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First-ever gene therapy for hearing loss gets FDA approval: 'Groundbreaking'

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:47:21 -0400

A new therapy for genetic hearing loss has just been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The treatment, Otarmeni (lunsotogene parvec-cwha), is the first-ever dual adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-based gene therapy, meaning it uses two harmless viruses to deliver the therapy into cells.

In an FDA news release, the agency called the therapy "groundbreaking," noting its potential to treat both pediatric and adult patients with "severe to profound" hearing loss linked to the OTOF gene.

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Positive results from drug trials were published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2025, confirming that the gene therapy "improved hearing in patients with OTOF-related deafness, enabling natural acoustic hearing and normalizing hearing sensitivity in three of 12 treated patients."

The FDA approval marks the first disease-modifying treatment for OTOF-related deafness.

This is the sixth drug approval under the FDA commissioner’s National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program and the first gene therapy to be approved through the initiative, according to the announcement.

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"Today’s approval is a significant milestone in the treatment of genetic hearing loss," FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said in a statement.

"Through the National Priority Voucher pilot program, the agency is accelerating therapies for rare diseases with unmet medical needs while proving we can successfully review even the most complex submissions — such as novel dual-vector gene therapies and combination products requiring coordination across multiple offices and centers — in significantly shortened time frames."

Otarmeni is administered surgically as a one-time treatment, using a needle and a tiny tube to deliver the medicine directly into the inner ear (the cochlea) in both ears.

The therapy works by delivering a healthy copy of the OTOF gene to key cells in the inner ear, helping to restore the protein otoferlin so auditory signals can be sent to the brain, according to the FDA.

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The treatment is intended for patients with preserved outer hair cell function and for those with no prior cochlear implant in the same ear. Side effects may include middle ear infection, nausea, dizziness and procedural pain.

The FDA will host a public meeting June 4 to discuss program implementation, eligibility criteria and other processes for distribution, according to the announcement.

Rachel Artsma, a senior audiologist at hear.com, said this approval marks a "major milestone in hearing health."

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"While this one‑time gene therapy is limited to a specific genetic population, it underscores the importance of early diagnosis and genetic testing," the Pennsylvania-based expert, who was not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"Advances like this reflect meaningful progress in hearing science, and demonstrate how biologic treatments, technology and clinical care are increasingly converging to improve long‑term outcomes for patients."

SEE IT: 2-year-old steals show at White House as Trump spotlights 'miracle cure' for deaf boy

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:57:29 -0400

During an event at the White House on Thursday, President Donald Trump highlighted a 2-year-old boy, Travis Smith, who was born deaf but can now hear after taking a "miracle cure."

The child can now "hear his mom, Sierra, say, 'I love you,'" the president said, inviting the mother to speak.

"Regeneron works miracles," the woman said, referring to the company behind the treatment.

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"He didn't know his name. He couldn't hear me tell him how much I love him. And now with Regeneron and this amazing surgery, he can listen to music. And he loves it. And he loves to dance," she said.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given accelerated approval for Regeneron's Otarmeni gene therapy product, the company said in a statement.

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The company indicated that the treatment will be made available for free in the U.S.

"Regeneron will provide Otarmeni at no cost to clinically eligible individuals in the U.S. This may not necessarily reflect out-of-pocket costs for administration of this free therapy, which would be outside of the control of Regeneron; individuals should consult with their healthcare provider and/or insurance provider," the company said.

Administering the treatment involves surgery, according to the company.

"The surgical procedure to administer Otarmeni uses an approach similar to cochlear implantation and allows use in young infants," the statement said. "Otarmeni should be administered by a surgeon experienced in intracochlear surgery and trained in the Otarmeni administration process and should only be administered using the provided Administration Kit for use with Otarmeni."

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Trump noted during the White House event that Regeneron has "agreed to offer their prescription medications at heavily discounted most favored nation prices."

"With this announcement, 17 of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, representing 80% of the branded drug market, have now agreed to sell their drugs to American patients at the lowest prices anywhere in the world," he said.

Red hair may be increasing as study points to surprising evolution trend

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:57:38 -0400

A study from Harvard Medical School indicates natural selection has favored the red hair gene, resulting in a potential increase in the number of redheaded people as humanity continues to evolve.

By analyzing nearly 16,000 ancient genomes spanning 10,000 years, researchers identified a list of traits that nature is actively pushing forward. Among the most prominent were the genetic variants for red hair.

"Perhaps having red hair was beneficial 4,000 years ago, or perhaps it came along for the ride with a more important trait," the authors noted.

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The study, published in the journal Nature, relied on a large database of ancient DNA from West Eurasia. Using new computing methods, the team was able to filter out random fluctuations in DNA to identify what it called "directional selection."

Directional selection happens when a particular version of a gene gives an organism a strong survival or reproductive advantage, causing it to become more common in a population faster than it would by chance, according to experts.

Prior to this study, scientists only knew of about 21 such instances in human history, one of which was lactose tolerance. This new research uncovered hundreds more.

"With these new techniques and a large amount of ancient genomic data, we can now watch how selection shaped biology in real time," Ali Akbari, first author of the study and senior staff scientist in the lab of Harvard geneticist David Reich, said in a press release.

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The data showed that genetic markers for red hair are among 479 gene variants that have been strongly favored over the past 10,000 years. One likely explanation, the researchers said, is a major shift in human history: the transition to farming.

As humans moved away from hunting and gathering and settled into agricultural societies, their environment and behavior changed radically, triggering an evolutionary "acceleration."

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While the Harvard study provides the first definitive statistical proof that red hair was actively selected during the rise of farming, the researchers noted that the exact prehistoric benefit still requires more study.

However, scientists have long pointed to vitamin D synthesis as a likely driver for the rise of these light-pigmented traits in northern climates.

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While redheads remain a minority of the global population today, the Harvard study’s analysis suggests that they may not be an evolutionary accident.

Instead, the red hair trait was "boosted" by natural selection as humans adapted to the challenges of a modern world, according to the researchers.

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The researchers urged caution in how these findings are interpreted.

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"What a variant is associated with now is not necessarily why an allele propagated," the authors noted.

Natural hormone may reduce obesity without cutting calories, scientists say

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:33:00 -0400

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma have discovered a hormone that appears to reverse obesity in the body.

The new study, published in the journal Cell Reports, used mouse models to identify a naturally occurring hormone called FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21).

The hormone "appears to work by signaling to a brain region involved in metabolism and appetite regulation, the same area targeted by the popular GLP-1 drugs," according to a university press release.

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FGF21 is reportedly already involved in the development of a drug to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which is a form of fatty liver disease.

Lead study author Matthew Potthoff, PhD, a professor of biochemistry and physiology at OU College of Medicine and deputy director of the OU Health Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, said the study showed how the hormone sends "signals" to the lower back region of the brain.

"In our previous studies, we found that FGF21 signals to the brain instead of the liver, but we didn’t know where in the brain," he wrote.

"We thought we would find that it signaled to the hypothalamus (which is widely implicated in body weight regulation), so we were very surprised to discover that the signal was to the hindbrain, which is where the GLP-1 analogs are believed to act."

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The brain circuit behind these metabolic benefits appears to work by "mediating the effects of FGF21," Potthoff said — a process that can also be linked to side effects like gastrointestinal issues and, in some cases, bone loss.

"We hope that by identifying the specific circuit, it can help in the creation of more targeted therapies that are effective without negative side effects," he added.

The FGF21 and GLP-1 hormones act differently, although they target the same area of the brain, according to the researchers. While GLP-1 reduces food intake via appetite, FGF21 increases metabolic rate, burning energy and triggering weight loss.

Potthoff shared his hope for a new FGF21 drug that could target both weight loss and MASH, noting that additional studies are necessary to explore this potential.

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Dr. Peter Balazs MD, a hormone and weight loss specialist practicing in New York and New Jersey, said this discovery raises the possibility of targeting metabolic rate "directly," rather than relying only on calorie restriction.

"However, this is a preclinical [mouse] study using diet-induced obesity models, which is not fully relevant or similar to human obesity’s chronic metabolic adaptations," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

FGF21 behaves differently in humans than in mice, as obese people have higher levels of the hormone in their blood, according to Balazs. This raises the question of how effective FGF21-based treatments would be.

"There are also important clinical concerns, such as whether FGF21 analogs can cause side effects like digestive issues and bone loss, which is especially risky since obesity already increases the chance of fractures," he cautioned. "The study doesn’t explain how these issues might be managed."

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Early human trials of FGF21 showed "modest weight loss" between 5% and 8%, according to Balazs, which is "less impressive" compared to GLP-1 treatments' average 15% weight loss.

