🏥 Health

Moderna Halts Combo COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine Application Process
May 22 @ 6:02pm ET  
Moderna has withdrawn its application for a combination COVID-19 and influenza vaccine, surprising many in the health sector. The company plans to resubmit at a later date, though reasons for the withdrawal remain undisclosed.
Biden's Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Revealed After Decade Without Screening
May 22 @ 7:17am ET  
President Joe Biden, 82, was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer on May 18, after no screenings since 2014. The cancer, metastasized to bone, is hormone sensitive, prompting discussions on screening guidelines.
Allulose: A Natural Alternative to Expensive GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
May 21 @ 4:00pm ET  
Allulose, a zero-calorie rare sugar, mimics GLP-1 hormones to reduce cravings and balance blood sugar naturally. It offers a cost-effective alternative to pricey weight loss drugs like semaglutide.
Trump's Executive Order Drives HHS and CMS to Slash Drug Prices
May 21 @ 10:08am ET  
HHS and CMS unveiled benchmark targets to lower drug prices on May 20, following President Trump's executive order on May 12. The Most-Favored-Nation pricing model aims to match U.S. drug costs with lower prices in similar economies, promising relief for American patients.
Dairy's Role in Blood Sugar Stability Outshines Vegan Diets
May 20 @ 10:00am ET  
A new study in Clinical Nutrition shows dairy may stabilize blood sugar better than vegan diets. Over two weeks, 30 adults on dairy-inclusive diets had steadier levels than those on plant-only plans.
FDA Issues New Warning on Allergy Drugs Zyrtec and Xyzal
May 20 @ 4:24am ET  
The FDA has issued a new warning for allergy drugs Zyrtec and Xyzal due to severe itching reported by some users after stopping the medications. This side effect, linked to long-term use, affects many in the US, prompting updated safety labels.
Teen Prediabetes Linked to Triple Heart Damage Risk, Study Reveals
May 19 @ 5:30pm ET  
A new study in Diabetes Care reveals that prediabetes in teens can triple the risk of early heart damage, with girls at five times the risk of boys. This highlights the urgent need for lifestyle changes to manage blood sugar levels during adolescence.
Heavy Metals Found in Store-Bought Rice Raise Health Concerns
May 19 @ 4:32am ET  
A new report by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures reveals dangerous heavy metals like arsenic in 100% of tested store-bought rice samples. The findings urge stricter regulations to protect consumers, especially infants.
Mindfulness Therapy Breakthrough for Treatment-Resistant Depression
May 16 @ 6:21pm ET  
A new study reveals mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) significantly improves treatment-resistant depression. This blend of meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy offers hope to many via remote sessions.
In-N-Out Ditches Artificial Dyes in Drinks Amid Regulatory Shift
May 16 @ 12:22pm ET  
In-N-Out is removing artificial dyes from strawberry milkshakes and pink lemonade, replacing them with natural coloring, following a federal ban on certain dyes. The chain also plans to switch ketchup from high-fructose corn syrup to sugar, reflecting a commitment to quality ingredients.
Gum Disease Linked to Heart Risks: Could Trigger Irregular Heartbeats
May 15 @ 10:50am ET  
A new study in Circulation links gum disease bacteria, P. gingivalis, to heart risks by entering the bloodstream and causing atrial fibrillation. This condition raises stroke and heart failure risks, urging better oral care.
Teen Obesity Tied to Brain Changes in Memory and Emotion Areas
May 14 @ 4:33pm ET  
A new study links teen obesity to changes in brain areas tied to memory and emotion, presented at ECO 2025. These findings raise concerns about long-term cognitive and emotional impacts during critical development years.
Health Department Primarily Cut Jobs at FDA, CDC: Senate Report
May 14 @ 4:11pm ET  
A Senate report released on May 13 revealed that most federal health job cuts this spring targeted the FDA and CDC, with 2,519 and 2,473 employees terminated respectively, alongside 1,312 from NIH, as announced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Announcement on COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Coming Soon: FDA Commissioner
May 14 @ 2:12pm ET  
FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary announced that a decision on COVID-19 vaccines for children is expected in the coming weeks, following a thorough review of scientific data.
FDA Moves to Pull Fluoride-Containing Drugs for Kids Over Health Concerns
May 13 @ 4:50pm ET  
The FDA announced on May 13 plans to remove fluoride-containing drugs for children from the market due to health risks like gut microbiome disruption. This move prioritizes safer dental care alternatives.
