PAIN
IU researchers find that opioid pain meds prescribed during pregnancy do not cause increased risk of autism or ADHD: An Indiana University study brings a comprehensive new perspective to a growing body of evidence suggesting that mild to moderate use of prescribed opioid pain medications during pregnancy does not cause an increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The study explores documented associations between prescribed opioid pain medications during pregnancy and the increased risk for the two neurodevelopmental disorders. It concludes that other factors, rather than fetal exposure to opioid pain medications, may explain the increased risk for autism and ADHD in the children of individuals who received opioid prescriptions during pregnancy. The paper,” was published on September 16 in the journal PLOS Medicine.
GLP-1 drugs shown cost-effective for knee osteoarthritis and obesity: A new study led by investigators at Mass General Brigham finds that adding novel weight loss GLP-1 drugs semaglutide and tirzepatide to usual care represents a cost-effective treatment strategy for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity, with tirzepatide providing greater health benefits at lower cost compared to semaglutide. The research comes as patients and providers seek to balance the benefits of weight loss and pain relief against the expense of these novel agents. Results are published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Beyond weight loss: How healthy eating cuts chronic pain: new research from the University of South Australia shows that eating nutritious food is about far more than ticking off the five food groups – it can also significantly reduce chronic pain. In a weight-loss study of 104 Australian adults living with overweight or obesity, researchers found that people who improved their diet quality over a three-month period reported far less joint and muscle pain, with the benefits not simply explained by weight lost. The findings challenge common assumptions that weight loss is the primary way to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain, highlighting the power of diet quality in managing health and wellbeing.
Regular walking prevents chronic back pain: People who walk a lot have less back pain than people who do not walk much – and the volume is what matters most, not the intensity.. It is better to walk a lot than to walk fast. “People who walk more than 100 minutes every day have a 23 per cent lower risk of lower back problems than those who walk 78 minutes or less.” A total of 11,194 people participated in the study, which is part of the Trøndelag Health Study(The HUNT Study). What makes this study unique is that the volume and intensity of daily walking were measured using two sensors that participants wore on their thigh and back for up to a week. Volume and Intensity of Walking and Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain JAMA Netw Open
Placebo pain relief works differently across human body, study finds: Researchers from the University of Sydney have used placebo pain relief to uncover a map-like system in the brainstem that controls pain differently depending on where it’s felt in the body. The findings may pave the way for safer, more targeted treatments for chronic pain that don’t rely on opioids. Science
Qigong and Taichi act as ‘painkillers’ for cancer patients? Recently, the team led by Prof. Hou Xiaohui, vice president of Guangzhou Sports University in China performed a network meta-analysis, aiming to assess and rank the relative efficacy of different mind-body therapies (MBTs) for cancer-related pain (CRP) according to different cancer types and stages of treatment. Interestingly, meta-analysis results demonstrate that Qigong is the most effective exercise for pain alleviation, followed by Taichi. Subgroup analyses focusing on breast cancer indicate Taichi yields the highest superiority for CRP management among all options. Furthermore, Qigong yields the highest efficacy at mitigating CRP during the treatment session, while Taichi is proven to be more beneficial after corresponding cancer treatment. Previous studies support the benefits of Yoga in the treatment of breast cancer, whereas Prof. Hou’s team also reveals that Yoga helps alleviate pain in breast cancer patients, but its effects are less pronounced compared to Qigong and Taichi. Notably, conventional exercise also demonstrates significant benefits for pain management. journal of International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS).
Survey: People not aware knee, groin pain can be signs of hip problems: Having a hard time bending over to put your shoes on? Experiencing pain in the knees, groin, thigh or back? A new survey by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center reveals many people don’t realize these symptoms can mean there’s a problem in the hip. The survey of 1,004 people in the United States shows 72% are not aware that knee pain can actually be a sign of a hip problem. Similarly, 69% miss groin pain and 66% miss thigh pain as rooted in the hip.
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Cannabis Use Linked to Better Sleep In People With Insomnia: People with insomnia experienced improved sleep with regular cannabis use in a new study. The authors report that participants experienced less insomnia using cannabis products daily throughout the 18-month study period. The findings were published on August 27 in PLOS Mental Health.
