😓PAIN
Surgery may worsen knee osteoarthritis: A common knee surgery — the partial removal of meniscus cartilage — may provide little benefit to people with knee osteoarthritis and may actually worsen their prospects for long-term knee health, according to new research from Finland, whose findings are reported in a correspondence paper published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
Mental defeat – the hidden experience fuelling daily suffering in chronic pain: Published in the journal PAIN, researchers found that when people feel mentally defeated, they are more likely to focus on their pain, see it as damaging to their identity and future, and withdraw from everyday activities, making it a critical factor in reduced quality of life. “Pain is not something that can simply be taken away, it is someone’s reality. But how people relate to their pain, and the meaning they attach to it, can add an extra layer of distress that we might be able target with the right interventions.”
Certain migraine prevention drugs associated with reduced risk of glaucoma: A type of drug used to prevent migraine may be associated with a reduced risk of glaucoma, according to a study published May 6, 2026, in Neurology® The study compared 36,822 people who took calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitor drugs to prevent migraine to the same number of people who took other types of migraine prevention drugs. It does not prove that CRGP inhibitor drugs directly cause the reduced risk of glaucoma; it only shows an association.
Pioneering study confirms the benefits of total hip arthroplasty: Total hip arthroplasty leads to the best outcomes in the treatment of moderate-to-severe hip osteoarthritis, according to a new study by the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital. During a one-year follow-up, surgery combined with conservative treatment was found to relieve pain and improve functional capacity and quality of life more effectively than conservative treatment alone, which was based on an exercise programme. The Bone & Joint Journal
Central nervous system a key player in diabetes pain: More than 50% of people with diabetes develop diabetic peripheral neuropathy. In about one-third of cases, nerve damage results in painful sensations such as burning, tingling, or shooting sensations in the feet. Pain often worsens at night and disrupts sleep and ultimately reduces a person's ability to work, or to carry out everyday activities. Changes within the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, can be a key reason for pain in people with diabetes, and future treatments could focus on restoring the brain’s pain blocking systems, according to new research. Pain Modulation and Central Sensitization in Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: Updated Narrative Review and Future Directions
New study finds link between difficulty identifying emotions and higher chronic pain levels: A large, two-year study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine and consisting of more than 1,400 adults living with chronic pain across the United States found that people who struggle to identify and describe their emotions experience greater disruption to daily life from pain over time due to increased psychological distress. The study examined how alexithymia — a trait marked by difficulty recognizing and expressing emotions — affects pain outcomes. While previous research has linked alexithymia to worse pain, this study is among the first to show how and when that effect unfolds over time. The study’s findings were published March 26 in the journal Health Psychology.
Trial shows relief for those living with chronic angina: A new UK-led study has found that angioplasty with stenting to reopen a fully blocked heart artery can significantly reduce chest pain and improve people’s quality of life. The results have been published in the JACCjournal.
‘Leave-nothing-behind’ strategy works as well as drug-eluting stent for heart attack and chest pain patients: A new sub-study suggests that using a sirolimus-eluting balloon (SEB), a drug-coated balloon, can reduce the number of stents a patient may need, making it a safe and effective way to treat certain heart attacks or unstable chest pain. Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions "Sirolimus Eluting Balloons for Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome – Evidence from the SELUTION DeNovo Trial"
ADHD and chronic pain, an overlooked connection: A new study, led by researchers from the University of Tokyo, involving nearly 1,000 patients in Japan suggests that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related traits may be associated with and may contribute to chronic pain. The connection seems solid but indirect: ADHD-related traits appear to impact how people perceive pain through increased anxiety, depression and negative thought patterns. Scientific Reports
Combining cannabis with opioids offers no added pain relief for knee arthritis patients: Combining cannabis with an opioid did not improve acute pain for people with knee arthritis, according to results of a study published in the May issue of Anesthesiology, The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found no added benefit while undergoing laboratory pain testing. The findings showed neither cannabis nor opioids alone provided significant pain relief and using them together did not improve results.
