeSilva, 4/15)
In other developments from the health care industry —
San Francisco Chronicle: UC Hospital, Service Workers Plan Open-Ended Statewide Strike
The union for thousands of University of California employees announced Wednesday that they will walk off the job indefinitely beginning May 14 to protest stalled contract negotiations for medical center and campus workers ranging from cafeteria cooks to X-ray technicians. The open-ended strike by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 is intended to pressure UC to improve pay and benefits for 42,000 union members at five medical centers and 10 campuses across California. (Asimov, 4/15)
Chicago Tribune: West Suburban Owner Takes Step Toward Reopening Hospital
After abruptly shuttering last month, West Suburban Medical Center announced Wednesday morning that it is taking a step toward reopening by resuming some outpatient services. (Schencker, 4/15)
Axios: Finish Line: The Quiet Rise Of 'Prescribing Connection'
Your doctor's new prescription might be for a fishing rod, or other goods or services you won't find at a pharmacy. With the rise of "social prescribing," physicians are sending patients to choirs, art studios, walking clubs and lakesides. Overstretched health systems and a worsening loneliness epidemic are forcing a hard look at how social interventions can improve mental and physical health. (Daher, 4/15)
In pharmaceutical industry news —
The New York Times: Analysis Of Alzheimer’s Drugs Stirs Debate About Their Effectiveness
Since the approval of new Alzheimer’s drugs in recent years, there has been a lingering question: While data indicated that they could modestly slow cognitive decline for some patients, would that effect be meaningful or too slight to make difference? A new review of research spanning a decade, published on Wednesday, concluded that the clinical benefit of these and similar drugs is negligible. But the way the review was conducted spurred heated criticism from many Alzheimer’s experts, including some who had been skeptical of some of them. (Belluck, 4/15)
Newsweek: Cancer Therapy Breakthrough Offers Hope Beyond Cancer Patients
CAR‑T cell therapy, a cutting‑edge cancer treatment, is showing growing promise far beyond oncology—offering potential relief to people with severe autoimmune diseases who have exhausted other options. “In simple terms, CAR T‑cell therapy is a form of treatment that uses a person’s own immune cells to attack and kill their cancer cells,” Dr. Vinod Balasa, medical director of Valley Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, told Newsweek. “While chemotherapy uses a shotgun approach that can impact normal cells while it kills cancer cells, CAR T‑cell therapy is a targeted treatment.” (Fleur Afshar, 4/14)
The Wall Street Journal: Big Pharma Is Thinking Small On Deals. That’s A Boon For Biotech.
Big Pharma is on the prowl for biotech companies, but it’s acting stingy. Deal sizes are smaller, valuations are reasonable and buyers are walking away from megadeals when sellers push too hard on price. (Wainer, 4/13)
The Hill: Novo Nordisk Partners With OpenAI In Weight Loss Drug Race
Novo Nordisk, the maker of popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, is partnering with OpenAI to deploy the technology across its operations as it looks to keep pace with rapid expansion in the obesity drug market. The Danish company announced in a statement on Tuesday that it would use AI to analyze complex datasets, identify promising drug candidates and reduce the time between research and patient application. (Brams, 4/14)
The Washington Post: What Is ‘Ozempic Personality,’ And Why Does It Make Life Feel ‘Meh’?
Doctors and patients across social media are reporting a kind of emotional flattening while on GLP-1 drugs. (Cha, 4/16)
In related news —
The Wall Street Journal: Exclusive: Altman Attack Suspect Called For ‘Luigi-Ing Tech CEOs’ In Online Messages
Months before his arrest for allegedly attempting to murder the chief executive of OpenAI, Daniel Moreno-Gama suggested “Luigi’ing some tech CEOs” in an internet chat. The Texas college student casually referenced Luigi Mangione, the accused UnitedHealthcare CEO killer, during an online conversation with producers of “The Last Invention” podcast, according to screenshots shared with The Wall Street Journal. They wanted to interview him for a series on artificial intelligence. (Elinson, 4/15)
7. Rotavirus Is Surging Across The US; Health Experts Note Vaccine Hesitancy
In the United States, 73.8% of children are vaccinated against the highly contagious virus, which is still surging late into the season. The Trump administration has tried to remove the rotavirus vaccine from the childhood immunization schedule. Plus, vaccine-preventable measles is still spreading.
