😞 PAIN
One in ten experience facial pain – New method can reveal the cost: Facial pain is one of the most common forms of chronic pain. Despite this, there has previously been no standardized burden measurements, such as impact on the individual and healthcare costs across countries and in relation to other diseases. A new international research collaboration, led by researchers at Umeå University, has now developed lay descriptions that make it possible to visualize the global burden of disease caused by facial pain. BMC Medicine
Antidepressant unable to prevent chemotherapy-associated nerve damage: A randomized trial conducted by the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology with support from the National Cancer Institute has found that duloxetine, a medication commonly used to treat chronic pain and psychiatric conditions, does not prevent nerve damage caused by chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. The primary analysis of Alliance A221805 was published in JCO Oncology Advances.
Newly identified chronic pain circuit offers pathways to new treatments: A new map of a brain circuit specific to chronic pain suggests a promising route to treatment for the roughly 60 million Americans living with persistent pain, according to a study published in Nature. The study showed that silencing the specific cells that drive this circuit eased chronic pain while preserving acute pain responses—in other words, the body’s ability to signal danger.
Doubt cast on effectiveness of widely used ‘KT-tape’ for joint/muscle pain + mobility: Kinesio taping, or ‘KT tape’ as it’s usually known—widely used to ease joint/muscle pain and boost range of movement—may not be all that effective, suggests a pooled data analysis of the existing evidence, published in the online journal BMJ Evidence Based Medicine. The cotton-based, breathable, adhesive tape, often seen on the bodies of high profile athletes and sportsmen and women, may confer immediate to short term benefits, but the current evidence is “very uncertain,” say the researchers.
HonorHealth Research Institute patient receives new type of lumbar spine disc repair, alleviating pain and restoring range of motion: For the first time in Arizona, and only the second time in the U.S., HonorHealth Research Institute treated a patient with a new type of lumbar spine disc repair that provides immediate relief of pain and maintains the patient’s full range of motion. Called a PerQdisc, this replacement system is designed to substitute the leaking jelly cushion material (the nucleus pulposus) in the center of disc spaces, in between the building blocks of the spine. Like a flat tire, when there is a tear in the annulus and the jelly leaks out, the disc depressurizes and a person can experience pain. For now, the procedure is limited to the space between the L2 and L3 vertebrae, between the L3 and L4 vertebrae, and between the L4 and L5 vertebrae; all three in the lower lumbar region, which are the most common parts of the spine for such deterioration to occur. The procedure is intended for those in their middle years, those 25 to 50 years old. Those younger than 25 generally don’t experience much deterioration, and those older than 50 may experience so much deterioration that this procedure is no longer available to them. HonorHealth.com/research.
Angioplasty reduces chest pain, boosts QoL in chronic total occlusion: In what is believed to be the first randomized placebo-controlled trial of its kind, patients with a chronic total blockage of a coronary artery who received a nonsurgical procedure to reopen the artery showed statistically significant reductions in chest pain and improvements in quality of life compared with patients who received a placebo procedure. The research was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26).
TENS improves pain and fatigue in fibromyalgia: Adding TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to outpatient physical therapy reduced movement-based pain and fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia, and the effects lasted for at least six months, according to a new study led by researchers at University of Iowa Health Care. JAMA Open Network
Risk of drug poisoning if gabapentinoid painkillers taken with other medications: The authors of the new PLOS Medicine study found that among people taking gabapentinoids, adding benzodiazepines was associated with a doubling in the risk of hospitalisation for drug poisoning, while adding opioids was associated with a 30% increase in risk. The researchers found that the risk of poisoning can subside after someone starts taking gabapentinoids, but the elevated risk can persist for months, suggesting that gabapentinoids might not be an effective solution to reduce drug poisoning risks.