Type 2 Diabetes Risk Quadruples for Cannabis Users, Large Study Finds: A large study of more than 4 million adults has found that people who use cannabis face nearly four times the risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who don’t. The research, which followed participants for five years, raises fresh concerns about the long-term health effects of cannabis as its use becomes more common and socially accepted worldwide.
Natural Agents Offer Safer Alternatives For Dental Infection Control: Researchers reviewing natural disinfectants in prosthodontics and oral implantology find that compounds like propolis, green tea polyphenols, and clove oil could match or even outperform synthetic disinfectants such as chlorhexidine, without the harsh side effects. The review, published in the Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology, emphasizes that these plant, animal, and mineral-based agents not only disrupt harmful bacteria and biofilms but also support healing. Yet, standardized extraction methods, rigorous clinical trials, and regulatory guidance remain hurdles before dentists can fully integrate them into practice.
Acupuncture treatment improves disabling effects of chronic low back pain in older adults: According to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), older Americans with chronic low back pain who received acupuncture had greater improvement in physical function and reduced pain than those who received usual medical care only, generally prescribed medications or physical therapy. : “Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Pragmatic Clinical Trial” 2025. JAMA Network Open.
Scientists find yoga less effective than traditional exercise in improving vascular and heart function:Contrary to widespread belief, yoga may be less effective than conventional forms of exercise in enhancing vascular health, according to a new study published in Advances in Integrative Medicine.
FDA ACTION
• Approved the first glucose monitoring system specifically designed for weight management, from California-based start-up Signos, providing Americans with a new option for maintaining a healthy weight.
• Granted accelerated approval to Forzinity (elamipretide) injection as the first treatment for Barth syndrome, in patients weighing at least 30 kg. Barth syndrome is a rare, serious and life-threatening disease of the mitochondria (the energy-producing parts of cells).
PREVENTION
Exercise
Resistance training may improve nerve health, slow aging process, study shows: Simple resistance training may help counteract age-related nerve deterioration that puts seniors at risk of injuries from falls and other accidents. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (MSSE)
Exercising in nature is superior to exercising in the city or at the gym: An hour of brisk walking in the forest, on the beach, or in a green park reduces stress hormones, improves mood, and makes exercise easier to enjoy. This is shown by a new study from researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the University of Verona. The study also points out that the surroundings play a greater role in our motivation and recovery than previously assumed, as the participants' experience of exercise in the three environments is now backed up by physical measurements. This provides important new insights that the researchers hope will benefit both public health and future urban planning. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, September 2025
After weight loss regular exercise rather than GLP-1 weight-loss drug reduces leading cause of heart attack and strokes Randomised trial finds that maintaining a large weight loss with exercise seems to reduce the development of atherosclerosis (a leading cause of heart attack and strokes), which was not seen with the GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide. Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes
Both weights and HIIT offer health benefits for cancer survivors: Research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has revealed that both resistance training and high intensity interval training (HIIT) produced sufficient levels of myokines to help in the fight against cancer. The study, which followed breast cancer survivors through a 12-week training programme, investigated how resistance training and HIIT each affect the growth of breast cancer cells in lab tests using blood samples from breast cancer survivors. “We found that blood taken after rest, following either resistance training or HIIT, reduced the growth of these cancer cells in vitro by 22% and 25%, respectively. This suggests both types of exercise may help slow cancer cell growth.”
Home training for cerebellar ataxias: In this randomized clinical trial, home high-intensity aerobic training improved ataxia symptoms, fatigue, and aerobic fitness more than dose-matched home balance training among individuals with cerebellar ataxias, a heterogenous group of disorders characterized by progressive disability due to loss of coordination. Individuals in the aerobic group who continued to train regularly maintained benefits at 1 year. JAMA Neurology
High-intensity exercise and hippocampal integrity in adults with cannabis use disorder: This trial found that a 12-week high-intensity interval training intervention did not improve hippocampal integrity or associated cognitive or mental health impairments while people continued to consume cannabis. However, results indicated that people with cannabis use disorder can engage in regular physical exercise programs and highlighted exercise as a potential strategy to reduce cannabis craving. JAMA Psychiatry
New research highlights critical role of movement in lifelong bone health: The study 'The Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity on Bone Health: A Narrative Review from the Rehabilitation Working Group of the International Osteoporosis Foundation' synthesizes findings from epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, examining how physical activity and sedentary behaviour influence bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture risk in children, adolescents, adults, and older populations. Key findings include:
• Physical activity – especially weight-bearing and resistance training – improves bone mineral density and helps reduce fracture risk in both younger and older populations.
