Latest KFF Health News Stories
Brain Implant Startup Synchron Ready For Large-Scale Human Trials
The startup, a rival to Elon Musk’s Neuralink system, will set up an online registry for patients interested in joining the medical trial. Also in the news: AI mammograms; tests for pancreatic cancer; and LupusChat, a support system for those suffering with lupus.
Google Searches For ‘Hurt’ Eyes Spiked After Solar Eclipse
The searches suggest some people were worried they’d damaged their vision by looking at the image of the sun during yesterday’s total eclipse event. Also in the news, wildfires and mental health, legal weed, and vape use in college.
Study Casts Doubt On Benefits Of Paying Off People’s Medical Debt
A New York Times report covers a study by some economists that says paying off people’s medical debt has little impact on their lives. Separately, health care costs are found to be driving up anxiety in millennials and Gen Z, another study finds.
Arizona’s Highest Court Set To Rule Today On Near-Total Abortion Ban
The Arizona Supreme Court is expected to decide an appeal that has called for reinstating a near-total abortion ban from 1864, nearly 60 years before Arizona’s statehood. Also in the news: religious exemptions for Indiana’s near-total abortion ban, how pregnancy ages you, and more.
Trump’s Abortion Position Upsets GOP Hardliners
Former President Donald Trump’s statement that abortion is a matter for states and “the people” to decide has not gone down well with some Republicans. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s criticism of his announcement spurred Trump to say hardliners like Graham were doing “disservice.”
Data Stolen From Change Healthcare Ransomed In Second Attack
News outlets report on what cybersecurity experts had warned may happen in the aftermath of the recent attack on Change Healthcare: an alliance between cybercriminals. The alleged second ransom effort centers on 4TB of personal data on Change patients, which a new group threatens to release.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers delve into parental anxiety, Medicaid, AI in hospitals, and more.
Analysis Finds Half Of Accelerated Approval Cancer Drugs Don’t Help
A study presented at an American Association for Cancer Research meeting showed that the drugs didn’t improve patient survival or quality of life, but some even went on to be converted to full approval by the FDA. Also in the news: a link between accelerated aging and cancer risks.
Kansas And Texas Are The Only 2 States Seeing Covid Infections Rise
Just these two states, the CDC says, have had increases — or likely increases — since March 30. Elsewhere across the country, respiratory viruses are continuing to fade. Exercise and long covid are also in the news.
Nuclear Medicine Safety Advisers Found To Have Conflicts Of Interest
Axios reports on a special inquiry into the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, finding there was no policy requiring conflicts of interest to be reported. The inquiry centered on how diagnostic radioactive injections can sometimes leak into surrounding tissue.
New England Journal Of Medicine Often Ignored Nazi Atrocities, Article Says
An article in the NEJM criticizes the journal itself for its weak reporting when the Nazis were rising in Germany and performing horrific medical experiments. Also in the news: a probe into liver transplants at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center.
FDA Should Not Have Approved AvertD Test For Opioid Risk, Experts Say
A group of 31 experts in genetics, addiction, psychiatry, and medical-device regulation sent letters to the FDA and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, The Washington Post reported. The experts called the approval a mistake that relied on faulty science.
As Online Sports Betting Rises, So Do Calls To Gambling Addiction Lines
NBC News covers the rising mental health impact of the boom in online sports betting. Separately, in Maryland, lawmakers passed two sweeping privacy bills, one of which is aimed at breaking youths’ addiction to social media.
Watch Out For Eye Damage During Today’s Solar Eclipse
News outlets cover advice on how to avoid eclipse-related retina damage, highlighting the use of special equipment like eclipse glasses — except for the very brief, darkest moments when you’re in the moments of totality. The positive impact of the eclipse is also in the news.
Trump Reveals Abortion Stance After Months Of Dodging Issue
In a video on social media, former President Donald Trump said it’s “up to the states to do the right thing.” In other news, Republican Wisconsin Senate candidate Eric Hovde appeared to soften his previously strict anti-abortion stance.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Longer Looks: Interesting Reads You Might Have Missed
Each week, KFF Health News finds longer stories for you to enjoy. This week’s selections include stories on alcohol use, palliative care, PANDAS, and more.
Judge: Border Patrol Responsible For Health Of Detained Migrant Kids
Federal governments must take care of detainees regardless of whether they’ve been formally processed, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. Meanwhile, in Arizona, lawmakers OK’d major reforms for assisted living facilities, with standards enshrined in law.
Viewpoints: Here’s The Real Reason Behind High Drug Prices; How Worried Should We Be About Bird Flu?
Editorial writers tackle pharmaceutical prices, bird flu, the post-Roe situation, and more.