PAIN
Non-opioid pain relievers beat opioids after dental surgery: A combination of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) controls pain after wisdom tooth removal better than opioids, according to a Rutgers Health study that could change how dentists treat post-surgical pain. The trial in more than 1,800 patients found that those given a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen experienced less pain, better sleep and higher satisfaction compared with those receiving the opioid hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Results in The Journal of American Dental Association showed the non-opioid combination provided superior pain relief during the peak-pain period in the two days after surgery. Patients taking the non-opioid medications also reported better sleep quality on the first night and less interference with daily activities throughout recovery.
Behavioral intervention decreases how much pain affects daily activities in people with dialysis-dependent kidney failure: Among people with dialysis-dependent kidney failure, a form of psychological therapy called pain coping skills training reduced how much pain got in the way of their daily lives, also known as pain interference. The clinical trial, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that training people on how to manage pain reduced the extent to which pain affected their work and social activities, mood, and relationships. The pain coping skills training, which was adapted for people undergoing long-term dialysis, also improved other effects of pain, including the intensity of pain, depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Pain coping skills training is an approach widely used for chronic pain, but it had not previously been tested for people treated with dialysis. The study results indicate that pain coping skills training may be an appealing alternative or complement to pain medications. Although the effect of the pain coping skills training on the overall cohort was modest, its high acceptability, tolerability, and safety and its observed benefits to pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life support further research on developing nonpharmacologic, non-invasive strategies for managing pain in dialysis populations. Pain coping skills training for patients receiving hemodialysis: The HOPE Consortium randomized clinical trial. JAMA Internal Medicine
New drug to prevent migraine may start working right away: A drug recently approved to prevent migraine may start working right away, according to a study published in the December 23, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study looked at the drug atogepant, which is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist taken by mouth.
Healthy lifestyle changes shown to help low back pain: The study, published in JAMA Network Open, found integrating lifestyle support into back pain care could reduce disability and enhance quality of life. The randomised controlled trial included 346 participants from across Australia, all of whom had chronic low back pain and at least one lifestyle risk factor, such as obesity, poor diet, sedentary habits, or smoking. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the "Healthy Lifestyle Program (HeLP)" or standard guideline-based physiotherapy care for managing their low back pain. The HeLP participants received support from physiotherapists, dietitians and telephone health coaches who helped them work out which lifestyle habits might be influencing their back pain, such as weight, inactivity, poor diet, poor sleep, smoking or excessive alcohol use. They were then provided evidence-based advice over a six-month period to help address the lifestyle challenge.
Painful skin when tapering cortisone cream: Painful skin and trouble sleeping are among the problems reported when tapering cortisone cream for atopic eczema. This has been shown by a study headed by the University of Gothenburg. Many users consider the problems to be caused by cortisone dependence. Acta Dermato Venereologica
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Qigong significantly decreases chronic low back pain in US military veterans: Researchers from Florida Atlantic University conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of qigong on biopsychosocial outcomes in veterans with chronic low back pain. Results of the study, published in the journal Pain Management Nursing, indicate that all pain-related outcomes (pain intensity, low back pain-related disability, and pain interference) decreased significantly in the qigong group compared to the control group. In addition to chronic pain, sleep disturbance was significantly improved in the qigong group compared to the control group.
FDA ACTION
• Approved a generic once-daily injectable version of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) liraglutide (Victoza, Novo Nordisk) to lower blood sugar in people aged 10 years or older with type 2 diabetes (T2D), as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
• Issued a nationwide ban on January 15 that will prohibit the use of red dye No. 3Trusted Source in food and beverage products and ingested drugs in the United States. The ban will take effect in 2027.
• granted traditional approval to Calquence (acalabrutinib) with bendamustine and rituximab for adults with previously untreated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who are ineligible for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
• Approved Alhemo (concizumab-mtci) for routine prophylaxis to prevent or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with hemophilia A with factor VIII inhibitors or hemophilia B with factor IX inhibitors.
