PAIN
Nicotine Withdrawal Alters Brain, Boosts Postoperative Pain: Smokers who have recently quit their nicotine use have altered brain activity linked to increased pain sensitivity and a need for more postoperative pain relief. Researchers found that 30 abstinent smokers had altered functioning of specific brain areas, increased pain sensitivity, and a need for more postoperative pain relief—particularly with opioids—compared to 30 nonsmokers. The longer that smokers abstained from their use, the more sensitive they were to pain, which was associated with a distinct set of brain regions. Notably, this effect was constrained to a specific timeframe of abstinence, supporting previous findings that pain sensitivity may return to normal levels once abstinence exceeds 3 months. The relationship between postoperative care requirements and withdrawal symptoms from abstinence was linked to a different set of brain regions. JNeurosci
Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Calgary study urges “major change” to migraine treatment in Emergency Departments: A new study by Phoenix’s Barrow Neurological Institute and the University of Calgary has found which injectable treatments showed the most benefit for migraine patients and should be routinely offered by Emergency Departments (ED) when feasible. The findings from the study will update the guidelines for the American Headache Society. Based on a systematic review of clinical trial data, the study presents new recommendations for ED treatment guidelines for migraine attacks, replacing recommendations that were last updated in 2016. “The evidence is strong that occipital nerve blocks are an effective and safe treatment to address pain from migraine attacks and must be offered to patients in Emergency Departments.” Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
Small team, big impact: Automation helps relieve symptoms to keep cancer patients out of the ER:For many people living with cancer, symptoms such as pain, anxiety or insomnia can quickly spiral into an emergency room visit. Such visits can be financially costly and take an emotional toll on patients and their caregivers. A new study led by Mayo Clinic researchers found that using digital check-ins and a remote care team can help patients manage symptoms before they reach a crisis point.
Your pain meds' side effects may be masquerading as heart failure: Clinicians may fail to recognize common side effects of drugs like gabapentin — which are frequently prescribed for nerve pain — leading them to prescribe unnecessary medications that cause yet more side effects. This phenomenon, known as a “prescribing cascade,” is increasingly seen as a danger to older patients. In this case, gabapentinoids — which include gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) — may cause leg swelling, leading doctors to suspect heart failure and then prescribe diuretics that can cause kidney injury, light headedness, and falls. Researchers tracked the medical records of 120 older veterans, most of whom were male and were long-term users of five or more medications. All had taken gabapentinoids, followed by loop diuretics, which are prescribed for fluid buildup, a possible symptom of heart failure. Following gabapentinoids, the patients developed swelling in the legs or feet, but only 4 of the veterans’ physicians considered the drugs as the culprit, while 69 considered other causes. This included heart failure, and another condition called venous stasis in which abnormal blood flow puts pressure on veins, sometimes leading to ulcers. Although none of the veterans had these conditions in the year before they started taking gabapentinoids, just one doctor discontinued the drug. Close to 1 in 5 patients underwent imaging to rule out life-threatening conditions that the doctors suspected were the cause of their leg swelling. JAMA Network Open
When anger hurts: how feeling wronged can intensify chronic pain: We all know stress can worsen pain, but new research shows that anger and a sense of injusticemay be even more powerful triggers. In a study of more than 700 people living with chronic pain, researchers uncovered four distinct “anger profiles” that help explain why some patients hurt more, and longer, than others. Those who felt wronged or unfairly treated by their condition were the most likely to report severe, persistent pain months later. The findings suggest that learning to understand and manage anger could be essential to healing. Journal of Pain https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1108283
Rethinking pain: How pulling back and forth the subcutaneous tissue restores blood flow and eases chronic pain: Pain conditions related to chronic muscle tension affect millions of individuals and often persist despite medication or physical therapy. The technique known as Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) introduces a minimally invasive approach to pain relief that works by mechanically releasing tightened muscles via pulling back and forth the subcutaneous tissue and restoring blood circulation. Unlike conventional acupuncture or drug-based treatments, FSN focuses on altering muscle pathological tight states to stop the biochemical cascade that generates pain. Clinical applications and experimental evidences demonstrate that FSN can produce rapid relief, high repeatability, and minimal side effects. This research highlights how a targeted mechanical intervention can restore cellular and vascular function to resolve pain at its source. The study, published (DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2025.09.008) in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences in 2025, explains how FSN relaxes tightened muscle fibers, restores arterial blood flow, and prevents abnormal ATP release that activates pain pathways.