Neurobiologists hack brain circuits tied to placebo pain relief: Placebo effects, in which patients experience relief without therapeutic treatment, increasingly have been considered as potentially powerful clinical treatments for ailments such as depression and pain. Yet the neurological mechanisms underlying such processes are not fully understood. Now, a multi-institutional team led by the University of California San Diego’s Matthew Banghart, an associate professor in the School of Biological Sciences, has pinpointed the brain circuitry responsible for placebo pain relief. Their findings, reported in the journal Neuron, describe brain regions that support placebo effects and identify sites where endogenous opioid neuropeptides (commonly referred to as endorphins) provide signals that are critical for placebo pain relief. Neuron
Why endometriosis causes such chronic debilitating pain: In a paper published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, WSU scientist Kanako Hayashi and collaborators found that repeated cycles of inflammation can trigger lasting changes in the brain, amplifying and sustaining pain over time. “We’re showing that this is not just a local gynecological disease,” said Hayashi, a professor in WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences. “Once the system is sensitized, the brain keeps responding, even if the original lesions are gone.”
Weight-loss drugs may affect arthritis directly in the joints - new study finds
A new study from Aarhus University shows that the hormone GLP-1, which is mimicked in medication for diabetes and weight loss, is present in joint fluid. In the long term, this may open up new treatments for arthritis. Lancet Rheumatology
Air pollution associated with increased migraine activity: Air pollution is associated with increased migraine activity, according to a study published on April 15, 2026, in Neurology® Both short-term and cumulative exposure to air pollution as well as climate factors such as heat and humidity were associated with increased migraine activity. The study does not prove that air pollution causes migraine attacks; it only shows an association.
University of Calgary-led study shows link between migraine genetics and post-concussion headaches in kids: A new study has found evidence that children with genes predisposing to migraine might have an increased risk of having more headaches after a concussion, which are known to be linked to prolonged symptoms up to six-months after the injury. Neurology Genetics
Study shows cigarette smoking almost twice as likely for people living with chronic pain: New research from the University of Kansas shows people who experience chronic pain tend to consume cigarettes and e-cigarettes at higher rates than others. The findings, based on analysis of the National Health Interview Survey from 2014-2023, should inform therapies for both chronic pain and smoking cessation. The study appears in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Simple therapies beat drugs for knee arthritis pain relief: A major analysis of nearly 10,000 patients shows that simple, non-drug treatments like knee braces, hydrotherapy, and exercise can significantly ease knee osteoarthritis symptoms. These approaches not only reduce pain and improve mobility, but also avoid the risks tied to common medications. The findings suggest that low-cost, accessible therapies could play a bigger role in how doctors treat arthritis in the future. PLOS One
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Mind-Body Practices Like Qigong, Yoga May Help Treat Hypertension: A recent clinical trial found that an ancient mind-body practice known as baduanjin effectively lowered blood pressure in hypertensive practitioners. Similar to qigong, baduanjin is a low impact wellness practice originating in China that incorporates slow, aerobic, and isometric movement patterns, mindful breathing, and awareness. The practice involves a standardized eight-movement sequence that takes about 10–15 minutes to perform. The researchers who conducted the trial found that, compared with other forms of self-directed exercise, practicing baduanjin 5 days a week led to a reduction in systolic blood pressure at a 3-month follow-up that was sustained for a year. These results are comparable to some first-line hypertension medications, the researchers say. The baduanjin regimen also yielded results similar, if not superior to, brisk walking. The findings were published in JACC.
Study offers guidance on the therapeutic use of mindfulness, yoga to boost mental health for dementia patients: These and other mind-body interventions can be particularly helpful when programs are shorter, simpler and cognitively less demanding, and when caregivers provide support, researchers find. “Mind-body interventions to promote the mental health of older adults with cognitive impairment and dementia: a scoping review and logic model,”
Scientists say 7 days of meditation can rewire your brain: A single week of intensive meditation and mind-body practices led to measurable changes across the brain and body. Researchers observed improved brain efficiency, boosted immune signaling, and increased natural pain relief chemicals in participants’ blood. The effects even promoted neuron growth and stronger brain connectivity. Surprisingly, the experience mirrored psychedelic-like brain states—without any drugs involved. Communications Biology
FDA ACTION
• Approved the GLP-1 tablet Foundayo for use in weight management.
• Issued a draft guidance for sponsors seeking approval of human gene therapy products involving genome editing technologies.
