PAIN
Ozempic-Like Drug Liraglutide Slashes Migraine Days In Half, Study Finds: An Ozempic-like drug prescribed for diabetes has been found to reduce the frequency of debilitating migraine. Researchers say liraglutide might help migraine frequency and severity by reducing intracranial pressure. While promising, it’s too soon to say whether liraglutide will become a migraine treatment. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face PainTrusted Source
Gabapentin users may face 85% higher cognitive impairment risk: A new study reports that people who receive six or more prescriptions of gabapentin for lower back pain are at a higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Scientists found these risks were more than doubled in adults between the ages of 35 to 49 years. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine
Survey finds Americans choose short term relief for neck and back pain: New survey data from the Orlando Health Spine Center reveals a significant difference among Americans on how to manage neck and back pain. Respondents were split between relying on rest and reduced activity (44%), turning to over-the-counter pain relievers (42%), and hot/cold therapies (29%) — an uncertainty that may be discouraging some from seeking medical guidance.
Micronutrient deficiency linked to chronic pain in new study: Lower levels of certain vitamins and minerals were found to be associated with chronic pain in a recently completed study led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences and published in Pain Practice. For vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and magnesium, people with severe deficiencies were more likely to have severe chronic pain. Conversely, lower levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and magnesium – and a greater incidence of those low levels – were seen in people with severe chronic pain.
More sex, less pain and irritation for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: It’s no secret that women often become less interested in sex with age. However, orgasm and satisfaction have been shown to not decline significantly with age. A new study suggests regular sexual activity may limit vulvar pain, irritation, and dryness, which are all common reasons women have less sex as they get older. Results of the study are published online today in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society. “Cross-sectional study of the association between regular sexual activity and sexual function and genitourinary syndrome of menopause-related symptoms.”
USC's new AI implant promises drug-free relief for chronic pain: A groundbreaking wireless implant promises real-time, personalized pain relief using AI and ultrasound power no batteries, no wires, and no opioids. Designed by USC and UCLA engineers, it reads brain signals, adapts on the fly, and bends naturally with your spine. This groundbreaking device, detailed in Nature Electronics, represents a significant leap forward in pain therapy.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Music Therapy Eases Pain and Anxiety in the Emergency Department: Among patients with non–trauma-related pain, adding music therapy to standard analgesia in the emergency department (ED) reduced pain and anxiety compared with standard care alone. published online on April 11, 2025, in the International Journal of Emergency Medicine.
Doctors used music instead of medication—what they saw in dementia patients was remarkable: A groundbreaking pilot in NHS dementia wards is using live music therapy—called MELODIC—to ease patient distress without relying on drugs. Developed by researchers and clinicians with input from patients and families, this low-cost approach embeds music therapists directly into care teams. Early results show improved patient wellbeing and less disruptive behavior, sparking hope for wider NHS adoption. Frontiers in Psychiatry
Digital Mindfulness Program May Reduce Anxiety in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An 8-week smartphone-based mindfulness program using audio-guided meditation reduced anxiety and improved emotional well-being in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also providing relief from stress, anxiety, and dyspnea following each session. published online on May 26, 2025, in Respiratory Research.
Early Talk Therapy After Stroke Tied to Better Psych Outcome: Psychological therapy was associated with significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety among patients with a history of stroke, with greater benefits in those who initiated talk therapy within 6 months of the stroke compared to those who began treatment later, new research showed. published online on June 5 in Nature Mental Health.
Cannabis Labels Often Miss The Mark On THC Content: A comprehensive audit of 277 products purchased across 52 dispensaries reveals a troubling pattern: while cannabis concentrates show remarkable labeling accuracy at 96%, traditional flower products fail to meet state standards 44% of the time. The study, published in Scientific Reports and conducted by University of Colorado Boulder researchers, represents the first independent, blinded audit of legal cannabis market labeling. Its findings raise serious questions about consumer protection in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry, where accurate dosing can mean the difference between therapeutic relief and unwanted intoxication.
FDA ACTION
• Approved lenacapvir, a twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV infection that could improve adherence rates compared to other PrEP medications.
• Approved Gardenia Blue Interest Group’s (GBIG) color additive petition to use the color gardenia (genipin) blue in various foods, at levels consistent with good manufacturing practice.
PREVENTION
Exercise
Matching Your Workouts to Your Personality Could Help You Enjoy Exercise: Our personality may play a role in the type of exercise you prefer, according to a new study.
Some personality traits were associated with greater baseline fitness levels, while others predicted greater enjoyment of specific types of exercise. The research could help to tailor exercise programs to individual preference, leading to greater satisfaction and consistency. Frontiers in Psychology.