It is also unclear whether the body could develop tolerance to FGF21 over time, which could reduce its effectiveness with long-term use, he added.

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"The study is a nice first step toward alternative biochemical pathways for treating obesity," Balazs added. "However, clinical adoption will require safety trials that include bone density monitoring, along with confirmatory data in humans."

Michael and Susan Dell surpass $1 billion in donations backing AI-driven hospital project

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:35:52 -0400

Billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have become the first donors to give more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin, funding a massive new medical research campus and hospital system powered by artificial intelligence.

The couple’s latest investment includes a $750 million gift to help build the UT Dell Medical Center, a planned "AI-native" hospital expected to open in 2030 as part of a more than 300-acre advanced research campus.

University officials said the project will integrate research, clinical care and advanced computing to improve early disease detection, personalize treatment and expand access to care in the rapidly growing Austin region.

The Dells’ support builds on decades of contributions to UT, including funding for its medical school, scholarships and research programs.

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"By bringing together medicine, science and computing in one campus designed for the AI era, UT can create more opportunity, deliver better outcomes, and build a stronger future for communities across Texas and beyond," Michael Dell and Susan Dell said.

The gift ranks among the largest in the history of higher education, alongside major contributions like Phil Knight’s $2 billion pledge to Oregon Health & Science University and Michael Bloomberg’s $1.8 billion donation to Johns Hopkins University.

The new UT Dell Medical Center will be developed in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center, integrating cancer care into a system designed to connect prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

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"We will deliver better outcomes for patients by providing research-driven cancer care that is precise, compassionate and hope-filled," Peter WT Pisters, president of UT MD Anderson, said.

Officials said the facility will be built from the ground up to incorporate AI, rather than retrofitting older infrastructure — an approach they say could transform how hospitals operate.

Independent experts have cautioned that AI in health care can introduce risks if not carefully validated. A widely cited study published in the journal Science by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Chicago found that a commonly used healthcare algorithm underestimated the needs of Black patients due to biased training data, highlighting broader concerns about equity in AI-driven systems.

The project also includes funding for undergraduate scholarships, student housing and the Texas Advanced Computing Center, where officials are developing one of the nation’s most powerful academic supercomputers.

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the investment will help position the state as a national leader in healthcare innovation.

"Texas already dominates in technology, energy and business, and now we will further cement our leadership in health care innovation as well," Abbott said.

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The university said it plans to break ground on the medical center later this year and has launched a broader campaign to raise $10 billion over the next decade.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Common eating habit may trigger premature immune system aging, study finds

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:22:33 -0400

Eating too much salt has long been linked to high blood pressure, but new research suggests it could trick the immune system into prematurely aging the blood vessels.

A preclinical study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association has identified a biological chain reaction that links a salty diet to cardiovascular decay.

Scientists at the University of South Alabama observed that mice on a high-salt diet experienced rapid deterioration in their blood vessel function.

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After just four weeks of high sodium intake, the small arteries responsible for regulating blood flow lost their ability to relax, according to a press release.

The team found that the cells lining these vessels had entered a state of cellular senescence, a form of premature cellular aging in which cells stop dividing and release a mix of inflammatory signals that can damage surrounding tissue.

The researchers tried to replicate this damage by exposing blood vessel cells directly to salt in a laboratory dish, but the cells showed no harmful effects.

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This suggests that salt isn’t directly causing damage to the vascular lining but that the real culprit may be the body’s own defense mechanism, the researchers noted.

Excess salt may trigger the immune system to release a molecule called interleukin-16 (IL-16), which acts as a messenger that instructs blood vessel cells to grow old before their time, according to the study.

Once these cells age, they fail to produce nitric oxide, the essential gas that tells arteries to dilate and stay flexible.

To test whether this process could be reversed, the team turned to a class of experimental drugs known as senolytics.

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Using a cancer medication called navitoclax, which selectively clears out aged and dysfunctional cells, the researchers were able to restore nearly normal blood vessel function in the salt-fed mice, the release stated.

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By removing the decaying cells created by the high-salt diet, the drug allowed the remaining healthy tissue to maintain its elasticity and respond correctly to blood flow demands.

The study did have some limitations. The transition from mouse models to human treatment remains a significant hurdle, the team cautioned.

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Senolytic drugs like navitoclax are still being studied for safety, and the team emphasized that previous trials have shown mixed results regarding their impact on artery plaque.

Additionally, the researchers have not yet confirmed whether the same IL-16 pathway is the primary driver of vascular aging in humans.

More naps, higher risk? Research links daytime sleep to health warnings in aging adults

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:16:24 -0400

Excessive daytime napping is associated with higher mortality risk in older adults, according to new research from Mass General Brigham.

Between 20% and 60% of older adults take naps, according to the researchers.

While occasional naps have been shown to be refreshing, frequent or prolonged daytime napping in this group has been associated with a variety of health concerns.

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The study followed 1,338 older adults for up to 19 years, tracking the timing and duration of their daytime napping habits using a wrist-worn tracker. They then examined all-cause mortality rates.

Taking longer, more frequent naps — or napping in the morning — were all associated with increased mortality risk and may be early warning signs of underlying health decline, according to a press release from Mass Brigham.

Morning naps were linked to about a 30% increase in mortality risk, and each additional hour of daily napping was associated with about a 13% higher risk, the study found. Each additional nap per day increased risk by roughly 7%.

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"Excessive napping later in life has been linked to neurodegeneration, cardiovascular diseases and even greater morbidity, but many of those findings rely on self-reported napping habits and leave out metrics like when and how regular those naps are," lead author Chenlu Gao, Ph.D., an investigator in the department of anesthesiology at the Mass General Brigham, said in the press release.

"Our study is one of the first to show an association between objectively measured nap patterns and mortality and suggests there is immense clinical value in tracking napping patterns to catch health conditions early."

There were some limitations to the study. Because it was observational in design, it only showed that napping may reflect underlying illness but did not prove that it caused mortality.

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The research did not take into account any contributing health conditions, and the sleep trackers only measured movement and not brain activity. This means rest could be misclassified as sleep in some cases.

Also, because the study population was limited to older, White adults in the Midwest, the results may not apply to other groups.

"It is important to note that this is correlation, not causation. Excessive napping is likely to indicate underlying disease, chronic conditions, sleep disturbances or circadian dysregulation," said Gao.

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"Now that we know there is a strong correlation between napping patterns and mortality rates, we can make the case to implement wearable daytime nap assessments to predict health conditions and prevent further decline."

The study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health and affiliated research programs.

Healthy diets spark lung cancer risk in non-smokers as pesticides loom

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:50 -0400

Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables was found to have a surprising link to lung cancer among younger non-smokers, early research suggests.

The observational study, led by Jorge Nieva, M.D., of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at Keck Medicine, was presented this month at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting in San Diego. It has not yet been peer-reviewed.

Researchers looked at dietary, smoking and demographic data for 187 patients who were diagnosed with lung cancer at age 50 or younger.

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They found that among non-smokers, there was a link between healthier-than-average diets – rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains – and the chance of lung cancer development.

Young lung cancer patients ate more servings of dark green vegetables, legumes and whole grains compared to the average U.S. adult, the researchers found.

The researchers hypothesized that pesticides applied to conventionally grown produce could be a possible factor in the disease association.

"Commercially produced (non-organic) fruits, vegetables and whole grains are more likely to be associated with a higher residue of pesticides than dairy, meat and many processed foods," according to Nieva. He also noted that agricultural workers exposed to pesticides tend to have higher rates of lung cancer.

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"There is a large subset of lung cancer patients whose disease is not caused by smoking," Nieva told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

The disease is becoming more common in non-smokers 50 and younger, especially women – despite the fact that smoking rates have been falling for decades, the researcher noted.

"These patients tend to have eaten much healthier diets before their diagnosis than the average American," he went on. "We need to support research into understanding why Americans – and women in particular – who no longer smoke very much are still having lung cancer," he said.

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The study did have some limitations, Nieva acknowledged, primarily that it relied on survey data and was limited by the participants’ memories of their food intake.

"Also, the survey participants were self-selected, and this could have biased the findings," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

The researchers did not test specific foods for pesticides, relying instead on average pesticide levels for certain types of food. Looking ahead, they plan to test patients’ blood and urine samples to directly measure pesticide levels, Nieva said.

Although the study shows only an association and does not prove that pesticides caused lung cancer, Nieva recommends that people wash their produce before eating and choose organic foods whenever possible.