• Approved Foundayo (orforglipron), marking the fifth approval under the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher (CNPV) pilot program. Foundayo is approved for use in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in adults with obesity or adults with overweight in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
• Approved Kresladi (marnetegragene autotemcel), the first gene therapy for the treatment of severe Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I (LAD-I).
• Approved Avlayah (tividenofusp alfa-eknm) to treat certain individuals with Hunter syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis type II or MPS II)
💪 PREVENTION: EXERCISE
Walking May Be More Effective When Combined With Strength Training, Other Activities: Researchers report that walking is the most popular leisure activity in the United States. They note urban dwellers also like to run and lift weights, while rural residents also enjoy gardening and hunting. Experts say those activities may not be enough for some people to maintain a higher fitness level, so additional exercise may be needed. PLOS One.
Exercising Harder, Not Just Longer, May Lower Your Type 2 Diabetes Risk: A few minutes of harder exercise each day may dramatically lower your risk of major diseases. New research suggests exercise intensity, not just total minutes, plays a critical role in prevention. Adding short bursts of vigorous activity to your day could be a simple, efficient way to improve long-term health outcomes. European Heart Journal
Women Who Stay Active During Midlife Have 50% Lower Risk of Early Death: The findings, published on March 26 in PLOS Medicine, show that women who consistently followed physical activity guidelines in their 50s and 60s had a lower risk of dying prematurely. The World Health Organization (WHO) advises 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Morning Exercise May Help Lower Your Risk of Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes: A recent study found that morning exercise may help lower your cardiometabolic risk. Cardiometabolic risk factors include cardiovascular disease and metabolic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. The findings show that exercising in the morning, rather than later in the day, may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes by 30%. This study is being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26). It has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Which types of physical activity may help prolong life span? A recent study published in BMJ Medicine helps answer that question by finding that regularly engaging in a variety of physical activities, such as running, cycling, and swimming, may be the best way to prolong your life span.
Timing exercise to match body clock chronotype may lower cardiovascular disease risk: Timing exercise to match body clock chronotype—the natural predisposition to morning or evening alertness—may lower cardiovascular disease risk among those who are already vulnerable, suggests research published in the open access journal Open Heart. Chronotype alignment boosted sleep quality and lowered risk factors, such as high blood pressure, fasting glucose, and ‘bad’ cholesterol, more effectively than mismatched exercise timing, the trial results indicate. The findings prompt the researchers to suggest that individual chronotype assessment should be included in exercise prescriptions for those who are at risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Fascinating Phenomenon That Is Your Brain on Exercise: Exercise significantly enhances brain health, improving cognitive function, mental health, and brain volume. It outperforms medications for depression and anxiety, with aerobic and resistance exercises boosting brain networks and chemicals linked to cognitive decline. Medscape
💤 PREVENTION: SLEEP
Sleep patterns may reveal hidden heart risks: People whose sleep apnoea changes dramatically from night to night are 30 per cent more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure, reveals a new study from Flinders University. The research, published in the journal SLEEP, shows that it is not just how severe sleep apnoea is that matters, but how much it fluctuates, with wide night‑to‑night swings in breathing problems during sleep linked to a higher risk of serious heart disease.
Study shows association between obstructive sleep apnea, all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events: New research to be presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026, Istanbul, Turkey, 12-15 May) shows that those living with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have a 71% higher risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs) or death from any cause (all-cause mortality) compared with those not living with OSA.
Irregular bedtime linked to higher risk of cardiac events: An irregular bedtime in midlife may signal an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A new study from the University of Oulu suggests that large swings in when people go to bed could double the risk of serious cardiac events—particularly among those who get less than eight hours of sleep. The researchers found that inconsistent bedtimes and greater variability in sleep timing were strongly associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events, especially when measured time in bed fell below eight hours. In this group, the risk was roughly twice that of people with more regular sleep patterns. By contrast, irregular wake-up times showed no clear link to cardiac events. In the study, major cardiovascular events were defined as conditions requiring specialised medical care, such as myocardial infarction or cerebral infarction. Sleep timing irregularity in midlife: association with incident major adverse cardiac events and cardiovascular disease mortality over a 10-year follow-up.
