PAIN
A cancer therapy put severe rheumatoid arthritis into remission: CAR T-cell therapy dramatically reduced disease activity in six people with severe rheumatoid arthritis that had resisted other treatments, with three achieving medication-free remission. The treatment may work by clearing out harmful immune cells and effectively rebooting part of the immune system, although much larger studies are still needed. Materials provided by Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
AAN and AHS issue updated guideline on migraine prevention medications for adults: To help clinicians determine which medications may be most effective at preventing migraine in adults, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Headache Society (AHS) have issued a joint practice guideline update with evidence-based recommendations, published on August 31, 2026, in Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and in Headache, the official journal of the American Headache Society. This is an update to the AAN and AHS 2012 guideline. The guideline is endorsed by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
New Migraine Prevention Guidelines Released: The guideline was simultaneously published online on August 31 in Neurologyand Headache. Updated migraine prevention guidance incorporates calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-targeted therapies and places greater emphasis on individualized treatment selection based on patient priorities.Developed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) and American Headache Society, the updated guideline replaces recommendations issued in 2012 and covers pharmacologic prevention of both episodic and chronic migraine in adults.
New clues about the causes of severe headaches: Inflammation, altered gene regulation, and exposure to substances in tobacco smoke may all contribute to the development of cluster headache. This is demonstrated by two new studies from Karolinska Institutet. “Genome-wide association susceptibility loci for cluster headache support a role for inflammation in the pathophysiology”, “Increased markers of heavy metal exposure and DNA methylation in cluster headache”,
Spinal cord stimulation eases pain and improves sensation in people with diabetic nerve damage: A multicenter randomized clinical trial led by researchers from the Pain Outcomes Lab at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that high-frequency spinal cord stimulation significantly reduced pain and improved sensory function in people with treatment-resistant painful diabetic neuropathy. Researchers also observed early evidence of increased density of small nerve fibers in the skin, although more research is needed to understand their significance and whether they persist. The findings were published in Diabetes Care.
Widely-used back braces lack strong evidence for chronic low back pain: A new Cochrane review finds very low-quality evidence on lumbar supports for chronic low back pain, meaning that no strong recommendations can be made either for or against their use. Researchers based in Milan, Italy reviewed eight randomised controlled trials involving just over 500 adults aged between 25 and 78 years. The studies compared lumbar supports and other assistive devices, used either on their own or alongside treatments such as pain medication and exercise, with no treatment or standard care. Across most comparisons, lumbar supports showed little to no benefit or very uncertain effects, with the possible exception of a small short-term reduction in pain intensity when added to pain medications such as ibuprofen.
Scientists discover strange link between low vitamin D and pain: Low vitamin D levels may make recovery from breast cancer surgery more painful, according to a study of 184 women undergoing mastectomy. Patients with vitamin D deficiency were three times more likely to experience moderate to severe pain during the first 24 hours after surgery and also used substantially more of the opioid painkiller tramadol. They received slightly more fentanyl during surgery and experienced more postoperative nausea as well. Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
Nearly 10,000 patients reveal what works best for knee arthritis pain relief A major analysis of 139 clinical trials involving nearly 10,000 people suggests that some of the simplest treatments may work best for knee osteoarthritis. Knee braces ranked highest overall for reducing pain, stiffness, and mobility problems, while water-based therapy was especially effective for pain and regular exercise consistently improved both pain and physical function. More high-tech approaches, including ultrasound, generally performed worse. Plos One
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Dose-dependent effects of cannabis edibles on simulated driving performance: In this crossover randomized clinical trial of driving performance after exposure to THC edibles, THC dose-dependently impaired simulated driving performance at blood THC concentrations below per se thresholds commonly used for roadside enforcement. JAMA Open Network
Cannabis Inhalation Linked to Less Cardiac Ectopy in Randomized Trial: Adults who regularly smoked or vaped cannabis had fewer cardiac ectopic beats on days they were randomly assigned to inhale cannabis than on days they abstained, according to a randomized crossover trial. The findings were driven by a reduction in premature atrial contractions. The study, published in the Journal of American College of Cardiology, also demonstrated no significant difference in premature ventricular contractions, physical activity, sleep duration, or mean glucose with cannabis use.
Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-related nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models: The study, published in Science uncovers a previously unrecognized neuroprotective role of serotonin receptors and suggests psilocybin as a first-in-class intervention for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Mindfulness may lower blood pressure in just 8 weeks: Simple practices such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and optimism training may improve several markers of cardiovascular health within a matter of weeks. A recent study found that these positive psychology interventions were consistently associated with improvements in blood pressure, inflammation, and other heart disease risk factors. Because some of the benefits appeared to be connected with healthier behaviors, including better eating habits and increased physical activity, the researchers said continued reinforcement may be necessary to maintain progress over time. Cardiology Clinics
Psilocybin prevents chemotherapy-related nerve injury and associated symptoms in preclinical models: In a breakthrough study, researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centerdiscovered that psilocybin given before chemotherapy prevented the onset of nerve injury in preclinical models, even after repeated treatment cycles, which could help prevent pain, numbness and other common chemotherapy side effects. Science
FDA APPROVALS
• Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults ages 50 and older.
• Expanding the use of the diabetes drug Mounjaro to help prevent heart attacks and strokes.
• Mounjaro to help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes who are at high risk.
• Rasonque (daraxonrasib) to treat pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer
• Four updated COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna, Novavax-Sanofi, and Pfizer-BioNTech for the 2026–2027 season.
• Etcamah, a new daily pill for adults with advanced breast cancer whose tumors have found a way around their current treatment.
• Mimrylo (rusfertide) as a new treatment for adults with polycythemia vera who have not achieved adequate control with existing therapies.
• Lisraya for dermatomyositis in adults
• Apitegromab-mstn (Isembyld, Scholar Rock) as an add-on therapy in adults and children aged 2 years and older who are receiving a survival motor neuron 2-targeted treatment for spinal muscular atrophy
• Camizestrant for ESR1-Mutated Breast Cancer
PREVENTION: Exercise
Stay sharp after menopause: How aerobic exercise can improve key thinking skills: Regular aerobic exercise – the kind that gets your heart pumping – can improve important thinking skills called executive functions, and the benefits appear especially strong for women after menopause, according to Rutgers researchers. Sharon Sanz Simon led the study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Each extra hour of prolonged sitting linked to 9% higher cancer death risk: Sitting for long, uninterrupted stretches may carry greater health risks than sitting the same amount of time in shorter bouts. Researchers found that each extra hour of prolonged sedentary behavior was associated with a 9% higher risk of cancer death. Breaking up sitting with movement showed the opposite pattern, while replacing an hour of prolonged sitting with light activity was linked to a 12% lower risk. PLOS Medicine
1-Year Tailored Exercise Program Reduces AFib Recurrence By Nearly 50%: Exercise interventions are underutilized in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib), an abnormal heart rhythm disorder. A one-year clinical trial with a tailored exercise program reduced time spent in atrial fibrillation by 45% compared with usual care (3.9% vs. 7.1%). Participants in the exercise group had improved cardiorespiratory fitness and resting heart rate, along with 37% fewer total hospitalizations and 46% fewer AFib-related hospitalizations. The research was presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2026,
Walk faster or walk more? Study shows both pace and step count lower death risk: Higher daily step counts have long been linked to a lower risk of premature death, but not everyone has the time or capacity to walk a lot every day. Now, a study has found that increasing walking speed may be just as effective as increasing step count in lowering the risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular deaths. The research found that people who achieved fewer than 5,000 steps per day at a rapid pace ( more than 80 steps per minute) had a mortality risk similar to that of those who did 10,000 steps per day at a slower pace. The researchers suggest that even if you cannot achieve a high daily step target, walking regularly and speeding up your pace when you do walk could have similar benefits. British Journal of Sports Medicine,
Strength training not linked to heart problems for people with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: A retrospective review among hundreds of people with a genetic heart condition found that strength training was not linked to increased risks for ventricular arrhythmia. JACC Clinical Electrophysiology
Benefits of slow running: Just 10 minutes of very slow running improves mood and executive function while activating the prefrontal cortex: These findings suggest that even very slow running, despite imposing little physiological demand, can simultaneously improve mood and executive function while providing insight into the brain mechanisms that may underlie these effects. Imaging Neuroscience
Increasing daily steps is as effective as aerobic exercise in managing asthma: For people with moderate to severe asthma, increasing the number of daily steps may be as effective as structured aerobic training sessions for managing the disease. This finding comes from a study led by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) and published in the journal Pulmonology. The study demonstrated that both approaches improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and control asthma in the medium term. This offers doctors and patients more flexible, accessible, non-pharmacological treatment alternatives.