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"This work represents a critical step toward identifying modifiable environmental factors that may contribute to lung cancer in young adults," said Nieva. "Our hope is that these insights can guide both public health recommendations and future investigation into lung cancer prevention."

Dr. Marc Siegel, ӣ��Ƶ senior medical analyst, said the study is "interesting," but that it "raises far more questions than it answers."

"It is a small study (around 150) and observational, so no proof," the doctor, who was not involved in the research, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

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"It is possible that the increased lung cancer risk could be due to pesticide exposure in whole farmed foods, but it is by no means certain," Siegel went on. "How much exposure is needed? How much of it gets into food and in which areas? This requires much further study."

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Kayla Nichols, communications director for Pesticide Action & Agroecology Network, a distributed global network, said the organization agrees with the study's conclusion that more research should be done on the rise in lung cancer, particularly in individuals eating diets higher in produce and fiber.

"There is a bounty of existing research that already links pesticide exposure to increased risk of multiple types of cancers," Nichols, who was also not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. She called for more research on chronic, low-level exposures to pesticides, as well as more effective policies to protect the public from pesticide residues on food.

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The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute, as well as industry partners including AstraZeneca and Genentech, among others.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to several pesticide companies and trade groups for comment.

Deaths from one type of cancer are surging among younger adults without college degrees

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:17:38 -0400

Colorectal cancer, once considered a disease of older age, is becoming a crisis for younger adults. New research shows one group getting hit the hardest – those without a college degree.

A recent study from the American Cancer Society analyzed data from over 101,000 adults aged 25 to 49 who died from colorectal cancer between 1994 and 2023.

While death rates remained stable for college graduates, they climbed significantly for those without a bachelor’s degree, the findings showed.

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For young adults with a high school education or less, the mortality rate rose from 4.0 to 5.2 per 100,000 people, while the rate for those with at least a bachelor’s degree stayed flat, at approximately 2.7 per 100,000.

This does not mean that a degree offers some kind of biological protection, researchers cautioned.

The difference is likely driven by the conditions in which people live and work, which often correlate with education levels, the researchers noted.

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The study suggests that the higher death rates are likely driven by differences in the prevalence of risk factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, smoking and diet, which are "known to be elevated among children and young adults with lower [socioeconomic status]."

Because the study relied on death certificates, researchers couldn't say exactly why college graduates had better outcomes.

Certificates typically list the cause of death, age, race and education level, but they do not include a person’s full medical history.

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Because the researchers didn't have the patients' actual medical records, they couldn't see things like frequency of screenings or treatment options, which would impact survival outcomes.

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Colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death for men under 50 and the second leading cause for women in the same age group, according to recent statistics.

Because the disease is highly treatable when caught early, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) lowered the recommended screening age from 50 to 45 in 2021.

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Common signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer can include a change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool, that lasts for more than a few days, according to the American Cancer Society.

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Other signs that warrant seeing a doctor include blood in the stool or a persistent feeling of needing to go to the bathroom but being unable to go.

The research was published in JAMA Oncology.

Common ear conditions tied to rising dementia risk in new study: 'Strong association'

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:05:52 -0400

Common and treatable ear conditions may be associated with a higher risk of dementia, according to new research.

A study from Columbia University investigated how middle-ear problems that may cause conductive hearing loss are linked to the brain disorder.

The research, published in the Journal of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, analyzed a large dataset from the National Institutes of Health, including more than 300,000 U.S. adults.

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The study focused on three hearing loss conditions: cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear), eardrum perforation (a hole in the eardrum), and otosclerosis (abnormal bone changes in the middle ear), according to a press release.

After comparing dementia diagnoses in people with these conditions, the researchers found that cholesteatoma was linked to 1.77 times the odds of the cognitive disorder, and eardrum perforation was linked to more than twice the risk.

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Otosclerosis was not found to be significantly associated with dementia.

Dementia risk associated with cholesteatoma and eardrum perforation slightly decreased when surgical treatment was performed, according to the study.

These findings add to existing evidence that "cognition is impacted by sensory deprivation," but also suggest that some of the causes are treatable, which could reduce dementia risk, the authors wrote.

Study co-author Dr. Justin S. Golub, MD, associate professor at Columbia's department of otolaryngology, echoed that age-related hearing loss has a known link to worsening cognition later in life.

"In this study, we show that correctable causes of hearing loss are also related to dementia, and if surgery is performed to treat it, the risk of dementia goes down," he said in an interview with ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "While we need more studies to confirm, it shows that surgery to treat hearing loss may have an effect not only on your hearing, but also on your mind."

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The study was observational in design, meaning it shows an association between ear conditions and dementia, but cannot prove that one causes the other.

ӣ��Ƶ senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel noted that dementia is not the cause of hearing loss, but that there appears to be a "strong association the other way around."

Siegel noted that these findings coincide with previous evidence revealing that the more a person is "engaged in the world" socially, the less likely they are to develop dementia.

"It's almost as if the brain is a social muscle that needs to be exercised," the doctor, who was not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "Without the ability to hear, you are more shut off from the world and more likely to develop dementia as a result."

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ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to the study authors for comment.

Joe Rogan reveals text to Trump that helped expedite federal review of psychedelics

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:32:24 -0400

President Donald Trump signed a sweeping executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track research into psychedelic drugs after a direct text message exchange with podcast host Joe Rogan, marking a rapid policy shift inside the White House.

"We all respect Joe and he's a little bit more liberal than I am. That's OK. I have a lot of friends that are liberal," Trump said during the Oval Office event. "Joe is an amazing guy. He wrote me a little note about this, and I had it checked out. Everybody came back with the same answer."

The directive aims to accelerate federal review of substances such as ibogaine and LSD, which remain classified as Schedule I drugs under federal law. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite breakthrough therapy designations, encourages interagency data sharing, and opens the door to rapid scheduling if safety and efficacy are demonstrated.

The move follows months of internal discussions led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and aides working on expanding access to alternative mental health treatments, but Rogan’s outreach appears to have accelerated the timeline.

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Rogan said he shared with Trump the information that claimed ibogaine was highly successful in treating opiate addiction.

"The text message came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it,’" Rogan said, describing Trump’s immediate response. "It was literally that quick."

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz described the internal effort as a rapid policy sprint, with officials moving in days to translate a private exchange into a formal executive order. The administration framed the move as part of a broader push to address mental health challenges, particularly among veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and addiction.

"In many cases, these experimental treatments have shown life-changing potential for those suffering from severe mental illness and depression, including our cherished veterans," Trump said at the signing.

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While no psychedelic has yet received FDA approval in the United States, compounds like psilocybin and MDMA are currently being studied in clinical trials. Two states, Oregon and Colorado, have already legalized supervised psilocybin therapy programs, signaling growing state-level momentum.

"You’re going to save a lot of lives through it," former Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell told Trump during the event. "It absolutely changed my life for the better."

Ibogaine, a psychedelic derived from a West African shrub, has drawn attention from veterans groups and some Republican lawmakers as a potential treatment for PTSD and opioid addiction.

However, medical experts have warned of serious risks, including heart complications and a lack of large-scale clinical trials. The drug has been linked to more than 30 deaths, according to existing medical literature.

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"It’s been incredibly difficult to study ibogaine in the US because of its known cardiotoxicity," said Frederick Barrett of Johns Hopkins University, according to PBS. "If the executive order can pave the way for doing objective, scientific research with this compound, it would help us understand whether it is truly a better psychedelic therapy than others."

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High salt intake linked to faster memory decline in one group, study finds

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:00:10 -0400

Excess salt intake has long been linked to higher blood pressure, but now a new study has also tied it to quicker cognitive decline in certain groups.

In a six-year study of more than 1,200 older adults 60 and older, Australian researchers found that higher baseline dietary sodium intake was associated with faster decline in "episodic recall" in men, but not in women.

"Episodic recall is a type of memory used to recall personal experiences and specific events from one’s past, such as where you parked your car or your first day of school," according to study author Samantha Gardener, Ph.D., a research fellow in neuroscience at the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia.

"We did not see any relationship between the amount of sodium consumed and memory decline in females," she told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

The finding suggests that sodium intake may be a modifiable risk factor for memory decline in older males.

While males did report consuming a greater amount of sodium than females, which could explain why the increased cognitive decline was only observed in males, it could also be due to their higher diastolic blood pressure, according to Gardener.

"Elevated blood pressure is a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and sodium plays a key role in blood pressure regulation," she said.

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The research relied on data from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study of aging. The findings were published in the Neurobiology of Aging.

"This study adds to the evidence that high-sodium diets may affect more than blood pressure," New Jersey-based registered dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade, who was not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"These study findings are a good reminder that sodium intake matters for brain and heart health, especially for adults who already eat more than recommended."

