PAIN
Study identifies measures that aid in the recovery of patients with fractures near the shoulder: People with chronic shoulder pain naturally avoid movements involving that part of the body, fearing they will injure themselves again or experience more discomfort. However, if this behavior continues beyond the necessary healing period for a fracture, the pain can become chronic and the joint can become more impaired. Consequently, patients have a poorer prognosis for regaining shoulder function, muscle strength, and mobility. This cycle can delay recovery and worsen functional impairment, even after the bone has healed. A study determined the appropriate duration of this behavior in patients with a proximal humerus injury, which is a fracture in the upper arm near the shoulder joint. In addition to physical therapy, appropriate guidance from healthcare professionals regarding the activities the individual can perform at each stage of treatment is essential to boost the patient’s confidence and help them resume their activities safely and at the appropriate time, Disability and Rehabilitation
Simple habit to improve physical, mental health and reduce pain: A new study found that maintaining a consistent daily routine can reduce physical pain and ease symptoms of depression, demonstrating how everyday habits can have a meaningful impact on well-being, particularly for older adults with insomnia. Study participants with insomnia reported higher levels of pain and depression. Participants who maintained consistent daily routines tended to report lower levels of pain and depression, a relationship she believes may be explained in part by the way regular schedules help synchronize the body's internal clock. Journal of Behavioral Medicine
Largest-ever genetic study of fibromyalgia points to a neurological origin of the disorder and opens the door to new treatments: In a landmark study published in Nature Medicine, an international team of researchers has identified new genetic risk factors associated with fibromyalgia syndrome. The syndrome is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, fatigue, and problems with sleep, memory and mood. Despite affecting about two per cent of the global population, its existence has been debated, largely because its biological causes have remained unclear. The results of this study are an important step towards resolving that uncertainty. The team analyzed genetic data from more than 2.5 million adults, of which 55 thousand were fibromyalgia patients. They identified DNA sequence variants in 26 regions of the genome that affect the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Many of the genes implicated in these regions are involved in brain and nerve function. The results provide the strongest evidence yet that fibromyalgia is primarily a nervous system disorder rather than an autoimmune disease, as has long been debated.
Exercise helps hip arthritis pain, but perhaps less than we thought: Led by researchers from University of Sydney and University of Melbourne, the findings show exercise produces small improvements in pain and physical function for people with hip osteoarthritis, but those improvements may not be large enough to make a meaningful difference to patients. The review included 18 clinical trials involving 1,368 people. Participants were mostly women (63%) and were aged between 53 and 74 years, meaning findings may not apply to younger people. Exercise programmes in the included studies varied widely, lasting between two and 52 weeks and covering a range of types including strengthening, aerobic, and mind-body approaches. Compared with no treatment or usual care, exercise probably reduces pain by around 7 points on a 100-point scale. However, experts generally consider an improvement of at least 12 points necessary for patients to notice a meaningful difference in daily life. Physical function showed a similar pattern. The authors note, however, that these thresholds were derived largely from knee and mixed osteoarthritis populations, and may not entirely reflect the hip osteoarthritis experience. The review stops short of saying exercise is ineffective or should be abandoned as a recommendation. Exercise carries broad health benefits beyond arthritis, is low-cost, and is unlikely to cause harm. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Novel neurointerventional procedure shows early promise for severe back pain: In the study “Bilateral Targeted Segmental Artery Lidocaine-dexamethasone Infusion for Refractory Thoracolumbar Pain: Preliminary Experience,” researchers treated six patients by guiding a catheter through the femoral artery to blood vessels supplying the suspected source of pain and infusing lidocaine and dexamethasone directly into the affected area. Patients reported an average pain score of 9.5 out of 10 before treatment and zero immediately afterward. The procedure also reduced patients’ need for opioid pain medication, with two patients eliminating opioid use entirely during their hospital stay. The pain scores remained low three months after the procedure. Four patients even participated in physical therapy after the procedure, which they had been unable to tolerate pre-procedure due to pain. Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) 23rd Annual Meeting
Imbalances in the oral microbiome linked to symptomatic hand osteoarthritis: Specific imbalances and disruptions to the oral microbiome have been linked to symptomatic hand arthritis by a study published online in the open access journal RMD Open. Its findings suggest that the microbial environment of the mouth may influence the disease process of hand arthritis which is associated with pain, stiffness and reduced grip strength and can severely impair quality of life. The oral microbiome plays a role in systemic inflammation and interacts closely with gut microbiome which is significantly associated with symptomatic hand arthritis. To assess the role of the oral microbiome, saliva samples from 52 people with symptomatic hand arthritis recruited from a community-based osteoarthritis study and 712 people without the condition were analysed using ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. The abundance of Trichococcus bacteria was significantly higher in the symptomatic hand arthritis samples and positively associated with severity of hand arthritis symptoms. Trichococcus abundance in the oral microbiome was also positively associated with the gut microbial tyrosine metabolism pathway – a metabolic pathway previously implicated in hand arthritis.