NBC News: CDC Warns Rotavirus At High Levels In The U.S., With Life-Threatening Symptoms For Kids
It took just 48 hours for Ben Lopman’s 18-month-old son to go from being an energetic toddler to totally listless. Lopman’s son Ruben was suffering from severe dehydration from rotavirus, one of the most common causes of diarrhea and vomiting in babies and children. He was so sick, he ended up in the hospital, desperately needing intravenous fluids to keep up his strength to battle the infection. (Dunn, 4/15)
On measles, tuberculosis, tetanus, and tick bites —
San Francisco Chronicle: S.F. Infant Diagnosed With Measles, City’s First Case In 7 Years
San Francisco health officials on Wednesday reported the first case of measles in the city since 2019, in an unvaccinated infant who was infected during a recent international trip. The infant, who is less than 1 year old, was exposed while traveling and became infectious after returning, according to the San Francisco Public Health Department, which confirmed the case on Monday. The infant is recovering at home, and other members of the household have been vaccinated. (Ho, 4/15)
CIDRAP: Utah Measles Outbreak Tops 600 Cases, Now Most Active In The US
Yesterday Utah officials said the state has 602 measles cases in an outbreak that is ongoing and began last year, with 19 new infections. And though cases have been slightly declining in recent weeks, several preschools and elementary schools are now sites of recent exposures. (Soucheray, 4/15)
CIDRAP: Ultrasensitive Test Detects Tuberculosis DNA In Unexpected Number Of US Patients
A highly sensitive molecular test for tuberculosis (TB) detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in a surprising proportion of hospitalized patients, raising questions about undetected forms of the disease, according to a study published yesterday in Nature Communications. (Bergeson, 4/15)
CIDRAP: Tetanus Still Occurs Among All Ages In US, Mainly In Undervaccinated
Despite the wide availability of tetanus vaccines, US cases of the life-threatening disease continue to occur among people of all ages, especially those who are unvaccinated or undervaccinated, but at low levels, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) researchers report. The study, published today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, was based on case data from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System from 2009 to 2023. (Van Beusekom, 4/15)
ABC News: Weekly ER Visits For Tick Bites Reach Highest Level In Nearly A Decade. Will This Season Be Worse?
Weekly visits to emergency rooms for tick bites are at the highest level since at least 2017, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). During the most recent week, 71 per 100,000 ER visits were due to tick bites, compared to the average of about 30 per 100,000 ER visits for this time of year, more than double from what is typical this time of year. Currently, the Northeast is reporting the most ER visits for tick bites, followed by the Midwest, Southeast, West and South Central regions, respectively, CDC data shows. (Kekatos and Benadjaoud, 4/15)
In vaccine news from Florida —
The New York Times: DeSantis Delays Redistricting Special Session And Adds A Vaccine Bill
The Florida governor added two new agenda items to the session: legislation aimed at protecting minors from artificial intelligence and a “medical freedom” bill that would provide a new way for students to opt out of certain vaccines. DeSantis asked lawmakers to return for up to four days, from April 28 until May 1. (Mazzei and Salhotra, 4/15)
8. Many Women Who Go Out Of State For An Abortion Go To Illinois, Data Show
Stateline reports that Illinois is the destination for nearly 25% of people traveling to another state for abortion care, according to a report from the Guttmacher Institute. Illinois has implemented safe-haven policies such as a commitment to covering abortion access, coordinating care through a regional hotline, and providing funds for out-of-state patients.
Stateline: Nearly 1 In 4 People Seeking Abortions Out Of State Chose Illinois. Here’s Why.
The state’s geography explains part of its popularity; in five of the six border states, abortion is either banned or largely inaccessible. But Illinois also is among the states that have put in place new policies — along with millions of dollars — to welcome patients who aren’t their residents. Advocates and providers say other safe-haven states should replicate the investments. (Moseley-Morris, 4/15)
More abortion news —
WIS10: Latest Effort To Ban Abortion In South Carolina Heads To Full Senate Committee
The latest effort to ban abortion in South Carolina received a favorable vote from a group of lawmakers on Wednesday. The South Carolina Senate Medical Affairs Subcommittee approved S.1095 a day after an over two-hour hearing that got heated at times. The bill will now head to the full Senate Affairs Committee, where it will be heard on Thursday. The latest proposal, known as the “Unborn Child Protection Act,” would effectively replace the state’s current ban on abortion after six weeks. The bill would prohibit abortions once a pregnancy is clinically diagnosable and eliminate existing exceptions for rape, incest and fatal fetal anomalies. Abortions would be permitted only in cases of medical emergencies to prevent a woman’s death or a “substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function.” (Biddix and Owens, 4/15)
NBC News: DOJ Hosts Anti-Abortion Advocates After It Fired Staff For Work With Abortion-Rights Orgs
Anti-abortion advocates met with Justice Department officials Wednesday, just hours after the Trump administration fired prosecutors it accused of coordinating too closely with abortion-rights advocacy groups during the Biden administration. (Reilly, 4/15)
On vasectomies, umbilical cord care, and the birth rate —
Denverite: Jefferson County, Colo., Tries Something New: Vasectomy Fridays
Have testicles and don’t want kids … ever? Now, you can head on down to Jefferson County Public Health. For the first time, the local health agency will offer in-house vasectomies on a sliding scale. Each Friday, around 10 patients can get a scalpel-free contraceptive operation. (Harris, 4/14)
CIDRAP: Antiseptic Umbilical Cord Care Reduces Infection Risk In Low-Income Settings, Review Suggests
Applying chlorhexidine, a simple antiseptic, to the umbilical cord likely lowers the risk of cord infection in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), according to a recent review published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The practice may also reduce neonatal deaths in these settings. The umbilical cord, which connects the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy, is composed of blood vessels and connective tissue. When the umbilical cord is clamped and cut after birth, it leaves behind a temporary stump that can be an entry point for harmful bacteria and other germs. (Bergeson, 4/15)
KFF Health News: As US Birth Rate Falls, Feds’ Response May Make Pregnancy More Dangerous
The number of babies born in the United States fell again last year. According to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 3.6 million births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024. The fertility rate dropped to 53.1 births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44, down 23% since 2007. (Gounder, 4/16)
Also —
Mother Jones: Creating Baby Geniuses To Thwart The AI Threat? (Yes, Really.)