Study limitations

"While excess sodium may impact cognition, it is important to note that this was a longitudinal observational study, meaning it can show an association but cannot rule out other potential factors like overall diet quality, physical activity or other comorbidities," Palinski-Wade noted.

Also, the participants reported their sodium intake via a food frequency questionnaire, which could be subject to recall error, the researchers pointed out.

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As sodium exposure was measured only at baseline, changes in intake over time were not captured by the study. It also only included sodium content in foods and beverages, and did not include salt added during cooking or at the table.

The participants were mostly Caucasian, which means the results may not apply to other populations.

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"We were not able to identify why sodium intake is having this effect, and this will be researched in the future," Gardener told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"These findings are preliminary, and further investigation is required to evaluate how sodium intake could be incorporated as one modifiable lifestyle factor aimed at delaying Alzheimer’s disease onset."

Tips for reducing sodium intake

The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day for adults, which is equivalent to roughly 1 teaspoon of table salt.

Typical high-sodium foods in the U.S. diet include pizza, sandwiches and burgers, deli meats, and chips, crackers and salty snacks.

Other high-sodium foods in the grocery store include canned foods, salad dressings, deli meats, cheeses and condiments, according to Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist in North Carolina.

Up to 80% of sodium intake comes from processed foods, she noted.

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"Replacing one processed snack – such as beef jerky, olives, salted nuts, pretzels and bagged potato or corn chips – with an unprocessed snack is a great place to start," Freirich, who also was not involved in the research, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Healthier, unprocessed snacks include fruit, lightly salted nuts, carrots and hummus, or lower-sodium versions of chips, she said.

"Replacing a few fast food meals with food prepared at home is also an excellent way to reduce your sodium intake by thousands of milligrams," the expert advised.

Palinski-Wade echoed that the majority of sodium in the diet doesn’t come from the salt shaker, but from ultraprocessed and prepared foods.

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"Read the labels, monitor your intake, and fill your diet with foods that promote heart health, including whole fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and lean proteins," she advised.

Successfully lowering sodium intake can reduce the risk of not only high blood pressure and cognitive decline, but also kidney and cardiovascular disease, the experts agreed.

Psychedelic therapy may be coming to your doctor's office as questions swirl

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 09:00:12 -0400

As President Donald Trump backs efforts to advance psychedelic drugs, doctors are speaking out about how the move could impact mental health treatments.

On Friday, Trump signed an executive order to fast-track the research, funding and potential FDA approval of psychedelics like ibogaine, psilocybin, LCD and MDMA, primarily to treat PTSD, depression and addiction.

Psychedelics, psychoactive compounds that act largely through serotonin pathways, are being studied in controlled clinical settings for mental health treatment, experts say.

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Trump’s move is drawing mixed reactions, with supporters praising its potential to transform mental health treatment, particularly for veterans, while critics warn about limited evidence on safety and effectiveness.

"The president’s action today opens a pathway to research that will further open doors to expedited approval of this life-saving medicine as a treatment for our veterans — and society — who have suffered for decades from treatment-resistant PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury) and depression," Jay Kopelman, former Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and CEO of Mission to Live Foundation in San Diego, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"This act will require the VA Health System to begin psychedelics research and clinical trials, making psychedelics available to veterans for whom the traditional modalities of care (SSRIs and talk therapy) haven’t worked."

Dr. Marc Siegel, ӣ��Ƶ senior medical analyst, agreed that psychedelics hold "big potential" for severe depression and PTSD, and said he supports Trump’s commitment to funding more research.

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"It changes brain chemistry in a way that can provide more modulation of dopamine, serotonin and other neurochemicals, making a patient less fearful," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"At the same time, the psychiatric impact of psychedelics can be useful to change perception in a positive way."

Siegel emphasized, however, that these therapies need to be further researched, and that doses and exact indications must be carefully determined.

Juliana Mercer, a 16-year Marine Corps veteran and the executive director of New York-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing psychedelic-assisted therapy for veterans, applauded the presidents' move as a "meaningful step."

"The people who need this most are those who have already tried everything and found no real relief," she told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"I think about veterans I served with, people who have done years of therapy, cycled through medications, and are still carrying the weight of their service. Too many are still losing that fight at home."

Risks and caveats

Kevin A. Sabet, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions in Washington, D.C., expressed concerns about the executive order.

"While we support rigorous research for treatment discovery, President Trump’s executive order on ibogaine puts politics and hype ahead of science by suggesting that a dangerous, unapproved hallucinogen can somehow be a medical treatment," he shared with ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

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"Ibogaine remains a Schedule I substance with serious safety concerns, including documented cardiotoxicity and deaths. [The government] should not normalize unproven and risky drugs under the guise of helping those who have served our country."

Siegel also cautioned about the risk of improper prescribing of psychedelics by unqualified practitioners. "Unfettered recreational use and microdosing can increase the risk of psychosis and other anxiety disorders," he added.

Kopelman noted that the primary risk of ibogaine is its "cardiotoxicity properties."

"It can prolong the QT interval in the heartbeat, which can lead to arrhythmia or even heart attack," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital, noting that this risk is mitigated by "rigorous medical examinations" and monitoring during treatment.

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Mercer agreed that these treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone.

"They can have significant psychological effects and, in some cases, physiological risks, which is why they should only be administered in controlled clinical settings by trained providers," she told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

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"Continued research is essential to better understand who these therapies are right for, and who they’re not, before broader implementation."

What’s up next

While Trump’s order is a step toward FDA approval for psychedelics, the substances still need to go through clinical trials and the standard regulatory pathway, including rescheduling, Mercer noted.

"Veterans and others will still be waiting unless we also build the systems to provide this safely at scale, trained providers, reimbursement pathways and clinical care models," she said. "This is the gap we’ve been highlighting for years, and it still needs to be closed."

Kopelman agreed that while the legislation paves a path for expedited study of these medications, it’s important to "do it the right way," warning that "one misstep could overturn and sink this entire effort."

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"Most important is the post-medicine integration work that requires multiple therapy sessions overseen by a trauma-informed psychedelic therapist," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "It’s not like prescribing someone a Tylenol and sending them home — these medicines require medical oversight."

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"Psychedelics are not a panacea," Kopelman added. "They are a gateway to healing — but the real work begins after treatment."

Intermittent fasting’s real benefit may come after you start eating again

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 09:00:35 -0400

Research continues to uncover new details on how fasting may help extend life.

A new study published in the journal Nature Communications investigated how intermittent fasting can boost longevity in small worms often used in aging research.

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas compared worms that were fed normally to those that underwent a 24-hour fast in early adulthood and were then fed again, according to a press release.

The scientists measured a variety of factors, including stored fat, gene activity related to fat metabolism and lifespan.

The results showed that the life-boosting benefit did not depend on the fasting itself but on the body’s behavior after eating again.

Study lead Peter Douglas, associate professor of molecular biology and a member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine at UT Southwestern, suggested that these discoveries "shift the focus toward a neglected side of the metabolic coin – the re-feeding phase."

"Our data suggest that the health-promoting effects of intermittent fasting are not merely a product of the fast itself, but are dependent on how the metabolic machinery recalibrates during the subsequent transition back to a fed state," he said.

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"Our findings bridge a gap between lipid metabolism and aging research," he added. "By targeting aging, the single greatest risk factor for human disease, we move beyond treating isolated conditions toward a preventive model of medicine that enhances quality of life for all individuals."

Lauri Wright, director of nutrition programs at the University of South Florida's College of Public Health, called this a "high-quality" study that adds an "important nuance to how we think about fasting and longevity."

The benefits of the refeeding phase after fasting were "especially interesting," Wright, who was not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"The researchers showed that longevity was linked to the body’s ability to turn off fat breakdown after fasting, allowing cells to restore energy balance," she reiterated.

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"From a scientific standpoint, that’s a meaningful shift because it suggests fasting is not just about burning fat, but about metabolic flexibility."

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Fasting may support longevity through triggering metabolic switching, enhancing cellular repair and stress resistance and improving markers like insulin sensitivity, research shows.

Limitations and cautions

Although this study provides "important insight" on the power of refeeding, Wright noted that the findings should be approached with caution, as the study was done on worms and cannot always be translated to humans.

"Additionally, it explains how a process might work in a controlled lab condition rather than real-world eating behaviors," she added as a limitation. "Finally, the study is short-term and doesn't give us the long-term translation on lifespan outcomes."

Wright cautioned that fasting is "not a magic solution for longevity, and how you eat overall matters more than when you eat."

