Health - Resources and discussion for everything health-related

Summary

The U.S. has reported its first outbreak of the rare H5N9 bird flu strain at a duck farm in Merced County, California, where nearly 119,000 birds were culled by December 2.

Authorities also detected the more common H5N1 strain on the same farm. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been spreading globally, impacting poultry, mammals, and even causing human fatalities.

The USDA is conducting investigations and heightened surveillance in response to this outbreak, which marks a significant development in U.S. poultry health.

Slashdot Summary:

CERN's particle accelerator is being used in a pioneering cancer treatment called Flash radiotherapy. This method delivers ultra-high radiation doses in less than a second, minimizes side effects while targeting tumors more effectively than conventional radiotherapy. The BBC reports:

In a series of vast underground caverns on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, experiments are taking place which may one day lead to new generation of radiotherapy machines. The hope is that these devices could make it possible to cure complex brain tumors (PDF), eliminate cancers that have metastasized to distant organs, and generally limit the toll which cancer treatment exerts on the human body. The home of these experiments is the European Laboratory for Particle Physics (Cern), best known to the world as the particle physics hub that developed the Large Hadron Collider, a 27 kilometer (16.7 mile)-long ring of superconducting magnets capable of accelerating particles to near the speed of light.

Arguably Cern's crowning achievement was the 2012 discovery of the Higgs boson, the so-called "God Particle" which gives other particles their mass and in doing so lays the foundation for everything that exists in the universe. But in recent years, the centre's unique expertise in accelerating high-energy particles has found a new niche -- the world of cancer radiotherapy. Eleven years ago, Marie-Catherine Vozenin, a radiobiologist now working at Geneva University Hospitals (Hug), and others published a paper outlining a paradigm-shifting approach to traditional radiotherapy treatment which they called Flash. By delivering radiation at ultra-high dose rates, with exposures of less than a second, they showed that it was possible to destroy tumors in rodents while sparing healthy tissue. Its impact was immediate. International experts described it as a seminal breakthrough, and it galvanized fellow radiobiologists around the world to conduct their own experiments using the Flash approach to treat a wide variety of tumors in rodents, household pets, and now humans.

In recent years, animal studies have repeatedly shown that Flash makes it possible to markedly increase the amount of radiation delivered to the body while minimizing the impact that it has on surrounding healthy tissue. In one experiment, healthy lab mice which were given two rounds of radiation via Flash did not develop the typical side effects which would be expected during the second round. In another study, animals treated with Flash for head and neck cancers experienced fewer side effects, such as reduced saliva production or difficulty swallowing. Loo is cautiously optimistic that going forwards, such benefits may also translate to human patients. "Flash produces less normal tissue injury than conventional irradiation, without compromising anti-tumor efficacy -- which could be game-changing," he says. An additional hope is that this could then reduce the risk of secondary cancers (PDF), resulting from radiation-induced damage later in life, although it is still too early to know if that will be the case. [...] But the next phase of research is not only about testing whether Flash works in people. It's also about identifying which kind of radiation is the best one to use.

Summary

A UK study of over 9 million adults found that men with ADHD live 6.8 years less on average, and women 8.6 years less, compared to those without the condition.

The study linked ADHD to higher rates of mental health issues, suicide, and risky behaviors like smoking and drinking, though ADHD itself is not believed to directly cause reduced life expectancy.

Researchers highlighted the underdiagnosis of ADHD, as only 0.32% of adults in the study had been diagnosed.

Experts call for greater investment in mental health services.

Summary

A study analyzing gut microbiomes of over 12,000 people across 45 countries found that higher fiber intake may promote beneficial bacteria (Faecalibacterium) that suppress harmful ones like E. coli.

These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids, which are linked to better gut health.

While the study shows associations—not causation—experts emphasize fiber’s proven benefits for diabetes, weight control, and heart health.

Most Americans consume only 58% of the recommended daily fiber (30g). Whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes are key sources for increasing fiber intake.

