Researchers Identify A Key Weapon of Zika Virus

University of Southern California scientists determined the virus uses certain types of protein to interrupt the brain development of fetuses. The finding is a step toward the possible development of an intervention that could prevent the infection from leading to microcephaly.

Insurance Rules Can Hamper Recovery From Opioid Addiction

Medicaid and other health insurers require doctors to file time-consuming paperwork before allowing them to prescribe drugs that help people quit opioids. That delay fosters relapse, specialists say.

Fighting HIV In Miami, One Dirty Needle At A Time

A Miami doctor spent five years working to pass a needle exchange law for Miami-Dade County that he hopes will reduce HIV and other infections. The doctor’s battle inspired a patient who was infected with HIV and Hepatitis C from a shared needle.

Syncing Up Drug Refills: A Way To Get Patients To Take Their Medicine

A study published in Health Affairs concludes that the idea of coordinating prescription refill timelines for people with multiple chronic conditions could improve their medication adherence and health outcomes.

Zika Is ‘Game-Changer’ For OB-GYN Doctors In Florida

For doctors in obstetrics and gynecology, discussions with pregnant patients now include mosquito protection, testing options and the risks of microcephaly and other long-term effects in babies.

CDC Urges Doctors To Aggressively Test Pregnant Women For Zika

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also directs that all pregnant women in the U.S. and its territories should be “assessed for possible Zika virus exposure” whenever they get a prenatal care visit.

Surgeon Says Apps May Turn Organ Donation Support Into ‘Concrete Action’

Dr. Thomas Fishbein of the Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute is optimistic that efforts by hospitals like his, advocacy groups and app makers, such as Tinder, will increase the number of organ donors.

Olympus Told U.S. Executives No Broad Scope Warning Needed Despite Superbug Outbreaks

Newly released court documents show that after Tokyo-based Olympus Corp. alerted customers in Europe in 2013, it told its U.S. operation not to warn U.S. doctors and hospitals. Since then, at least 35 patients have died after being sickened in outbreaks.

How A Caribbean Island Became Prime Source Of U.S. Zika Cases

Many Dominican Republic immigrants in Florida and New York City brought Zika home after visiting the island, one of many destinations outside the U.S. where Zika has been active, say public health officials.