Your smartwatch is lying to you about how many calories you burned, FIU study finds: Smartwatches can significantly overestimate how many calories people burn during exercise, and their calorie estimates become less accurate as body fat increases, according to a new Florida International University study. The study was published in PLOS One.
Exercise may work better for keeping weight off than losing it: Exercise may not be a powerful weight-loss tool on its own, but it appears to play a much bigger role in preventing lost weight from returning. By preserving muscle, supporting metabolism, improving fat burning, and regulating appetite and blood sugar, regular activity can make long-term weight maintenance easier. Materials provided by The Conversation.
PREVENTION: Sleep
20-Minute Workout or 90-Minute Nap May Offset Effects of a Sleepless Night: A short bout of aerobic exercise or a 90-minute nap may boost your brainpower after a sleepless night. New research from McGill University found that healthy young adults who exercised or napped after 30 hours without sleep performed better on memory tests than a control group. The findings, recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), could have practical implications for those who must regularly function with limited sleep.
Even Low Light Exposure During Sleep May Raise Your Risk of Heart Failure, AFib: New research shows that even dim light during sleep may thicken heart muscle walls and reduce heart flexibility, potentially raising cardiovascular risk. The findings build on prior evidence linking nighttime light exposure to cardiovascular disease risk. Optimizing your sleep environment can help protect your heart health. The findings were published in the European Heart Journal on September 9.
Reading in bed really does help, a little: In the People’s Trial, researchers recruited 991 adults and randomly assigned half to read a book in bed for 15 to 30 minutes before sleep for a week and half not to. Among 774 participants who completed the outcome assessment, 42% of the reading group and 28% of the control group reported improved sleep quality—an absolute difference of 14 percentage points (95% confidence interval 8 to 22 points). The genuinely counterintuitive finding is that the benefit depends heavily on the medium, because reading the same words from a bright screen changes the physiology entirely. In a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Anne-Marie Chang and colleagues had participants read from a light-emitting tablet on some evenings and a printed book on others, and found that the glowing device suppressed the sleep hormone melatonin by more than half, delayed their internal body clock, made them take longer to fall asleep, and left them groggier the next morning, while the printed book did none of these things.
More dream sleep linked to lower risk of 83 diseases, including diabetes: A new large-scale study investigates the associations between sleep duration and disease risk.
Participants wore wrist accelerometers for 1 week to assess not only their sleep duration, but also how long they spent in different phases of the sleep cycle. Among other findings, the researchers showed that more dream sleep was associated with a reduced risk of more than 80 health conditions. Overall, people who slept for 6–8 hours had the lowest risk of health issues. PLOS Medicine,
PREVENTION: Diet
Daily Sugary Drink Habit Could Double Your Risk of Stomach Cancer: A new study found that drinking at least one sugar-sweetened beverage a day, such as soda or sports drinks, may more than double your risk for stomach cancer. Artificially sweetened beverages, however, were not associated with gastric cancer risk. The results were published in Gastro Hep Advances on August 17.
