Latest KFF Health News Stories
Scientist’s MRIs Highlight Psilocybin Boosting Brain Plasticity
NPR reports on fascinating research that shows how taking the psychedelic drug psilocybin changes brain process, producing mind-altering effects and temporary boosts to the brain’s ability to adapt and change. In other research news, CBD may protect skin from the sun.
Mark Cuban Aims At A Temporary Fix For Penicillin Shortages, Via Imports
Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company is working with the FDA to import and distribute penicillin temporarily to offset the shortage of Pfizer supplies. Humana, Ardent Health, Novartis, and more are also in health industry news.
Millions Of Bacteria Discovered In Sealed Bottles Of Tattoo Ink
According to the FDA, the bacteria were also found in sealed bottles of permanent makeup ink. Other news on public health covers two deaths in Canada from contaminated milk substitutes, a ranking of states with regard to women’s health, tips for staying hydrated in extreme heat, and more.
Illinois Reports Its First West Nile Case This Year
In other news from across the country, Massachusetts House and Senate negotiators compromised on a gun bill that cracks down on “ghost guns;” two people die from heat-related causes in Baltimore City; extreme heat hits Phoenix, Sacramento, and Portland, Oregon; and more.
With N.C. Budget Adjustment Delayed, DHHS Braces For Medicaid Shortfall
The department is staring down a $100 million shortfall by the end of this fiscal year, officials say. Separately, Maryland and Colorado also are making decisions about health care costs.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Covid Infection Doesn’t Make You Vulnerable To Other Ailments: Study
A review of hundreds of millions of patient records shows that covid didn’t put adults more at risk for common infections and illnesses like the flu or asthma. However, one study did link covid infections to a faster progression from preclinical to Type 1 diabetes in children.
Groups Seek Broader Scope Of Order Blocking Protections For LGBTQ+ Kids
Arguing the effort to identify individual schools that its members’ children attend is too cumbersome, the Republican-leaning Moms for Liberty asks the court if they can instead identify counties where they think the anti-discrimination rule can be blocked.
25 ‘Sky High’ Cannabis Products Recalled In New York
New York State’s Office of Cannabis Management issued the recall, as a result of the products having been manufactured by an unlicensed cannabinoid hemp processor. Other public health news is on “Teflon flu,” insulin shortages, the Olympic Village’s inaugural nursery, and more.
Yale Scientists Develop Novel Cancer-Targeting Technique For Therapies
The new “Trojan horse” method sneaks past cancer’s defenses to deliver therapy directly to tumors without damaging healthy tissue. Also in the news: Bayer’s new prostate cancer drug trial shows successes, Roche has early successes in a new obesity drug candidate, and more.
Reusable PPE Gets Another Look, With Cost And The Environment In Mind
Also in health industry news: Cardurion Pharmaceuticals, data privacy, the cost impact of the Change Healthcare hack, and more.
Spotlight On Texas’ Mental Health Staff Shortage Reveals Gaps
Nearly all of Texas’ counties are designated areas where there’s a shortage of mental health professionals: The Texas Tribune looks into the details. Meanwhile, in Atlanta, public schools will test a student-led mental health board.
Viewpoints: How To Make Extreme Heat Less Lethal; New OB-GYNs Wary Of Working In Texas
Editorial writers discuss extreme heat, effects of overturning Roe, 988, and more.
Paxlovid Reigns Supreme In Treating Covid; Antibiotics May Trigger Asthma In Young Children
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Perspectives: NextGen Backs New Covid Vaccines; Ideas To Limit New Vaccine Hesitancy
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
Heat-Related Ailments Are Prompting More Folks To Seek Medical Care
Noting such high temperatures can be especially dangerous for people with underlying health conditions, doctors say symptoms — dehydration, dizziness, a racing heart rate, nausea and confusion — should let people know to seek fluids and cooler climes. Separately, officials are investigating whether extreme heat is playing a part in the spread of bird flu.
Nearly Half Of Americans Can’t Afford Health Care, Report Warns
The latest Healthcare Affordability Index highlights the struggles Americans face in paying for their medical needs. High Medicaid expenses for UnitedHealth, potential health cost savings from personalized meal deliveries, and more are also in the news.
Two Years In, 988 Suicide Hotline Sees Successes Amid Awareness Concerns
The increases in call volume and response times has helped many people in a mental health crisis, officials say, but too many Americans still don’t know the service is available.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Editorial writers examine infant formula and fortifiers, hepatitis C, palliative care, and more.