• Sedentary behaviour – independent of overall activity levels – has harmful effects on bone health, increasing fracture risk, particularly in frail or pre-frail individuals.
• Even light-intensity activity can yield measurable benefits when it replaces sedentary time, especially in older adults and postmenopausal women.
• Early and continuous promotion of physical activity, aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, provides an effective strategy for maintaining skeletal health and preventing osteoporotic fractures.
Warm-up could make or break a work-out: Whether training for a marathon, fitting in a quick gym session after work, or running onto the footy field for a professional match, it seems that the warm-up might be just as important as the exercise itself. New research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) investigated whether warming up could improve the performance outcomes of exercise and found that increased muscle temperature significantly enhances how quickly and powerfully muscles can contract, especially in explosive movements and power output.
Sleep
Good sleep quality might be key for better mental wellbeing in young adults
A new study of young adults has strongly linked better sleep quality with better mental wellbeing, with fruit and vegetable consumption and physical activity also strongly associated with psychological wellbeing. Perhaps surprisingly, the findings also suggest that boosting fruit and vegetable intake could potentially help mitigate the effects on wellbeing of a poor night’s sleep. PLOS One:
Can’t sleep? Insomnia associated with accelerated brain aging: People with chronic insomnia may experience faster declines in memory and thinking skills as they age—along with brain changes that can be seen on imaging scans—than people who do not have chronic insomnia, according to a study published in the September 10, 2025, issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Zero burden technologies show that brighter days and cooler nights could improve sleep in dementia:mplementing changes to indoor environments, such as cooler bedrooms at night and increasing the amount of bright light during the day, could significantly improve sleep for people living with dementia, according to a study led by the University of Surrey. The study, published in the journal Sleep, analysed more than 26 thousand days and nights of data collected by zero-burden technologies.
Breathing device could have profound impact on survival for people with sleep apnoea and type 2 diabetes: People with both type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obstructive sleep apnoea have a higher risk of death, but treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may reduce that risk by around 26%, according to new research being presented at this year’s Annual Meeting of The European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), Vienna (15-19 Sept).
Chronic benzodiazepine consumption impacts sleep quality in older adults, new research shows: A new study led by Concordia researchers published in the journal Sleep shows that use of benzodiazepine and benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRA) can also affect brain rhythms during sleep that are important for memory and cognitive health in adults aged between 55 and 80. “These drugs don’t even improve the sleep of the older adults using them on the long-term.”
Diet
Eating Meat Not Associated With Higher Risk of Early Death, Study Finds: A new analysis of a large U.S. study, however, offers a new twist: Consuming typical amounts of both animal and plant proteins does not appear to be linked with a higher risk of death from any cause, including cancer or cardiovascular disease. The results were published on July 16 in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.
Lower-Calorie Mediterranean Diet With Exercise Cuts Diabetes Risk by 31%: Researchers in Spain found that following this eating pattern, participating in moderate exercise, and having professional weight loss guidance could be highly effective prevention tools against diabetes. The findings were published on August 26 in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Mediterranean diet may slow cognitive decline in those at high genetic risk: A new study recently published in the journal Nature MedicineTrusted Source reports that following a Mediterranean diet may help lower a person’s risk of developing dementia and decelerate cognitive declineTrusted Source.
7 sugar substitutes linked to 62% faster decline in thinking, memory skills: There have also been a number of studies showing the potential health risks of sugar substitutes, such as a possible negative impact on the gut microbiome. And low-calorie sweeteners have been linked to a higher risk of certain health conditions, such as heart attack and strokeTrusted Source, metabolic syndrome, obesity, migraine, and cancer. Now, a new study recently published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, provides more evidence suggesting a correlation between sugar substitute use and cognitive decline.