Mobile App for Hand Osteoarthritis Improves Pain and Function Compared to Usual Care: The Happy Hands app significantly improved pain and hand function in osteoarthritis patients compared to usual care, with 47% showing improvement. The app's effectiveness suggests a promising self-management tool, despite a high dropout rate. World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI)
Early Knee OA Lifestyle Program Insufficient for Reducing Weight to Lessen Disease Progression: A combined lifestyle intervention program was not sufficient in routine primary care for enabling participants with overweight or obesity and early knee osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms to lose a modest amount of weight to reduce risk for OA progression, according to research presented at the World Congress on Osteoarthritis (OARSI) 2026 Annual Meeting.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Edible Cannabis and Pain, Sleep, and Mental Health Management in Older Adults: A new study by researchers from University of Utah Health and University of Colorado Boulder reveals that many older adults start cannabis seeking more effective or non-pharmaceutical options to manage sleep, pain, or mental health, and that many people base their decisions on word of mouth rather than discussions with health care providers. JAMA Network Open.
Is cannabis safe after 65? Stanford experts reveal 5 risks older adults should know: Cannabis use among older adults is rising fast, but today’s marijuana is far more potent than many people realize — and experts warn the risks may be underestimated. Stanford Medicine specialists say modern cannabis can increase the chances of heart problems, falls, memory issues, dangerous drug interactions, and even addiction,
TBI survivors turn to psychedelics for symptom relief: A new study from the University of Victoria (UVic) has identified a segment of traumatic brain injury survivors who are using psychedelics to self-medicate for cognitive, mood and somatic symptoms such as headaches. In a first-of-its-kind study, clinical psychology researchers analyzed more than 6,100 responses collected from the global psychedelic survey. Researchers found that nearly 1,200 respondents reported using psychedelics to treat or manage a physical health condition. Researchers found that respondents with TBIs most often used psilocybin every two to five months or every six months to treat their symptoms, using a mix of microdoses and larger doses. Other respondents reported self-medicating with LSD/acid and ketamine. Not only are people with TBIs experimenting with psychedelics to manage mood, cognitive and somatic symptoms—they are finding relief. When asked to rate how effective their psychedelic use was on their TBI-related symptoms, 90 per cent of the sample self-reported some level of symptom improvement.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy shows promise managing menopausal insomnia and hot flashes: New study demonstrates that cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention can produce meaningful short-term improvements in insomnia severity, hot flash interference, sleep self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms. “Cognitive behavioral therapy for menopausal insomnia in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with insomnia and nocturnal hot flashes: a randomized-controlled pilot trial.”
Nature-based group activities improve wellbeing among older adults experiencing loneliness: Focusing on nature, including outdoor excursions and contacts with the natural world, the activities boosted wellbeing and health through peer support and activity content. “Group activities once a week over just a nine-week period can already reduce loneliness in research subjects and improve their sleep and memory, as well as their sense of connection to nature. Our study also highlighted the need for older adults in care homes to visit outdoor environments and nature more
PREVENTION: Exercise
This Type of Exercise Can Help You Build More Muscle With Less Effort: A lesser-known type of exercise can build strength and improve fitness while remaining accessible to less active individuals. Eccentric exercises like lowering weights or walking downhill can generate more force with less energy while supporting muscle, heart, and even brain health. Eccentric exercise may help build muscle strength with less strain on the body, according to an article recently published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science. It may also offer specific advantages over concentric exercise for muscle rehabilitation and even brain health.
Your Fitness Level After 40 Can Add Years to Your Life and Boost Health: According to a recent study, your level of cardiorespiratory fitness in midlife can not only help determine how long you live, but also how many of those years you spend in good health. The study showed that adults with higher midlife cardiorespiratory fitness lived longer, developed fewer chronic diseases, and spent more years free from serious illness than those with lower fitness. The results were recently published in the JACC
Increasing daily steps may boost recovery after surgery: A study suggests that each additional 1,000 daily steps after surgery was linked to better outcomes, including 18% fewer complications, 16% lower readmission risk, and 6% shorter hospital stays.