“Wake-up call” from leading sleep scientists: Night-time warming threatens the sleep of billions: s the world heats up, nights are warming faster than days where most people live – and this ambient heat affects how well and how long people sleep. A new scientific article by eminent sleep scientists, including the Presidents of the World Sleep Society and International Pediatric Sleep Association, suggests that warm nights are already degrading sleep for billions of people worldwide. The problem is poised to become significantly worse if this trend continues without further adaptation. Sleep
Vivid dreaming makes sleep feel deeper: Researchers in Italy have discovered a key relationship between dreaming and the feeling of having had a good night’s sleep. Published in PLOS Biology on March 24th, the study shows that the feeling of deep sleep is not determined solely by slow-wave brain activity. Rather, immersive dreaming that comes with increases in wake-like brain activity leads to a greater feeling of deep sleep. PLOS Biology:
🍇PREVENTION: DIET
Artificially-Sweetened Drinks Help Promote Weight Loss, but Water Is Best: Scientists from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Massachusetts also found that replacing sugary beverages with water can lead to weight loss. The researchers stated that their analysis showed that people who replaced sugary drinks with artificially sweetened beverages achieved modest long-term weight loss, particularly among participants with overweight or obesity and had high sugary beverage intake at the onset of the studies. They added that participants who replaced artificially sweetened drinks with water experienced modest long-term weight loss, while those who replaced sugary beverages with water had the highest weight loss. The researchers recently published their findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
New Dietary Guidelines Highlight 9 Simple Ways to Lower Heart Disease Risk: The American Heart Association (AHA) has unveiled updated dietary guidance to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease. This new scientific statement, released on March 31, 2026, in the journal CirculationTrusted Source, builds on previous recommendations and focuses on overall eating patterns rather than isolated foods or nutrients. The AHA highlights nine essential features of dietary patterns that promote cardiovascular health: balance energy intake and expenditure; eat plenty of veggies and fruits; choose whole grains over refined; opt for healthy protein sources (shit toward plant based such as legumes and nuts, regular fish and seafood, low fat or fat free dairy, avoid processed meats); replace saturate fats with unsaturated fats (use non tropical plant oils like olive, canola and soybean); favor minimally processed foods over ultra-processed; limit added sugars; reduce sodium intake; and be cautious with alcohol
2 to 3 Cups of Coffee Daily May Help Lower Stress, Improve Mental Health: Recent research has found that drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee each day may reduce your risk of stress, anxiety, and depression. The researchers found an association between the amount of coffee a person drinks in a day and their risk of developing both stress and mood disorders. The findings suggest that “a moderate intake of coffee might be beneficial for mental health,” according to the study, which was recently published in the Journal of Affective Disorders.
Eating the Same Meals Every Day Could Help You Lose More Weight: Having the same “go-to” meals and eating a consistent amount of calories each day may help people to lose more weight, according to a new study. Participants who followed a routine eating pattern lost more weight during a 12-week behavioral weight loss program than those who followed a more varied diet. The findings were recently published in the journal Health Psychology.
High-quality plant diets protect against Alzheimer’s, even when started late at life: A new study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, has found that consuming an unhealthful plant-based diet may actually increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. While a plant-based diet can be healthy, it can also be unhealthy if you choose ultra-processed foods, fried foods, or foods high in sugars and salt.
Intermittent Fasting May Promote Weight Loss, Improve Hormones in PCOS: A recent study has found that intermittent fasting may positively affect the hormones in people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These effects on hormones may help lead to greater weight loss. Weight loss has also been associated with improved PCOS symptoms. Nature MedicineTrusted Source
Eating Blueberries And Chicken May Slow The Shrinking Of Your Brain: A new study shows that the brain health diet, specifically the MIND diet, can slow age-related brain changes. Researchers tracked 1,650 older Americans, finding that better adherence to the MIND diet reduced grey matter loss by about 20%. Key foods like berries and poultry support brain health, while fried fast foods harm it. Unexpected results showed whole grains linked to faster decline, while cheese appeared to help, highlighting the complexity of dietary impacts. The findings suggest that even partial adherence to the MIND diet can offer significant benefits for brain health over time. Science Direct
Two simple eating habits linked to lower weight, study finds: People who fast longer overnight and start their day with an early breakfast were more likely to have a lower BMI years later. Scientists think this is because eating earlier aligns better with the body’s internal clock. But skipping breakfast as part of intermittent fasting didn’t offer the same advantage—and may even be tied to unhealthy habits. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
3 Lesser-Known Health Risks of Ultraprocessed Foods to Put on Your Radar: A study published in Radiology reports on a cross-sectional secondary analysis, which found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater buildup of fat in thigh muscles, based on MRI scan data. This research specifically included over 600 participants who were at risk for knee osteoarthritis. The data reveals another factor that may affect the muscles and adds to knowledge of the possible dangers of eating higher amounts of ultra-processed foods.