Keto Diet Improves Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder, Study Shows: A new study from Ohio State University has found that following a ketogenic diet may help reduce depression symptoms in young adults. The pilot trial tracked 16 college students with major depressive disorder over 10–12 weeks and found that participants experienced a roughly 70% decrease in depression scores. They also experienced improvements in overall well-being, cognitive performance, and even modest weight loss. Translational PsychiatryTrusted Source.
Ultra-Processed Foods May Harm Male Reproductive, Metabolic Health: A new study reports that ultra-processed foods may be linked to a decline in male reproductive health, including sperm quality. The research, published on August 28 in Cell Metabolism, states that regular consumption of ultra-processed foods has several effects on a person’s health. These include higher cholesterol levels and increased body weight. They noted that participants in their study gained more than a kilogram of weight when they ate ultra-processed foods. The amount of fat mass in their bodies also increased.
Eating More Cruciferous Vegetables May Cut Colon Cancer Risk: A higher consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower was associated with a notably reduced risk for colon cancer (CC), with an optimal intake of 40-60 g/d providing a risk reduction of 20%-26%. published online in BMC Gastroenterology
Beetroot Juice’s Blood Pressure Secret: The Nitrate Effect: A study from the University of Exeter, Exeter, England, found that regular consumption of beetroot juice may help lower blood pressure in adults over 60 years of age. Beetroot is naturally rich in micronutrients and minerals, and its nitrate content plays a central role in this effect.
Vitamins/Supplements
Sugary Drinks Increase Hair Loss Risk, but These Nutrients Can Help: A review published on August 21 in Nutrition and Health suggests that what you eat can affect hair growth, strength, and even hair loss. The analysis shows that sugar-sweetened beverages and alcoholic drinks were associated with a higher risk of hair loss, but also indicates that certain nutrients can promote healthy hair. From vitamins and minerals to specific foods and drinks- vitamin D, iron, and protein-the findings offer practical tips for anyone wanting to support their hair health.
Vitamin B3 can help protect against skin cancer. Here's who may benefit: A new study of nearly 34,000 veterans, finds this over-the-counter supplement- nicotinamide, a form of B3- is linked to a reduction in non-melanoma skin cancers among people who've already had skin cancer. The biggest reduction was seen among people who began taking the supplement after being diagnosed with their first skin cancer. Researchers found those who took 500 mg of nicotinamide, also known as niacinamide, twice daily, for at least one month, had a 54% reduced risk of developing another skin cancer, compared to patients who did not take the supplement. The research was published in JAMA Dermatology.
Vitamin D3 concentrations are lowered by a common vitamin D supplement: The study, published in Nutrition Reviews, analysed data from randomised controlled trials and found that vitamin D2 supplementation resulted in a reduction in vitamin D3 levels compared to those not taking a vitamin D2 supplement. In many of the studies, the vitamin D3 levels went lower than in the control group.
Other
Common Allergy Spray Cuts Covid Infections By Two-Thirds: In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial at Saarland University Hospital in Germany, a decades-old antihistamine nasal spray, azelastine 0.1 percent, was linked to a roughly two-thirds reduction in PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections over 56 days. The phase 2 study, published September 2 in JAMA Internal Medicine, enrolled 450 healthy adults and tracked both SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens under close, real-world conditions.