The new wave of Silicon Valley–backed gene-editing startups is straight out of “Brave New World.” (Vesoulis, 4/16)
9. Roblox Settles With Nevada, Will Pay $12M, Increase Protections For Kids
AP reports that Roblox will block access to adult-rated content and expand parental oversight for users under age 16. Also: The number of foods that can be purchased in Florida with SNAP is shrinking; North Carolina legislators recommend fixes to the state’s intertwined mental health and criminal justice systems; and more.
AP: Roblox Reaches $12 Million Settlement With Nevada Over Youth Protections
Roblox, a gaming platform popular with kids, will implement increased protections for young users and pay more than $12 million to the state of Nevada in what state Attorney General Aaron Ford on Wednesday called a first-of-its-kind agreement. “This settlement will create a safer environment for our children online, and I hope that it will serve as a bellwether for how online interactive platforms allow our state’s youth to use their products,” the Democratic attorney general said Wednesday. (Hill, 4/15)
In other health news from across the U.S. —
WUSF: SNAP Will Soon Allow Fewer Items At Checkout. What To Know
The list of food items you can buy with SNAP in Florida is shrinking. Starting on April 20, "soda, energy drinks, candy, and ultra-processed shelf-stable prepared desserts will no longer be available for purchase with SNAP benefits in Florida," according to the state agency administering the program. (Paul, 4/16)
KFF Health News: New Federal Medicaid Rules Require One Month Of Work. Some States Demand More
Millions of people who apply for Medicaid in the coming years will have to prove they’ve been working, going to school, or volunteering for at least a month before they can gain or retain health insurance through the government program. But Republican lawmakers in some states think the new rules — part of the GOP’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed last July by President Donald Trump — don’t go far enough. (Liss, 4/16)
North Carolina Health News: NC Lawmakers Recommend Reforms To Mental Health System
After spending six months examining the state’s involuntary commitment process, a special North Carolina House committee released a list of recommendations on Tuesday aimed at improving the state’s intertwined mental health and criminal justice systems. (Crumpler and Knopf, 4/16)
New Hampshire Public Radio: Bill To End Gun Restrictions At NH Colleges Comes In For Criticism At Public Hearing
A bill to bar state colleges and universities from curbing gun rights on their campuses drew a crowd to Concord Tuesday. Most came to fight the bill, including the president of University of New Hampshire, students from several state colleges, and multiple members of law enforcement. (Rogers, 4/14)
ABC News: Growing Number Of Trauma, Brain Injuries Linked To E-Bikes And E-Scooters At 1 Hospital: Study
E-bikes and e-scooters led to a growing number of trauma injuries at one New York City hospital, according to a new study published Wednesday. About 7% of all trauma visits between 2018 and 2023 at Bellevue Hospital Center were due to micromobility injuries. Micromobility is the use of small, lightweight and low-speed modes of transportation such as bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters. The study showed a growing share of patients who sustained these injuries had accidents linked to e-bikes or e-scooters. (Cobern and Benadjaoud, 4/15)
NPR: A Colorado Hospital Profits From Resolving Language Barriers
Maria Olivo started serving as her mom's interpreter when she was about five or six years old, whether they were at a bank or a doctor's office. They lived in Rifle, Colo., a desert town of about 10,000 people, where roughly 36% of people speak Spanish at home. Olivo often felt the weight of that responsibility and worried she would get something wrong. "I'm pretty sure that a lot of it I messed up," Olivo said last month at Grand River Health, Rifle's 57-bed hospital. "I wasn't sure half of the time, right? I was just a kid." (Zander, 4/16)
AP: Arizona, Utility Reach Agreement Over Holding Off Electrical Shutoffs In High Heat
Arizona’s largest utility has agreed not to cut off electrical service to customers for nonpayment while forecasted high temperatures are 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) or above as part of a $7 million settlement of a lawsuit prompted in part by the 2024 death of an 82-year-old woman whose power was disconnected, Attorney General Kris Mayes said Wednesday. (4/16)
San Francisco Chronicle: ICE Detainee's Sister Raises Alarm About Medical Neglect At Facility
When Senait Kifle visited her brother at California’s largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility on April 6, she screamed at the sight of him — he was barely recognizable. In the three weeks since her last visit, he’d deteriorated to the point where he needed a wheelchair, she said. His eyes were jaundiced, his legs were swollen, his face was so bloated that his chin looked “connected to his chest,” she said, and he told her he hadn’t been able to pee in some time. (Lyn Cheang, 4/15)
10. Research Roundup: The Latest Science, Discoveries, And Breakthroughs
Each week, KFF Health News compiles a selection of health policy studies and briefs.
