Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Ivermectin Use Surged Among Cancer Patients, Despite No Proof That It's Effective
ABC News: Some Cancer Patients Turn To Ivermectin Despite Lack Of Evidence It Works For That Purpose
Ivermectin, which surged in popularity during the coronavirus pandemic amid unproven claims that it could help fight COVID-19 infections, has now found a new following among some cancer patients. Prescriptions for the antiparasitic drug among cancer patients more than doubled in the first half of 2025, following the airing of a popular podcast episode promoting the drug, according to a study published in JAMA. (Osunsami, Geho, Romero, Christie and Benadjaoud, 6/17)
The New York Times: The Cloud Has Sound: The Unrelenting And Unseen Cost Of A.I. Data Centers
The heartbeat of the artificial intelligence economy sounds like a low-frequency thrum of a neighbor’s central air-conditioning unit, an airplane flying overhead at high altitude or a truck engine idling down the road. But it feels like the vibrating, rhythmic pulse of a subwoofer from a party that will never end. Yes, the cloud has a sound, and some who live closest to data centers that emit the noise have reached their wit’s end trying to block it out. (Hassan, 6/17)
KFF Health News: Sandwiched Between Caring For Kids And Aging Parents? Reach Out For Resources
Being a family caregiver is hard work. On June 17, KFF Health News Midwest correspondent Cara Anthony joined WAMU’s Health Hub to discuss her experience with parenting while also caring for aging parents. Listen in as she shares tips for other members of the “sandwich generation.” Are you juggling the responsibilities of raising children and having aging parents? Navigating that role can come with new responsibilities, stressors, and unexpected expenses, but claiming the caregiver identity can help. Researchers have found that people who identify as caregivers are more likely to use support services and feel a sense of community with others. (Anthony, 6/18)
Nutrition and wellness news —
Fox News: GLP-1 Users Are Exercising Less During Weight Loss, New Study Finds
Among those taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, exercise rates are decreasing, according to new research. The study, set to be presented at ENDO 2026 (the Endocrine Society's annual meeting) in Chicago this week, found that adults with obesity who lost weight with a GLP-1, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, "significantly reduced" their physical activity. (Stabile, 6/17)
Stat: What Recent Botulism Cases Reveal About High-End Baby Formulas
The first thing to know is that the baby is all right now. She’s coming up on her second birthday, playful and curious. She chases the family dog around the house, trying to give him kisses, and mimics her dad by wiggling her hips as he shows her how to hula hoop. (Todd, 6/18)
CNN: Why Certain Ultraprocessed Foods Are More Addictive Than Others
What makes a food irresistible, even addictive? Is it the amount of fat? (Yum.) Refined carbs and extra sugar? (Double yum.) Salt? Lots of calories packed into a single bite? My grandma’s chocolate chip-oatmeal cookie recipe has all that and more. But while I love to make and gobble them up, I don’t crave them like someone addicted to cigarettes or booze. (LaMotte, 6/17)
AP: Here's What Experts Say About FIFA's Hydration Breaks
For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is mandating all soccer players take hydration breaks to protect them from the threats of extreme heat. But the new rule has sparked criticism from two very different groups. Some experts have warned that this summer’s World Cup — co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada — could be the hottest in the tournament’s history. In response to concerns about extreme heat, FIFA implemented three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half regardless of temperatures. But some critics say they’re interrupting the game’s flow and give coaches a chance to shift momentum in their team’s favor, while some scientists have said the breaks are too short to make a significant impact on cooling and rehydration when conditions are sizzling. (Pineda and McDermott, 6/18)
Also –
Stat: Advocates Petition FDA To Prohibit 'Unsafe' Use Of Antibiotics For Livestock
More than 60 organizations filed a petition urging the Food and Drug Administration to withdraw approval for what they called the “unsafe” use of antibiotics for preventing disease in food-producing livestock. (Silverman, 6/17)
KFF Health News: KFF Health News’ ‘Letters To The Editor’: Readers Curse Medical Debt And Defend Spelling Therapy
KFF Health News gives readers a chance to comment on a recent batch of stories. (6/18)