Baby steps to ease chronic back pain: Millions of people struggle with lower back pain worldwide. Now, surprising new researchfrom the University of South Australia shows that relearning ‘baby’ movements such as crawling, rolling and squatting could help reduce discomfort and rebuild confidence in how people move.In a pilot study of people with chronic non-specific lower back pain, UniSA researchers found that a 12-week movement-based program called Motum could reduce pain, improve balance, and support greater confidence in everyday activities.
IL-6 Vaccine Shows Early Benefit in Knee Osteoarthritis: Vaccine immunotherapy targeting interleukin 6 (IL-6) has shown promising results in the treatment of inflammatory osteoarthritis of the knee, according to a phase 1 double-blind controlled study. Published in Nature Communications, the results demonstrated a good safety profile and an anti-IL-6 immune response in all treated patients.
Mayo Clinic neurosurgeon reveals 8 back pain myths to stop believing: Back pain is wrapped in persistent myths, but many are far from the truth. From misconceptions about heavy lifting and bed rest to confusion over posture, exercise, and surgery, Dr. Meghan Murphy breaks down what really causes pain and what actually helps. Her insights reveal that everyday habits, movement, and smart prevention often make a bigger difference than people realize. Science Daily
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Smoking Cannabis May Help People Drink Less Alcohol, Study Finds: The study, which used a simulated bar environment as its laboratory, examined how smoking cannabis before drinking alcohol affected participants’ alcohol consumption. Researchers found that, compared with a placebo, smoking a joint before drinking led participants to drink less and, in some cases, to report less desire to drink. The findings were published on November 18 in The American Journal of Psychiatry.
Heavy Cannabis Use Tied to Severe Vomiting, Fivefold Increase In ER Visits: A serious vomiting disorder associated with chronic cannabis use is on the rise across the United States. In a large, retrospective analysis of emergency department visits, researchers found that cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) rose dramatically between 2016 and 2022, peaking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings were recently published in JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source.
Medical cannabis program reduces opioid use: Adults with chronic pain who participated in New York State's (NYS) Medical Cannabis Program were significantly less likely to require prescription opioids, according to a new study published today in JAMA Internal Medicine. The study involved 204 adults who were prescribed opioids for chronic pain and were newly certified for medical cannabis between September 2018 and July 2023. Participants were tracked for 18 months, with data on both their cannabis and opioid use collected from the New York State Prescription Monitoring Program.
Evidence lacking for medical cannabis in most conditions: Medical cannabis lacks adequate scientific backing for most of the conditions it is commonly used to treat, including chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia, according to a comprehensive review led by UCLA Health. The paper, published in JAMA, reviewed more than 2,500 articles published from January 2010 through September 2025 including randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses and clinical guidelines. More than 120 studies were prioritized based on their large samples, recency, topics covered and relevancy. The findings come as medical uses for cannabis and cannabinoids such as CBD have grown in popularity, with 27% of people in the U.S. and Canada having reported using it for various purposes such as pain relief, anxiety and sleep problems, according to a 2018 survey.
Young adults are using cannabis to sleep at alarming rates: More than 20% of young adults say they use cannabis or alcohol to fall asleep, with cannabis leading by a wide margin. Researchers warn this strategy can backfire, disrupting sleep quality and increasing the risk of long-term sleep and substance-use problems. JAMA Pediatrics
Tai chi as good as talking therapy for managing chronic insomnia: Tai chi, a form of mind-body exercise widely practiced in Chinese communities, has similar benefits to talking therapy for middle aged and older people with chronic insomnia, finds a trial from Hong Kong published by The BMJ These results support the use of tai chi for the long term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults, say the researchers.
