Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
In 2020, Assaults Were 6% Of All Injuries Treated In Emergency Rooms
Axios: More Than 1.3M Assault Injuries Treated In Emergency Rooms In 2020
Assaults accounted for more than 1.3 million — or roughly 6% — of all injuries treated in emergency departments in 2020, according to new figures from the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. The data, which doesn't include sexual assaults, provides a snapshot of the burden violence-related injuries places on the health system. (Reed, 10/12)
In other health and wellness news —
The New York Times: New A.I. Tool Diagnoses Brain Tumors On The Operating Table
Once their scalpels reach the edge of a brain tumor, surgeons are faced with an agonizing decision: cut away some healthy brain tissue to ensure the entire tumor is removed, or give the healthy tissue a wide berth and risk leaving some of the menacing cells behind. Now scientists in the Netherlands report using artificial intelligence to arm surgeons with knowledge about the tumor that may help them make that choice. (Mueller, 10/11)
Stat: Kidney Disease Boosts Cardiac Arrest Risk For Hispanics, Latinos
Chronic kidney disease was the strongest risk factor for sudden cardiac arrest among Hispanic and Latino adults in the first study to evaluate this population in the U.S. for risk factors of this major cause of death. (Nayak, 10/11)
NPR: Scientists Think AI Can Speed Up Their Discoveries
Artificial intelligence is promising to upend the knowledge economy. It can already code computer programs, draw pictures and even take notes for doctors. But perhaps nowhere is the promise of AI closer to realization than the sciences, where technically-minded researchers are eager to bring its power to bear on problems ranging from disease to climate change. On Thursday, the U.S. National Academies convened a two-day meeting on the potential for AI to change science. "AI scientists can really be more systematic, more comprehensive and not make errors," says Yolanda Gil, director of AI and data science initiatives at the Information Sciences Institute at the University of Southern California, who is attending the event. (Brumfiel, 10/12)
The Washington Post: How Much Sunshine Are You Getting? Now Your Watch Can Keep Track.
Your smartwatch tracks your steps and sleep. Now, the makers of the Apple Watch want to track your sunshine. Apple’s Time in Daylight feature uses the watch’s ambient light sensor, as well as its GPS and motion sensors, to detect whether a person is outside. Clouds, shade and even a long-sleeve shirt can affect results. The feature is available on Apple Watch Series 6 or later models. (Amenabar, 10/11)
Military Times: Want To Join The Air Force? Now You Have To Deadlift
The Air Force has revamped its strength test for new recruits for the first time in more than 20 years as it tries to diversify a host of traditionally male career fields. Prospective airmen are now judged on their ability to perform a series of increasingly heavy deadlifts, rather than the power clean-and-press motion that was used for decades, the Air Force confirmed in an Oct. 4 email. (Cohen, 10/19)
