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Paul Gosar's rally appearance reignites health speculation
Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar's appearance at a Turning Point USA rally has renewed public speculation about his health, with observers citing slurred speech, unsteady posture, and difficulty completing sentences. Social media users suggested, without evidence, possible neurological conditions, echoing similar concerns raised in past years. Gosar has consistently denied such rumours, attributing symptoms to arthritis, spinal issues, and past surgeries.
The science behind the flu
As flu season lingers unusually late, UAB experts explain how influenza spreads, why symptoms occur, which prevention strategies truly work, and when vaccination, antivirals and medical care can help reduce severe illness and complications.
After his own diagnosis, New Orleans Broadway star starts foundation for children with Type 1 diabetes
Kyle Banks was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes during his Broadway tour of Disney's The Lion King after months of struggling with symptoms. Now, the New Orleans native wants to give back to his roots by providing resources for Louisiana children and families living with the disease.
Why Many Americans Are Turning to AI for Health Advice, According to Recent Polls
NEW YORK (AP) — When Tiffany Davis has a question about a symptom from the weight-loss injections she’s taking, she doesn’t call her doctor. She pulls out her phone and consults ChatGPT. “I’ll just basically let ChatGPT know my status, how I’m feeling,” said the 42-year-old in Mesquite, Texas. “I ...
New digital card connects service members to brain health resources in the Military Health System
Military Health System unveils a new digital resource card to support service members who may have experienced a concussive event. The tool serves as a centralized guide to quickly locate information on brain health, including recognizing symptoms, seeking care, and vital resources supporting cognitive health.
Fifteen bucks a signature: the crisis of money in US politics is growing
The fight over California’s billionaire tax is just the latest symptom of a crisis that has escalated since 2010
5 Uterine Fibroid Treatments That Can Help Relieve Symptoms
Uterine fibroids can cause heavy periods, pelvic pressure and bloating. An expert shares five common treatment options.
Your nose could detect Alzheimer’s years before symptoms begin
Losing your sense of smell might signal Alzheimer’s far earlier than expected. Scientists found that immune cells in the brain actively destroy smell-related nerve fibers after detecting abnormal signals on their surfaces. This damage begins in early stages of the disease, well before cognitive decline. The discovery could help identify at-risk patients sooner and improve treatment timing.
Penn researchers use AI to surface unreported GLP-1 side effects in Reddit posts
Could mining Reddit with AI help spot drug side effects earlier? A new Penn study suggests it might. Using large language models to map patient posts to standardized medical terms, researchers analyzed more than 400,000 Reddit posts about GLP-1s and found both known side effects and possibly underrecognized symptoms, like menstrual changes. The team says the approach could eventually help generate early safety signals for other drugs and wellness trends discussed online.
Measles exposure at Boise Airport? Idaho health officials issue warning
The Department of Health and Welfare said people traveling through on this date should watch for symptoms. Many flyers are being contacted.
Estrogen patch shortages are getting worse and could last for years
A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency is coordinating with companies to support efforts to boost the supply of patches for women with menopause symptoms.
UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims - UT Health San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims
UT Health San Antonio researchers report breakthrough findings significantly reducing symptoms for combat PTSD victims - UT Health San Antonio
Adding navigated TMS to psychotherapy can ‘greatly improve’ quality of life Contact: Steven Lee, (210) 450-3823, lees22@uthscsa.edu SAN ANTONIO, April 7, 2026 – An advanced version of a procedure using magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells in treating depression was significantly effective for 85% of active military and veterans suffering from combat post-traumatic stress […]
Think Twice Before Asking ChatGPT About Your Health
Obsessively Googling symptoms is bad. Going down an AI rabbit hole may be worse.
Penn State Health introduces new treatment for movement disorder patients
Penn State Health is now offering focused ultrasound, an advanced, incisionless treatment option for patients with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease whose symptoms have not…
Shingles can hit younger than you think. The vaccine can prevent excruciating pain
A reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, the illness can be miserable. Here's what to know about early warning signs, long-term symptoms and some surprising news about the vaccine.
How FIU and Baptist Health are Using AI and Sound to Detect Heart Disease Earlier
Florida International University researchers working with Baptist Health are combining a digital stethoscope with A.I. and advanced sound analysis to detect subtle signs of heart disease long before symptoms appear.
Suspected measles outbreak kills nearly 100 children in Bangladesh
Health ministry data show children aged six months to five years with suspected measles symptoms soared to 6,476.
LeAnn Rimes’ emotional reaction to jaw release therapy sparks widespread buzz
Singer LeAnn Rimes goes viral for her emotional jaw release therapy session. Experts explain how stress and muscle tension impact health and TMJ symptoms.
Dr. Google will see you now — but the healthcare advice might be bogus
Never has such a wealth of information been at your fingertips to explain your symptoms or summon deepfakes to sell you on bogus cures.