"I advise, first and foremost, to focus on diet quality, including a variety of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and minimally processed foods," she said.

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For those who are considering fasting, it’s better to stick with a moderate plan — like a 12- to 14-hour overnight fast — rather than going to extremes, Wright said. After fasting, she recommends focusing on well-balanced meals.

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Several groups of people should be cautioned against fasting, according to Wright, including those with diabetes who are on insulin or hypoglycemic medications, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, anyone with a history of eating disorders and older adults at risk of malnutrition.

Anyone considering intermittent fasting should consult with a doctor before starting.

Zero-calorie sweeteners could alter the genes of later generations, new study warns

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 20:16:42 -0400

Artificial sweeteners, present in everything from sugar-free snacks to diet sodas, are a staple for many trying to lose weight. But new research suggests the substances could have multigenerational effects, potentially altering metabolism in future generations even without direct consumption.

The findings raise questions about the long-term biological effects of widely used sugar substitutes, particularly as consumption has surged in recent years.

In a study published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition, Chilean researchers found that mice given sucralose or stevia passed on changes in metabolism-related genes to their children and grandchildren even when later generations did not consume the sweeteners.

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The findings suggest the sweeteners may have triggered changes in gut bacteria and gene activity that were then passed down across generations of the mice.

While they do not prove the same thing happens in humans, the study adds to a body of research examining whether non-nutritive sweeteners really have no effect on the body, as many people believe.

"When we compared generations, these effects were generally strongest in the first generation and tended to decrease in the second generation," lead author Francisca Concha Celume of the Universidad de Chile said in a statement.

The researchers divided 47 male and female mice into three groups.

One group received plain water, another received water with sucralose and a third received water with stevia. The doses reflected amounts humans might typically consume, according to the study.

After 16 weeks, the mice were bred for two generations. The later generations received only plain water, but researchers still found changes in gut bacteria, lower levels of short-chain fatty acids, beneficial compounds that support metabolism and immune health, and shifts in genes linked to inflammation and metabolism, according to the study.

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Sucralose, a popular no-calorie sugar substitute, appeared to have a stronger and more lasting effect, the researchers found. Approximately 140 million Americans consume non-nutritive sweeteners regularly, according to survey data cited by the researchers.

Male offspring of mice that consumed sucralose showed mild signs of impaired glucose regulation, while effects in females were more limited, the research said. Stevia's impact was smaller and appeared to fade sooner.

Concha Celume said the goal is not to alarm consumers but to push for more research into the long-term biological effects of these additives.

THE ZERO-CALORIE SUGAR SUBSTITUTE YOU'RE USING MAY DO MORE THAN SWEETEN FOOD, STUDY SAYS

"What we observed were subtle changes in how the body regulates glucose and in the activity of genes associated with inflammation and metabolic regulation," she said.

"It is possible that such changes could increase susceptibility to metabolic disturbances under certain conditions, such as a high-fat diet."

Concha Celume said it's worth noting that as artificial sweeteners have grown more popular, obesity and metabolic problems haven't declined.

While that doesn't mean the sweeteners are to blame, she said it raises questions about how they might affect the body.

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"It may be reasonable to consider moderation in the consumption of these additives and to continue studying their long-term biological effects," she added.

Even though the study was conducted in mice and its findings cannot be directly applied to humans, it is worth taking seriously, according to Kristen Kuminski, a New York-based registered dietitian nutritionist specializing in metabolic health, weight management and nutrition support for people using GLP-1 medications.

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Outside experts say the findings, while limited to mice, align with growing concerns about how artificial sweeteners may affect the body.

"The mechanisms it's pointing to, specifically gut microbiome disruption and epigenetic changes, are plausible in humans and align with what we're already seeing in the broader sweetener research," Kuminski told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

She said it's not surprising that sucralose showed stronger effects than stevia.

"Stevia is plant-derived and metabolized differently than sucralose, which passes through the gut largely unchanged and has more direct contact with gut bacteria," Kuminski said.

For consumers, the most reasonable takeaway is moderation, Kuminski agreed.

"For most people, reducing sucralose specifically and leaning toward whole food sources of sweetness is a reasonable takeaway from this research," she said. "Stevia in moderation appears to be the lower-risk option if a zero-calorie sweetener is something someone relies on regularly.

"The multigenerational piece is the part that should give people pause, particularly anyone who is pregnant or planning to be. We don't have equivalent human data yet, but the precautionary principle applies here."

The International Sweeteners Association (ISA), based in Brussels and representing suppliers and other stakeholders, said the study does not change existing safety conclusions for sweeteners such as sucralose and stevia.

"Sucralose and stevia have been rigorously evaluated by food safety authorities and approved for use in food and drinks within their acceptable daily intake," the group said in a statement on its website.

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The ISA also noted that because later generations of mice were never directly given the sweeteners, it's unclear whether the changes were passed down through gut bacteria or through other biological mechanisms.

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"Results from animal experiments, particularly those focused on the gut microbiome, are of limited relevance to human health," the group added.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to the ISA and the study authors for additional comment.

Doctors in training learn cooking skills to help patients amid America's chronic disease crisis

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:00:16 -0400

Future doctors at some medical schools are learning more than anatomy, pathology and pharmacology these days. They're learning to cook healthy foods patients will actually want to eat.

The training is part of a growing field called culinary medicine, which blends cooking skills with nutrition education. It's gaining momentum at medical schools nationwide, The New York Times recently reported, with schools like Tufts University launching courses in 2025.

In many programs, that means stepping into a kitchen and learning to prepare meals firsthand, not just studying nutrition from a distance.

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"It's combining the culinary arts with evidence-based medicine and educational techniques to teach nutrition in a way that young doctors and other health care professionals can use in counseling and talking to patients," Dr. Ron Quinton, medical director of Tulane University’s Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine in New Orleans, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Rising rates of diet-related diseases, including diabetes, obesity and heart disease, are fueling demand for more nutrition-focused care, experts say.

"Most people are eating the standard American diet, which is high in saturated fat, high in sugar, high in salt," Quinton added. "There are at least 13 obesity-related cancers that are directly diet-related," he noted.

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At Tulane’s School of Medicine, students work through mock patient cases before heading into the Goldring Center's teaching kitchen — one of the nation’s first, established in 2012 — to prepare healthy, flavorful and affordable meals.

"We don’t want to make bland food," Quinton said.

They also don't want patients thinking they must overhaul their diets overnight, he said.

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"Our first goal is to add things to their diet," he said. "We’re not trying to take things away."

One of the first cooking lessons Tulane students get, meanwhile, is about a familiar favorite: tacos. Quinton said the program adds more vegetables than traditional versions and uses homemade, low-sodium seasoning.

"A big part of our teaching is substituting things for what we consider bad for you — the sugar, the salt — and putting spices and other things in so the food tastes just as good," Quinton said.

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Jordan Lo, a fourth-year Tulane medical student planning to pursue neurosurgery, said the teaching kitchen has given him tools he already uses when talking with patients during clinical rotations.

"Patients ask me, 'How can I eat healthier? Where can I go to get better recipes?'" Lo said.

Understanding nutrition can benefit doctors in any specialty, particularly in preventing conditions such as stroke linked to diet, he said. "Knowing about food and culinary medicine and how it affects your patients just overall makes you a better doctor."

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He said the hands-on classes show students how to make healthier meals feel doable at home.

Students learn simple tips — like prepping ingredients and using small bowls to stay organized — that they can pass on to patients.

The kitchen lessons also challenge assumptions about what "healthy" food looks like.

Lo said one surprising recipe was a dark chocolate mousse made mostly with avocado. Quinton pointed to black and white bean brownies as desserts that deliver more fiber with less fat than traditional versions, adding that they're favorites of his grandkids.

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More than 60 medical, nursing and residency programs now use versions of Tulane’s curriculum, with newer programs emerging at schools like Tufts University as part of a broader "food is medicine" movement.

Tufts launched a course in 2025 that brings together medical, dental and nutrition students to learn in partnership with Community Servings, a nonprofit that provides medically tailored meals to people with serious and chronic illnesses.

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Eliza Leone, a registered dietitian nutritionist and instructor in the program, said the training focuses on turning nutrition advice into practical guidance for patients.

"What's more meaningful than telling your patient, 'You should eat more calcium,' is saying, 'Here are a few recipes that incorporate calcium,'" she told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Research shows doctors are more likely to encourage healthy eating habits when they practice those behaviors themselves, Leone noted.

"You can't have nutrition without food, so you have to know how to make food that tastes good and also meets your nutritional needs," she said.