Step count was also a stronger predictor of recovery than heart rate variability or self-reported wellness scores. The association between higher step counts and improved outcomes held across different types of surgeries and patient health profiles. The findings indicate that data from wearable devices could help clinicians monitor recovery in real time, guide discharge decisions, and identify patients who may need extra support. Journal of the American College of Surgeons,
A simple 30-second sit-to-stand test that can predict how well you age: In just 30 seconds, a simple movement like standing up from a chair can reveal a person’s risk of falls, hospitalization, and even death. Muscle power is not only essential for maintaining independence, but also a powerful biomarker of how well we age. Measuring it is simple; its implications are profound. Journal of Sport and Health Science
8,500 steps a day can help dieters keep weight off: New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2026) in Istanbul, Turkey and published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health shows that doing around 8,500 steps a day can help people keep weight off after dieting.
The critical role of exercise in the GLP-1 era: As GLP-1 receptor agonists reshape obesity treatment, a new medical perspective published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, or JAMA, underscores a persistent gap in care: integrating exercise into weight management in ways patients can sustain. The perspective, “The Conundrum of Exercise for Weight Management in the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Era,” examines the evolving role of physical activity alongside medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide and other GLP-1-based therapies
High-intensity interval training shows strongest vascular benefits in cardiovascular patients: A network meta-analysis identifies high-intensity interval exercise as the most robust strategy to improve endothelial function, outperforming moderate continuous training across patients with cardiovascular disease. The findings, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, are based on a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 37 studies that included 6,818 adult patients with coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure.
Two exercise types help reduce blood pressure in those with hypertension: Research links combined aerobic and resistance exercise, as well as high intensity interval training (HIIT), with significant reductions in 24-hour blood pressure in adults with hypertension. The analysis suggests that aerobic exercise was the most consistently effective form of exercise for lowering blood pressure, with reductions observed during both daytime and nighttime periods. Evidence suggests that aerobic and combined exercise should remain the primary recommendations for lowering blood pressure, with further research needed for other activities.
For older adults with mild cognitive impairment, exercise can be crucial to sleep quality Study finds that while both light and vigorous activity can reduce sleep disturbances, high-intensity workouts provide the greatest benefit — offering new hope for quality rest and dementia prevention. For their study, published in the journal Digital Health, Lee and Kim used Oura Rings to measure the effects of different intensities of physical activity on sleep disturbance in seven older adults with mild cognitive impairment at a long-term care facility in the United States.
Feel the beat, not the burn: Study shows your favorite playlist can help you train harder and longer: New research from the University of Jyväskylä (JYU) shows that letting exercises choose their own music can boost endurance by nearly 20 % - without making the workout feel any tougher. The findings have practical benefits for both athletes and everyday exercisers. Participants who pedalled to their own self-selected tracks (around 120-140 beats per minute) lasted an average of nearly 6 minutes longer before reaching exhaustion compared to riding in silence. That’s the key finding from a new study now available online in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise.
Lying Down For Ten Minutes A Day Can Improve Your Balance And Agility: The least athletic thing you can do turns out to be surprisingly good training. Lie flat on the floor, flex your knees, press your fingertips lightly into your abdomen, and contract against the pressure. Then, in a slow and deliberate sequence, tilt your pelvis, lift your hips slightly, and extend one leg while dorsiflexing the ankle. Do this for ten minutes. Repeat for two weeks. Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have now shown that something close to this routine, performed entirely on your back, measurably improves how steadily you stand and how quickly you can change direction on your feet. The finding runs against the logic most of us apply to exercise: that balance is trained upright, in the positions that challenge it. But the study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests the body’s postural control system can be recalibrated from the floor up, in a position so biomechanically safe it barely qualifies as exertion.
PREVENTION: Sleep
Tracking Your Sleep Could Backfire If You Have Insomnia: A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that sleep apps may be helpful to some people, but for those with insomnia, negative effects may be more likely. The researchers also note that these sleep apps may not provide an accurate picture of your sleep and may actually make it more difficult for people to rest.