Your Gym Buddy Could Be The Secret To Better Mental Health: A comprehensive review from the University of Georgia suggests that while exercise does benefit mental health, the “how, where, and why” of physical activity may matter more than the traditional focus on duration or calorie burn. The research, published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, challenges the field’s long-standing emphasis on exercise “dose” as the primary factor in mental health outcomes.
Walking Faster Boosts Fitness In Frail Older Adults: A modest increase in walking pace — just 14 more steps per minute — can help frail and prefrail older adults regain strength and independence, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE.
Does exercise really improve mental health?: Research often points to exercise as a good way to boost mental health, but a recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that it’s not just physical movement that affects mental health. It’s how, where and why you exercise that makes the difference.
Sleep
3 types of exercise may be best for managing insomnia: Practicing yoga, Tai Chi, walking, and jogging are effective therapies for treating poor sleep and insomnia, according to a new meta-study. The meta-study looked at the outcomes of 22 randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of exercise and other therapies for insomnia. The positive effects of yoga were the strongest of the exercises studied, and the beneficial effects of Tai Chi were the longest-lasting. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine.
Monash study finds early bedtimes associated with more physical activity: Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study examined whether sleep duration and sleep timing were associated with the duration of moderate-to-vigorous and overall physical activity the following day. Going to bed earlier than usual may help to optimise physical activity the following day, Monash University-led research has found.
Can’t sleep, can’t focus, can’t thrive? ADHD and insomnia may be a vicious cycle: Struggling to sleep might be the hidden reason why adults with ADHD traits often feel less satisfied with life. New research reveals a strong link between insomnia and reduced well-being in people with ADHD symptoms, suggesting a vicious cycle where poor sleep worsens attention and emotional issues, and vice versa. BMJ Mental Health
Diet
Black Coffee Is Good For Your Heart, Study Finds: Researchers say daily coffee consumption can lower a person’s overall mortality risk as well as their risk of death from cardiovascular disease. However, the benefits decline for those who add significant amounts of sugar and saturated fats, such as cream, to their coffee. If you don’t enjoy the taste of coffee, experts say there are healthy alternatives that offer similar health benefits. The Journal of Nutrition.
Compounds in Coffee May Help Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A new research analysis suggests that black coffee, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, may help lower the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers affiliated with universities in the Republic of Korea say people who drink 3 to 5 cups of black coffee per day benefit from natural compounds known as polyphenols. The findings were recently published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Intermittent Fasting May Be as Effective as Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss: A systematic review of nearly 100 randomized clinical trials involving intermittent fasting (IF) and traditional calorie restriction (CR) found that both approaches yielded similar health benefits. The study, published on June 18 in The BMJTrusted Source, found that IF and CR were equally effective. Of the three primary IF methods, only alternate day fasting resulted in greater weight loss than CR. However, the authors note that longer trials are needed to substantiate their findings.
Just 1 hotdog per day could harm your health, study finds: In a new burden of proof study published in Nature MedicineTrusted Source, researchers analyzed data from over 60 previous studies investigating how processed meats, sugary beverages, and trans fatty acids in the diet relate to the risk of developing a range of conditions. After completing their analysis, the researchers concluded that regularly consuming even small amounts of processed meat, sugary drinks, and trans fatty acids is linked to a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and colorectal cancer.
Low-fat vegan diet may be better for weight loss than a Mediterranean diet: Dietary acid load has to do with how a person’s food patterns contribute to the acid-base balance in the body. Research is ongoing about dietary acid load and how it impacts health outcomes. A recent analysis found that following a low-fat vegan diet may lower dietary acid load and that this effect may help with weight loss. Frontiers in Nutrition
To achieve diabetes remission, avoid diet soda and opt for water: A new study presented at the 85th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has found that women with type 2 diabetes who regularly choose to drink water over diet soda may increase their likelihood to achieve weight loss and diabetes remission.
Leafy Greens Cut Heart Disease Deaths By 43% In Study: The research found that consuming about one and a half cups of leafy greens daily—roughly equivalent to 120 micrograms of vitamin K1—provided the strongest protection against atherosclerotic vascular disease deaths. The findings, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, offer compelling evidence that this often-overlooked vitamin plays a crucial role in preventing the arterial damage that leads to heart attacks and strokes. Atherosclerotic vascular diseases claim one life every 12 minutes in Australia and represent two of the top three global causes of death.
