How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Made Matters as Much as What's in Them
The manufacturing processes used to produce ultra-processed foods are linked to negative impacts on human health. Image Credit: Andy Sacks/Getty Images A recent…
Health News
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Today in Health
STAT+: Lilly’s Ajax acquisition may have been worth it
A syphilis drug shortage, Sanofi's diabetes drug approval, and more biotech news from The Readout
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about Pfizer’s emergency penicillin program, a Sanofi diabetes drug, and more
Pfizer hasn't complied with a request to donate emergency penicillin to state health agencies as a backstop to prevent congenital syphilis
STAT+: Where ‘democracy met science,’ 50 years ago
State Medicaid crackdowns strain home care, WHO leader on Ebola outbreak, and more health news
As states follow Trump’s Medicaid fraud playbook, people with disabilities struggle to find care
Medicaid cuts and fraud crackdown trickle down to states, threatening people with disabilities.
STAT+: Amid confusion over Pfizer’s emergency penicillin program, newborn is diagnosed with preventable syphilis
Congenital syphilis should be preventable. An Arizona case shows how drug shortages and procedural hurdles are fueling a growing public health crisis.
STAT+: One California politician’s unexpected crusade against ultra-processed food
Jesse Gabriel "has passed more food policy in three years than most legislators enact in their entire careers," says one supporter.
Opinion: I’m a pediatrician. I want to prescribe the right AI to my patients
AI for children requires “randomized controlled trials measuring real developmental outcomes, not engagement metrics,” writes Dua Hassan.
Opinion: In many South Asian American families, a child’s autism diagnosis is a secret
“In South Asian households, a child's disability triggers a specific kind of family crisis,” writes child and adolescent psychiatrist Ritu Goel.
Dolly Parton Shares Good and ‘a Little Bad News’ About Her Health
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – JUNE 06: Dolly Parton speaks onstage during Kicking Off CMA Fest: A Special Conversation With Dolly Parton Hosted By Rachel Smith at Musi…
Hantavirus Arrives in U.S.: Could Cruise Ship Outbreak Cause Next Pandemic?
As passengers aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak return to their home countries, experts say the risk of another pandemic remains low. …
8,500 Daily Steps Can Help You Lose Weight and Keep It Off
A new study demonstrates that 8,500 daily steps is the sweet spot for weight management. Stewart Cohen/Getty Images Walking 8,500 steps per day can help people …
Why 'Ballmaxxing' May Be More Dangerous Than You Think
Experts say that “ballmaxxing” may lead to permanent damage to male genitalia. Image Credit: Heathline/Paloma Rincon Studio/GettyImages “Ballmaxxing” is a viral…
How Much Exercise Do You Need to Lower Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?
Researchers say current aerobic exercise recommendations may not be sufficient to reduce cardiovascular risk. MoMo Productions/Getty Images Researchers say adul…
Beer, Body Scent May Make You a Mosquito Magnet. Can DEET Help?
Some people are more prone to mosquito bites than others, and scientists may have figured out why. Jaromir/Getty Images Researchers have identified several reas…
An Avocado a Day May Keep Diabetes, Hypertension, and Obesity at Bay
Research shows that eating more avocado can reduce your risk of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Image Credit: Anjelika Gretskaia/Getty Images Research sugg…
This month
FDA Approval of Inhaled Insulin Has Been Life-Changing for This Teen with Diabetes
Jennifer Seigrist (left) and her daughter Taisie Seigrist (right). Photo by Jennifer Seigrist The FDA has approved Afrezza, an inhaled insulin, for children and…
Healthgrades Names America’s Top Hospitals for Patient Experience in 2026
Healthgrades has announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Patient Experience Awards. Healthgrades recently announced the recipients of the 2026 Outstand…
PCOS Is Now PMOS: Doctors Say Name Change Will Improve Diagnosis, Care
After years of debate, global experts announced that PCOS will now be called PMOS to better reflect the multisystem effects it has on the body. Image Credit: ru…
Menopause: Plant-Forward Diets Can Help With Weight Management
Eating more plants and fewer processed foods can help with weight management during menopause. Viktoriya Skorikova/Getty Images A new study found that diets ric…
Only 20% of Sunscreens Meet Safety Standards. What to Know Before You Buy
The EWG reports that only 20% of sunscreens meet safety standards. Image Credit: Ani Dimi/Stocksy Only about 20% of sunscreens meet leading safety and efficacy …
Peptide Injections Touted as ‘Fountain of Youth.’ Spoiler Alert: They’re Not
Influencers tout peptide injections for fitness and longevity, but experts warn of health and safety risks. Mariya Borisova/Getty Images Injectable “wellness” p…
STAT+: FDA approves Sanofi diabetes drug for children with stage 3 diabetes
The FDA has approved a drug that was previously caught in a dispute between career staff and the political appointee head of the CDER.
WHO director-general is profoundly concerned after visit to Ebola outbreak area
The director-general of the World Health Organization is profoundly worried about the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, he told STAT in an interview.
People Using GLP-1s, Like Ozempic, Wegovy, Less Likely to Exercise Despite Benefits
Recent research has found that despite the benefits, people using GLP-1s may be less likely to exercise. Image Credit: Fiordaliso/Getty Images A recent study fo…
Opinion: ‘I’m pretty much all in’: An interview with a woman starting medical residency at almost 73
"There are some physicians that work to 100”: Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft on becoming a medical doctor in her 70s.
How GLP-1s Like Ozempic Turn Down ‘Food Noise’ to Help You Lose Weight
GLP-1 drugs may help reduce food cravings, leading to healthier eating habits that contribute to weight loss. Image Credit: Juan Moyano/Stocksy A recent study f…
ER Visits for Tick Bites Highest in Over a Decade. How to Protect Yourself
CDC data show that more people are seeking emergency room treatment for tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease. Image Credit: Iryna Shepetko/Stocksy Data fr…
FIFA World Cup: Biggest Health Risks for Fans and How to Avoid Them
The FIFA World Cup is expected to draw millions of fans to cities across North America, potentially increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses. Image credit: …
Oura Ring 5: Upgraded Smart Ring Takes Your Health, Fitness to the Next Level
The new Oura Ring 5 is smaller and has upgraded features to improve how you track your health and fitness. Image courtesy of Oura Ring Oura Ring has announced t…