A Handful of Nuts a Day May Help Keep Blood Pressure at Bay: Eating about a handful of nuts each day was associated with a 20% lower risk of developing hypertension, according to a new analysis. While researchers found that higher nut consumption was associated with lower hypertension risk, the study does not prove that eating nuts directly prevents high blood pressure. Experts say the type of nut may matter less than how it is prepared, with unsalted or lightly salted options helping to limit sodium intake. British Journal of Nutrition,
Scientists tested 212 plant-based meat alternatives. Every one contained fungal toxins: Every one of 212 plant-based meat alternatives and drinks tested in the UK contained at least one naturally occurring fungal toxin, though concentrations remained below recommended EU guideline levels. Researchers say the bigger question is whether regularly eating large amounts of these foods could lead to potentially concerning cumulative exposure over time. Food Control
Keto Diet May Offer Benefits Beyond Weight Loss: A diet that severely limits carbohydrates, but is high in fat, like the ketogenic (keto) diet, may provide more health benefits for people with obesity than the Mediterranean diet or a low fat, plant-forward diet. According to a study that was published in Cell MetabolismTrusted Source on August 27, a keto diet led to about 50% of participants who had prediabetes no longer meeting the criteria for the condition. It also improved liver and metabolic health more than the other two diets. The findings suggest that following a keto diet may be an effective option for people who have obesity, prediabetes, and fatty liver disease.
Artificial Sweetener Xylitol Linked to Higher Risk of Cardiovascular Events: A new study shows that higher levels of xylitol in the bloodstream were associated with higher risks of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke. Among the participants in the study (17,000) they found that those who had xylitol levels in the blood in the highest quartile had a significantly higher risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and death when compared with participants who had xylitol blood levels in the lowest quartile. The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2026 in Munich, Germany, from August 28–31, but have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Too much coffee may weaken bones, study finds: Following nearly 10,000 older women for 10 years, researchers found that tea drinking was associated with slightly higher hip bone density. Moderate coffee consumption did not appear harmful, but drinking more than five cups a day was linked to lower bone density. The findings suggest tea may offer a small bone-health boost, while excessive coffee could carry some drawbacks. Nutrients
Coffee: What the research says about your daily caffeine intake: The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that up to 5 cups of coffee per day could be safe for heart health for most people. Five cups of coffee per day could help reduce the risk of certain liver problems, such as cirrhosis, according to one study. Researchers of another study found that one cup of caffeinated coffee per day could help lower the risk of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AFib) episodes.
Scientists discover a hidden problem with this popular sugar substitute: Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol commonly used in sugar-free candy, gum, and other low-calorie foods, may not be as harmless as it seems. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that the body can convert sorbitol into a form of fructose in the liver, potentially triggering some of the same harmful metabolic effects linked to fructose. Materials provided by Washington University in St. Louis.
Love Your Coffee Piping Hot? It May Raise Your Esophageal Cancer Risk: Researchers looked at almost 1 million adults in the United Kingdom and found that those who preferred their drinks “very hot” were three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common form of esophageal cancer. The findings, published in the International Journal of CancerTrusted Source on September 8, further suggest that drinking six or more hot beverages a day was associated with a higher risk of SCC. However, it wasn’t all bad news. Simply lowering the temperature of your drinks might prevent many cases of this deadly cancer.
Why Your Morning Coffee May Boost Your Mood Before You Even Take a Sip: The rich, tempting aroma of coffee may be benefiting your mood more than you thought.
According to a small study published in Nutrients on September 9, coffee aroma may help you manage stress and boost your mood. While the researchers noted that these benefits may be linked more to conditioned responses and expectations than to physiological changes, this research also suggests that smelling coffee may help improve alertness, even without that hit of caffeine.
Drinking Alcohol Raises Cancer Risk. Is Any Amount Safe for Health? Alcohol consumption has long been linked to an increased risk of several health conditions, and three recent studies underscore its potential effects. Cancer deaths attributed to alcohol consumption have doubled in the United States since 1990, according to research published in The Lancet Regional Health – AmericasTrusted Source on September 2. The findings come amid other recent research examining the risks associated with alcohol. One study published in Nature HealthTrusted Source linked alcohol consumption to several cancers and other health conditions, while another published in CancerTrusted Source found that heavy drinking was associated with a higher lifetime risk of colorectal cancer. Together, the findings add to growing evidence about the potential health risks of alcohol consumption, particularly with heavier drinking.