Summary

The FDA's proposed ban on formaldehyde in hair straightening products is delayed after a Trump executive order paused federal regulations.

Formaldehyde, linked to cancer—especially in Black women—has faced calls for regulation since 2008.

Maryland, California, and Washington have banned it, and other states may follow suit.

A federal lawsuit involving thousands of women claims health harms from relaxers, with a judge set to advance the case later this year.

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Hope that's allowed by the mods, seems like a good way to allow both communities to reach different audiences.

Summary

Within 48 hours of taking office, Donald Trump signed executive orders reversing Biden-era policies that expanded healthcare access, threatening coverage for over 20 million Americans.

These orders weaken the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by tightening eligibility, reducing Medicaid funding, and repealing measures like the American Rescue Plan Act subsidies and postpartum Medicaid extensions.

Critics warn these actions will increase barriers to healthcare, raise insurance premiums, and lead to more medical debt.

Privatized insurers may gain more control, further escalating costs for remaining coverage options.

[Doctor Mike] asked a bunch of different specialists, "what's the one medical breakthrough they're excited about in their specialty?"

Summary

Donald Trump signed an executive order reversing several Biden-era health policies, including initiatives to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Key changes include rescinding a $2 monthly cap on certain generics and ending extended Obamacare enrollment periods.

Experts say these moves will have limited immediate impact on out-of-pocket health costs but signal Trump’s disinterest in continuing Biden's health care reforms.

Trump's stance on Medicare drug price negotiations remains unclear, leaving major Biden initiatives like insulin and prescription drug caps untouched for now.

Summary

A study led by the University of Cambridge and Exeter suggests that repurposing antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccines could help prevent or treat dementia, potentially accelerating drug availability.

Researchers analyzed data from 14 studies involving over 130 million people, finding associations between these drugs and reduced dementia risk.

The findings support the hypothesis that some dementia cases may be linked to infections, with anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen also showing potential.

Experts caution further clinical trials are needed, but repurposing approved drugs could save time and resources in combating dementia.

Summary

Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) for the second time.

The order citied "the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states."

The order also criticized "unfairly onerous payments" made by the U.S. Health experts warn the move isolates the U.S., weakens global disease response, and risks delays in pandemic preparedness and vaccine innovation.

As the largest WHO funder since 1948, the U.S. exit could hinder global health efforts and leave the nation vulnerable to future health threats.

Summary

U.S. wine sales fell 6% in 2024, continuing a years-long decline driven by generational shifts, health concerns, and competition from alternative drinks.

Younger consumers prefer ready-to-drink options, legal marijuana, and nonalcoholic beverages, while wine struggles with higher prices and declining appeal.

Experts note wine’s complexity and expense as disadvantages, and nonalcoholic wine lags behind booming de-alcoholized beer.

Rising health awareness and economic pressures further strain the industry, which some call an “existential threat.”

Summary

Wedam Minyila, 19, is among the first to undergo a newly approved gene therapy for sickle cell disease, a condition affecting over 100,000 people in the U.S.

The $2.3M-$3.1M treatment, using CRISPR technology, offers a potential cure but involves intensive chemotherapy and significant risks.

Few patients have accessed it due to high costs, limited hospital capacity, and insurance hurdles.

The therapy represents a groundbreaking shift, promising relief from severe pain and improved quality of life for patients.

Summary

Dr. Derrick Todd, a former Boston rheumatologist accused of sexually abusing over 200 patients since 2010, was indicted by a Massachusetts grand jury on two counts of rape involving incidents from 2022 and 2023.

Todd pleaded not guilty, was held on $10,000 bail, and is prohibited from practicing medicine.

Civil lawsuits allege Todd performed unnecessary medical exams for personal gratification.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where Todd worked, fired him in 2023 after anonymous complaints and an internal investigation.

Victims’ attorneys expect the criminal case to expand as investigations continue.