Sleep Meds While Pregnant Don’t Raise Child’s Risk Of Psychiatric Disorder, Major Korean Study Finds: The research, published in The BMJ, followed 3.8 million children born between 2010 and 2022, tracking whether those whose mothers took sedative medications during pregnancy were more likely to develop psychiatric or neurodevelopmental conditions. ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, mood disorders, intellectual disability, behavioural disorder: twelve conditions in all, assessed over up to fourteen years of follow-up. The study provides meaningful reassurance, but it’s not a green light for unrestricted use. The stronger message is that untreated maternal anxiety and insomnia also carry risks, and clinicians should weigh both sides of the equation rather than defaulting to avoidance. Decisions about sedative use during pregnancy remain individual conversations, informed now by considerably stronger evidence than before.
PREVENTION: Diet
Coffee May Alter Gut Microbiome to Reduce Stress (Yes, Even Decaf): New researchTrusted Source from APC Microbiome Ireland suggests that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee can improve mood and reduce stress by acting on the gut–brain axis. Decaf coffee was associated with improved learning and memory, while caffeinated coffee enhanced attention and reduced anxiety and inflammation.
This daily habit could lower dementia risk by 35%, scientists say: A huge long-term study found that drinking two to three cups of coffee a day was linked to a much lower risk of dementia, especially before age 75. Researchers say caffeine may help keep brain cells active while reducing inflammation and harmful plaque buildup associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But more coffee wasn’t better — the protective effect appeared to level off after moderate intake. JAMA
Eating Avocado and Mango Daily May Improve Blood Pressure in Prediabetes: Eating one avocado and 1 cup of mango daily may help improve heart health in as little as 8 weeks, according to a recent study. Researchers at the Illinois Institute of Technology found that adults with prediabetes who followed this combination experienced improved blood vessel function and reductions in diastolic blood pressure. Journal of the American Heart AssociationTrusted Source
Scientists reversed biological age in older adults with a 4-week diet change: A four-week diet change was enough to make some older adults appear biologically younger in a new University of Sydney study. Participants who reduced fat intake or shifted toward more plant-based protein showed improvements in key health biomarkers tied to aging. The strongest results came from a lower-fat, higher-carb diet, while people eating closer to their usual diets saw almost no change. Aging Cell
Eating eggs could cut Alzheimer’s risk by 27%: Researchers found that people 65 and older who eat eggs regularly have a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, with daily or near-daily consumption linked to up to a 27% reduction. Even modest egg intake showed benefits, suggesting that small dietary changes could make a meaningful difference over time. The Journal of Nutrition
Recurring UTIs? Should Cranberry Products Be Recommended? Cranberry products may help prevent recurrent uncomplicated UTIs, especially in women and children, by reducing symptomatic risk by 30%. Standardized formulations with at least 36 mg of proanthocyanidins daily are recommended for effectiveness. Medscape
PREVENTION: Vitamins/Supplements
Vitamin D may help prevent diabetes, depending on your genes: The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found prediabetic adults with certain variations in the vitamin D receptor gene had a 19% lower risk of developing diabetes when taking a high daily dose of vitamin D.
Vitamin D boosts breast cancer treatment success by 79%: A daily vitamin D supplement may quietly supercharge chemotherapy. In a small study, women who took low doses alongside treatment were far more likely to see their cancer vanish than those who didn’t. Since vitamin D also supports immune function—and many patients are deficient—it could be playing a bigger role than expected. Scientists say this affordable approach deserves much deeper investigation. Nutrition and Cancer
Doctors warn this popular vitamin may quietly disrupt cancer care: Many cancer patients turn to biotin supplements hoping to restore hair lost during treatment, but experts warn the popular vitamin may do more harm than good. While biotin is often marketed for stronger hair and nails, there’s little evidence it actually helps cancer-related hair loss—and it can dangerously interfere with lab tests. Doctors say the supplement can distort key blood markers, potentially masking cancer recurrence or delaying treatment decisions. JCO Oncology Practice
Fish oil may be hurting your brain, new study finds: Fish oil has long been praised as brain-boosting, but new research suggests the story may be more complicated. Scientists found that in people with repeated mild head injuries, a key omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil—EPA—may actually interfere with the brain’s ability to repair itself. Instead of helping recovery, it appears to weaken blood vessel stability, disrupt healing signals, and even contribute to harmful protein buildup linked to cognitive decline. Cell Reports
Scientists say a daily multivitamin may help slow aging: A daily multivitamin may help slow biological aging, according to researchers studying older adults in a large clinical trial. After two years, participants taking multivitamins showed slower aging in several DNA-based “epigenetic clocks,” with the effect equal to about four months less biological aging. People who started out biologically older than their actual age appeared to benefit the most. The findings hint that a simple supplement could play a role in healthier aging. Nature Medicine
Nicotinamide Linked to Lower Melanoma Risk in Patients With Previous Skin Cancer: Nicotinamide supplementation may reduce melanoma risk by 33% in patients with previous skin cancers, according to a study of over 33,000 veterans. The effect was significant for invasive melanoma, suggesting potential for primary prevention. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2026 Annual Meeting
PREVENTION: Other
Marriage Linked to Lower Cancer Risk, But Experts Say It Doesn’t Equal Prevention: A recent study published in the journal Cancer Research Communications suggests that being or having been married may be associated with reduced cancer risk. This means that, according to the data, many people may be missing out on the health benefits of marriage. However, there are some who say that the societal concept of marriage being “better” than being single may skew data and the interpretations of it.