Most Men Unaware That Dairy Intake Is Linked to Prostate Cancer Risk: A new survey found that only 1 in 5 men in the United States is aware of the potential link between dairy product consumption and prostate cancer risk. Only 20% of men surveyed said they had received information from a medical professional about how nutrition can impact prostate cancer risk. Body fat and family history might have a bigger impact on prostate cancer risk than dairy products and other dietary considerations. Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine.
A hidden compound in healthy foods may worsen IBD: A natural compound found in foods such as spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes may aggravate gut inflammation in people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis because their intestines appear to handle it differently. Researchers say the finding could open the door to lower-oxalate diets or microbiome treatments tailored specifically to people with IBD. Materials provided by The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Is Diet Quality More Important For Weight Loss Than Counting Calories? A two-year study tested a Mediterranean-style diet adapted for the Southern U.S. (Med-South) against a calorie-focused program. While both groups lost a similar amount of weight, the Med-South group saw a greater improvement in overall diet quality. The study, recently published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source, highlights how different approaches to weight loss may affect diet quality and long-term adherence.
Are You Eating Enough Whole Grains to Lower Your Heart Disease Risk? A large meta-analysis suggests that eating more whole grains may offer substantial cardiovascular benefits. The findings show that every additional 48 grams of whole grains consumed per day was associated with improvements in body weight, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and inflammatory markers. The greatest cardiometabolic benefits appeared at 60 to 100 grams of whole grains per day, or 4 to 6 servings. Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat, and farro, offer cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits as part of a balanced diet. European Heart Journal,
16:8 intermittent fasting best for weight loss but not for blood pressure control: Time-restricted eating is a type of intermittent fasting in which people consume all calories during a set time window. A new study compared different eating-window durations to see whether window length impacted weight loss and cardiometabolic health. People assigned to an 8-hour eating window lost more weight than those in the 12-hour window or control group. However, the team did not find that eating-window duration was consistently associated with changes in blood pressure, blood sugar, or cholesterol levels. The study is published in the journal Nutrition & DiabetesTrusted Source.
PREVENTION: Vitamins/Supplements
Common supplements rival antibiotics for severe gum disease: Omega-3 and low-dose aspirin matched the effectiveness of antibiotics in a year-long study of patients with severe gum disease, with both approaches helping about 58% reach the treatment goal. The unexpected result could point to a new way to treat some patients while reducing reliance on antibiotics and the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. Materials provided by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo
Long-term melatonin use linked to 90% higher heart failure risk: People with chronic insomnia who used melatonin long term had a roughly 90% higher risk of developing heart failure over five years, according to a large preliminary study. The findings do not prove melatonin causes heart problems, but they raise new questions about the safety of taking the popular sleep supplement for extended periods. Materials provided by American Heart Association
Vitamin C won’t prevent most colds, but it may do one small thing: The belief that huge doses of vitamin C can ward off colds was popularized more than 50 years ago by Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Since then, larger studies have found that vitamin C does not prevent most people from catching a cold, although regularly taking it may make severe symptoms slightly shorter or milder. Materials provided by The Conversation.
Popular brain supplement linked to shorter lifespan in men A common amino acid found in protein-rich foods and supplements may be linked to a shorter lifespan in men. A large study involving more than 270,000 people has linked higher blood levels of the amino acid tyrosine to a shorter lifespan in men. Using both observational data and genetic analysis, researchers found that elevated tyrosine could potentially reduce male life expectancy by nearly a year, while no significant effect appeared in women. Tyrosine is found naturally in protein-rich foods and is also sold as a supplement for boosting focus and mental performance, making the finding especially intriguing. Materials provided by Impact Journals LLC.
Low B12, Folate in Fathers Linked to Birth Defects: The research, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, found that low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate in both mothers and fathers during conception and early pregnancy are associated with a higher risk for birth defects in their offspring.
