A previously unknown microprotein hidden within the human mitochondrial genome may help explain certain forms of Type 2 diabetes and could point toward a new, precision-medicine approach to treating it, according to a new USC study.

Sexual and reproductive health has largely been shaped by perspectives from wealthier developed nations in the Global North. To correct this imbalance, public health experts call for centering Global South knowledge, lived experience, and culturally grounded understandings of sexuality—including sexual pleasure.

About the Study: This cross-sectional study examines trends in cancer medicine approvals by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult solid tumors between 2006 and 2025, including both original and supplemental indication approvals.

About the Study: The significant burden of cigarette smoking, coupled with scientific evidence supporting e-cigarettes for smoking cessation, clearly indicates that it is appropriate to include e-cigarettes in discussions of evidence-based pharmacologic treatment for smoking cessation to reduce the harms of cigarette smoking. These recommendations are intended to provide evidence-informed guidance to clinicians regarding use of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.

About this Study: This JAMA Patient Page describes nicotine patch use, the possible harms and side effects, accidental use, and dependence.

About the Study: Is combined inhibition of programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3) added to standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) safe and effective in (formerly HER2)-negative early-stage breast cancer at high risk of recurrence? This phase 2 randomized clinical trial including 78 participants with -negative breast cancer found that combining cemiplimab and fianlimab with paclitaxel-based NAC improved rates of pathologic complete response in all participants, including those with triple-negative and hormone receptor−positive subtypes. Patients positive for the ImPrint immune signature were highly sensitive to the combination, providing a potential biomarker of treatment response. These results indicate that combined PD-1 and LAG-3 inhibition warrants further investigation in -negative breast cancer.

About the Study: Liquid biopsy targeting viral ctDNA is a promising biomarker in the diagnostic and surveillance settings across head and neck cancer types. Ongoing clinical trials will help elucidate how ctDNA can be implemented to monitor treatment response, assess MRD, and frame treatment decisions to adapt treatment via a precision oncology approach.

About this Study: This cohort study evalutes trends in US Department of Veterans Affairs disability compensation receipt and benefit amounts from 2010 to 2024 and their association with sociodemographic characteristics and disability type.