About The Study: The multivariable findings of this study showed that chronic pain was more prevalent among rural than urban cancer survivors even after controlling for covariates, suggesting an association between chronic pain and additional factors. For example, survivorship resources are generally less available in rural areas, and rural residents may lack access to pain specialists or face insurance challenges accessing pain care.

Can the weakened immune systems of older individuals be rejuvenated? Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM* institute, and the Broad Institute have demonstrated that this is possible with an innovative approach. In a study now published in Nature, the team showed that mRNA technology can be used to transform the liver in mice into a temporary source of important immune regulatory factors that are naturally lost during aging. This restores the formation of new immune cells, allowing older animals to develop robust immune responses again and fight tumors effectively.

About The Study: In this cross-sectional study, nearly 1 in 7 graduate medical education trainees screened positive for food insecurity. Food insecurity was associated with important well-being outcomes including burnout. These findings suggest that academic medical institutions should pursue systemic solutions to address food insecurity among resident and fellow physicians as a means of supporting their well-being.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed an acid-resistant “ultra-stable mucus-inspired hydrogel” (UMIH), marking a breakthrough in the field of gastrointestinal medicine. Traditional hydrogels—gelatin-like materials that absorb and retain water—are widely used to aid wound healing and extend drug release. However, they usually break down in acidic environments like the stomach. Inspired by the natural properties of gastric mucus, a PolyU research team has developed UMIH, a hydrogel that adheres 15 times more strongly than conventional gastric mucosal protectants, showing considerable potential for wound repair and targeted drug delivery and promising large‑scale commercialisation.

Use of nicotine pouches has risen substantially in Great Britain over the last five years, particularly among young men, with one in 13 (7.5%) men aged 16 to 24 now using them, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London).

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder in the U.S. affecting tens of millions, with estimates ranging from 25 to more than 80 million adults. However, most remain unaware they have the condition, which can cause severe health risks like high blood pressure, heart disease and impaired daytime function. OSA is often diagnosed using pulse oximetry, a non-invasive method for monitoring blood oxygen saturation. However prior studies have shown that pulse oximeters have the potential to overestimate oxygen saturation, and these instruments miss episodes of hypoxia at a greater rate in people with darker skin, particularly Black, Hispanic and Asian individuals, when compared to white individuals.

 

Two definitions are currently used by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to determine OSA: a 30% airflow decrease with a 3% oxygen desaturation or EEG arousal (abrupt shift in brainwave frequency) or a 30% airflow decrease with a 4% oxygen desaturation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and many commercial payers use only the 4% rule to confirm OSA, which may limit patient access to sleep apnea treatment.

 

A new study by researchers at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine has found that despite known limitations of pulse oximetry associated with skin tone, no racial differences in the diagnosis of OSA were seen in this group. However, female patients had lower odds of meeting the 4% threshold, suggesting a potential barrier to treatment for women.

A new policy brief, “Powering Up for Health: Policy Options to Address Energy Insecurity in New York City,” authored by public health experts from academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, outlines policy options for local and state governments to address energy insecurity and its related health risks.