Scrolling on Your Phone While on the Toilet Raises Your Risk of Hemorrhoids: New research suggests that people who use their phone while sitting on the toilet are 46% more likely to develop hemorrhoids. Simple lifestyle changes, like more fiber, hydration, movement, and less scrolling, can help reduce the risk. PLOS OneTrusted Source
Study Reveals Unexpected Causes of Heart Attacks for Women Under 65: A groundbreaking 15-year study of nearly 3,000 people ages 65 and under, found that more than half of heart attacks in younger females stem from causes other than traditional artery blockages. The results revealed dramatic gender differences that could reshape emergency medicine. While 75% of heart attacks in younger males were caused by traditional artery blockages, only 47% of heart attacks in females had this cause. The remaining 53% of heart attacks in females came from other mechanisms. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection — where an artery wall spontaneously tears — was particularly common in women, causing 11% of their heart attacks compared to less than 1% in men. Journal of the American College of Cardiology
The best ways to prevent falls in aged care homes: Tailored exercise programs, vitamin D supplements, and better nutrition are proven to help prevent falls in aged care homes reveals a new study from Flinders University. A major international review led by Flinders University and published by the Cochrane Collaboration analysed data from 104 clinical trials involving nearly 69,000 older people living in care facilities across 25 countries to explore how to reduce falls. Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities,’
Study reveals beneficial effects of diet and exercise on alcohol-related adverse liver health: A novel study investigating how physical activity and diet quality interact with different levels and patterns of alcohol consumption shows that healthy eating and increased levels of physical activity significantly lower the risk of alcohol-attributable liver-related mortality. The findings from this comprehensive new study in the Journal of Hepatology, published by Elsevier, use data from a large multi-ethnic US cohort and highlight the importance of considering other lifestyle behaviors when estimating the risk of death from alcohol-related liver disease at a population level.
Mediterranean diet combined with calorie reduction and exercise may reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by nearly one-third: Those who adhered to a Mediterranean diet, reduced their caloric intakes, engaged in moderate exercise, and received professional weight loss support had a 31% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who adhered to a Mediterranean diet alone. The findings come from PREDIMED-Plus, the largest nutrition and lifestyle clinical trial ever conducted in Europe. Annals of Internal Medicine.
Skipping Breakfast, Delaying Dinner Linked to Fracture Risk: The habitual omission of breakfast, already linked to various potential health implications, and having late dinner, are each associated with another important risk — bone fracture, new research showed. “Our study is the first to suggest that skipping breakfast and having a late dinner were independently associated with a higher risk of osteoporotic fracture, in addition to the conventional risk factors, using a large-scale claims database,” the authors reported in the study, published this month in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.
TREATMENT
New Hypertension Guidelines Emphasize Earlier Treatment, Avoiding Alcohol: New blood pressure guidelinesTrusted Source issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology call for earlier treatment, abstaining from alcohol, and greater attention to blood pressure during pregnancy, among other changes.
Beta-blockers may be harmful for women with some heart conditions: Beta-blockers are a type of medication used after heart attacks. A recent study suggests that using beta-blockers does not improve certain outcomes after heart attacks where the left ventricular ejection fraction is preserved. Further analysis suggests that beta-blocker use may be harmful for women, especially for those who take beta-blockers at higher doses and for women who have preserved left ventricular ejection fraction. The primary study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, and the sex-specific subgroup analysis was published in the European Heart Journal.
Healing The Gut May Help Break The Grip Of Alcohol: In a new study from Germany, researchers found that alcohol withdrawal therapy improved gut microbiome function, boosted beneficial bacteria, and reduced alcohol cravings. Published in Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research, the study of 63 people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) links gut microbial recovery with reduced brain inflammation and behavioral improvements, pointing to new probiotic or microbiome-targeted therapies for addiction.
Heart Failure: Weight Loss Drugs Lower Risk of Hospitalization, Death by 40%: A new study reported that semaglutide and tirzepatide effectively lowered the risk of being hospitalized for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)Trusted Source and death from any cause. The findings show that semaglutide, commonly sold under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, produced similar benefits to those produced by tirzepatide, commonly sold under the brand names Zepbound and Mounjaro. Semaglutide and tirzepatide reduced the risk of hospitalization for HFpEF and all-cause mortality by 40% compared to subjects who took the blood sugar medication sitagliptin, commonly sold under the brand name Januvia. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)Trusted Source.
Which Cosmeceuticals Are Backed Up by Research? They’re not cosmetics and they’re not FDA-regulated pharmaceuticals. Yet by one estimate, cosmeceuticals — over-the-counter products in the middle ground between agents that purely improve appearance and those with biologic healing powers — make up 30%-40% of a typical dermatologist’s prescription count. At the 2025 CalDerm-Pacific Dermatologic Association (PDA) Joint Meeting, a report was given on cosmeceuticals that are researched based including treatments for acne, atopic dermatitis, melasma etc.