AHA identifies 10 key factors to lower dementia and stroke risk: The American Heart Association (AHA) published a scientific statementTrusted Source outlining how experiences throughout a person’s life can affect brain health and how a person can improve their brain health. “The main takeaway is that brain health is not determined only by age or genetics. It is shaped across the entire lifespan by a combination of physical health, mental health, sleep, lifestyle, social support, environment, and access to care. The American Heart Association statement is important because it reframes brain health as something we can influence much earlier and more broadly than we used to think.”
Visiting A Museum Once A Week Slows Biological Aging As Much As Regular Exercise: A study published this week in Innovation in Aging provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to slower epigenetic ageing, with effects comparable in magnitude to those seen for physical exercise. The findings, from a UCL team led by Professor Daisy Fancourt, add a genuinely unexpected entry to the list of behaviours that seem to slow biological time.
Patchouli Oil Lotion Matches DEET At Repelling Mosquitoes In Lab Tests: The rich, earthy aroma that makes patchouli so polarising in perfume also makes it, apparently, rather good at confusing mosquitoes. A team of researchers at Brazil’s Federal University of Amapá has managed to turn this botanical oddity into a lotion that performs as well as DEET, the synthetic repellent that has dominated bug sprays since the US military developed it in the 1940s.
Daily routines may strengthen circadian rhythms and support healthy aging: A study suggests that middle-aged and older adults with stronger, more regular daily patterns of activity and rest showed signs of slower biological aging. Participants with clearer differences between daytime activity and nighttime rest, and less fragmented routines, had more ‘youthful’ physiological age scores. The associations remained significant even after researchers accounted for factors including chronological age, sex, education, and certain health conditions. The findings suggest that rest-activity rhythms could become targets for interventions, potentially using wearable devices or lifestyle changes, aimed at slowing the aging process. JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source
Tattooing Linked to Lymphoma and Skin Cancer Risk: Tattooing may be linked to increased lymphoma and skin cancer risk, though causation isn't proven. Studies suggest tattoo size and ink composition could influence this association, but further research is needed to confirm these findings. Medscape
TREATMENT
Bariatric Surgery Linked to Higher Nutrient Deficiency Risk: Over 1 year, metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) was associated with a higher risk for multiple micronutrient deficiencies than GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) therapy. It was also linked to more than sixfold higher frequency of new vitamin B12 prescriptions, a higher risk for certain metabolic complications, and a lower risk for neuropathies than GLP-1 RA therapy. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026
Gastric Sleeve Endoscopy Helps Patients Maintain Weight Loss 1 Year After Stopping GLP-1s: Gastric sleeve endoscopy combined with lifestyle changes led to 17% weight loss at 12 months, outperforming lifestyle changes alone, which resulted in only 0.1% weight loss, in patients who stopped GLP-1 receptor agonists. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026
GLP-1 Drugs: Interaction Risks With Oral Medications? GLP-1 receptor agonists may alter absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying, affecting drug levels and efficacy. Notable interactions include oral contraceptives, levothyroxine, and dabigatran, necessitating careful monitoring and potential dose adjustments. Medscape
How Limited Is Evidence for Preventing Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)? A systematic review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine evaluated the effectiveness of interventions to prevent the recurrence of nephrolithiasis or kidney stones. Across 31 studies including more than 30,000 participants, researchers found pharmacologic strategies (thiazides and allopurinol) that may reduce the risk for new stones, along with dietary interventions showing favorable but limited effects. This review also raises caution regarding the use of lemon juice.