Garlic mouthwash shows shockingly strong germ-fighting power: Garlic extract is emerging as a surprisingly powerful contender to chlorhexidine, the long-standing “gold standard” in antimicrobial mouthwashes. A systematic review of clinical studies shows that higher-concentration garlic mouthwash can rival chlorhexidine in killing bacteria—sometimes outperforming it—while offering a more natural alternative. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2025; 54: 101053 DOI: 10.1016/j.hermed.2025.101053
Simple supplement mix shows remarkable results in brain cancer: New research is challenging one of medicine’s oldest assumptions: that cancer must be attacked to be cured. By treating glioblastoma patients with a simple combination of resveratrol and copper, the researchers found dramatic reductions in tumor aggressiveness, cancer biomarkers, immune checkpoints, and stem-cell–related markers—all without side effects. Their approach focuses on “healing” tumors by eliminating harmful cell-free chromatin particles released from dying cancer cells, which normally inflame and worsen the disease. The findings hint at a future where inexpensive nutraceuticals could transform cancer therapy. BJC Reports, 2025; 3 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s44276-025-00177-8
FDA
• Expanded its approval of Addyi, a pill to treat low libido in women, to include postmenopausal women up to age 65.
• Approved two new oral medicines (Nuzolvence and Blujepa) to treat gonorrhea
• Approved Waskyra (etuvetidigene autotemcel), the first cell-based gene therapy for the treatment of Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS)
• Approved Omisirge (omidubicel-onlv), the first hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) therapy to treat patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA)
• Approved a new indication for Breyanzi (Lisocabtagene maraleucel) as the first Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy in the U.S. for treatment of adults with marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) who have failed treatment with or relapsed after two or more prior lines of therapy
• Approved Avance (acellular nerve allograft-arwx) in surgical implantation. Avance is a peripheral nerve scaffold approved for sensory nerve discontinuities (≤25mm) (breaks in the pathway of sensory nerves) in adults and pediatric patients aged one month and older.
• Approved Itvisma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-brve) for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in adult and pediatric patients 2 years of age and older with confirmed mutation in the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene
PREVENTION
Exercise
Short, light-intensity exercise boosts executive function and elevates mood in children: Researchers investigate how even brief, light-intensity exercises can significantly improve the mental health of children. The study was published in Volume 15 of the Scientific Reports on December 05, 2025.
Parasports provide a range of benefits for people with cerebral palsy: A review in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology summarizes the multiple benefits of sport participation for people with cerebral palsy. The authors present a summary of available sports, as well as adaptations, to help clinicians discuss parasport participation with patients and families with cerebral palsy and related conditions. The review provides a practical, evidence-informed resource that can help families, clinicians, and community leaders understand the wide-ranging value of parasports. By reframing engagement in sport as an essential part of development rather than as a luxury or afterthought, the authors promote its broader adoption for individuals with cerebral palsy and related disabilities.
Sleep
Going to Bed At the Same Time Every Night May Help Lower Blood Pressure: Researchers report that participants in a small study experienced significant decreases in their overall blood pressure, as well as their nighttime readings, after adjusting their schedules to go to bed at approximately the same time every evening. “This [regular bedtime] may be a simple, yet low-risk, adjunctive strategy to control [blood pressure] in many people with hypertension,” the study authors wrote. The researchers recently published their findings in the journal Sleep Advances.
Want To Move More? Science Says Sleep Matters Most: For years, health experts told us exercise helps you sleep better, which gives you energy to exercise more. Sounds logical. But this study found something different. The relationship works much better in one direction than the other. We found that getting a good night’s sleep – especially high-quality sleep – sets you up for a more active day.” People who slept well tended to move more the following day, but doing extra steps didn’t really improve sleep that night. This highlights the importance of sleep if we want to boost physical activity.” The study also found something odd about sleep duration. People who slept six to seven hours logged the most steps the next day, not those who slept nine hours. Does this mean less sleep is better? No. What matters most is sleep efficiency, how much of your time in bed you actually spend resting. Tossing and turning for nine hours doesn’t help. Six hours of solid sleep does more good. Current health recommendations don’t account for this reality. They treat sleep and exercise as separate goals. But they’re connected. And for most people, they compete for the same limited hours. When you have to choose between an early workout or an extra hour of sleep, this research suggests sleep wins. Communications Medicine: 10.1038/s43856-025-01226-6
Sleep is more important for longevity than diet, exercise, social ties, study says: A new study found that insufficient sleep had a more significant impact on decreased life expectancy than other lifestyle factors, such as diet, physical activity, and social isolation. Medical News Today
Diet
Lean Beef As Part of a Balanced Diet May Not Increase Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Previous research has suggested a link between beef consumption and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in Western-style eating plans. A recent study indicates that moderate consumption of lean, unprocessed beef as part of a Mediterranean diet may not worsen risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
However, health experts note that further research is necessary in older adults or anyone with elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Journal of the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source.