First trial confirms swimming reduces disability from chronic back pain: Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the EduSwim clinical trial found an eight-week individualised program of swimming and education, guided by a physiotherapist, improved function and pain significantly more than education alone in people with back pain.
A daily fiber supplement reduced knee arthritis pain and improved strength: A prebiotic fiber supplement reduced knee osteoarthritis pain while also improving grip strength and pain sensitivity in a six-week trial. The results hint at a fascinating gut-muscle-pain connection and suggest that a simple daily supplement may be easier to maintain than digital physiotherapy.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Researchers find promising evidence that "mindfulness-based cognitive therapy" may reduce internet gaming disorder in college students: Program combining mindfulness meditation and cognitive therapy substantially reduces gaming disorder symptoms and stress. Mindfulness
Frequent cannabis users wake up with their “stress hormone” already elevated: Frequent cannabis users may wake up with unusually high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, suggesting their daily stress rhythms could be disrupted. Researchers say the finding raises questions about whether using cannabis for stress relief might, over time, interfere with the very system that helps the body handle stress. Cannabis.
THC medication made PTSD nightmares disappear for more than a third of patients: A prescription THC treatment made PTSD nightmares disappear for more than one-third of patients in a promising new study. A prescription form of THC helped many people with PTSD escape recurring trauma-related nightmares, with more than one-third reporting that the nightmares disappeared completely after ten weeks. The results could point toward a long-awaited treatment for one of PTSD’s most distressing and stubborn symptoms. Nature Medicine
Scientists say just 7 days of meditation can rewire your brain: Just seven days of intensive meditation and mind-body practices produced measurable changes in participants’ brains, blood chemistry, immune activity, metabolism, and natural pain-relief systems. A week of intensive meditation and other mind and body practices may be capable of producing measurable changes far beyond simple relaxation. The researchers also found signs of increased neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt, reorganize, and form new connections. The findings, published in Communications Biology, offer new clues about how mental practices and conscious experiences may influence physical biology.
FDA APPROVALS
• Approved the groundbreaking cholesterol medication Lipfendra This new drug helped lower people’s LDL cholesterol by nearly 60%.
• Approved SIMTRIYO a new medication to help manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• Approved a new pain medication Tylenol with Naproxen which provides the fast-acting relief of Tylenol and the longer-lasting power of Aleve.This will be an over the counter medication.
• Approved FLUSIVA, a new mRNA flu vaccine for older adults 65+
• Approved Eve First Self-Balancing, Personal ExoskeletonThe device enables eligible adult wheelchair users living with spinal cord injury to walk and perform some activities of daily living
• Accelerated approval Tudriqev a novel therapy for advanced melanoma
• Approved Orzeful First Drug for Full Range of Narcolepsy Symptoms
• Approved At-Home Furoscix ReadyFlow Autoinjector for treatment of edema in adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease
PREVENTION: Exercise
The way we talk about physical activity matters in chronic illness: Many people living with chronic illness say advice about physical activity can feel overwhelming or create feelings of guilt. According to the researchers, the way healthcare professionals communicate about physical activity may influence whether patients feel more confident about being active and experience it as meaningful. The publication summarises research on physical activity, behaviour change and patient communication in chronic illness. Communicating With Patients About Physical Activity, JAMA
Flexing new hope: Muscles may help protect the Parkinson's brain New study reveals exercise-triggered chemical messengers from muscles help shield brain cells and improve movement in Parkinson's disease. By stimulating muscles to release exerkines, exercise appears to generate protective signals that reduce inflammation, improve cellular energy productions, support dopamine-producing neuron and enhance brain plasticity. l Neuroprotection
Even light activity may lower stroke, death risk in people with atrial fibrillation: Being physically active was linked to a lower risk of stroke and death for adults with atrial fibrillation, or AFib, according to new, independent research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Being physically active was tied to a 9% to 19% lower risk of stroke or death for moderate to high physical activity levels, in an analysis of more than 87,000 adults in Norway. Study participants had nearly the same health benefits from physical activity, regardless of whether they had an irregular heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation or not. While the largest benefit was noted among study participants who were the most active, benefits were also noted for people reporting low to moderate activity levels.