Recurring UTIs? Should Cranberry Products Be Recommended? Cranberry products may help prevent recurrent uncomplicated UTIs, especially in women and children, by reducing symptomatic risk by 30%. Standardized formulations with at least 36 mg of proanthocyanidins daily are recommended for effectiveness. Medscape
New Breast Density Treatment May Have Fewer Side Effects, Lower Cancer Risk: A study has found promising results with the breast cancer prevention drug (Z)-endoxifen. The drug reduced breast density safely and with fewer side effects than tamoxifen. It also had fewer troublesome side effects than this standard preventive treatment. Experts say that if further research confirms these findings, the endoxifen could help increase compliance and improve outcomes. Journal of the National Cancer InstituteTrusted Source
New Ozempic pill may offer more affordable alternative to injectables: Novo Nordisk announced its rebranded oral semaglutide pill, Rybelsus, will soon be available as the ‘Ozempic pill’ following a formulation change. The smaller, reformulated pill will be available in different dosages than the Rybelsus pill, with Novo Nordisk stating it provides the same efficacy and safety profile as the original formulation. The healthcare company also states that the Ozempic pill will be available nationwide through pharmacies, telehealth, and mail-order services. Pricing is expected to vary by coverage, with insured patients potentially paying $25 for up to 3 months, while self-pay options are estimated between $149 and $299 per month depending on dose. Medical News Today
Treatment-resistant IBD may benefit from new combo antibody therapy: Two new studies recently presented at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2026 report that a combination of two medications may offer better results in treating IBD than using each drug individually, especially in people where other therapies had previously failed.
Urine Test Cuts Unnecessary Prostate Biopsies By Nearly Two-Thirds In Head-To-Head Trial Against MRI: Every year, hundreds of thousands of men with low-grade prostate cancer face a recurring dilemma: submit to another biopsy, with its attendant discomfort and small but real infection risk, or hope that the cancer growing quietly inside them hasn’t quietly changed. The dilemma exists because the tools available to guide that decision have, until now, been frustratingly imprecise. MRI scans help. PSA blood tests help. But neither helps enough to let doctors say, with real confidence, that a biopsy can safely wait. A new study suggests a simple urine test could break that impasse. Evaluated across 11 urology practices in the United States, the test outperformed MRI on every meaningful metric, and in doing so raised a question that researchers are only beginning to take seriously: how many of the biopsies performed on men with low-risk prostate cancer are actually necessary? The answer, at least in this study, is roughly a third. Maybe fewer.
Ozempic delivers major weight loss in adults over 65, study finds: A major new analysis suggests semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) works remarkably well in adults over 65, helping many lose substantial amounts of weight while improving heart and metabolic health. Participants taking the drug lost over 15% of their body weight on average — far more than those receiving placebo treatment. Many also moved out of obesity categories entirely and reached healthier weight levels. European Association for the Study of Obesity
Colon cancer breakthrough keeps patients cancer-free for nearly 3 years: A short burst of immunotherapy before surgery is delivering surprisingly powerful results for a specific type of colorectal cancer. Patients in a UK-led trial who received just nine weeks of pembrolizumab prior to surgery have remained cancer-free nearly three years later—an outcome that challenges the standard approach of surgery followed by months of chemotherapy. Science Daily
Pancreatic Cancer Vaccine Still Shows Promise 6 Years Out: A personalized mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer shows promise, with 87.5% of initial responders surviving after six years. This suggests potential for improved outcomes in one of the deadliest cancers. American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2026.