Plant-Based Diets Could Be as Healthy as Mediterranean Diet, Study Finds: Health experts often praise the Mediterranean diet as one of the healthiest waysTrusted Source to eat, thanks to its focus on whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and its limit on processed foods. However, a recent study published in Frontiers in Nutrition suggests that plant-based eating can offer similar nutritional benefits. As a bonus, the findings suggest that plant-based eatingcan also help reduce a person’s environmental footprint.
New study shows some plant-based diets may raise heart disease risk: Researchers tracking over 63,000 adults found that high-quality, minimally processed plant foods significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. But when those plant foods are ultra-processed, the advantage disappears—and can even backfire. Some ultra-processed plant diets increased risk by 40%. The study urges a shift toward whole, naturally nutrient-rich plant foods. The Lancet Regional Health – Europe
Ultra-Processed Foods and Diabetes: 3 Things to Know About Diet and Risk: A study published in Nutrition & MetabolismTrusted Source in November 2025 looked at a potential association between ultra-processed foods and prediabetes in young adults. “These findings indicate that ultra-processed food consumption increases the risk for pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes among young adults—and that limiting consumption of those foods can help prevent disease.” The researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC studied a group of 85 young adults ages 17 to 22 over a 4-year period. They found that an increased intake of ultra-processed foods was linked to a higher risk of prediabetes.
Soybean oil may contribute to obesity, new study shows: Soybean oil encompasses 57% of all cooking oils used in the United States, and 30% globally. More than 50% of soybean oil is made of an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid. Past studies show that consuming too much soybean oil or omega-6 fatty acids may increase your risk for certain health concerns, such as obesity. A new study sheds light on how soybean oil might contribute to a person’s obesity risk. published in the Journal of Lipid Research
Drinking coffee daily may slow biological aging in some people by 5 years: For people with major psychiatric disorders, drinking 3–5 cups of coffee each day may slow the premature aging that is typically associated with such conditions, according to a new study published in BMJ Mental Health.
Dry January Delivers Real Health Gains, New Review Finds: The analysis, published in Alcohol and Alcoholism, examined 16 studies tracking more than 150,000 participants who took on Dry January, the increasingly popular challenge that started in the United Kingdom in 2013. The findings reveal something unexpected about temporary abstinence: it often becomes a gateway to lasting moderation rather than a prelude to post-challenge excess. Participants who successfully completed the alcohol-free month reported improved concentration, increased energy levels and weight loss alongside the cardiovascular and hepatic improvements. Perhaps more surprisingly, even those who merely reduced their drinking without achieving complete abstinence still experienced meaningful health gains, including enhanced mental health. Alcohol and Alcoholism: 10.1093/alcalc/agaf057
Sugar Substitute Sorbitol May Fuel Liver Disease: Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that sorbitol, a common sugar alcohol found in diet foods and naturally present in stone fruits, can drive the development of fatty liver disease under certain conditions. Science Signaling: 10.1126/scisignal.adt3549
4 Weeks of Alternate-Day Fasting Aids Weight Loss, but Reduces Muscle: Researchers report that a small group of study participants who adhered to alternate-day fasting for four weeks showed significant reductions in body mass and fat mass. However, the fasting did not have a significant impact on blood pressure or blood glucose levels. The regimen also resulted in a loss of muscle mass, even for participants who took protein supplements. The researchers recently reported their findings in the journal Nutrients.