Eating More Plants Slows Your Biological Clock, Not Just Your Chronological One: A recent study shows that diets higher in plant-based foods correlate with slower biological aging as measured by DNA methylation patterns. The research analyzed data from nearly 5,000 adults and found that shifts in the plant-to-animal food ratio matter, even in non-vegetarians. Unhealthy plant-based diets did not positively affect aging clocks; quality of the diet is crucial.
Binge drinking just once a month may triple your risk of liver scarring: Many people think that occasional binge drinking is harmless if they otherwise drink in moderation, but new research suggests that assumption may be dangerously wrong. A large U.S. study found that people with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition affecting about one in three adults, face a much higher risk of serious liver scarring if they engage in heavy drinking even just once a month. Keck Medicine of USC study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Healthy diet, higher lung cancer risk? Deciphering surprising link in new study: While overall incidence has gone down, researchers are concerned about a different trend: increasing lung cancer rates in younger nonsmokers, especially women. Researchers in the new study utilized data from the Epidemiology of Young Lung Cancer case study to examine this trend more closely. They found a surprising association between healthier eating patterns and early onset lung cancer among nonsmokers. This finding is only an association, however, and does not prove that eating vegetables, fruits, or whole grains causes cancer. The authors suspect environmental factors may contribute to this. The researchers presented the study findings at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting.
Can sparkling water boost metabolism and help with weight loss? Sparkling water might slightly affect blood sugar and metabolism, but not enough to drive real weight loss. BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health
💮 PREVENTION: VITAMINS/SUPPLEMENTS
Is vitamin D associated with lower levels of Alzheimer’s biomarkers? Having higher levels of vitamin D in the blood in middle age is associated with lower levels of tau protein in the brain, which is a sign of dementia, years later, according to a study published April 1, 2026, in Neurology® Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study does not prove that vitamin D levels lower the level of tau and the risk of dementia; it only shows an association.
New research reveals dangers of ‘anti-aging’ supplements in cancer protection: Millions of Americans take daily supplements—nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide (NAM)—to boost energy, slow aging and protect the heart and brain. Many cancer patients also take these supplements to help manage the excruciating side effects of chemotherapy. But a new study, led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine and recently published in the journal Cancer Letters, found that these popular vitamin B3 derivatives may be doing more harm than good—helping cancer cells survive and resist treatment. The study does not suggest these supplements are dangerous for healthy people. But for active cancer patients—particularly those on chemotherapy—the risks are serious and demand immediate attention.
Can Vitamin D Promote a Healthier Gut in IBD? Vitamin D supplementation may reduce inflammation and improve immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by enhancing protective IgA and reducing pro-inflammatory IgG. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and optimize treatment strategies. The study was published online in Cell Reports Medicine.
Fatty liver breakthrough: A common vitamin shows promise: Researchers have identified microRNA-93 as a key genetic driver of fatty liver disease and discovered that vitamin B3 can effectively shut it down. This finding suggests a safe, widely available vitamin could become a powerful new treatment. Metabolism
PREVENTION: OTHER
Extra 11 Minutes of Sleep, 5 Minutes of Exercise Lowers Cardiovascular Risk: Researchers report that people who get 11 more minutes of sleep, add 5 minutes of physical activity to their daily routine, and eat a quarter-cup more vegetables per day can lower their risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, by 10%.