Walking and weight training alone are not enough for strong bones – football and handball may be more effective: When it comes to maintaining healthy bones, how intensely we exercise may matter more than how much we exercise, according to researchers at Semmelweis University. Their study, published in Sports Medicine – Open, found that bone formation was stimulated most effectively by activities involving explosive movements, rapid changes of direction, and turning. The findings could help improve exercise programs designed to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
More than a workout: personalized exercise delivers multidimensional benefits in type 2 diabetes: The study, titled “Multidimensional effects of personalized exercise intervention in type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled trial” investigated the effects of a 16-week personalized exercise intervention in adults with type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity. Unlike conventional exercise recommendations that often apply a one-size-fits-all approach, the intervention was tailored according to each participant’s aerobic fitness and muscle strength. Researchers found that participants in the exercise group experienced significant reductions in fat mass while simultaneously increasing skeletal muscle mass. Magnetic resonance imaging further confirmed reductions in abdominal fat and improvements in lower-limb muscle mass. Notably, the intervention achieved both fat loss and muscle gain, a combination that is often difficult to accomplish through conventional weight-loss approaches. The benefits extended beyond body composition. Participants also showed improvements in glycemic regulation and physical fitness. Because skeletal muscle is one of the body’s major sites of glucose utilization, preserving and increasing muscle mass may contribute directly to better metabolic control. The study further incorporated proteomic analyses, providing biological insights into pathways associated with exercise benefits. Science Bulletin
Walking on sand burns up to 2.5 times more energy than walking on pavement, which means a 30-minute barefoot beach stroll is a more effective workout than most people spending an hour at the gym: Journal of Experimental Biology
Scientists reveal how much exercise you really need to protect your heart: Major protection against heart attacks and strokes may require far more exercise than current guidelines recommend. Getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous exercise each week may offer only modest protection against heart attacks and strokes. A large study suggests that substantially greater benefits may require roughly 560 to 610 minutes a week—nearly 9 to 10 hours of brisk walking, running, cycling, or similar activity. BMJ Sports Medicine
Short Bursts of Movement in Daily Life May Prevent T2D: Among adults who did not engage in leisure-time exercise, engagement in brief, intermittent bouts of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity during day-to-day routines was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a dose-response pattern. published online in Diabetes Care.
Exercise may help the aging brain “take out the trash”: Regular exercise may help the brain clear away harmful waste that can build up with age. Researchers found that physical activity supports several processes linked to the brain’s glymphatic cleanup system, including better sleep, lower inflammation, and healthier blood vessels. Because this waste-removal system becomes increasingly important as we get older, exercise could play a meaningful role in protecting against cognitive decline. Trends in Neurosciences
Taking the stairs could protect your heart and help you live longer: Simply choosing the stairs could have surprisingly big benefits for your heart and longevity. A large analysis involving more than 480,000 people found that regular stair climbers were 39% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease and 24% less likely to die from any cause than people who rarely took the stairs. They also had lower risks of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. American Journal of Cardiovascular Drugs,
PREVENTION: Sleep
Wearable ultrasound patch boosts REM sleep without drugs or surgery: A new wearable patch may help people reach REM sleep faster and remain there longer without medication or surgery. In a study of 28 participants, the device shortened the time to REM by 43 minutes and extended it by about 16 minutes. Researchers also observed signs of improved stress regulation and changes in brain circuits tied to emotion. Nature Communications
PREVENTION: Diet
Eating Less Protein Linked to Healthy Aging in New Studies: New research suggests reducing protein intake may support healthy aging and longevity. Protein restriction may improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and reduce cellular damage. Protein needs vary by age, activity level, and overall health, so reducing protein intake may not be appropriate for everyone. Cell Press BlueTrusted Source,
Prebiotic Sodas May Contain Less Fiber and More Sugar Than Advertised: A new study found that prebiotic sodas may contain more sugar and less fiber than they claim.