Emotional Eaters Less Likely To Succeed On Ozempic: A year-long study of 92 people with type 2 diabetes in Japan found that those who eat in response to visual or aromatic food cues, seeing a tempting pastry display or smelling fresh pizza, were significantly more likely to lose weight on GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic than those who eat for emotional reasons. The contrast with emotional eaters was stark. While external eating behaviors decreased steadily throughout the year on GLP-1 therapy, emotional eating patterns proved more stubborn. These behaviors dropped initially but returned to baseline levels by the study’s end. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare:
Why Half Of Weight Loss Drug Users Quit Within A Year: A startling new study from Denmark reveals that one in two people who start taking the popular weight loss medication semaglutide abandon treatment within 12 months. The research, which tracked 77,310 adults without diabetes who began using the drug for weight loss, paints a concerning picture of patient adherence to what many consider a game-changing obesity treatment. The dropout rate accelerates rapidly in the early months. Nearly one in five patients (18%) stop within three months, rising to 31% by the six-month mark and 42% by nine months. “This level of drop off is concerning because these medications aren’t meant to be a temporary quick fix. For them to work effectively, they need to be taken long term. All of the beneficial effects on appetite control are lost if the medication is stopped.” “This level of drop off is concerning because these medications aren’t meant to be a temporary quick fix. For them to work effectively, they need to be taken long term. All of the beneficial effects on appetite control are lost if the medication is stopped.” European Association for the Study of Diabetes annual meeting
Wellness Apps Hook The Happy, Leave Behind Those Who Need Help Most: The BitHabit app was designed to promote healthy lifestyle choices through everyday guidance and motivation. Of the 1,646 survey respondents, 863 actually started using the app. But the demographics of who stuck around tell a story that goes beyond simple user preferences. Men were 34% less likely to initiate app use compared to women. The unemployed showed 32% lower odds of starting, despite potentially having more time available. Perhaps most revealing, people reporting higher life satisfaction were actually less likely to begin using the app in the first place, yet more likely to remain engaged if they did start. Journal of Medical Internet Research
New Trial Shows Repurposed Drugs Can Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence: The randomized Phase II CLEVER study, published in Nature Medicine, showed hydroxychloroquine, everolimus, or both reduced minimal residual disease in about 80 percent of participants, with three year recurrence free survival ranging from 91 to 100 percent. It is early, it is cautious, but it is proof of concept that relapse might be prevented rather than simply watched.
Tiny Spikes Make Pimples Vanish In A Week: Acne that fades in a week sounds like a dream. Now researchers have built a pimple patch with tiny spikes that deliver a one-two punch of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds, clearing acne lesions in just seven days. The team, publishing in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, tested the design on 20 participants and reported rapid, visible improvements without irritation.
Menopause drug reduces hot flashes by more than 70%, international clinical trial finds: The investigational drug elinzanetant significantly reduces hot flashes and night sweats for post-menopausal women, a large, international clinical trial has found. The OASIS-3 trial enrolled more than 600 postmenopausal women, ages 40 to 65, at 83 sites in North America and Europe. Participants were given either 120 mg of elinzanetant or a harmless placebo daily for 52 weeks. JAMA Internal Medicine.
Oral GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Orforglipron Yields Dose-Dependent Weight Loss: Adults with obesity but without diabetes who took the investigational, oral GLP-1 receptor agonist orforglipron for 72 weeks lost significantly more weight than those on placebo, according to results of the ATTAIN-1 trial, the first completed phase 3 trial of the novel agent in this population. European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2025 Annual Meeting.
Antidepressants Plus Beta Blockers Equals Health Risks: Individuals who are simultaneously taking certain antidepressants and beta blockers had a decrease in systolic blood pressure (BP) and an increase in their risk for bradycardia, according to new data presented at the American Heart Association’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions (HYP) 2025.
Surgery Bests Antibiotic for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) provides significantly better disease-specific quality of life at 6 months than long-term, low-dose treatment with the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin. Reported in The Lancet, the pragmatic, three-arm randomized, placebo-controlled study found 6-month scores on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test were significantly lower in the surgery group than in the clarithromycin.