Beyond the ‘Big Eight’ Allergens: Foods Most Likely to Spur Symptoms: A retrospective study of almost 200 foods that caused a possible food allergy and 45 foods that caused a probable food allergy in an outpatient allergy clinic yielded new insight on triggers beyond those typically associated with allergic reactions. Studies typically have focused on the “Big Eight,” the researchers noted — cow’s milk, hen’s egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. But this study assessed both possible and probable predictors for allergic reaction to a broad array of food groups and severity of reactions. Among the findings was that almost 80% of the reported symptoms were caused by 30 foods. “Fruit, tree nuts, and legumes most commonly caused an allergy, and insects, meat, and spices or herbs least commonly. Severe symptoms were most frequently reported for seeds or pits, nuts, and legumes.” The Journal of Clinical Allergy and Immunology,
Do high-fat cheese and cream help keep the brain healthy? What to know: A large new study has found a connection between eating more high-fat cheese, like cheddar, Brie, or Gouda, and cream to a lower risk of developing dementia. People who consumed 20 grams (g) or more of high-fat cheese daily had a 13% lower risk of developing dementia than those who ate none, according to the study. People who consumed 50 g or more of high-fat cream daily had a 16% lower risk of developing dementia than those who ate none. More research is needed to further explore whether certain high-fat dairy products offer some level of protection for the brain. Neurology,
Could eating more dark chocolate help slow down biological aging? A new study investigates a compound called theobromine, which is found predominantly in chocolate. Participants with the highest blood levels of this compound had signs that their biological age was advancing more slowly. Although the results are preliminary, experts believe they warrant further exploration. Aging,
Tea may strengthen bones in older women while heavy coffee weakens them: A decade-long study of older women found that tea drinkers had slightly stronger bones, while moderate coffee drinking caused no harm. Heavy coffee intake—over five cups a day—was linked to lower bone density, especially in women who consumed more alcohol. Tea’s benefits may stem from catechins that support bone formation. The researchers say small daily habits could make a meaningful difference over time. Nutrients, 2025; 17 (23): 3660 DOI: 10.3390/nu17233660
Vitamins/Supplements
A 'spoonful' of black cumin seed powder a day may help lower cholesterol: A studyTrusted Source published in Food Science & NutritionTrusted Source found that black cumin seed may help improve cholesterol levels, decrease the development of mature fat cells, and minimize the buildup of lipids.
Popular pre-workout supplements linked to shorter sleep among Canadian adolescents: A new study from the Canadian Study of Adolescent Behaviors reveals that adolescents and young adults who use pre-workout dietary supplements, such as Bang!, Jack3D, and C4, are significantly more likely to report dangerously short sleep durations. Analyzing data from over participants aged 16-30 years, researchers found that those who used pre-workout supplements in the past year were more than twice as likely to report sleeping five hours or less per night compared to those who didn’t take pre-workout supplements. The recommended amount of sleep for this age group is eight hours per night. Sleep Epidemiology
Most People Aren't Getting Enough Omega-3: What Are the Health Impacts? A new research review reports that most people do not consume the recommended amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. These acids are considered beneficial for brain, skin, and heart health. Experts say it’s preferable for a person to obtain omega-3s through foods (oily fish), but supplements can be considered if a person’s diet doesn’t contain enough fatty acids. Nutrition Research Reviews,
NAD+ supplement shows early promise for long COVID fatigue and brain fog: Long COVID still affects people worldwide with stubborn symptoms like fatigue and cognitive issues. A clinical trial tested whether boosting NAD+ using nicotinamide riboside could help. Although overall group differences were limited, many participants showed encouraging improvements after taking NR for at least 10 weeks. The findings suggest NAD+ enhancement may offer symptom relief for some individuals. eClinicalMedicine, 2025; 89: 103633 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103633
Other
Just 2 Cigarettes a Day Raises Cardiovascular Disease Risk by Over 50%: Researchers report that people who smoke as few as two cigarettes per day have a 57% higher risk of heart failure and a 60% higher risk of death from any cause. They add that a person’s health risks decline significantly in the decade after quitting smoking. However, the researchers note that a former smoker can still have increased health risks three decades after giving up tobacco. “Lower-intensity smoking is associated with cardiovascular risk and the primary public health message for current smokers should be early cessation, rather than reducing the amount of smoking,” the study authors wrote. The researchers published their findings on November 18 in PLOS Medicine.
Shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk, slow progression: Over the last few years, research has been published showing a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a lower risk for dementia. Research published in April 2025 found that people receiving the shingles vaccine had a 20% lower risk of developing dementia over the next seven years. A new follow-up study suggests receiving the shingles vaccine may also benefit those already living with a dementia diagnosis by helping to slow down disease progression. journal CellTrusted Source,
Midlife hearing loss could increase dementia risk, study finds: A new study showed that mild or greater hearing loss in midlife was associated with a 71% higher risk of dementia over a 15-year follow-up period. The study also showed that individuals with mild or greater hearing loss were more likely to show deficits in cognitive function and elevated levels of brain imaging markers for dementia. The use of hearing aids helped lower the risk of dementia among individuals with hearing loss, underscoring the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing problems. JAMA Network OpenTrusted Source
Low 'bad' cholesterol may raise diabetes risk, independent of statins: An Italian study, published in Cardiovascular Diabetology, has found that individuals with low LDL-C (bad cholesterol) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes whether they are taking statins or not. The researchers suggest that monitoring blood glucose levels in those with low LDL-C could help predict their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Prediabetes may be most easily reversible in the first 2 years: An Indian study, published in The Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, has found that if people take steps to control their prediabetes within 2 years of diagnosis, they have a good chance of preventing it progressing to type 2 diabetes.
'Beer Belly' Linked to Higher Risk of Heart Damage, Especially in Men: A new study found that abdominal obesity is not only linked to harmful changes in heart structure, but that these effects were more apparent among males. The researchers used advanced cardiac MRIs to detect beer belly-associated heart changes that could signal early heart stress before the onset of cardiovascular disease or symptoms. The study, however, did not examine beer consumption among the subjects. The findings were recently presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Expand to Include Self-Swab HPV Test: The American Cancer Society (ACS) has updated its cervical cancer screening guidelines to endorse self-collected vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing, marking a major shift in U.S. screening practices. The changes allow average-risk individuals ages 25 to 65 to collect their own samples in clinical settings — or, in limited cases, at home — using FDA-approved kits. The update aims to improve screening access and equity by removing barriers for underserved populations, while also revising exit criteria to require HPV testing at ages 60 and 65 to address persistently high cancer rates in people over 65. The guidelines were published on December 4 in CA: A Cancer Journal for CliniciansTrusted Source,
Early Weight Correction Can Prevent Heart Disease: Individuals who had overweight during childhood had an increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) during adulthood, but early weight normalisation before young adulthood could reverse this risk. Those who developed overweight during puberty carried an even higher long-term risk for CHD during adulthood than those who had persistent overweight from childhood. published online on December 01, 2025, in JAMA Pediatrics.
7 Ways to Improve Heart Health for Longevity After Cancer Diagnosis: Researchers say that people who have undergone cancer treatment can decrease their mortality risk by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. They suggest following the guidelines listed in the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 plan (eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding tobacco, and keeping body weight and blood pressure at healthy levels). Experts say heart health is particularly important for cancer survivors, especially those who have undergone treatments that can increase cardiovascular risks. The study, published on December 16 in the European Heart Journal, noted that cardiovascular disease and cancer “share modifiable risk factors and potential molecular mechanisms.”
Indoor tanning triples melanoma risk and seeds broad DNA mutations: Researchers discovered that tanning beds cause widespread, mutation-laden DNA damage across almost all skin, explaining the sharply increased melanoma risk. Single-cell genomic analysis revealed dangerous mutations even in sun-protected regions. Survivors’ stories underscore how early tanning habits have lifelong consequences. The findings push for stricter policies and clear public warnings. Science Advances, 2025; 11 (50) DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ady4878
TREATMENT
Cancer Treatment Timing: The 3 PM Rule That Could Save Lives: Giving cancer patients their immunotherapy before 3 PM instead of after might significantly extend their lives. No new drugs, no experimental procedures, just a shift in the appointment schedule. Yet a new study on extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, one of the deadliest cancers we know, suggests this timing tweak isn’t just helpful. It’s potentially lifesaving. The research, published in the journal CANCER, examined 397 patients receiving standard immunochemotherapy for their aggressive lung cancer. Those who got their infusions before 3:00 PM lived longer and stayed cancer-free longer than those treated later in the day. The difference wasn’t subtle, either. Early treatment was linked to a 52% lower risk of the cancer progressing and a 63% lower risk of death. For context, many celebrated cancer drugs struggle to show half that benefit. CANCER: 10.1002/cncr.70126
Seven Of Ten Maintain HIV Control After Stopping Drugs: Seven of ten people maintained low HIV levels for months after stopping antiretroviral drugs following an experimental triple therapy, according to research published December 1 in Nature. The treatment combined three immunotherapy approaches: a vaccine to boost T cells targeting HIV, two broadly neutralizing antibodies plus an immune stimulant, and a second antibody dose before stopping medications. One participant showed no virus rebound for over 18 months. Nature: 10.1038/s41586-025-09929-5
Study suggests that a virtual program focusing on diet and exercise can help reduce side effects of lymphoma treatment: Patients undergoing treatment for lymphoma often experience adverse side effects that can be so severe that they stop or slow treatment. But a new study shows that a virtual program focusing on diet and exercise is a feasible strategy for minimizing the side effects of cancer therapies and increasing treatment retention. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Mediterranean diet and home-based exercise intervention during chemotherapy for lymphoma survivors: The LIFE-L study
Prehab can improve recovery after surgery, but barriers remain: A large clinical trial published in JAMA Surgery shows that prehabilitation (also called prehab) can reduce disability after surgery in older adults with frailty, provided they are able to fully take part in the prehab program.