They added that people who have an optimal combination of lifestyle behaviors that include 8 to 9 hours of sleep per night, 42 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day, and a moderate diet quality score have a 57% lower risk of major cardiovascular events compared to people with the least optimal health profile. The researchers published their findings on March 23 in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Flu vaccine may slash Alzheimer's risk: Here's what dose to get: A new study published in the journal Neurology reports that older adults who receive a high-dose influenza vaccine may lower their Alzheimer’s disease risk more than those receiving a standard vaccine dose.
Social support, sleep, and pain management linked to mental health in later life: National Canadian study finds mental flourishing in older age is not just about avoiding illness—it’s about feeling connected and purposeful. Older Canadians who are socially connected, physically healthy, and spiritually engaged are significantly more likely to experience complete mental health, according to a new nationally representative study examining adults aged 65 and older. PLOS One
Years Of Exercise, Blood Pressure Drugs Failed To Slow Cognitive Decline In Seniors At Dementia Risk: They were, by any reasonable measure, doing everything right. The 513 older adults who enrolled in the Risk Reduction for Alzheimer’s Disease trial (rrAD, to the researchers running it) weren’t sedentary people shrugging at their health. They were people with something concrete at stake: a parent lost to dementia, perhaps, or that creeping private awareness that their own memory wasn’t quite what it used to be. Over two years, some of them exercised at moderate to vigorous intensity for nearly three hours a week. Others took statins and blood pressure medication aggressive enough to push their systolic readings below 130 millimetres of mercury. A third group did both. They were, in effect, running a personal experiment in dementia prevention. The results, published in JAMA Neurology found no significant cognitive benefit from any of it.
Doing this throughout life may cut Alzheimer’s risk by 38%: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities across your lifetime, including reading, writing, and learning new languages, may be linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and slower cognitive decline. That is the conclusion of a study published recently in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers emphasize that the findings show an association, not proof that lifelong learning directly prevents Alzheimer's.
This cheap drug could help people with type 1 diabetes use less insulin: A surprising new clinical trial has revealed that metformin—a cheap, century-old drug widely used for type 2 diabetes—may help people with type 1 diabetes in an unexpected way. While researchers initially hoped it would reduce insulin resistance, they instead found it allows patients to use about 12% less insulin while maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Nature Communications
New cholesterol guidelines could change when you get tested: Major new U.S. cholesterol guideline is shifting the focus toward earlier, more personalized prevention of heart disease. It urges people to start screening sooner—sometimes even in childhood—and highlights the importance of tracking not just LDL (“bad”) cholesterol but also genetic risk factors like lipoprotein(a). A new, more advanced risk calculator now uses broader health data to better predict heart attack and stroke risk over decades. Journal of the American College of Cardiology and Circulation
TREATMENT
Some IBS Treatments May Be Linked to Slightly Higher Risk of Early Death: Long-term use of two of the medications — loperamideTrusted Source and diphenoxylateTrusted Source — is associated with approximately double the risk of death. They added that long-term use of antidepressants to treat IBS symptoms was associated with a 35% higher risk of death. However, the researchers noted that although the overall increase in risk is statistically significant, the risk to any individual is small. April 8 in Communications Medicine
Metformin May Offer Similar Benefits as Exercise for Those With Prostate Cancer: In an exploratory study, researchers found that prostate cancer patients treated with metformin had Lac-Phe levels comparable to those seen after strenuous exercise. While not a substitute for exercise, the drug could help individuals manage treatment-related weight gain and metabolic health. The findings were published on April 6 in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine.