• Approved for marketing Sequana Medical NV’s alfapump System, an implanted pump indicated for the removal of excess peritoneal fluid in certain adult patients experiencing fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity due to liver cirrhosis.
PREVENTION
Exercise
Aerobic exercise and weight loss in adults: In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, engaging in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per week was associated with modest reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and body fat measures among adults with overweight or obesity. However, aerobic training exceeding 150 minutes per week at moderate intensity or greater may be needed to achieve clinically important reductions. JAMA Open Network
Boosting physical fitness increases language comprehension in older adults: Monolingual participants who increased their fitness over six months scored higher in language tests – but bilinguals didn’t see same boost. Ageing, Neuropsychology and Cognition
Aerobic exercise: a powerful ally in the fight against Alzheimer’s: Regular aerobic exercise could significantly reduce disease markers associated with Alzheimer’s, new research led by scientists at the University of Bristol (UK) and the Federal University of São Paulo (Brazil) has found. The findings provide new hope in the battle against this devastating disorder. Published in the journal Brain Research, the study highlights how physical activity not only protects healthy brain cells but also restores balance in the aging brain.
Sleep
Does job strain compromise long-term sleep quality?: In a recent study published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, middle aged workers in the U.S. who reported high job strain at the start of the study experienced significantly more sleep disturbances over an average follow-up of nine years.
Your work habits may be threatening your sleep: People whose jobs are highly sedentary – an estimated 80% of the modern workforce – experience a much higher risk of insomnia symptoms. The findings, newly published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, show that among more than 1,000 employees surveyed over a decade, sedentary work and nonstandard work times are significant threats to sleep health. Those two factors, hastened by technological changes such as increased computer work, are linked to a 37% increase in insomnia symptoms among sedentary workers and a 66% greater risk of needing “catch-up sleep” – defined as frequent napping or sleeping in on weekends – for those who keep nontraditional work schedules.
Scientists show how sleep deprived brain permits intrusive thoughts: A new study has shown that sleep deprivation can inhibit the brain’s ability to suppress unwanted memories and intrusive thoughts. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Diet/Nutrition
Meat Substitutes Linked to 42% Higher Depression Risk in Vegetarians: New research found that vegetarians who ate plant-based meat alternatives had a 42% higher risk of depression as well as signs of greater inflammation. Plant-based meat alternatives are processed foods such as tofu, tempeh, meatless chicken, burgers, and bacon. Overall, eating plant-based meat alternatives didn’t have any extra health risks for vegetarians. Food FrontiersTrusted Source,
Processed Red Meat May Raise Risk of Cognitive Decline, Dementia: A new study has found that those who eat more red meat, particularly processed red meat, may be at higher risk for dementia and cognitive decline compared to those who consume little to no red meat. The findings build on prior evidence linking processed red meat consumption and dementia risk, which were presented in July 2024 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia. The latest results of this research were published on January 15 in Neurology.
Researchers reveal ancient dietary habits and early human use of plant foods: A new archaeological study, conducted along the Jordan River banks south of northern Israel’s Hula Valley, offers a fresh perspective on the dietary habits of early humans, challenging conventional wisdom about prehistoric diets. The research reveals that ancient hunter-gatherers relied heavily on plant foods, particularly starchy plants, as a major energy source. The findings suggest that, contrary to popular belief, the diet of early hominids was not solely focused on animal protein, but rather, featured a diverse range of plant-based foods, including acorns, cereals, legumes, and aquatic plants. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS),
A healthy diet is key to a healthy gut microbiome: A varied diet rich in vegetables is known to be healthy for one’s well-being. Excessive consumption of meat, especially red meat, can lead to chronic and cardiovascular diseases. That is also because what we eat shapes the gut microbiome. At the same time, excluding certain foods, such as dairy or animal products, is not necessarily a general solution to achieve microbial balance. But can we find out which food products determine differences in the gut microbiome? Starting from this question, a group of researchers analyzed biological samples from 21,561 individuals (vegans, vegetarians and omnivores) living in the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy, and found that the dietary pattern has a strong influence on the gut microbiome and on specific gut microbes that are associated with better health. The data have been published in Nature Microbiology. "We have observed – emphasizes Nicola Segata – that the quantity and diversity of plant-based foods have a very positive impact on the microbiome. Avoiding meat or dairy products does not necessarily have a positive effect if it does not come with a variety of quality plant-based products. From the point of view of the microbiome, what we can generally recommend is that it is important to eat many plant-based foods, especially those rich in fiber.