Epi Minute 28: Staying Up to Date on Chickenpox
As vaccination rates decrease and exposure increases, more cases of chickenpox are reported in St. Louis. David Courtney, an epidemiologist with the City of St. Louis Department of Health, talks about how chickenpox spreads and symptoms to look for. More information can be found at stlouis-mo.gov/health.
Epi Minute 27: Learning About Mumps
David Courtney, an epidemiologist with the City of St. Louis Department of Health, talks about the signs and symptoms of mumps. The best way to prevent the disease is through vaccination. Find out more at stlouis-mo.gov/health.
Never had the flu? Scientists may know why
Scientists estimate somewhere between 5%-35% of people do not get sick from the flu despite being exposed to the virus that causes it. Now, researchers may have figured out why. The team looked at mouthwash samples from 19 healthcare workers who, despite frequent contact with infected patients, report never getting flu symptoms. Today on Short Wave, we talk about how what they found could help scientists develop treatments and strategies to protect people who do get the flu. If you liked this episode, check out our show on an effort to map the entire immune system.Interested in more health science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.
Why AI health chatbots won’t make you better at diagnosing yourself
A chatbot might know what’s wrong with you, but when people try to use them to understand symptoms, they may end up no closer to the answer.
Doctors blamed her symptoms on motherhood. She actually had mold illness.
Kate Ames spent years battling chronic symptoms like fatigue and joint pain. She later learned there was mold in her home that was making her sick.
Why People With Chronic Illness Are Turning to AI Chatbots for Health Advice
Some women with complex chronic illnesses are using chatbots to search for diagnoses or relief from their symptoms.
Mental Health, Resilience, and Self Care in April
This April, we want to take a moment to focus on mental health wellness and resilience. By many accounts, this has been a difficult winter for mental health, and the shift into spring is a natural opportunity to pause, check in, and take stock of how we are doing. The beginning of the warmer months is often linked to improved mood for many, more daylight, more time outdoors, and more social connection. At the same time, there are some who actually report increases in depression and anxiety symptoms at the end of winter.
Surprising study shows Alzheimer's may start in the body instead of the brain, a discovery that turns medical science upside down
Alzheimer’s disease may begin outside the brain, with inflammation in organs like the skin, lungs, and gut decades before symptoms appear.
Samsung’s new app claims to alleviate motion sickness using sound
Listening to a 100Hz sine wave tone for just 60 seconds could reduce motion sickness symptoms for up to two hours.
Do you have the flu, Covid or RSV? Look out for these symptoms
Flu and Covid, including a new variant called BA.3.2, nicknamed “cicada,” are still circulating, along with several other respiratory illnesses and a nasty stomach bug.
Sensodyne India rolls out 'Know Your Dental Age' Campaign - An Oral Health Awareness initiative supported by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Indian Dental Association
Sensodyne, Haleon's leading oral care brand, is strengthening its commitment to better oral health in India with the launch of its 'Know Your Dental Age' initiative, placing the concept of Dental Age at the forefront of proactive care. India continues to face a significant oral health gap, with 9 in 10 people experiencing dental issues and most seeking treatment only when symptoms become severe. To drive early awareness and encourage preventive habits, Sensodyne has partnered with the Indian Den
What teens eat could be affecting their mental health more than we thought
What teens eat might matter more for their mental health than previously thought. A sweeping review of nearly 20 studies found that healthier diets are often linked to fewer depressive symptoms, while poor eating habits may go hand in hand with greater psychological distress. Interestingly, focusing on whole dietary patterns—not just individual nutrients—showed more consistent benefits, suggesting that overall eating habits could play a meaningful role during this critical stage of brain development.
What teens eat could be affecting their mental health more than we thought
What teens eat might matter more for their mental health than previously thought. A sweeping review of nearly 20 studies found that healthier diets are often linked to fewer depressive symptoms, while poor eating habits may go hand in hand with greater psychological distress. Interestingly, focusing on whole dietary patterns—not just individual nutrients—showed more consistent benefits, suggesting that overall eating habits could play a meaningful role during this critical stage of brain development.
Mom, 36, Had Health Symptoms Dismissed for Years. Then, She Was Diagnosed with One of the World’s Rarest Cancers (Exclusive)
A woman was diagnosed with one of the world’s rarest cancers, neuroendocrine cancer, after her health issues were dismissed over the years by multiple different types of doctors. Ashleigh Smith, a mom of two, worked a second job as a food delivery driver to help raise funds amid rising costs tied to her cancer treatments, she tells PEOPLE exclusively.
Ability to remain positive during conflict associated with better overall mental health in young children
Staying positive in stressful situations is a sign of resilience in young children — and it protects against mental health problems.An examination of how young children reacted to challenging and stressful situations by the Arizona State University Department of Psychology has found that those who were able to maintain positive emotions during an argument with their parents experienced fewer mental health problems, such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, behavioral outbursts and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder behaviors.