PREVENTION: Other
Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk by 9%: The recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease compared with the older live vaccine (Zostavax), according to a study published in Nature MedicineTrusted Source on August 26.
This lifestyle program improved cognition 55% more than basic health advice: Older adults at risk of dementia improved their memory and thinking after following lifestyle programs combining exercise, healthy eating, cognitive training, and social engagement. Those who received regular coaching and structured support improved substantially more than participants given general health advice. Materials provided by Alzheimer's Association International Conference.
Heart disease and kidney disease can fuel each other. New guidelines aim to break the cycle: Heart disease and chronic kidney disease can accelerate one another, but new guidelines say simple screening and early treatment could substantially reduce the risks. Blood and urine tests, combined with proven heart and kidney therapies, may help catch problems sooner and prevent serious complications.
Healthy Diet and Fitness Program May Improve Prostate Cancer Outcomes: Researchers in the United Kingdom report that the lifestyle program known as STAMINAreduced the deterioration in quality of life by as much as one-third in men who were receiving androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer. The researchers added the STAMINA regimen of regular exercise, dietary advice, and behavioral support, which also proved to be cost-effective. The study’s successful result spurred Nuffield Health, which participated in the research, to launch a new cancer activity program to make a version of STAMINA available for men with prostate cancer. Nuffield Health plans to expand the program to breast and bowel cancer in 50,000 medical facilities by 2030. The study findings were published on September 4 in The Lancet OncologyTrusted Source.
Love to Read? Your Book Habit May Lower Alzheimer’s Risk by 33%: Whether it’s a novel, a magazine, or a graphic novel, reading for pleasure can benefit people of all ages, according to a review published in Psychological Medicine on September 15. Regular reading has been linked to better thinking skills, mental well-being, and a lower risk of cognitive decline. From childhood through older adulthood, this accessible activity may help build cognitive reserve and support brain health.
Shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk: A natural experiment involving more than 280,000 Welsh adults found that shingles vaccination cut new dementia diagnoses by 20% over seven years. Months later, the same researchers found something even stranger: the apparent benefit extended to people who already had dementia, who were less likely to die from the disease. 2025 paper in Nature
Start menopausal hormone therapy early for a lower heart disease risk, study suggests: Previous research shows that women are generally at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease after reaching menopause. A new study found that women who start hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause or early postmenopause may decrease their cardiovascular disease risk by 22%. JAMA Internal MedicineTrusted Source
TREATMENT
Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug May Support Hair Regrowth in Alopecia: Researchers report that the drug upadacitinib, used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, effectively treated the hair loss condition alopecia areata in two clinical trials. The medication, sold under the brand name Rinvoq, is a JAK inhibitor that can help block the immune system response responsible for alopecia areata. There are other JAK inhibitor medications currently available for hair loss, but experts say that upadacitinib could provide those with alopecia with another treatment option. The researchers published their findings on August 12 in JAMA Dermatology
Moderna, Merck Melanoma Vaccine May Help Reduce Recurrence, Spread: Moderna and Merck announced August 19 that a phase 3 trial of their experimental personalized mRNA cancer therapy, intismeran, in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab), met two key endpoints in people with high risk melanoma. The trial met its primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival, meaning the combination reduced the risk of melanoma returning or death compared with Keytruda alone. It also met a key secondary endpoint of distant metastasis-free survival, which measures the time before cancer spreads to another part of the body or death. The companies have not yet released detailed efficacy or safety results from the phase 3 trial. press release.
Common Erectile Dysfunction Drug Linked to Glaucoma, Researchers Say: A commonly prescribed erectile dysfunction drug may raise the risk of glaucoma for males with an enlarged prostate who take the medication, according to a new study. Researchers say that long-term use of the medication tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis, to treat urinary urgency and frequency from an enlarged prostate may have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a vision-threatening eye disease. The researchers say that those taking tadalafil daily over the long-term should receive regular eye exams, particularly if they already have glaucoma risk factors. These include a family history of the disease or already having ocular hypertension, a condition that causes elevated pressure inside the eye. The findings were recently published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.