The findings show that a majority of prebiotic sodas contain more sugar than diet sodas and flavored sparkling water. Researchers also report that not all prebiotic sodas provide the same amount of fiber. NUTRITION 2026
Eating tomatoes daily may help decrease fat buildup in the liver: Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD) is a common liver condition that requires careful management. Research is ongoing about what food choices are most helpful for managing MASLD. One exploratory randomized controlled trial in participants with MASLD found that eating tomatoes daily, including tomato sauce, helped to decrease fat buildup in the liver. Nutrients
For decades, we were told to choose low-fat dairy. New research says otherwise: Full-fat dairy may be healthier than conventional advice has suggested. In a 12-week study, adults who ate three servings a day showed no meaningful increases in weight, body fat, cholesterol, or insulin resistance. They also experienced improved blood pressure and consumed more calcium, protein, and vitamin D. The findings suggest dairy’s complex structure may matter more than its saturated fat content alone. The Journal of Nutrition
Wine, beer, or spirits? Massive study finds a surprising health divide: A study tracking more than 340,000 adults for over a decade found that heavy drinking increased the risk of death regardless of beverage type. At lower levels, however, the picture became more surprising: beer, cider, and spirits were linked to higher mortality, while wine was associated with lower risk. Moderate wine drinkers had a 21% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared with people who rarely or never drank. American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26)
Cutting sweet foods doesn’t curb cravings or improve health: A new six-month trial suggests that changing how much sweet-tasting food people eat does not alter how much they enjoy sweetness. Researchers also found no meaningful differences in several measures related to heart disease and diabetes risk among people who ate diets with high, low, or average levels of sweetness. The findings raise questions about public health advice that encourages people to reduce sweet-tasting foods as a way to combat overweight and obesity. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Low-fat vegan diet cuts dietary energy density by nearly a third, helping explain weight loss, new study finds: A low-fat vegan diet lowers the energy density of the foods people eat by roughly 30%, allowing them to eat satisfying amounts of food while taking in fewer calories and losing weight—without deliberately restricting calories—according to new research published in JAMA Network Open.
For long-term health, diet quality matters more than food processing level: According to a new study, nutritional quality matters more than processing level when it comes to long-term health. The study of over 200,000 people found that the overall quality of a person’s diet was strongly associated with their risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and death. However, these associations did not appear to substantially differ based on food processing levels. “While many ultra-processed foods tend to be of poor nutritional quality and should generally be limited or avoided, processing itself is not inherently harmful,” said Xiaowen Wang, PhD, a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Nutrition at Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Based on the study results, she said individuals should “focus on what you’re eating overall, not just whether it’s processed. A healthy plant-based diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and healthy plant oils is beneficial, even if it includes some processed foods.” NUTRITION 2026,
Plant-forward planetary health diet linked to lower heart disease risk: A 20-year study of more than 65,000 postmenopausal women found that higher adherence to the Planetary Health Diet was associated with a lower risk of overall cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke and heart failure. The findings showed that women whose diet most closely followed the Planetary Health Diet had about a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared with women in the group scoring the lowest for adherence. However, even moderate adherence to the diet was linked with lower risk. The Planetary Health Diet emphasizes foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts and unsaturated fats while limiting foods such as red and processed meats, added sugars, refined grains and saturated fats. NUTRITION 2026
A daily glass of fruit juice was linked to lower depression scores: A daily glass of 100% fruit juice or a smoothie may help improve more than just fruit intake. In a small four-week trial, participants who added one to a healthier diet showed significantly lower depression scores, hinting that a simple dietary change could also support mental well-being. British Journal of Nutrition
PREVENTION: Vitamins/Supplements
Among Women Taking Enough Calcium, Protein Matters More for Osteoporosis Treatment Benefits: In older women with adequate calcium intake receiving osteoporosismedications, calcium supplements did not provide additional improvements in hip bone mineral density (BMD) or bone strength. However, a low dietary protein intake was associated with reduced skeletal benefits of antiresorptive therapy. "[The study] findings do not support the routine use of CaS [calcium supplements] in women with adequate calcium intake and highlight the importance of assessing dietary calcium intake before prescribing supplementation," the authors wrote. published online on July 17, 2026, in Osteoporosis International.