Interest in culinary medicine is growing, Leone said, as more students seek hands-on nutrition training and schools respond by expanding programs.

Quinton agreed the trend is here to stay, as more doctors shift toward preventing disease rather than reacting to it.

Christina Economos, dean of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts, said diet is a primary driver of preventable disease.

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"Teaching culinary medicine is closing what's been a long-standing gap between what clinicians know about healthy eating and what they can practically do to help patients," she said.

"We're a society that treats sick people, and our system is set up to treat once someone is ill," she added, noting the importance of focusing more on prevention.

This could be why your weight-loss medication isn’t delivering results

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:29 -0400

The skyrocketing popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists has transformed the weight-loss industry, but not all shots are created equal in terms of how they work.

A study published in Nature investigated how genes affect the success of modern weight-loss drugs — specifically, GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide.

In analyzing genetic data and self-reported weight loss from over 27,000 users, researchers pinpointed a specific variation in the GLP-1 receptor gene (GLP1R) that acts as a "booster" for the drug’s effectiveness.

Individuals carrying one copy of this variant lost an average of 1.6 pounds more than those without it, according to the findings.

This suggests that genetic testing could eventually help doctors steer sensitive patients toward medications they are more likely to tolerate.

"We believe these reports are a step forward in meeting an unmet need for a more informed and personalized approach to weight management," said study co-author Noura Abul-Husn, chief medical officer at the 23andMe Research Institute in California, in a press release.

While this genetic "boost" is measurable, it remains relatively modest when compared to the total average weight loss of 24 pounds observed across the study population, the researchers noted.

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Beyond genetics, other factors such as age, sex and specific medications remain much stronger predictors of success.

For instance, the study found that women generally saw a higher body mass index (BMI) reduction (12.2%) compared to men (10.0%).

The study may also reveal why certain patients experience stomach issues. Scientists identified a different genetic variant that was linked to increased reports of nausea and vomiting.

The presence of this side effect did not impact the drug's effectiveness, however. Patients with variants in the GLP1R and GIPR genes lost just as much weight as those without it; they simply felt more sick during the process, the study found.

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"GLP-1 treatment decisions are complex, and having access to clinical expertise to help contextualize your genetic results alongside your full health picture is exactly the kind of guidance this report is designed to support," said Abul-Husn.

Dr. Peter Balazs, MD, a hormone and weight-loss specialist serving the New York and New Jersey area, was not involved in the study but reiterated the role of the genetic variants in treatment response and side effects.

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"Notably, there appears to be a drug-specific effect: The GIPR variant associated with these side effects is observed with tirzepatide, but not with semaglutide," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Balazs said he was surprised by the extremely wide nausea risk range (5%–78%). "Additionally, the drug-specific genetic dissociation was unexpected," he added.

Study limitations

The data relied on participants reporting their own weight, which could be subject to bias.

"The data is self-reported and not medically verified, which may affect its reliability firstly," Balazs told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "It also does not account for key treatment variables, such as titration, discontinuation or dosing schedules."

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The 23andMe participant pool may not reflect a diverse, real-world population, he added.

"The study also lacks data on important clinical endpoints, such as diabetes progression, and severe adverse effects, such as gastroparesis or pancreatitis," Balazs pointed out. "Many of its findings also have not been supported by more clinically and statistically robust studies."

For example, a sub-study comparing these reports to objective iPhone health data suggested that participants might over-report their progress. While users reported an 11.8% loss, electronic data in that subset showed a 5.8% loss.

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As an observational study rather than a controlled clinical trial, it could not definitively prove that the genetic variants caused the difference in weight loss, only that they are associated with it, the researchers noted.

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"I think this article is interesting, raising the possibility of genetic factors, and the use of genetic testing incorporated into further decision-making when picking weight-loss medications," Balazs said. "However, I would be careful to draw conclusions solely based on this study."

Chinese researcher on US visa pleads guilty to smuggling E. coli into the country

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:06:22 -0400

A Chinese researcher was sentenced to more than four months in prison after pleading guilty to smuggling Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the United States, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Youhuang Xiang, 32, a former Indiana University postdoctoral researcher and Chinese national, admitted to concealing E. coli DNA in a shipment from China that was falsely labeled as women’s underwear, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.

Prosecutors said the FBI also uncovered evidence that Xiang was a member of the Chinese Communist Party and had lied about that affiliation to immigration authorities. Authorities said the case raises concerns about public safety and the integrity of federally funded research.

"Such conduct poses a very serious threat to public safety and to the health of our agricultural economy," U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler said.

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Authorities said Xiang received the package at his Bloomington, Indiana, residence in March 2024 after it was shipped from a China-based company and mislabeled on the manifest to avoid detection.

According to court documents, the FBI’s Indianapolis Division began investigating suspicious shipments from China to individuals affiliated with Indiana University in November 2025. Agents determined that Xiang had received a shipment from Guangzhou Sci-Tech Innovation Trading that was declared as "Underwear of Man-Made Fibers, Other Womens." Investigators found the shipment unusual, given the company’s focus on science and technology products.

He was later stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Chicago O’Hare International Airport in November 2025 upon his return from a research trip to the United Kingdom. Authorities said he initially denied knowledge of the shipment before admitting the contents had intentionally concealed samples of DNA of E. coli bacteria, according to court documents.

E. coli is a bacteria that lives in the gut but can cause serious illness if harmful strains spread.

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"Those who attempt to secretly bring biological materials into the United States are taking a serious risk with public safety," FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley said.

A federal judge sentenced Xiang to more than four months in prison, along with a fine and supervised release, and ordered his removal from the United States following his sentence.

"This Chinese Communist Party member exploited a federally funded research grant… to smuggle dangerous biological material into the United States," USDA Inspector General John Walk said.

The case is part of a broader pattern of recent prosecutions involving foreign researchers accused of smuggling biological materials into the U.S.

In November, federal prosecutors charged three Chinese nationals with conspiring to smuggle biological materials into the U.S. while working at the University of Michigan’s Shawn Xu Laboratory, alleging they made false statements to customs officials to bring in roundworm-related materials from China.

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Authorities said the suspects were participating in J-1 visa programs and allegedly received concealed shipments from a China-based researcher who had previously been convicted of similar offenses and removed from the U.S.

In a separate case in February 2025, a Russian-born Harvard researcher was detained at Boston Logan International Airport for allegedly smuggling frog embryos into the country without proper permits. Authorities said the materials were discovered after the scientist initially denied carrying biological substances. She was later released from federal custody while the case proceeds.

Where you live could shape your risk of cancer mortality, study suggests

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:00:02 -0400

While U.S. cancer deaths have been falling over the past couple of decades, certain parts of the country are seeing less improvement in those numbers.

New research published in the British Journal of Cancer assessed the differences in cancer mortality improvements across the country.

Researchers at Mississippi State's Social Science Research Center, along with scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, analyzed death certificates between 1981 and 2019 across nearly 3,000 U.S. counties.

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The data was drawn from Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER), which is operated by the CDC. More than 21.3 million cancer deaths were included in the records.

Overall, U.S. cancer mortality has declined by about 32% between 1991 and 2019, but not all areas experienced that level of improvement.

The highest rates of mortality decline and the biggest drop in excess deaths were seen in urban, coastal and higher-income counties, according to the study. Rural and lower-income counties had smaller declines in mortality.

"In a complex nation such as the U.S., we should not be too surprised that there are large differences in health outcomes shaped by the diversity and variety of local regions and groups," Arthur G. Cosby, the study's lead author, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. He is a Giles Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Mississippi State.

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"Cancer improvement over the last few decades certainly aligns with this perspective," he said.

The gap appeared to widen over time, researchers noted. By 2019, the top 10% highest-income counties had a roughly seven times greater mortality improvement than the lowest-income counties.

The large urban centers along both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts consistently had among the highest rates of cancer improvement, according to Cosby. Rural and smaller cities in the interior of the U.S. often had much lower rates.

"The magnitude of the mortality differences between coastal and inland regions, [and] the large differences between places with different income levels and rural/urban places, were larger than I anticipated," Cosby said.

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"The link between improving health and increasing disparities is poorly understood. I am pursuing that question now," he added.

The researchers pointed to several factors that could contribute to the declines in cancer mortality. These included a decline in tobacco use and improved cancer screenings and treatments.

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"Wealthy, metropolitan New York City has been aggressive in instituting tobacco control measures, and the results show," Cosby noted. "Manhattan had a lung cancer rate of 49 per 100,000 in 1991. By 2019, it cut its rate to 19.6 — a 60% reduction."

