The House Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) praised the FDA’s recent decision to remove the black box warning from estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy (HRT), previously linked to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and dementia based on decades-old studies. The caucus highlighted this as a commitment to science-based regulation and emphasized the importance of continued research on HRT…

new Cochrane review of 73 randomized controlled trials involving 5,000 people finds that exercise—ranging from light walking to moderate activity—can be as effective as medication or therapy in reducing depressive symptoms. Exercise boosts neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins, and supports brain neuroplasticity through increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), en…

Recent CDC MMWR reports highlight wastewater surveillance as a powerful early warning tool for measles transmission. In Oregon, retrospective testing detected measles virus in wastewater roughly 10 weeks before the first reported case, with viral concentrations tracking closely with the outbreak’s peak—the state’s largest measles surge since 1991. In Colorado, wastewater detection preceded co…

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Health, a dedicated platform allowing users to securely connect medical records and wellness apps to personalize health conversations. Designed to enhance patient engagement and decision-making, the tool flags potential medication risks by integrating user data without training its AI on personal medical information. Early examples highlight its potential to help p…

A new study published in The BMJ adds to growing evidence linking certain food preservatives commonly found in processed foods to increased cancer risk. Analyzing dietary and health data from more than 105,000 participants over 14 years, researchers found higher cancer incidence associated with additives such as sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, sulfites, and sorbates—ingredients frequently us…

The recent death of Dr. Janell Green Smith, a Black certified nurse-midwife in South Carolina, days after giving birth, has reignited national attention on Black maternal health disparities. Despite her expertise and experience delivering hundreds of babies, Green Smith experienced severe preeclampsia and post-surgical complications, underscoring that professional knowledge does not shield agai…

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unveiled new U.S. dietary guidelines emphasizing whole foods, proteins, and healthy fats, while reducing added sugars and highly processed foods. The updated food pyramid places red meat, cheese, vegetables, and fruits at the top, marking a significant shift from previous recommendations that limited saturated fat. Experts highlight the potential public…

A new CDC MMWR reports a Zika virus outbreak in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from September–December 2024, with 10 locally acquired cases detected in patients with no travel history. Most cases were initially suspected to be dengue or chikungunya and were identified through multiplex RT-PCR testing. No patients were pregnant or hospitalized, and all recovered. Entomological testing confirmed Zika virus…

A recent study in the Journal of Adolescent Health highlights the impact of California’s school-based Tobacco-Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program. Analyzing 2019–2020 survey data from over 160,000 students, researchers found that students at TUPE-funded schools had lower rates of tobacco use (6.5% vs. 8.1%) and vaping (5.4% vs. 7%) compared to peers at non-TUPE schools. While exposure to…