Use of omega-3 and ASA has a similar effect to antibiotics against severe periodontitis: A combination of omega-3 and low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) produced results comparable to antibiotics in treating severe periodontitis. This conclusion is based on a study conducted by researchers affiliated with Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, Guarulhos University (UNG), the University of Taubaté (UNITAU), and the Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry at USP (FORP-USP) in Brazil, as well as Harvard University in the United States. The findings were published in May in the Journal of Periodontology and suggest a promising therapeutic alternative for some patients by reducing the need for antibiotics. These findings are particularly relevant in the context of growing global concern about bacterial resistance.
High-Dose Omega-3 Linked to A-Fib Risk in Patients With High CVD Risk: High-dose eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) treatment is associated with increased atrial fibrillation (AF) risk in patients at high cardiovascular disease risk, according to a study published online July 28 in Circulation: Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology.
Addition of high-dose vitamin D to standard treatment in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: In this multicenter, double-blind phase 3 randomized clinical trial in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer, the addition of high-dose vitamin D to standard treatment did not significantly improve progression-free survival compared with standard-dose vitamin D (median progression-free survival, 11.8 months vs 10.3 months, respectively). High-dose vitamin D did not improve progression-free survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. JAMA
A daily multivitamin may help older adults maintain functional health: In a new study, older adults who took a daily multivitamin had significantly better measures of functional health after 3 years compared with those who took a placebo. According to researchers, the findings suggest a daily multivitamin can help older people maintain day-to-day functioning by helping to preserve cognitive abilities, and it may also benefit blood circulation and physical stamina. NUTRITION 2026
Belly fat and vitamin D deficiency may form a dangerous combination, more than doubling the risk of death in adults over 50.A large study of more than 5,500 adults over 50 found a striking combination of risk factors: abdominal obesity paired with vitamin D deficiency was linked to a 123% higher risk of death over six years. Each condition was associated with increased risk on its own, but together they appeared to create a dangerous feedback loop, with belly fat reducing the amount of vitamin D available in the bloodstream while low vitamin D may worsen inflammation and other health problems. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism,
PREVENTION: Other
Sitting up straight may improve your mood and decision-making: Improved posture may subtly boost your mood and help you take smarter risks. A simple change in posture may subtly affect how people feel and make decisions. Participants who sat upright reported greater feelings of pride and took more successful risks in a virtual balloon game than those who hunched over. Most did not realize researchers had influenced their posture, helping rule out the possibility that they were merely responding to expectations. The results suggest workplace ergonomics could influence more than physical comfort. British Journal of Psychology
TREATMENT
GLP-1s Like Ozempic, Mounjaro May Lower Fracture Risk in Type 2 Diabetes: A new study reports that people with type 2 diabetes who take GLP-1 medications may lower their risk for fragility-related fractures. Fragility fractures occur when bones are fragile enough to break from a fall that wouldn’t normally break a healthy bone. While the findings are encouraging, the study is observational and therefore cannot prove that GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic or Mounjaro, reduce the risk of fractures. The researchers acknowledged this limitation and agree that further studies are needed. The findings were published on July 24 in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source.
GLP-1s Like Ozempic, Wegovy Can Help Maintain Lower Calorie Intake for Over 1 Year: People taking semaglutide for weight loss maintained a significantly lower calorie intake after 60 weeks on the medication, according to a new study. The findings, published July 16 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, give more insight into how GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Ozempic (both brand names for semaglutide) can support both initial weight loss and long-term weight maintenance.
Novel Oral GLP-1 Agonist Boosts Glycemic Control in T2D: Once-daily oral HRS-7535, a novel nonpeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist (RA), added to metformin led to significant improvements in glycemic control and modest weight reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) inadequately controlled with metformin, according to a 16-week phase 2 trial. The treatment also showed a safety profile consistent with that of other GLP-1 RAs. published online in JAMA Network Open.
