Health

Dr. John A. Clements, a preeminent figure in pulmonary science who deciphered critical lung function in the 1950s and later developed a revolutionary drug to treat lung failure in newborns, has died at his home in Tiburon, California. He was 101. His disappearance was confirmed by his daughter, Carol Clements. Dr. Clements' pioneering work began shortly after his graduation from Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medical College) while serving as an Army physiologist. He was fascinated by the mechanics of human respiration, particularly how the tiny air sacs in the lungs manage to stay open during exhalation. Determined…

On September 20, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a lawsuit against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the United States, alleging that their practices have led to inflated insulin prices. The implicated PBMs include CVS Health’s Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts, and UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx, which collectively serve 80% of the national prescription drug market. Acting on behalf of employers and various government health programs, these PBMs are responsible for negotiating drug prices, managing payments to pharmacies, and determining the availability and pricing of drugs for consumers. The FTC complaint, which is currently confidential, accuses these PBMs…

Starting on September 23, 2024, the past few summer months have seen what seems like a relentless surge in infectious diseases, from avian influenza and mpox to dengue and eastern equine encephalitis, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Apoorva Mandavilli, a senior journalist specializing in science and global health, explores whether this perceived increase in outbreaks is as significant as it seems, or whether increased public awareness is playing a role. Throughout the United States, vectors such as mosquitoes have transmitted diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. While dengue has shown notable incidences, other diseases such…

In an unexpected turn of political allegiances, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine safety skeptic, could soon influence national health policy if he joins forces with former President Donald J. Trump. The development comes after Trump hinted at the possibility of appointing Kennedy to a significant role in his administration. At a recent rally in Glendale, Arizona, Kennedy expressed enthusiasm for working alongside Trump to address what he describes as a chronic disease epidemic in America. His controversial stance on vaccines and his critical view of federal health operations have fueled a broad debate about his potential impact on…

A recent Consumer Reports investigation has revealed alarming levels of lead contamination in several cinnamon products on the market. This discovery comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny, as authorities push for stronger legislation to address heavy metals in consumer foods. In a batch of 36 cinnamon samples tested, a third were found to contain levels of lead considered unsafe. The finding has reignited concerns about metal contaminants in food, especially after incidents last year in which children were adversely affected by lead in cinnamon-flavored applesauce. Consumer Reports tested various cinnamon products purchased from discount and ethnic retailers. The results showed lead…

Boar's Head has announced an indefinite closure of its Jarratt, Virginia, deli meat plant following a major listeria outbreak. The outbreak has been linked to nine deaths and affected multiple people in 18 states. The company has identified liverwurst production as the source of the contamination and has decided to permanently cease production. The plant closure affects about 500 employees who will receive severance packages and transfer offers, according to union representatives. Christina Jewett, who monitors the Food and Drug Administration’s food safety efforts, and Teddy Rosenbluth, a health reporter who is currently a Times Fellowship program, continue to provide…

Yale University has reached a settlement with a group of patients who suffered severe discomfort during egg retrieval procedures at its fertility clinic, following a scandal involving the improper administration of anesthesia. The lawsuits emerged after allegations that a nurse at the clinic replaced anesthesia with saline, causing painful experiences for many patients. The specific amount paid by Yale to settle these claims remains undisclosed; however, representatives for the plaintiffs described the award as "significant." Legal documents suggest a tentative settlement could amount to about $2 million per affected patient. “This settlement represents a step forward in the healing process…

A recent investigative report has exposed disturbing practices within Acadia Healthcare, a major network of psychiatric facilities in 19 states. The investigation found instances where individuals were confined to these hospitals for longer than medically necessary, driven by financial incentives rather than patient care needs. The investigation into Acadia Healthcare's operations revealed that the chain often held patients longer than was medically justified, continuing until their insurance coverage was fully utilized. This practice was usually stopped only after legal representatives intervened. This investigation has exposed serious ethical and legal concerns about Acadia’s treatment of patients, underscoring the need for stronger…

A major salmonella outbreak affecting individuals in nine states has led to the recall of egg products from a Wisconsin farm, with 65 confirmed cases reported by health officials. Fortunately, there have been no deaths linked to this outbreak. The contamination was discovered after investigations by local health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They identified the Salmonella strain in both the egg packing area and the chicken housing facilities at Milo's Poultry Farms in Bonduel, Wisconsin. The recalled eggs include several sizes and types, all under the labels "Milo's Poultry Farms" and "Tony's Fresh Market,"…

Researchers have discovered a promising tool in the fight against misinformation: an AI-powered chatbot known as DebunkBot. The innovative tool has demonstrated remarkable success in convincing people to reject baseless conspiracy theories, according to recent research highlighted in the journal Science. Despite previous assumptions that facts alone are not enough to change beliefs in conspiracy theories, DebunkBot leverages deep learning technology, similar to that which powers ChatGPT, to directly address these myths. This approach has proven surprisingly effective, challenging long-held perceptions about the persuasiveness of logical arguments against such theories. The study, led by Gordon Pennycook, a professor of psychology…