UnitedHealth CEO Resigns Suddenly, Hemsley Steps In
May 13 @ 1:10pm ET  
UnitedHealth Group's CEO, Brian Thompson, has resigned abruptly for 'personal reasons,' effective immediately. Stephen Hemsley, a former CEO, steps back into the role to lead the major health insurance provider.
Cinnamon Supplements Could Impact Medication Effectiveness, Research Shows
May 13 @ 10:50am ET  
New research reveals cinnamon supplements may interfere with prescription drugs by speeding up metabolism. Cinnamaldehyde, a key compound in cinnamon, could reduce medication effectiveness, warns a study from the National Center for Natural Products Research.
Listeria Outbreak Hospitalizes 10 in California and Nevada, Prompts Major Recall
May 12 @ 4:50pm ET  
A listeria outbreak has hospitalized 10 people in California and Nevada, prompting a recall of ready-to-eat foods by Fresh & Ready Foods LLC. The FDA and CDC are investigating the contamination linked to products sold in multiple states.
FDA and NIH Launch Nutrition Program to Support RFK Jr.'s Health Vision
May 12 @ 2:51pm ET  
The FDA and NIH launched a new nutrition program on May 9 to support Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda. It focuses on ultra-processed foods, food additives, and diet's role in chronic conditions.
US Halts Chikungunya Vaccine for Older Adults Amid Safety Concerns
May 12 @ 12:50pm ET  
U.S. officials have paused the chikungunya vaccine, Ixchiq, for adults over 60 due to severe side effects, including two deaths. The FDA and CDC are investigating neurological and cardiac issues linked to the shot.
FDA Approves Teal Wand: First At-Home Cervical Cancer Screening Tool
May 12 @ 8:50am ET  
The FDA has approved the Teal Wand by Teal Health, the first at-home cervical cancer screening tool in the US, announced on May 9. This device allows women to collect samples privately, potentially increasing early detection rates.
Omega-3s in Fish: Boosting Kids' Brain Growth and Social Skills
May 12 @ 6:50am ET  
A University of Bristol study shows omega-3s in fish boost children's brain development and social skills like sharing. Low fish intake may hinder these behaviors, while benefits also include allergy prevention.
Feverfew: Can This Ancient Herb Really Ease Migraines?
May 9 @ 2:50pm ET  
Feverfew, an ancient herb with daisy-like flowers, is gaining attention for its potential to ease migraines. Studies suggest its compounds may reduce inflammation, though results vary, making it a natural option worth exploring.
New Brunswick Brain Disease Mystery Debunked by Recent Study
May 9 @ 2:40pm ET  
A new study in JAMA Neurology debunks claims of a mystery brain disease in New Brunswick, linking symptoms to known conditions. Media amplification of unverified fears may have contributed to public concern.
Glass Contamination Prompts Bread Recall Across Six States
May 9 @ 1:10pm ET  
Bread products from Upper Crust Crest Hill Bakery have been recalled in six states due to glass fragments found on top. The recall affects Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin, urging consumers to return items for a refund.
Parents Seek Death Declaration for Missing Pitt Student Sudiksha Konanki
May 9 @ 1:00pm ET  
Parents of missing University of Pittsburgh student Sudiksha Konanki request a death declaration after she vanished in the Dominican Republic on March 6. The 21-year-old's family seeks closure amidst ongoing uncertainty.
Smith Packing Recalls 18,792 Pounds of Meat Products Over Sodium Nitrite Concerns
May 9 @ 12:50pm ET  
Smith Packing, LLC, recalls 18,792 pounds of ready-to-eat meat products due to high sodium nitrite levels, as announced by FSIS on April 29. Consumers are urged to discard affected items and contact healthcare providers if concerned about illness.
HHS Mandates Placebo Trials for New Vaccine Approvals
May 9 @ 10:50am ET  
HHS, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now requires placebo-controlled trials for new vaccines as of April 30. This major shift aims to clarify vaccine safety profiles, marking a departure from past practices.
Popular Sweetener Linked to Potential Brain and Heart Risks
May 9 @ 8:50am ET  
A common sweetener, erythritol, may pose risks to brain and heart health, according to early research presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit. More studies are needed to confirm if it impacts blood flow and increases oxidative stress.