Study suggests menopause hormone treatment may ease ‘brain fog’: A new study by UCLA Health suggests an estrogen hormone treatment combining estriol and progesterone may help ease these symptoms, offering an early but potentially promising way to address a menopause-related symptom for which there is currently no FDA-approved treatment. The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports by Nature Portfolio, was an observational case series that followed 20 menopausal women with an average age of 53. The women underwent a baseline assessment for cognitive symptoms prior to treatment and then were treated for 12 months with a customized regimen of estriol and progesterone.
Goodbye CPAP? New sleep apnea pill cuts breathing events by 44%: A once-nightly pill cut breathing interruptions by about 44% in a major phase 3 sleep apnea trial, while improving oxygen levels and disease severity. By strengthening the muscles that keep the airway open during sleep, AD109 could offer a new option for people unable to tolerate CPAP. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
GLP-1 Drugs Like Zepbound Effectively Treat Sleep Apnea Alongside CPAP: A new research review published in JAMA OtolaryngologyTrusted Source on September 3 found that glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists may offer significant improvement in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) related to obesity. The effects were especially true for tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro), which also acts on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors. Zepbound is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help treat sleep apnea.
Microdosing GLP-1s Like Wegovy, Zepbound May Still Lead to Weight Loss: Recent research suggests that people may still lose weight while staying on the lowest starting doses of GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy or Zepbound, for longer periods. After one year, people taking sustained low dose tirzepatide lost about 5.5% of their body weight, while those taking sustained low dose semaglutide lost about 2.2%. Lower doses were associated with more modest weight loss than higher doses, but sustained low dose semaglutide was also associated with lower rates of some side effects. Biology Methods & Protocols
Lipid-Lowering Drugs Linked to Worse Venom Anaphylaxis Outcomes: Among patients with a history of Hymenoptera venom-induced allergic reactions, those taking lipid-lowering medications had roughly twice the odds of severe anaphylaxis compared with those not taking these medications. published online on August 28 in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
These blood thinners may have an unexpected benefit for Alzheimer’s patients
Newer blood thinners may do more than prevent strokes in people with Alzheimer’s disease and atrial fibrillation. Researchers found that patients taking NOACs experienced a slower decline in cognitive function than those using warfarin or no blood thinners. The effect was modest each year but could add up over time. European Heart Journal
New clues link Long COVID and POTS: Dizziness, fatigue, brain fog and a racing heart. They’re commonly associated with Long COVID, but new Adelaide University research suggests that for some people, these symptoms may also be indications of Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a debilitating and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Conducted in partnership with SAHMRI, the study compared heart rate changes, symptoms and immune profiles among people with POTS, Long COVID and healthy participants, finding that almost two-thirds (62.5%) of the Long COVID participants also met the diagnostic criteria for POTS. It’s an important finding that could help explain some of the symptoms experienced by people with Long COVID and importantly help clinicians better diagnose, assess and treat POTS. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, the study is believed to be the first to look at autonomic symptoms, heart rate response, inflammatory markers and autoantibodies in people with Long COVID, POTS as well as healthy volunteers.
Anifrolumab Linked to Lower Cardiovascular Risk Than Belimumab in SLE: In patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anifrolumab was associated with a lower risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) than belimumab, as well as lower risks for myocardial infarction, heart failure, and ischemic stroke. published online on August 7, 2026, as a brief report in Arthritis & Rheumatology.
OTHER
Early Menopause May Lead to Faster Onset of Alzheimer's Disease, Cognitive Decline: In a study published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source on August 25, researchers found a significant association between early menopause and less favorable functional and structural neurological outcomes. The findings suggest that the association between menopause timing and brain health may persist for decades after the menopause transition. This association was found in women who experienced spontaneous menopause, but not those who experienced surgical menopause.