The New York Times: Nature Is Still Molding Human Genes, Study Finds
Many scientists have contended that humans have evolved very little over the past 10,000 years. A few hundred generations was just a blink of the evolutionary eye, it seemed. Besides, our cultural evolution — our technology, agriculture and the rest — must have overwhelmed our biological evolution by now. A vast study, published on Wednesday in the journal Nature, suggests the opposite. Examining DNA from 15,836 ancient human remains, scientists found 479 genetic variants that appeared to have been favored by natural selection in just the past 10,000 years. (Zimmer, 4/15)
Fox News: Sleep Posture And Pillow Use May Affect Eye Health And Glaucoma Risk
Sleeping with, or without, a pillow may have a sneaky impact on your health. New research suggests that skipping the pillow could help prevent the development of glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss or blindness. (Stabile, 4/15)
MedPage Today: Early Lung Cancer Data Show Why FDA Approved HER2 Agent In First-Line
First-line treatment with a recently approved targeted agent demonstrated durable efficacy in advanced or metastatic HER2-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), results of the phase I Beamion LUNG-1 trial showed. (Bassett, 4/15)
CIDRAP: Study Finds Shorter Antibiotic Courses May Be Appropriate For Some Hospitalized Pneumonia Patients
Shorter antibiotic treatment durations may be as safe and effective as longer ones for a small subset of patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), researchers reported this week in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (Dall, 4/15)
The Wall Street Journal: Researchers Learn More About Vertigo—And How To Treat It
It can feel as if you are spinning out of control in a Tilt-A-Whirl ride at an amusement park. But there is nothing amusing about a sudden bout of vertigo and dizziness. Of the many age-related problems that pose a risk to adults in midlife and beyond, so-called vestibular and balance disorders can be especially dangerous—and joy-depriving—because they increase the risk of falls and fractures and can lead people to restrict their own movement for fear of triggering another episode. (Landro, 4/15)
11. Viewpoints: MAHA Helped RFK Jr. — Now It May Sink Him; New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Impresses Doctors
Editorial writers delve into these public health issues.
The New York Times: MAHA Propelled Kennedy To The White House. It May Become His Downfall.
Will MAHA stay committed to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.? (Rachel Bedard, 4/16)
Bloomberg: Finally, Real Progress Against Pancreatic Cancer
Every once in a while, an advance in treating cancer is so stunning that doctors get chills. Such is the case for Revolution Medicines’ pancreatic cancer therapy daraxonrasib, which in a late-stage study allowed patients with advanced disease to live twice as long as those who only received chemotherapy. (Lisa Jarvis, 4/15)
Stat: Voice Chatbots Present Greater Risk To Mental Health
A Florida father recently sued Google after his son, Jonathan Gavalas, died by suicide following months of interaction with the company’s artificial intelligence chatbot Gemini. The case has rightly focused attention on how chatbots apparently reinforce delusions and foster emotional dependency. (Marc Augustin, 4/16)
Stat: Transformative Medical AI Faces A Continuity Problem
There is a kind of labor at the center of medicine that rarely appears in a chart. It does not sit in the problem list or the billing code. It unfolds in conversation, often quietly, as a patient tries to give shape to something real but not yet defined. They reach for words that are approximate — tired, off, not quite right. The words are not false; they are insufficient. What is being described is not a diagnosis but an experience, and experience resists compression. (Freddy Abnousi and Celina Yong, 4/16)
Bloomberg: Investors' Ozempic Mania Could Be Bad For Our Health
Health is a growing and profitable sector. Sales of GLP-1 weight loss drugs have been on the rise, with demand expected to boom as oral formulations are launched and affordability improves. (Lara Williams, 4/16)
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