US News & World Report’s 2025 Best Diets: DASH diet recognized as best heart-healthy diet, ranks as second-best diet overall and the best heart healthy diet. The DASH Diet is an eating plan that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat and that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. The diet includes whole grain products, fish, poultry and nuts, while reducing lean red meat, sweets, added sugars, and sugar-containing beverages compared to the typical American diet. It is rich in potassium, magnesium and calcium, as well as protein and fiber.
Mediterranean diet changes gut bacteria, boosting memory and cognition: In a study published in Gut Microbes Reports, researchers at Tulane University School of Medicine found that subjects following a Mediterranean diet developed distinctly different gut bacteria patterns compared to those eating a typical Western diet. These bacterial changes correlated with better memory and cognitive performance.
Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials demonstrate beef can be enjoyed in variety of heart-healthy diets: A recently published, comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis has added to the growing body of evidence showing that beef can be enjoyed in a heart-healthy diet. Specifically, research consistently demonstrated that eating two (3-ounce) servings of unprocessed beef, on average, in a daily dietary pattern had no significant impact on most cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The study, “Beef Consumption and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,” was published in Current Developments in Nutrition. Consistent evidence from previously published RCTs demonstrates that 1-2 servings of lean beef can be enjoyed daily as part of a heart-healthy diet. For example, the Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) study was a landmark clinical trial demonstrating how subjects who included 4-5.4 ounces of lean beef into a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style dietary pattern rich in other healthy foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat dairy maintained normal cholesterol levels.
Morning Coffee May Help You Live Longer, Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The novel research, published January 8 in the European Heart Journal, is the first of its kind to look at patterns of coffee drinking and whether the time of day of consumption affects mortality outcomes. People who consume coffee primarily in the morning, rather than throughout the day, had lower mortality risk compared to non-coffee drinkers, according to a new study. It’s unclear why morning coffee consumption appears to offer greater heart health benefits. Experts note that consuming coffee later in the day may disrupt sleep patterns.
Drinking about 4 cups of coffee daily may reduce risk for head and neck cancer: A recent pooled analysisTrusted Source published in the journal CTrusted SourceancerTrusted Source looked at drinking coffee and tea and the risk for head and neck cancer. The data examined over 9,500 cases of head and neck cancer and over 15,700 controls. Overall, drinking certain amounts of caffeinated coffee and tea was associated with a decreased risk for head and neck cancer compared to not drinking these beverages. Additionally, drinking between zero and one cup of decaffeinated coffee was associated with a decreased risk for oral cavity cancer. However, the researchers did find that drinking more than one cup of tea daily was associated with an increased risk for laryngeal cancer.
Gut bacteria may help dietary fiber fight colorectal cancer, study finds: A new study has reinforced advice that you should incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods in your diet. Researchers found that when gut bacteria break down plant fiber, they produce two compounds that act on genes to help prevent the growth of cancers. The study is published in Nature Metabolism.Trusted Source
Elderberry juice shows benefits for weight management, metabolic health: Elderberry juice may be a potent tool for weight management and enhancing metabolic health, according to a recent study. A clinical trial found that drinking 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week causes positive changes in the gut microbiome and improves glucose tolerance and fat oxidation.
Sugary Drinks Linked to Diabetes, Heart Disease: A new study published January 6 in Nature MedicineTrusted Source charts the metabolic and cardiovascular complications associated with sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The researchers found nearly 1 in 10 new cases of type 2 diabetes, and more than 3% of cardiovascular disease cases could be traced back to sugary drinks.