Dr. Marc Siegel, ӣ��Ƶ senior medical analyst, agreed that more aggressive preventive measures targeting smoking and alcohol use likely played a role in the sharper mortality decline in urban, affluent areas.

"More aggressive screening campaigns, including at major medical centers, can diagnose pre-cancers or cancers earlier," Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

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A focus on improved lifestyle habits and less exposure to environmental toxins could also play a role, he added.

The study had some limitations, as noted by the authors.

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Because the research was conducted at the county level, the results may not apply at the individual level.

Also, unmeasured factors such as lifestyle behaviors and access to healthcare could impact mortality.

"There are many limitations associated with the use of death certificates in research, such as accuracy of cause of death, possible multiple causes and changes in medical explanation for death over time," Cosby told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

Based on the findings, the researchers are calling for more studies that take into account the significant variations that exist across the country.

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"The varying speed of adoption of life-saving interventions between geographic places may produce increasing disparities," Cosby said. "It is possible to have a situation where nearly all places are improving their cancer mortality, but at much different rates."

Weight gain in certain decade of life may be more dangerous, study suggests

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:43:37 -0400

Weight management is often treated as a "middle-age" problem, but new research suggests that the pounds you pack on in your 20s may be the most dangerous of your life.

A massive study of more than 620,000 individuals found that the damage from early weight gain is disproportionately high and surprisingly permanent. According to the findings, the younger someone is when obesity sets in, the higher the risk of early mortality.

The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, analyzed data from the Obesity and Disease Development Sweden project.

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"The most consistent finding is that weight gain at a younger age is linked to a higher risk of premature death later in life, compared with people who gain less weight," Tanja Stocks, a professor at Lund University and one of the researchers behind the study, said in a press release.

Developing obesity between the ages of 17 and 29 was linked to a 70% higher risk of early death compared to weight gain later in life.

Weight gain later in adulthood, between ages 30 and 60, was also linked to higher death rates, but the connections were generally weaker.

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"One possible explanation for why people with early obesity onset are at greater risk is their longer period exposed to the biological effects of excess weight," Huyen Le, a doctoral student at Lund University and first author of the study, said in the release.

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When weight gain happens in the 20s, the blood vessels, liver and metabolic systems endure obesity-related strain for decades longer than someone who gains the same weight in their 50s, experts say.

The study identified type 2 diabetes as the leading cause of death associated with early-onset obesity. Other significant risks included high-blood pressure, liver cancer in men and uterine cancer in women.

To reach these conclusions, researchers tracked participants’ weight paths across adulthood over more than 50 years, focusing on three specific windows: ages 17 to 29, 30 to 44, and 45 to 60.

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Using a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher to define obesity, the team compared weight data against Sweden’s national death registry.

After adjusting for a variety of factors, including smoking habits and marital status, the trend showed that becoming obese later in life still carried risks, but the danger compounded the longer people stayed obese.

While these findings highlight the "importance of early and sustained obesity prevention strategies," the researchers noted that other factors come into play, and that increases in risk within a population can be difficult to interpret.

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"We shouldn’t get too hung up on exact risk figures," Stocks said.

"They are rarely entirely accurate, as they are influenced, for example, by the factors taken into account in the study and the accuracy with which both risk factors and outcomes have been measured."

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Because the study was conducted in Sweden, more research is needed to understand the effect of early-onset obesity in other populations, the team noted.

Cancer risk linked to common blood-related condition, research reveals

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:20:52 -0400

Anemia, a common blood disorder, may be a major risk factor for developing cancer.

That's according to new research from Sweden, which sought to discover whether newly developed anemia is an early warning sign of cancer or death from any cause.

The study, published in BMJ Journals, looked at registry data from more than 380,000 Swedish adults – half were people with new-onset anemia and the other half were the same age and gender, but did not have anemia.

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All participants were over 18 years old and cancer-free at the start of the study.

The results showed that people with incident anemia – new cases occurring over a specific period – had a significantly higher chance of being diagnosed with cancer, especially in the first three months, according to a press release. This included 6.2% of men and 2.8% of women.

Individuals with anemia also had a much higher chance of death during the 18-month follow-up.

Specific types of anemia were individually linked to disease progression and mortality, the researchers discovered.

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Microcytic anemia – where the red blood cells are smaller than normal – was more frequently linked to cancer, especially types of disease that impact the digestive system and the blood.

Macrocytic anemia, a type of anemia where the red blood cells are larger than normal, was more strongly linked to overall mortality than cancer.

The researchers concluded in the study that new-onset anemia is a "strong and sustained risk marker" for both incident cancer and all-cause mortality.

Lead study author Elinor Nemlander, researcher at the Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society at the Karolinska Institutet, commented on the findings in a press release from the Swedish medical university.

"We found that both the risk of cancer and the risk of death are highest during the first months after anemia is detected, but that the increased risk persists later during follow-up as well," she said. "Our findings suggest that anemia may be a sign of underlying disease rather than a condition in its own right."

Speaking with ӣ��Ƶ Digital, Nemlander noted that measures like red blood cell size are already "routinely available" in primary care, and that the study highlights how this existing data can be used to identify early risk.

"At the same time, the elevated risks persist over time, underscoring the need for structured follow-up and clear plans for continued evaluation, even when cancer is not initially identified," she said.

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As the study was observational, it shows an association, but does not prove that anemia causes cancer or death.

The research also did not measure for all causes of anemia, including alcohol use, malnutrition, chronic liver disease, inflammatory conditions and gynecological blood loss.

"Some of the results may also be influenced by who gets tested, underlying illnesses and differences in how anemia is evaluated in different healthcare settings," Nemlander added.

In a separate interview with ӣ��Ƶ Digital, Dr. Brian Slomovitz, director of gynecologic oncology and co-chair of the Cancer Research Committee at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, Florida, commented on this being "one of the largest" studies of its kind.

"One interesting observation is that the cancer risk increases early, within the first three months," he said. "This suggests that there were [hidden] or early identification of cancers, not necessarily a causation."

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The expert suggested that since this is a Swedish study, the results are not likely to be transferable to the U.S. population.

Slomovitz added that the follow-up is "relatively short" at 18 months, so it "really doesn’t address any long-term risk."

"I think the main take-home point here is that in those patients who are identified as being anemic, their healthcare provider should look a little bit closer to see if there’s an underlying malignancy, and perhaps this early detection can improve outcomes in the long-term."

Dementia risk could be tied to your mindset and outlook on life, study suggests

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:14:55 -0400

New research has identified a possible link between a person’s outlook on life and their risk of developing dementia.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, examined whether having higher levels of optimism could reduce the chances of cognitive decline over time.

Researchers analyzed data from more than 9,000 adults who were cognitively healthy at the start of the study. Participants were followed for up to 14 years, with more than 3,000 developing dementia during that period.

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Those who reported higher levels of optimism on a questionnaire had about a 15% lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with less optimism, even after adjusting for factors such as age, education, depression and major health conditions, according to a study press release.

The findings were consistent across demographic groups and remained largely unchanged after accounting for health behaviors and mental health status.

The results suggest that emotional and psychological factors may play a role in brain health as people age, the researchers noted.

"Our personal emotional and social resources — like how hopeful and positive we feel about the future — may be related to keeping our brains healthy," said lead study author Säde Stenlund, a social and behavioral sciences researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in the release.

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The findings align with previous research linking optimism to other health benefits.

People with a more positive outlook were shown to have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and may be more likely to live longer.

Study limitations

The researchers noted that the study was observational, meaning it only shows an association and cannot prove that optimism directly reduces the risk of dementia.

Other factors not measured in the study may have influenced the results, and changes in mood might be an early sign of dementia rather than a cause of it, they added.

Still, the findings point to a potential area for future research.

"Since optimism may be increased through relatively simple, low-intensity programs, it is helpful to understand how it is related to health in aging," Stenlund said.

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More studies, including clinical trials, are needed to determine whether boosting optimism could have a measurable impact on long-term dementia risk.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital previously reported that while dementia cases are rising, certain lifestyle habits may help reduce risk.

New York neurologist Dr. Joel Salinas previously told ӣ��Ƶ Digital that factors such as diet, exercise and social engagement play a key role in brain health.

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"It’s about putting the odds in your favor that you'll be less likely to develop one of these conditions, or at least delay the onset of symptoms," he said.

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Experts also recommend addressing conditions such as hearing loss, limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as these factors have been linked to cognitive decline.

ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

Melissa Rudy of ӣ��Ƶ Digital contributed reporting.

More patients demand ‘unvaccinated’ blood, doctors warn of growing health risks

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:00:25 -0400

An increasing number of patients are requesting "unvaccinated" blood for transfusions, which can delay care and pose risks to patients’ health, experts warn.