Oral GLP-1 Cuts Weight, A1c in Older Adults With Obesity: Once-daily oral orforglipron led to clinically meaningful weight loss over 72 weeks in adults aged 65 years or older with overweight or obesity, regardless of type 2 diabetes (T2D) status, while maintaining a safety profile similar to that of other GLP-1s. published online in Obesity Pillars.
Mounjaro May Help Protect Heart Health in People With Type 2 Diabetes: New research suggests the popular GLP-1 medication Mounjaro may lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease. Previous randomized trials have shown that, compared with dulaglutide (Trulicity), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) had similar effects on major cardiovascular events. Major cardiovascular events are a combined measure of heart attack, stroke, and death from any cause. For the new study, researchers analyzed health insurance data from nearly 53,000 people with type 2 diabetes, overweight or obesity, and established heart disease. They compared cardiovascular outcomes among people taking tirzepatide with those taking sitagliptin, another diabetes medication.
The results were published August 5 in The BMJTrusted Source.
Why Taking GLP-1s Like Ozempic Before Bariatric Surgery May Not Lead to More Weight Loss: A new study found that using GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, before bariatric surgery was not associated with greater weight loss 12 months after the procedure. Researchers also found no significant differences in diabetes control, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or emergency department visits. Experts say GLP-1 medications may still provide benefits before or after bariatric surgery, including helping with weight loss before surgery or managing weight regain afterward. JAMA SurgeryTrusted Source,
Menstrual Clots and Heavy Bleeding Linked to Popular Weight-Loss Drugs: GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs), particularly semaglutide, are associated with disproportionate reporting of menstrual adverse events including heavy bleeding, intermenstrual bleeding, and menstrual clots in reproductive-aged female patients. Tirzepatide showed signals for intermenstrual bleeding and menstrual clots. published online in Obstetrics & Gynecology.
How Lipfendra, Inclisiran, and New Guidelines Are Changing Cholesterol Management: A new analysis found that the twice-yearly cholesterol medication inclisiran reduced LDL cholesterol by 49% more than placebo. The FDA approved Lipfendra, the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor for adults with high LDL cholesterol. Updated cholesterol guidelines suggest more than half of U.S. adults may now be eligible for statin therapy. JACC: Advances
HIV: Once-Weekly Pill As Effective As Daily Treatment, Global Study Finds: A once-weekly oral HIV treatment is as effective as a widely used once-daily regimen, according to a large clinical trial. More than 93% of participants maintained viral suppression, and none experienced virological failure during the study. A weekly treatment could give people with HIV another option while potentially reducing “pill fatigue” associated with taking daily medication. Participants in the trial already had well-controlled HIV and high medication adherence, which could limit the generalizability of the study results. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Viagra’s Active Ingredient May Also Help Stop Cancer From Spreading: The erectile dysfunction drug Viagra may be effective in slowing the spread of cancer, according to a new study. Researchers said Viagra’s active ingredient, sildenafil, shows the potential to interfere with cancer cells’ ability to metastasize and travel around the body. They said sildenafil accomplishes this feat by blocking cancer cells’ access to cholesterol, a building block that allows tumors to metastasize. The researchers said male participants who’d used Viagra before being diagnosed with cancerhad better overall survival rates than those who hadn’t taken the drug. They added that the survival rate was even higher for males who took both Viagra and statins. Researchers said their study did not specify if Viagra would be more effective against certain types of cancers. Cancer Research.
Prozac appears to blunt formation of PTSD symptoms after traumatic injury in small study: A preliminary, unblinded study has shown that people who took the antidepressant Prozac after suffering a traumatic injury reported fewer PTSD symptoms and lower levels of pain in the year after their injury. With roughly half of traumatic injury patients facing some mental health decline after their injuries, the study suggests that preventative medical interventions could reduce the formation of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. However, larger studies would be needed to replicate these results. The study was published July 13 in the Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.
Freezing of Gait in Parkinson’s: What’s Beyond Medication? A multimodal rehabilitation strategy that combines physical, cognitive, and sensory training may help reduce freezing of gait (FOG) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), according to experts who presented during a session at the 2026 French-Language Neurology Days (JNLF). To restore automatic walking patterns and postural stability, patients need complex exercises that incorporate dual-task training by combining cognitive, motor, and sensory stimulation.