Postmenopausal HRT Tied to Glaucoma Risk in Women: In Finnish women aged 50 years or older, the use of any postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was linked to a higher risk for developing glaucoma, with estrogen-only therapy specifically associated with the risk for primary open-angle glaucoma. published online on April 12, 2026, in Acta Ophthalmologica.
‘Too Good to Be True?’ GLP-1s and Breast Cancer Survival: A new study suggests that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic might reduce the risk of death after a breast cancer diagnosis by 91%. this new study appearing in JAMA Network Open. Data quality issues and potential biases cast doubt on these findings.
Antidepressants During Pregnancy Not Linked to Autism, ADHD: A comprehensive review found no causal link between antidepressant use before or during pregnancy and ADHD or autism. Any association of neurodevelopmental disorders appears to be linked to genetic or environmental factors. While antidepressants do have potential risks, it’s important to weigh them against the benefits. Untreated depression is associated with serious risks to both the pregnant person and their baby. The Lancet PsychiatryTrusted Source
Novel Parkinson’s Disease Drug May Delay Need for Levodopa: Tavapadon, a novel dopamine receptor agonist, may delay levodopa initiation in Parkinson's patients, with 90% avoiding levodopa after 20 months. However, experts urge caution in interpreting these promising results. American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2026 Annual Meeting.
OTHER
Scientists Rethink How Much Lifespan Is in Our Control: A recent study published in Science found that lifespan is about 50% heritable — roughly double earlier estimates and on par with other complex traits like height and cognitive function. For clinicians, this reinterpretation could help ground patients consumed by the “kale and cardio” promise of extreme longevity.
FDA Blocks Publication of Vaccine Safety Studies. Why Experts Are Concerned: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has blocked the publication of COVID-19 and shingles vaccine safety studies, citing concerns over their conclusions. Experts question the decision to withdraw the studies, since both vaccines have substantial evidence supporting their safety and effectiveness. Some experts say the decision may be influenced by HHS Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine agenda. Healthline
Fluoride in Drinking Water Has No Effect on IQ or Brain Function, Study Finds: 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. “We find no evidence that [community water fluoridation] is negatively associated with adolescent IQ or adult cognitive functioning,” the study authors wrote. 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.
This simple strength test could predict how long you live: Staying strong may be one of the biggest secrets to living longer — especially for older women. A major study of more than 5,000 women found that simple signs of muscle strength, like a firm hand grip or the ability to quickly stand up from a chair, were strongly linked to lower risk of death over the next eight years. JAMA Network Open
Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors Identified in Two Studies: Two new studies have identified risk factors that may be associated with the increasing incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) among younger Americans. In the first study, Eldesouki and colleagues identified a distinct phenotype, based on multiple factors, associated with an elevated risk in people aged 18-49 years. In addition, they found that inflammatory bowel disease, family history of CRC, severe obesity, and obesity were independent predictors that increased the risk for early-onset vs late-onset CRC more than twofold. In the second study, a history of oral antibiotic exposure was associated with an increased risk for colorectal adenomas, especially among people with a greater or longer history of using these agents. Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2026.
The Supreme Court keeps abortion pill mifepristone available by telehealth: The Supreme Court decided to keep the status quo in place for medication abortion access Thursday. The high court's order means the abortion pill mifepristone will remain available via telehealth as a case brought by Louisiana against the Food and Drug Administration proceeds through the lower courts. NPR
Hantavirus Arrives in U.S.: Could Cruise Ship Outbreak Cause Next Pandemic? 18 American passengers have been airlifted home to the U.S. after a deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard an Antarctic expedition cruise ship. Investigators believe the rare Andes virus strain may have spread among passengers in the ship’s close quarters. Experts say the outbreak highlights the severity of hantavirus, but stress that the broader risk of a COVID-like pandemic remains low. Healthline
Biologic Evidence May Reshape Long-COVID Diagnosis and Care: Biologic evidence suggests long COVID has a biological basis, not psychosomatic, affecting over 1.5 million in Germany by 2024. Effective management requires distinguishing postexertional malaise from fatigue and adopting symptom-oriented treatment strategies. 132nd Congress of the German Society for Internal Medicine