Higher Dose Wegovy Shot Could Help People Lose More Weight With GLP-1s: The FDA has approved a higher dose version of the GLP-1 drug Wegovy for weight loss. The new dose is 7.2 milligrams per weekly injection, compared to the original 2.4 milligrams per week. A higher Wegovy dose could lead to greater weight loss, but it could come with side effects. Healthline
One In Ten People May Be Genetically Resistant To GLP-1 Diabetes Drugs Like Ozempic: A new study reveals that about 10% of people with type 2 diabetes carry genetic variants in the PAM gene, causing resistance to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic. Carriers of these variants produce more GLP-1 but do not experience better blood sugar control compared to non-carriers. Researchers conducted extensive testing, confirming that GLP-1 resistance occurs downstream of the hormone’s receptor signaling. The study suggests a need for genetic testing prior to prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists to tailor treatments effectively. Longer-acting GLP-1 drugs may potentially overcome this resistance, but more research is needed. Genome Medicine
Forget daily pills. This shot works when blood pressure meds fail: A twice-yearly injection may soon change how high blood pressure is treated. In a global trial, patients receiving the experimental drug zilebesiran alongside standard therapy saw greater blood pressure reductions than those on standard treatment alone. The drug works by blocking a key liver protein, helping blood vessels relax. Researchers say this long-lasting approach could make it much easier for patients to keep their condition under control. JAMA
Menopause Estrogen Patches Are in Short Supply. What Are the Alternatives? The FDA’s removal of long-standing black box warnings on hormone therapy products triggered a prescription surge and supply shortage. All five patch manufacturers are running at full capacity but still falling short of demand, HHS told Healthline — though the federal health agency has not declared an official national shortage. Women unable to find patches have several effective alternatives, including estrogen gels, sprays, and oral tablets, all of which treat menopausal symptoms while bypassing the supply crunch. Healthline
Combining GLP-1 and SGLT2 Drugs Produce Some Benefits in T2D: Combined treatment with both a GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) and an SGLT2 inhibitor was linked to lower all-cause mortality and a lower risk for some cardiovascular outcomes, new research showed. published online in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism
Phase 2b Findings Support Novel Agent to Treat Alopecia Areata: A novel biologic agent in development to treat alopecia areata (AA) emerged superior to placebo for efficacy and safety in a phase 2b study. Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores significantly decreased with treatment over 36 weeks with no plateau in treatment response observed. Rezpegaldesleukin, or “rezpeg,” binds to the interleukin-2 receptor and enhances regulatory T-cell activity without stimulating conventional T cells, a novel approach that “puts the brakes on the immune system,” David Rosmarin, MD, chair of the department of dermatology, Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, said during a late-breaker research session at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2026 Annual Meeting.
Weight-Loss Drug-Biologic Combination Boosts Relief in Psoriatic Arthritis: Adding the weight-loss drug tirzepatide to the biologic ixekizumab significantly improved joint and skin outcomes in patients with psoriatic arthritis(PsA) and overweight or obesity, early results from a randomized phase 3b trial found. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2026 Annual Meeting
Antidepressant Promising for Methamphetamine Addiction: Mirtazapine shows promise in reducing methamphetamine use by about two days monthly in a phase 3 trial, offering a potential treatment option for methamphetamine use disorder, though further research is needed for real-world application. The study was published online on April 1 in JAMA Psychiatry.
Apixaban May Cut Stroke Risk but Raise Bleeding in Dialysis Patients: Apixaban may reduce stroke risk but increase bleeding in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation, according to a study. The findings highlight the need for careful risk-benefit discussions between physicians and patients. The study was published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.
Antidepressant Cuts Long COVID Fatigue. Metformin Not So Much.: Fluvoxamine, an antidepressant, significantly reduces fatigue in long COVID patients, showing promise in a recent clinical trial. The trial demonstrated a 99% probability of fluvoxamine’s superiority over placebo in reducing fatigue symptoms after 60 days. The study reported improved quality of life, with participants experiencing fewer adverse events on fluvoxamine compared to placebo. The trial involved 399 adults in Brazil, revealing fluvoxamine’s potential benefits for long COVID fatigue despite demographic limitations. Fluvoxamine is not a cure; it offers a meaningful yet modest improvement, highlighting the need for ongoing research in long COVID treatment.
OTHER
Abortion Pill Mifepristone Still Available By Mail (For Now), Federal Judge Says: Females seeking to end a pregnancy can still get the abortion pill mifepristone delivered by mail across the United States — at least for now. In Louisiana, U.S. District Judge David Joseph paused a legal case challenging the Food and Drug Administration’s mail-access rules while the agency completes its review of whether its own safety requirements for the drug are sound. According to the judge’s decision, the FDA has 60 days to update the court on its review of the REMS rules, which dictate who can prescribe the drug and whether it can be mailed. The agency has six months to finish.