Women taking estrogen had fewer signs of Alzheimer’s in their brains: Women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy later in life were less likely to develop dementia and showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains, according to a large study of more than 21,000 participants. Hormone therapy use was linked to 39% lower odds of a dementia diagnosis and 35% lower odds of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes at autopsy, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Biomarker tests also suggested less amyloid buildup among hormone therapy users. Neurology
OTHER
Higher Body Fat Linked to Low Sperm Count, Testosterone: Researchers say body fat measurements are a better predictor of male reproductive health than body mass index readings. They report that men with higher body fat percentages have lower sperm counts than men with lower body fat measurements. Men can potentially improve their reproductive health by maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a well-balanced diet, and minimizing stress. Human Reproduction
Early Menopause Linked to High Blood Pressure. How to Lower Your Risk: A study found that early menopause was associated with a greater risk of high blood pressure. The risk was highest when menopause occurred between the ages of 25 and 35. Experts say this occurs because estrogen plays several vital roles in the cardiovascular system. Hormone replacement therapy can help counteract these risks. Sleep, exercise, diet, taking prescribed medications, and monitoring blood pressure are also important. Menopause
Why ‘Binge-Watching’ That TV Show Now May Affect Your Brain Later: A recent study found that people who reported watching TV “very often” in midlife showed reduced volume in certain brain regions. This included areas associated with memory and early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, smaller frontal and occipital lobes, and white-matter damage. This damage may be associated with dementia, stroke risk, cognitive decline, and aging. The researchers found that the sedentary behavior of watching TV may not have been the driving force behind these brain changes. Alzheimer’s & Dementia
Thyroid Medication Recalled Nationwide: A common thyroid medication is under a voluntary recall after testing found it was less potent than expected. The FDA classified a nationwide recall of levothyroxine sodium tablets as Class II on July 17 after testing found the pills were subpotent, according to the agency’s enforcement report. The recall includes seven strengths, from 25 to 150 micrograms (mcg). Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. manufactured the tablets Those who have been prescribed the medication are encouraged to continue taking it, and pharmacies are not required to notify patients. Healthline
Type 1 Diabetes Tied to Early Fracture Risk, Worse With Kidney Disease: Patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) had a substantially higher risk for any fractures, major osteoporotic fractures, and hip fractures than matched control individuals without diabetes. The risk emerged as early as ages of 10-19 years, increased with worsening diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and remained elevated even in those without albuminuria. published online on July 27, 2026, in Diabetes Care.
When Temperatures Climb, Hypoglycemia Risk Rises in Type 1 Diabetes: Rising temperatures appear to significantly increase the short-term risk for hypoglycemia among adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D), new research suggested. An analysis of more than 32 million continuous glucose monitor (CGM) readings from nearly 700 adults with T1D in the UK showed a 26% greater risk for hypoglycemia at a temperature of 25 °C (77 °F) than at 13 °C (55.4 °F). Hypoglycemia was defined as a glucose level < 3.9 mmol/L (70 mg/dL). The findings were published in the August 2026 issue of Diabetes Care
Belly Fat vs. BMI: Which Better Predicts Your Heart Disease Risk? A new study has found that the amount of visceral, or belly, fat a person is carrying may be a better predictor of future heart disease risk than their body mass index (BMI) alone.
The results of this study were published in JACC on August 11.
Trump Orders Changes to Childhood Vaccines Despite Medical Opposition: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 10 outlining major changes to the childhood immunization schedule. The order calls for the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to be administered as three separate shots and for childhood immunizations to be given at separate medical visits. It also presents a new framework prioritizing routine vaccination against 11 diseases for all children, in a move that would place several other vaccines into “high risk” or “shared decision making” categories. At the Oval Office on Monday, President Trump repeatedly suggested a link between the timing or number of vaccines and rising rates of autism. Decades of research have firmly established that there is no such link. A large new study of 2.5 million U.S. children found no association between the timing of the MMR shot before age 2 and a later autism diagnosis. The President’s recommendations garnered swift criticism from pediatric and public health experts, who warn of the potential risks of deviating from longstanding vaccine recommendations. “There is no new evidence to justify significant changes to childhood immunization guidance,” AAP President Andrew D. Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, said in a statement on August 10.