Green tea drinkers have fewer brain lesions linked to dementia: The study, which is published in npj Science of FoodTrusted Source, found that regular consumption of green tea by older people was linked to having fewer cerebral white matter lesions, suggesting that green tea may help prevent dementiaTrusted Source.
Vitamins/Supplements
Taking high-dose vitamin D supplements for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes:Using significantly higher doses of vitamin D than recommended for five years did not affect the incidence of type 2 diabetes in elderly men and women, according to a new study from the University of Eastern Finland. published online in Diabetologia.
Adequate Protein Intake in Midlife Tied to Healthy Aging: Intake of protein, especially from plants, in middle age is associated with higher odds of healthy aging and positive mental and physical health status in older women, a recent analysis of the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) data suggests. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Other
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Protects Older Adults From Severe Disease: Respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F (RSVpreF) vaccine significantly reduced severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) requiring hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visits in an older adult population, including substantial representation from the oldest age groups. published online on December 13, 2024, in JAMA Network Open.
TREATMENT
Some Meds for Overactive Bladder Tied to Dementia: In middle-aged and older adults with overactive bladder, the drug selected for treatment may influence the risk for dementia. Use of any anticholinergic drug conferred a significant 18% increase in the risk for dementia.Men had a greater elevation of risk than women. Five other anticholinergics (darifenacin, fesoterodine fumarate, flavoxate hydrochloride, propiverine hydrochloride, and trospium chloride) were not significantly associated with elevated risk. published online in BMJ Medicine
Study Finds Association Between Statins and Glaucoma: Adults with high cholesterol taking statins may have a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma than those not taking the cholesterol-lowering drugs, an observational study of a large research database found. The study, published in Ophthalmology Glaucoma, analyzed electronic health records of 79,742 adults with hyperlipidemia in the All of Us Research Programdatabase from 2017 to 2022. The 6365 statin users in the study population had a 47% greater unadjusted prevalence of glaucoma than nonusers of the drugs. The researchers also found statin users had significantly higher levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), but even patients with optimal levels of LDL-C had higher rates of glaucoma.
IBS Relief: Is Combining Low-FODMAP and Gluten-Free Diets the Answer? For adults with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), combining a diet low in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) and a gluten-free diet (GFD) appears to improve clinical symptoms and reduce anxiety and depression, according to a new systematic review and meta-analysis. Across several studies, the combined diet improved quality of life and reduced bloating, stomach pain, and the severity of IBS symptoms. Medscape
Wearable devices can detect and predict inflammatory bowel disease flare-ups: Data collected by wearable technology can identify disease flare-ups up to seven weeks in advance. The researchers found that circadian patterns of heart rate variability (a marker of nervous system function), along with heart rate, oxygenation, and daily activity, all measured by the wearable devices, were significantly altered when inflammation or symptoms were present. Moreover, these physiological markers could detect inflammation even in the absence of symptoms and distinguish whether symptoms were driven by active inflammation in the intestines. Importantly, the researchers found that these metrics measured by wearables changed up to seven weeks before flares developed. Gastroenterology
Extended Paxlovid may help some people with long COVID, research suggests: An extended course of Paxlovid appears to help some patients with long Covid, according to research that suggests this treatment option holds promise for some of those struggling with debilitating symptoms. These results are at odds with recent research that has failed to show the antiviral can alleviate persistent symptoms of the disease. The authors said more study is needed to find out which patients may benefit from the drug and how long it should be given. Communications Medicine
OTHER
Why the Surgeon General Is Calling for Revised Guidelines on Alcohol Use: U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, released a new advisory recommending that alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, carry a warning about potential cancer risks. The recommendation was praised by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The new guidelines, which will require approval from Congress, would inform consumers that drinking even moderate amounts of alcohol could increase the risk of developing at least seven cancer types, including: breast, colon, liver, throat, mouth, esophagus and voice box. A growing body of evidence warns of potential harms associated with alcohol consumption. An August 2024 study linked light to moderate drinking to a higher cancer risk in older adults, while a September 2024 study found that excessive alcohol use could increase the risk of six types of cancer.