Around Half the ADHD and Autism Content You See on TikTok May Be Misleading: A new study, published in the Journal of Social Media Research, has found that a significant proportion of social media content about mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions may be misleading. Researchers at the University of East Anglia’s Norwich Medical School reported that 52% of top-performing ADHD videos and 41% of autism-related videos on TikTok contained information that was inaccurate or not supported by current clinical evidence. They found that social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), are awash with misleading or unsubstantiated mental health content, and identified TikTok as the worst offender.
Prescription Drug Content On Social Media Often Misleading, Study Finds: A recent review published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source examined how social media influencers affect how users obtain information and approach prescription medications. The researchers found that the promotion of prescription medications by social media influencers is often accompanied by misleading information. It was shown that this type of promotion can be connected to outdated regulatory oversight.
No, That Viral 'Parasite Cleanse' Won't Actually Detox Your Body. Here's Why: Social media users claim that “parasite cleanses” using teas, herbs, and DIY remedies can rid the body of hidden infections and toxins. Medical experts say that parasitic infections are relatively uncommon and require proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that detox teas or herbal cleanses eliminate parasites, and they may cause harmful side effects. Experts recommend focusing on proper hygiene, food safety, and maintaining overall gut health rather than attempting at-home cleanses. Healthline
Young Adults With High Blood Pressure Face Higher Risk of Heart, Kidney Disease: High blood pressure during young adulthood may be linked to a higher risk of heart disease and kidney disease later in life, according to new research. The findings reinforced the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure at younger ages, particularly among adults under 40. This study hasn’t yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, but the researchers recently presented their findings at the American Heart Association (AHA)’s EPI|Lifestyle Scientific Sessions 2026Trusted Source.
Can red light therapy really deliver a beauty and health glow up? Here's the science: Red light therapy has become the latest ray of hope in the wellness industry. If you listen to wellness influencers, you might think there's nothing that red light therapy can't treat. But what's the science behind the hype? in recent years, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized the marketing of red light therapy devices to treat dry age-related macular degeneration and for the temporary relief of pain from fibromyalgia. For many conditions, red light is best viewed as a complementary therapy rather than a first-line treatment, Arany says. Overall, when it comes to the health benefits of red light therapy, "in some areas we have reached the highest level of evidence. In the other areas, it remains more anecdotal," with promising evidence but more rigorous science needed.” NPR
Scientists were wrong about lifespan. Your genes matter way more than we thought: For years, scientists believed our lifespan was mostly shaped by environment and chance, with genetics playing only a minor role. But a new study from the Weizmann Institute flips that idea on its head, revealing that genes may actually account for about half of the differences in how long people live. By analyzing massive twin datasets—including twins raised apart—and using innovative simulations to filter out deaths from accidents and other external causes, researchers uncovered a hidden genetic influence that had been masked for decades. Materials provided by Weizmann Institute of Science.
Fluoride in Drinking Water Has No Effect on IQ or Brain Function, Study Finds: Fluoride in drinking water does not affect children’s IQ or decrease cognitive abilities in older adults, according to a new, large-scale study. The research, published on April 13 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), reports that there appears to be no difference at any stage of life between people who grow up with water fluoridation and those who do not. The findings are in contrast to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s announcement in April that he would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to revise its long-standing recommendationTrusted Source that fluoride be added to drinking water. They also contradict previous research, including a January studyTrusted Source, that has suggested a possible link between fluoride and children’s IQ levels. Researchers noted that the studies were conducted in China and other countries with higher fluoride concentrations than permitted in the United States.
Never Marrying Raises Cancer Risk About As Much As Smoking, New Data Suggest: Across nearly every major cancer type, in both sexes, across all racial and ethnic groups studied, adults who have never been married develop cancer at dramatically higher rates than those who have. Not a modest uptick. A 68% higher rate in men, 85% higher in women, drawn from more than 4 million cases collected over eight years. The pattern is, to use the researchers’ own framing, a clear and powerful signal. What it means is considerably more complicated. Cancer Research Communications