At least 1 in 4 ex-NFL players who died from 2016 to 2021 had CTE, study finds: At least a quarter of ex-NFL players who died between 2016 and 2021 had chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE — a much higher rate than is seen in the general population. The researchers also found 61.3% of former NFL players who donated their brains and had CTE met the clinical criteria for dementia, and that severe CTE was associated with dementia more frequently. The study was done by Mass General Brigham, Boston University and the Concussion & CTE Foundation, and was published in The British Medical Journal, a biweekly peer-reviewed publication.
A Simple Blood Test Catches Polyps, Early-Stage Colorectal Cancer: A new experimental blood test, DENEB, could offer a simpler, noninvasive way to detect early stage colorectal cancer and precancerous lesions (polyps). The multicenter diagnostic study of this blood test, published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology on August 10, found that the DENEB test detected 92% of stages I, II, and III colorectal cancers, and 81% of advanced adenomas (precancerous polyps). This is an important development because colorectal cancer is the third mostTrusted Source commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, and traditional screening methods like colonoscopy can be invasive and inconvenient.
79% of Young Adults Show Signs of Cardiovascular, Kidney, Metabolic Issues: Around 79% of adults in their 20s are showing signs of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, according to new research published in Circulation: Population Health and OutcomesTrusted Source on August 20. CKM syndrome refers to the interconnected health risks among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. The findings suggest that risk factors for these conditions may emerge much earlier in life than previously recognized.
Prostate Cancer Cases Rising 3% Yearly, Early Detection May Help: The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates there will be 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer in 2026. Prostate cancer cases increased by around 3% per year between 2014 and 2022, with the steepest increase occurring in advanced-stage diagnoses. The ACS says the increase in diagnoses is largely due to more men being screened, although many are still not being screened early enough.
A longer exhale may push your brain toward bolder decisions: Slow breathing with a prolonged exhale made people more willing to take risks by changing heart activity and increasing the brain’s sensitivity to rewards. The findings suggest that something as simple as controlling your breath can directly influence how you evaluate choices. Materials provided by German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD).
U.S. Medical Groups Issue Flu, COVID Vaccine Guidance Independent of CDC:
The CDC’s vaccine advisory committee — the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) — hasn’t issued new COVID-19 or RSV recommendations this season. Instead, the agency has only carried over last year’s flu guidanceTrusted Source. Despite the lack of CDC guidance, four top medical groups have released recommendations for the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season on September 2, each covering a different group of patients:
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for children
American Academy of Family Physicians for adults
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for pregnant people
Infectious Diseases Society of America for people with weakened immune systems
The American Medical AssociationTrusted Source and the Vaccine Integrity Project at the University of Minnesota reviewed hundreds of recent studies of the flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines. Their findings, published in JAMATrusted Source on the same day, informed all four sets of recommendations.
What can and can't slow down aging: New study offers clues: A study looking at these blood biomarkers has found that some dietary, lifestyle and pharmacological interventions may change the methylation patterns on a person’s DNA and indicate how fast they are aging. The study, published in Nature MedicineTrusted Source, found that a Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, some diabetes and weight-management medications, and some anti-inflammatory drugs might be linked to slower aging.
Do Dog Owners Live longer? Sweden ran the health records of 3.4 million adults against its national dog registry for twelve years and found single people who owned a dog were 33% less likely to die during the study, with the effect strongest not for lapdogs but for pointers, retrievers and other hunting breeds. Scientific Reports,
As Medicaid Changes Near, Concerns Mount That People With Disabilities Will Lose Coverage: New federal guidance is detailing how more stringent Medicaid eligibility rules will be applied but doing little to assuage concerns about how the changes may impact those with developmental disabilities. The 33-page document from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services outlines how states should evaluate exemptions to forthcoming Medicaid work requirements based on “medical frailty.” Most states must implement what are known as “community engagement” requirements for many Medicaid beneficiaries by the start of next year. Under the rules, beneficiaries will be required to prove that they are working, volunteering or going to school at least 80 hours per month in order to qualify for coverage. The changes were part of a broad 2025 law known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that included nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts. Disability Scoop