‘Sandwich carers’ experience decline in mental and physical health: People who care for both their children and older family members – also known as ‘sandwich carers’ – suffer from deterioration in both their mental and physical health over time, finds a new study by UCL researchers. The research, published in Public Health, analysed data from around 2,000 sandwich carers and 2,000 non-sandwich carers from the UK Household Longitudinal Study between 2009 and 2020.
Rural women face tougher time with menopause: Menopausal and postmenopausal women who live in rural areas reported more mood swings, muscle and joint pain, vaginal dryness and urinary problems than did their urban counterparts, according to a study published this month in Menopause.
Gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia and future neurological disorders: In this study, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia were associated with an increased risk of new-onset migraine, headache, epilepsy, sleep disorder, or mental fatigue within months to years after giving birth. Guidelines recommend follow-up after delivery for women with gestational hypertension and preeclampsia for their increased risk of cardiovascular disease. At these visits, caregivers should also pay attention to persisting or new-onset of neurological symptoms, since this group of women appears to be vulnerable to developing or experiencing neurological disorders. JAMA Neurology
Exposure to aircraft noise linked to worse heart function: People who live close to airports and are exposed to high aircraft noise levels could be at greater risk of poor heart function, increasing the likelihood of heart attacks, life-threatening heart rhythms and strokes, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), looked at detailed heart imaging data from 3,635 people who lived close to four major airports in England.
Americans’ Top Causes of Anxiety Revealed: What current events are keeping Americans up at night? The economy, gun violence, and hate crimes top the list, results from a newly released American Psychiatric Association (APA) survey showed. Medscape
Major Depression in Older Adults Tied to Risky Driving Behaviors: Older adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit riskier driving behaviors than their nondepressed peers, including hard braking, cornering, and unpredictable driving patterns, new research showed. published online on December 30 in JAMA Network Open.
COVID-19 Takes a Greater Toll on Kidneys Than Pneumonia: COVID-19 survivors show a more pronounced decline in kidney function than those who recover from pneumonia caused by other infections. This decline in kidney function, measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), is particularly steep among individuals who require hospitalization for COVID-19. published online in JAMA Network Open.
Cancer Cases Rising in Females, Declining in Males. Cancer death rates decreased by 34% from 1991 to 2022 in the United States, according to a report published January 16 by the American Cancer Society (ACS). The Cancer Statistics, 2025 report shows this was mainly due to declines in the four most common types of cancer — lung, colorectal, breast and prostate. However, the rate of new cases of cancer — known as incidence — increased for many types of cancer during this period, including among females and younger adults.
Study shows head trauma may activate latent viruses, leading to neurodegeneration: Researchers have uncovered mechanisms that may link head injuries and concussions to the emergence of neurodegenerative disease, pointing to latent viruses lurking in most of our brains that may be activated by the jolt, leading to inflammation and accumulating damage over time. The results suggest the use of antiviral drugs as potential early preventive treatments post-head injury. Science Signaling
In the Northeast, 50% of adult ticks carry Lyme disease carrying bacteria Across most of the Northeast, getting bitten by a blacklegged tick-- also called a deer tick -- is a risk during spring, summer, and fall. A new Dartmouth study, published in Parasites and Vectors, finds that 50% of adult blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease while 20% to 25% of the younger (nymph) blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria. Parasites & Vectors
Both High and Low HDL Levels Linked to Increased Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):Both high and low HDL levels were associated with an increased risk for AMD, whereas low and high levels of triglyceride and LDL did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with the risk for AMD. A history of smoking and statin use showed significant associations with an increased risk for AMD. published online on January 3, 2025, in Ophthalmology
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