First-in-Class Antidepressant Effective in ANK3-Positive TRD: Liafensine, a first-in-class triple-reuptake inhibitor targeting serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters, was effective and well tolerated in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) who are carriers of the ankyrin-3 (ANK3) gene, results of a phase 2b randomized trial showed.
Treatment with liafensine was associated with significantly greater decreases in symptoms of major depressive disorder than placebo, with improvements reported just 1 week after therapy initiation. published online on September 10 in JAMA Psychiatry.
OTHER
How will older adults be affected by Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill'? The tax cut and spending bill, or the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, recently approved by the United States Congress reduces federal spending on healthcare programs by $1 trillion over the next eight years. Experts say older adults could be directly affected by cuts being made to Medicare and Medicaid programs. They also note that the prices of some drugs, such as cancer and myeloma treatments, could increase and nursing homes could reduce services. Medical News Today
U.S. Depression Rates Remain Historically High, New Gallup Poll Shows: A new Gallup poll has found that more than 18% of U.S. adults currently report having or being treated for depression, marking a sustained increase to historically high levels since 2024. This translates to an estimated 47.8 million Americans grappling with depression this year — an increase of about eight percentage points since 2015. The data reflect a troubling trend, particularly among young adults and those with lower incomes, highlighting depression as a growing public health concern nationwide.
Prostate Cancer: After Years of Decline, Cases Rose Steadily Over Past Decade: Prostate cancer rates have risen steadily over the past decade, reversing course after years of decline. Diagnoses of prostate cancer rose by 3% annually between 2014 and 2021, following year-over-year declines of 6.4% in the late 2000s and early 2010s, according to the latest statisticsTrusted Sourcefrom the American Cancer Society (ACS). Even more worrisome, the growth is driven by late-stage cancer diagnoses, the most dangerous form, in which the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Advanced prostate cancer increased by up to 6.2% annually, with the most precipitous increase observed in males over the age of 70.
Most Americans Would Be Healthier Without Daylight Saving, Study Finds: New research from Stanford Medicine suggests our current time policy may be the worst possible choice for public health. By analyzing circadian rhythms across the entire continental United States, scientists have quantified something sleep experts have long suspected: the constant switching between standard and daylight saving time creates a chronic burden on our biological clocks that translates into real health consequences. The numbers are startling. If America permanently adopted standard time, the researchers estimate we could prevent 300,000 strokes annually and see 2.6 million fewer people struggling with obesity. Even permanent daylight saving time would achieve about two-thirds of these benefits. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences:
Blood Test Spots Throat Cancer Decade Before Symptoms: A simple blood test can now detect deadly throat and mouth cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) up to 10 years before patients notice any symptoms, according to groundbreaking research. JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute
Menstrual cycle and long COVID: A relation confirmed: Women suffering from long COVID have a greater risk1 of experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding2. The symptoms of the illness intensify during the perimenstrual and proliferative phases of the menstrual cycle, notably fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain. This bidirectional relationship between long COVID and menstrual disorders has been revealed by a French-British research team co-led by a CNRS researcher3. An inflammatory reaction is suspected of being behind this connection, after the discovery of an immune cell cluster in the endometrium of the patients receiving treatment. No abnormalities were detected in relation to ovarian hormones. Nature Communications
Phantom limb study rewires our understanding of the brain: In a first-of-its-kind study, researchers found that the brain’s control center for a lost appendage can persist long after surgical amputation, which stands in stark contrast to longstanding theories about the brain’s ability to reorganize itself, also known as plasticity. Scientists from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and their colleagues examined human brain activity before and after arm amputation and found that the loss of a limb does not prompt a large-scale cerebral overhaul. Published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, this study offers new insight into the mysterious phantom limb syndrome and could help guide the development of neuroprosthetics and pain treatments for people with limb loss.
Forever Chemicals Tied to Higher Diabetes Risk: Exposure to synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colloquially known as “forever chemicals,” has been shown to significantly increase the risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a nested case-control study recently published in eBioMedicine. Individuals in the study were approximately 31% more likely to develop diabetes, with the risk escalating at an equal pace as exposure levels climbed, and within the mixtures of PFAS studied, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) had the highest contributions to this association.
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