Study Finds Direct Link Between Ultra-Processed Foods and Chronic Diseases: A new report has concluded that ultra-processed foods are a driving force behind the obesity epidemic as well as a major cause of chronic conditions. The findings, published in the journal Nature Reviews EndocrinologyTrusted Source, were a summary by scientists of existing research on the potential connection between obesity and the advent of ultra-processed foods.
Eating 1 egg per week linked to lower Alzheimer's risk, study finds: Using brain autopsies, the scientists also showed that those who ate eggs more regularly had less protein buildup in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s. The researchers conclude that this link may be due to eggs’ choline and omega-3 content. The Journal of Nutrition
Eggs Don’t Raise Bad Cholesterol, Study Finds: Two eggs daily can actually lower harmful cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a low saturated fat diet, according to new research that challenges decades of dietary advice. The University of South Australia study, funded by the egg industry, reports that it definitively shows that saturated fat, not dietary cholesterol in eggs, drives up LDL cholesterol levels.
For weight loss, diet may matter more than exercise: A new study has found that reducing the number of calories ingested may be more important than doing more exercise. While emphasizing the health benefits of regular exercise, the research suggests that cutting calories, particularly from ultra-processed foods, could be more effective in promoting weight loss. PNAS,
Evening Pistachios Shift Gut Bacteria In People With Prediabetes: Researchers at Penn State University found that consuming about two ounces of pistachios nightly for 12 weeks significantly altered the gut bacterial community compared to consuming the recommended 15-30 grams of carbohydrates (equivalent to one or two slices of whole grain bread). The study reveals how pistachios might offer an alternative to standard dietary recommendations for managing blood sugar levels. Current Developments in Nutrition.
Diet Drinks, Saccharin Tied to Increased Diabetes Risk: Consuming higher amounts of diet drinks and/or saccharin was associated with an elevated risk of developing diabetes, while total artificial sweetener intake, sucralose, and aspartame showed no significant association, according to an analysis of data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study. The current analysis, presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, included 4654 adults (54.4% women, 50.1% White individuals) enrolled in the CARDIA study, with a mean age of 24.9 years at baseline in 1985-86.
Popular sugar substitute linked to brain cell damage and stroke risk: Erythritol, a widely used sugar substitute found in many low-carb and sugar-free products, may not be as harmless as once believed. New research from the University of Colorado Boulder reveals that even small amounts of erythritol can harm brain blood vessel cells, promoting constriction, clotting, and inflammation—all of which may raise the risk of stroke. Journal of Applied Physiology.
Acid-busting diet triggers 13-pound weight loss in just 16 weeks: Swap steaks for spinach and you might watch the scale plummet. In a 16-week crossover study, overweight adults who ditched animal products for a low-fat vegan menu saw their bodies become less acidic and dropped an average of 13 pounds—while the Mediterranean diet left weight unchanged. Researchers link the shift to lower “dietary acid load,” a hidden inflammation trigger driven by meat, eggs, and cheese. Frontiers in Nutrition
Vitamins/Supplements
Probiotics, Prebiotics Tied to Decreased Depression, Anxiety: The use of probiotics and prebiotics, alone or combined (synbiotics), was associated with a significantly greater decrease in symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with depression compared to nonuse, a new meta-analysis showed. published online on May 24 in Journal of Psychiatric Research.
Omega-3 Supplements Combined With Weightlifting May Improve Overall Health: A new study suggests that incorporating omega-3s into a strength training regimen positively impacts heart and brain health and can lead to fitness gains. Due to the limited scope of the research, it’s unclear whether the findings are applicable to the broader population. Nutrients
Other
WHO recommends lenacapavir as twice yearly injection to help prevent HIV: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently issued new guidelines recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir to help prevent HIV. 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) on HIV Science
Healthy lifestyle linked to lower diverticulitis risk, irrespective of genetic susceptibility: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—specifically, a diet rich in fibre but light on red/processed meat, regular exercise, not smoking, and sticking to a normal weight—is linked to a significantly lower risk of diverticulitis, finds a large long term study, published online in the journal Gut.
TREATMENT
‘Ozempic Penis’: Males Are Reporting a Surprising New GLP-1 Side Effect: Male Reddit users are reporting what they call “Ozempic penis,” with some claiming penile growth of up to 1.5 inches. Experts say, however, that Ozempic penis is not a true side effect of GLP-1 drugs. Instead, fat loss above the penis allows more of the organ to be visible, and improved blood flow due to improved metabolic health could also play a role.
Ozempic-Like Drug Liraglutide Slashes Migraine Days In Half: An Ozempic-like drug prescribed for diabetes has been found to reduce the frequency of debilitating migraine. Researchers say liraglutide might help migraine frequency and severity by reducing intracranial pressure. While promising, it’s too soon to say whether liraglutide will become a migraine treatment. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face PainTrusted Source.