OTHER
CDC Decision to Drop Hepatitis B Shot at Birth Taking Away Kids’ ‘Safety Net’: A vaccine advisory group to the CDC voted today, in an unprecedented move, to alter the childhood vaccine schedule for hepatitis B. The vote is contrary to evidence that the vaccine is both safe and highly effective, experts say, and would potentially upend decades of progress in eliminating a highly contagious and incurable infection. Many state health departments, pediatric doctors and organizations are opposing this move.
Trust In Cancer Scientists Splits Along Political Lines: A new survey of more than 6,000 American adults reveals a striking pattern: while most people trust scientists for cancer information, political ideology creates a clear divide in how much. The findings show trust levels dropping from 94% among very liberal respondents to 71% among very conservative ones. JAMA Network Open: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.46818
Desire Still Lives Loudly In Older Women: A new survey of more than three thousand women aged sixty and older shows that sex toys, masturbation, and the pursuit of reliable orgasm remain active, complicated parts of older adulthood according to researchers publishing in Menopause. Across this broad group, one pattern held steady. Women were far more likely to use sex toys during masturbation than during partnered sex, and those who used toys frequently were more likely to reach orgasm. Masturbation in older adults has been linked to positive physical and psychological outcomes, including evidence for improved cognitive function such as better word recall.
The Quiet Genetics Of Suicide No One Sees Coming: The study, published in JAMA Network Open, examined genetic data from 2,769 Utahns who died by suicide. Researchers split them into two groups. One had documented suicidal thoughts or behaviors before death. The other had no such record in clinical notes or diagnostic codes. That division seems simple enough, but what followed was not. When the team compared polygenic scores for 12 neuropsychiatric traits, the two pathways looked startlingly different. People with no evidence of prior suicidality, the SD-N group, carried lower genetic liabilities for major depressive disorder, depressed affect, anxiety, neuroticism, posttraumatic stress disorder, and even Alzheimer’s disease than those with known suicidal histories. Not everything diverged. Genetic liabilities related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and alcohol use were elevated in both suicide subtypes. That overlap hints at shared vulnerabilities tied to impulsivity or disinhibition, the kinds of traits that rarely appear in a depression screen but shape behavior in quieter ways.
California’s PHNIX Public Health Network Innovation: PHNIX is a direct response to the federal dismantling of national disease prevention, protection, and tracking programs, the termination of life-saving health programs and erosion of evidence and science-based policies, and the withdrawal from the global public health community. With PHNIX, California is taking action to build coalitions across the nation that will work to lead in innovation, collaboration, and communication in public health.
The gear meant to protect firefighters may carry hidden dangers: Firefighter turnout gear is designed to shield first responders from extreme heat and danger, but new research suggests it may also introduce chemical exposures. A U.S. study found that brominated flame retardants are present across multiple layers of firefighter gear, including newer equipment marketed as PFAS-free. In some cases, these chemicals appeared at higher levels than the substances they were meant to replace. Environmental Science, 2025; DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.5c01153