There is no evidence that unvaccinated blood presents any safety benefit, according to a new study published in the journal Transfusion.

There is currently no process for checking whether donated blood comes from vaccinated or unvaccinated donors, experts say.

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Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, which conducted the research, received 15 requests for unvaccinated blood between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2025. The median age of patients was 17 years old and more than half were children, the university reported.

Thirteen of the patients received blood donated specifically for them by family members, which is known as "direct donation." This can be risky, because most direct donors are giving blood for the first time, and their donations are more likely to contain "potentially harmful pathogens," the authors noted.

"Despite being framed as ‘safer,’ directed donations may paradoxically increase risk."

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Among the studied patient group, two became much sicker after refusing a standard blood transfusion.

One patient developed anemia, a condition where the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen. The other developed hemodynamic shock, a serious condition in which there is insufficient blood flow and oxygen to the body’s tissues, potentially leading to organ failure.

Requests for unvaccinated blood spiked after the approval of COVID-19 vaccines, posing a "recurring challenge for transfusion services and clinicians," the researchers stated.

"These requests were associated with care delays, escalation and inefficiencies," they indicated.

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The researchers recommend that health systems create standardized policies to handle these types of requests.

"Regulatory and professional organizations have opposed these non-evidence-based policies, emphasizing that blood centers do not record or convey donor COVID-19 vaccination status and that evidence demonstrates transfusion from vaccinated donors poses no unique risk."

The Vanderbilt study had some limitations, the researchers noted. It looked at a few cases and only included situations where special blood donations made it to the blood bank, so it doesn’t show how often people made this request overall.

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It also didn’t include cases where concerns were resolved through conversations with doctors or ethics teams, the team noted.

As this was an observational study and not a controlled experiment, it only showed an association and could not prove that refusing standard blood directly caused any specific patient outcomes.

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Several states have introduced proposals aimed at allowing patients to receive blood specifically from donors who have not received COVID-19 vaccines.

In Oklahoma, one such proposal called for the creation of a state-run blood bank dedicated to collecting and distributing blood from unvaccinated donors. Despite these efforts, none of the measures have been enacted into law.

Dr. Marc Siegel, ӣ��Ƶ senior medical analyst, was not involved in the research, but said these types of requests are "part of an ongoing fear culture."

"It is also very difficult to test for, because the antibodies may be positive from COVID itself as well as the vaccine, and it can be difficult to tell the difference," he told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

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The notion that receiving blood from someone who had the vaccine would be harmful is not based on any scientific studies, the doctor reiterated.

"If people want to group up to get blood from other unvaccinated people, I respect that choice, though it will be expensive and will limit options," Siegel added.

Diane Calmus, vice president of government affairs for America’s Blood Centers in Washington, D.C., said that requests for direct donations are "exceedingly rare" – representing about 0.06% of the U.S. blood supply.

"Requests for unvaccinated blood are something we've seen wax and wane since the introduction of the COVID vaccine," Calmus, who also was not involved in the Vanderbilt study, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital. "The challenge is that there's no way to tell whether someone’s blood has been vaccinated – there's no test that exists."

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Any situation where someone requires a blood transfusion is most likely a "very scary time," she noted.

"Family members want to be cautious, and this is why it's so important that people talk to a transfusion medicine-trained doctor," the expert advised. "These are physicians who have a specialty in blood transfusions … and who can answer those questions that any individual will have."

Calmus pointed out that it takes some time to facilitate a direct donation, and that there is a specific process in place.

"Blood has to be prescribed. You can't just show up at the blood center and say, ‘I would like my sister to donate for me,’" she said. "There needs to be a prescription. It needs to go through the hospital … they need to make sure it is the right blood for the right patient."

Calmus emphasized that the U.S. blood supply is "meticulously tracked," and that there have been no indications of a lack of safety. She also stressed the ongoing need for blood donors.

"We need people – vaccinated or not vaccinated – to show up and donate blood, because it is the blood on the shelves that saves lives."

ӣ��Ƶ Digital reached out to the Vanderbilt researchers for comment.

Marriage status has surprising link to cancer risk, study suggests: 'Clear signal'

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:26:11 -0400

Adults who never married are significantly more likely to develop cancer, according to new research from the University of Miami.

A large study of more than 4 million Americans across 12 states found that this increased risk spans nearly every major cancer type. It is especially true for preventable cancers, such as types caused by smoking and infection.

Men who never married were found to have a 70% higher likelihood of cancer than their married counterparts. For women, that gap was even wider, with never-married individuals facing an 85% higher risk.

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Previous research has linked marriage to better survival rates after a diagnosis, but this is one of the first studies to show that marital status could be a major indicator of whether a person will develop cancer in the first place.

"These findings suggest that social factors such as marital status may serve as important markers of cancer risk at the population level," study co-author Paulo Pinheiro, a research professor of epidemiology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said in a press release.

Between 2015 and 2022, the team examined cancer cases diagnosed at age 30 or older and compared the rates of various cancers to the marital status of participants. They then broke down the data by sex and race and adjusted for age.

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Adult men who were never married had approximately five times the rate of anal cancer compared to married men, the study found.

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Adult women who were never married had nearly three times the rate of cervical cancer compared to women who were or had been married.

"It’s a clear and powerful signal that some individuals are at a greater risk," Frank Penedo, director of the Sylvester Survivorship and Supportive Care Institute at the University of Miami, said in the release.

For women, being married (and often, by extension, having children) was associated with lower risks of ovarian and endometrial cancers, likely due to hormonal and biological factors associated with pregnancy, according to the researchers.

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Experts stressed that these findings do not mean marriage alone can protect against cancer.

"It means that if you’re not married, you should be paying extra attention to cancer risk factors, getting any screenings you may need, and staying up to date on healthcare," Penedo said.

The researchers also hypothesized that people who smoke less, drink less and take better care of themselves may be more likely to get married, meaning other factors could influence the findings.

More research is needed to confirm the outcome, they noted.

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The study was published in the journal Cancer Research Communications.

Common vaccine slashes Alzheimer's disease risk when dose is increased

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 14:43:24 -0400

A new, stronger flu shot could slash Alzheimer’s risk in half, according to new data.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), found that adults 65 and older who received a high-dose influenza vaccine had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to those who received the standard dose.

The immune system naturally weakens with age, making older adults less responsive to standard vaccines. To combat this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a high-dose flu vaccine for people over 65. This version is approximately four times stronger than the standard shot.

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Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, affects more than 6 million Americans, most of them age 65 or older.

Dr. Marc Siegel, a ӣ��Ƶ senior medical contributor, weighed in on the impact of the flu shot on Alzheimer's risk.

As the vaccine directly affects the immune system, it is possible that this interaction could decrease inflammation in the body and "thereby indirectly decrease Alzheimer's risk," Siegel, who was not involved in the research, told ӣ��Ƶ Digital.

"Flu shots and their components do not cross the blood-brain barrier, meaning they aren’t directly affecting brain cells."

"I was stunned that, as a physician, I didn’t know a higher dose was offered," lead study author Paul Schulz, professor of neurology at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, said in a press release.

Schulz also led a previous study linking general flu vaccination to a 40% reduction in Alzheimer's risk.

While the previous research had already linked general flu vaccination to a reduction in Alzheimer's risk, this new study looked specifically at the strength of the dose.

"The public health department had seen our vaccine research and asked if I could come down to talk to them about it," said Schulz. "We went through the findings, and they asked if there was a difference with different dosages; I was confused."

After sorting through data from nearly 200,000 older adults, the team found the adults who received the high-dose vaccine had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s than those who received the standard dose.

Adults in the high-dose group had an almost 55% lower risk than those who weren't vaccinated, significantly outperforming standard-dose protection.

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The protective effect of the high-dose vaccine was even more pronounced in women compared to men, although both groups saw significant benefits.

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This study shows a link, not a cause, the researchers noted.

Experts can't say for certain that the flu shot itself stopped Alzheimer’s because people who get high-dose vaccines might also have other healthy habits, like better diets or more frequent check-ups.

The researchers also looked at medical records after the fact, rather than following two controlled groups in real time, which can sometimes result in missing information or biases.

"This is not a cause/effect study," Siegel reiterated. "We can’t conclude that the flu shot itself causes the effect; it could be something about the people who decide to take this shot."

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The study also focused on people over 65, so it's unclear whether getting these shots earlier in life would provide the same level of protection.

"This needs to be further studied, but it is already certainly another reason to take a flu shot," Siegel added.

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The study was published in the journal Neurology.

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