GLP-1 Drugs May Boost Testosterone Levels In Men With Obesity, Diabetes: New research shows that GLP-1 medications are associated with improved testosterone in males with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The findings align with prior evidence showing that weight loss can support healthy testosterone levels. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are recognized as comorbidities for low testosterone and sexual dysfunction. ENDO 2025
Eating More Protein May Prevent Muscle Loss From GLP-1 Drugs: Increasing protein intake while taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss could help prevent muscle loss, according to a new study. As a common side effect of weight loss, muscle loss could also lead to decreased bone density due to the effects on blood sugar management. Experts recommend asking your doctor about increasing protein intake and incorporating strength training into your weight loss plan. ENDO 2025
Diet And Exercise Still Vital With GLP-1 Medications: Popular weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy demand thoughtful lifestyle management to protect muscle mass and ensure proper nutrition, according to new medical guidance published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
Parkinson's: Cough medicine may help slow down cognitive decline: A randomized clinical trial found that the drug Ambroxol may help stabilize the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia, and confirmed the safety of the drug’s use among participants. JAMA NeurologyTrusted Source
Radiotherapy for breast cancer linked to lower Alzheimer's risk: The researchers found that breast cancer survivors treated with radiation therapy had an 8% reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s in the short term. JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source.
AAD Issues Recommendations for Four New Therapies for Adult Atopic Dermatitis: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recently issued a focused update to its guidelines on the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults, strongly recommending four recently approved therapies: tapinarof cream, roflumilast cream, lebrikizumab, and nemolizumab (in combination with topical therapy). These additions reflect high-certainty evidence supporting both efficacy and safety, according to the workgroup’s systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
ACG Updates Guidance on Crohn’s Disease Management: The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has issued updated guidance on the management of Crohn’s disease (CD) that reflects the surge in development of therapeutic options available since 2018, when the last guideline was published. These newer treatment options include interleukin-23 (IL-23) blockers risankizumab, mirikizumab, and guselkumab; the anti-IL-12/23 agent ustekinumab; the Janus kinase inhibitor upadacitinib; and the anti-integrin vedolizumab. The 40-page guideline was published online earlier this month in American Journal of Gastroenterology, along with a one-page visual highlights summary.
Stem Cell Therapy Frees Kidney Patients From Lifelong Immunosuppressant Drugs: Three-quarters of kidney transplant patients who received stem cells from their organ donors successfully stopped taking immunosuppressive medications for more than two years—a medical achievement that could transform how transplants are managed. American Journal of Transplantation
NSAIDs May Pose Greater Heart Risks Than Colchicine in Gout: In patients with gout starting allopurinol as a long-term urate-lowering therapy, the prophylactic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was associated with a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) than the use of colchicine or no prophylaxis. published online Arthritis & Rheumatology.
Landmark 20-Year Study Reshapes Understanding of PTSD: A large 20-year study — the longest and most detailed of its kind — shows that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can endure for decades, challenging conventional timelines for recovery and offering new insights to guide future treatment. Researchers analyzed data from the World Trade Center Health Program(WTCHP), which is administered by the US CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and found symptoms of PTSD persisted for as long as two decades in 10% of first responders involved in the World Trade Center disaster of September 2001. published online Nature Mental Health.
Shocking brain cancer breakthrough: Electric fields supercharge immune assault: Electric field device placed on the scalp, along with immunotherapy and chemotherapy may help patients with glioblastoma live longer, particularly those with large, inoperable tumors. Med
OTHER
Body Fat More Accurately Predicts Heart Disease, Death Risk Than BMI: Measurements that calculate body fat percentage are significantly more accurate for determining health profiles, according to a new study published Annals of Family Medicine. Compared to BMI scores, researchers said body-fat percentages were a stronger predictor of the 15-year mortality risk of young adults ages 20 to 49. They reported that people with high body fat are 78% more likely to die from any cause compared to people without high body fat. In addition, those with elevated body fat percentages have a 262% higher chance of dying from heart disease.
Heart Attacks No Longer a Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.: Fatalities from heart attacks — acute myocardial infarctions — decreased by 89% from 1970 to 2022, the reportTrusted Source, published on June 25 in the Journal of the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source, shows. Heart disease overall has decreased by 66% since 1970, yet it remains the leading cause of death among AmericansTrusted Source.
