Latest KFF Health News Stories
AI Shows Promise In Tracking Depression Recovery, Heart Health Risks
News outlets cover developments related to artificial intelligence including: how the technology helps researchers measure recovery from treatment-resistant depression; predicting future heart health risks; pinpointing the genetic causes of diseases; and more.
Abortion Issue Takes Center Stage In Kentucky Gov. Race, Trump’s Campaign
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, has launched a new campaign ad painting his opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron, as extreme on abortion. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s bid for re-election is also getting mired in abortion politics despite his previous credentials on the issue.
Neuralink, Elon Musk’s Brain-Chip Startup, Readies To Start Human Trials
The first human clinical trial for Neuralink’s brain-computer interface is expected to take 6 years and will recruit participants who have quadriplegia with limited function in all four limbs due to a spinal cord injury or ALS.
UN Takes Early Step Toward Preparing For The Next Pandemic
News outlets report on the UN’s political declaration on pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response, which also calls for greater international cooperation come the next global outbreak. But the adoption of the declaration by the General Assembly may be threatened by Russia and its allies.
Another Round Of Free Covid Tests Can Be Requested Starting Sept. 25
Amidst a fall wave of covid infections, the Biden administration announced that it will mail out another batch of at-home covid rapid testing kits. Each household that signs up at covidtests.gov will be sent 4 tests at no cost.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.
Viewpoints: Covid Isn’t Over For Everyone; Should Humans Create And Use An Artificial Womb?
Editorial writers delve into covid, artificial wombs, DBT, and more.
Your Favorite Junk Food? Big Tobacco May Have Worked To Get You Hooked
A new study suggests tobacco companies may have used similar strategies to get people hooked on processed foods like they did for cigarettes, the Washington Post says. It all centers on how tobacco giants bought major food makers in the 1980s.
Perspectives: Why Are People With Down Syndrome Left Out Of Alzheimer’s Treatments?
Read recent commentaries about pharmaceutical issues.
NIH Making Progress On ‘Universal’ Flu Vaccine, Starts Human Trials
Read recent pharmaceutical developments in KFF Health News’ Prescription Drug Watch roundup.
Oracle Health’s Millennium Electronic Records System Gets AI Digital Assistant
The voice-enabled generative artificial intelligence clinical digital assistant will help patients schedule appointments, review labs, and ask clinical questions as part of the patient portal. Meanwhile, GE HealthCare received a grant of more than $44 million to develop AI-assisted ultrasound technology.
North Carolina Budget Deal Moves Toward Medicaid Expansion
State lawmakers announced a budget deal, allowing Medicaid expansion to happen in the coming months. Meanwhile, in Florida and New Jersey, new programs are paying for family members to get nursing training for home care of medically fragile children.
FDA Surprises By Not Approving Nasal Spray Alternative To EpiPens
The medication would have been the first needle-free alternative to epinephrine autoinjectors. The FDA’s decision advises drugmaker ARS Pharmaceuticals that it needed to conduct another study on its “Neffy” spray. In May, an FDA committee had recommended approval.
CDC Advisory Panel Giving Incorrect Advice For Stopping Hospital Infections: Experts
Hundreds of health industry experts will send a second letter to the CDC asking the agency to hold public meetings over proposals to update its Isolation Precautions guidance. Also in the news: the NCQA’s 2023 health plan ratings, Medicare Advantage ads, and more.
Trump Called 6-Week Abortion Bans A ‘Terrible Thing.’ Now GOP Hits Back.
News outlets report a backlash over former President Donald Trump’s recent comments about abortion bans, with governors of states where six-week bans were passed doubling down on rhetoric about “protecting” life. Meanwhile, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who has been holding up all military promotions over Pentagon abortion policy, is said to be pushing an exception to his blockade.
As Shutdown Chances Grow, White House Warns Of Potential Fallout
Food inspections, cancer research, FEMA disaster relief, and others are among the health-related federal programs that would be impacted if the government shuts down. House Republican leaders are revising a proposed stopgap funding measure to try to lure more of their members, but time is running out to overcome the political impasse.
Covid, Ever Capricious, Is Falling In Some Areas, Rising In Others
Wastewater data suggest that the recent uptick in covid infections across the U.S. may have peaked … at least in some places. This news arrives even as reports say Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is testing positive, and as multiple Bay Area counties issue mask mandates amid rising cases.
Homeland Security Reveals Plans To Disrupt Illegal Fentanyl Networks
The plan, unveiled Tuesday, includes potentially more seizures of illegal fentanyl, and targeting supply and financial networks. Meanwhile, in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams called for a nationwide “assault” on the fentanyl epidemic. News outlets report on the fentanyl crisis across the country.
Biden To Create Federal Office Of Gun Violence Prevention
President Joe Biden is expected to announce the move on Friday at a White House event. Gun-control groups have long sought a central office to spearhead federal government efforts to curb violence from firearms.
Today’s early morning highlights from the major news organizations.