Is Thimerosal in Flu Shots Safe? Experts Discuss CDC Vaccine Decision: A CDC advisory committee voted 5-1 on Thursday to recommend only single-dose formulations of flu shots that do not contain the preservative thimerosal. The vote follows a shakeup of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), in which Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the panel and hand-picked their replacements. The ouster and subsequent ACIP vote have caused alarm among doctors and physician advocacy organizations—including the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) — who claim the committee is stoking confusion and distrust in vaccines.
The Unintended Toll Of Extended Parental Leave: A 50-Year European Study: Researchers from the University of Vienna have uncovered an uncomfortable truth about extended parental leave policies. While shorter breaks from work appear protective, mothers who take very long periods away from their jobs—particularly without adequate financial support—face increased risks of developing smoking habits that persist for decades. a major European study tracking 8,500 mothers across five decades found that each additional month of parental leave increases a mother’s chance of smoking later in life by 1.2 percentage points. Journal of Health Economics
Virtual Dog Videos Reduce Stress As Much As Real Pets: The study of over 1,000 participants found that virtual canine therapy sessions delivered stress relief comparable to in-person animal interactions, opening doors for accessible mental health support worldwide. The findings, published in Human-Animal Interactions, demonstrate that even without physical contact, virtual dog therapy can provide meaningful psychological benefits. This discovery could help address growing mental health needs while overcoming barriers like geographic isolation, allergies, or fear of seeking formal treatment.
Autoimmune Disease Doubles Mental Health Risks: People living with autoimmune diseases face nearly double the risk of developing persistent mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, according to a landmark UK study of 1.5 million participants. Women with autoimmune conditions showed particularly elevated risks, with chronic inflammation emerging as the likely culprit linking physical and mental health challenges. The research, published in BMJ Mental Health, represents one of the largest investigations into the connection between autoimmune disorders and psychiatric conditions.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection Doubles T1D Risk in Children: In a large, population-based cohort, previously healthy children and adolescents who experienced acute SARS-CoV-2 infection had more than twice the risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) within 6 months as those who were never infected. published online on June 17, 2025, in Diabetic Medicine.
Common Bacteria Could Cause 12 Million Stomach Cancer Cases: Researchers say about three-quarters of gastric cancer cases worldwide are caused by the common bacterium Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori infection doesn’t always produce symptoms, so it’s important to get screened for any persistent gastric-related pain, such as indigestion and bloating. You can lower your risk of gastric cancer by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting tested for H. pylori if you have any symptoms that may indicate infection. Nature MedicineTrusted Source
Health Industry Uses Big Tobacco Tactics Against Medicare For All: Private health insurance companies spent over $1 million on Facebook and Instagram advertisements that used classic Big Tobacco marketing strategies to generate opposition to universal healthcare policies in the United States, according to new research analyzing a massive social media campaign. The study reveals how the Partnership for America’s Health Care Future employed fear-mongering, misinformation, and targeted messaging techniques pioneered by tobacco companies to protect their profits from potential Medicare for All policies. Published in PLOS Global Public Health, the research examined 1,675 paid advertisements shown to more than 40 million Meta platform users between 2018 and 2021, revealing sophisticated tactics designed to undermine public support for universal healthcare expansion.
Medieval Healers Used Remedies Now Trending On TikTok: A sweeping new study of Dark Ages medical manuscripts reveals that people in medieval Europe were far more scientifically minded than previously thought—and some of their remedies bear striking resemblance to today’s alternative medicine trends. Researchers from Binghamton University and four other institutions have compiled the most comprehensive catalog ever assembled of early medieval medical texts, nearly doubling the known collection of medical manuscripts from before the 11th century. Their findings challenge long-held assumptions about medieval ignorance and superstition.
Autoimmune Diseases Tied to Doubling of Mood Disorder Risk: Autoimmune diseases, especially in women, are associated with nearly a two-fold increased risk for affective disorders, new research showed. An analysis of 1.5 million adults showed that the lifetime prevalence of self-reported diagnoses of depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety was 28.8% among individuals with an autoimmune condition vs 17.9% among those without an autoimmune condition (q < .001). “Our results suggest that people with autoimmune conditions may have nearly double the risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to the general population. published online on June 24 in BMJ Mental Health.
The silent threat: How hearing loss and loneliness are fueling memory decline: A massive European study has uncovered a powerful connection between hearing loss, loneliness, and memory decline. Researchers at the University of Geneva found that older adults with hearing impairments who also feel lonely—regardless of actual social isolation—experience faster cognitive decline. Communications Psychology
The surprising link between hearing loss, loneliness, and lifespan: People who treat hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants regain rich conversations, escape isolation, and may even protect their brains and lifespans—proof that better hearing translates into fuller living. JAMA Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