Health Rounds: Researchers find biomarker that could lead to improved schizophrenia treatments
Researchers have identified a biomarker linked to schizophrenia that could lead to new treatments to tackle symptoms of the debilitating mental disorder not addressed by current medicines.
From frustration to inspiration: HeyShantaQ champions women’s health after heart attack and stroke
ShantaQuilette D. Carter-Williams knows heart problems are no laughing matter. But she uses humor and advocacy to help women understand the importance of heart health and how to speak up for themselves when they’re having symptoms.
10 Surprising Perimenopause Symptoms That Are More Common Than Hot Flashes, According to New Research
Think perimenopause is just about hot flashes? Check out these very common other menopause symptoms.
Your Thymus and Your Healthspan
Our thymus gland plays a central role in the development or our immune system, specifically for supporting T cell development (how these cells got their name, maturation and differentiation in the thymus) and discriminating between self and foreign, non-self antigen proteins with production of dendritic cells. As we age, our thymus gland shrinks—the process known as involution—with progressive change from spongy to fatty tissue, with loss of functionality. But this process, with respect to timeline and extent, markedly varies from one person to the next. And to make things even more complicated, our thymus gland anatomy and precise location in the chest also is highly variable. So the famous Frank Netter diagrams from the 1960s (such as at left below) don’t capture the remarkable heterogeneity that a random set of 12 chest CT scans (below at right). What I consider as 2 landmark papers in Nature this week (here and here) used AI to quantify health of the thymus in 2 large cohorts, and then correlate the metric to a broad array of health outcomes. In this edition of Ground Truths, I’m going to cover three questions: (1) How was thymus health determined by AI?; (2) How is thymus health linked to key clinical outcomes? and (3) Are there ways we can promote a healthy (aka rejuvenate) thymus gland in our later years? Subscribe 1. How was thymus health determined by AI? This was accomplished by extensive work developing and validating an AI pipeline for 2 stages, the first for localization and segmentation of the thymus bed, and the second to quantify a digital marker, termed the thymic health score. There’s a lot to this algorithmic development, so I won’t go into all the details, but just provide a rudimentary outline of what was done. The 1st stage used supervised learning with 2 radiologists reviewing 2,461 chest CT scans. That work trained a 3D U-Net model to automatically identify the thymic bed’s 3D cropped region using center of mass coordinates, which reached 99.8% accuracy. The 2nd stage used a foundation model that was pre-trained with SwAV (which stands for Swapping Assignment between multiple Views), a self-supervised model, that generated a high-dimensional thymus representation of 4,096 features. That compares to the radiology reductionist and subjective scoring of 0 to 3 where 0 means the thymus is fully degenerated and fatty, and 3 is considered dense, intact glandular soft tissue. Notably, the self-supervised learning (SSL) performance was superior to supervised (AUC ~0.75 vs 0.55, respectively) reflecting the shallowness of the 0-3 classifier vs SSL’s holistic, self-taught AI. The thymic health score ranged from 0 to 100, with the highest number indexed to fully preserved thymic health. The algorithmic work extended to explainability with both Shapely value distribution, meaning the model was holistic not relying on any “magic” pixel, and occlusion sensitivity, demonstrating the model’s performance was not affected by ribs, sternum, lung tissue, but rather focused on the thymic bed directly. Below are a few saliency maps from the occlusion sensitivity that indicate the thymic bed focus, not affected by neighboring structures, using the jet color scale. Now the AI was ready for processing ~25,000 CT scans, each over 30 MB files, from the 2 large participant cohorts to provide a thymic health score, it did so in less than 14 hours, which is less than 2 seconds per scan! Share 2. How is thymus health linked to key clinical outcomes? The two cohorts were the National Lung Screening Trial, NLST (N=25,031) and the Framingham Heart Study, FHS (N=2,581) each with baseline demographics and long term follow up of >12 years for health outcomes. From the NSLT, you can see below that increased age and body-mass index were correlated to reduced thymic health. And, overall, men had reduced thymic health scores compared with women. There are a lot of graphs in the paper for outcomes, for both the NLST and FHS cohorts. To simplify the major outcomes, below is a composite Figure with striking reduction of all-cause mortality and for the different causes of death. The results were consistent between the 2 cohorts. For example, the cardiovascular mortality hazard ratio average was 0.57 in NLST and 0.38 in FHS (weighted to be 0.53 for the aggregate). The reduction of mortality also extended to digestive diseases and pulmonary disease (data not shown below). Lung cancer incidence was reduced by 36% for high vs low thymic health (Figure below, with a panel -incidence and b panel-mortality, adjusted for age, sex, BMI, smoking status). Notably, there was a smoker’s paradox: lower incidence and improved survival for lung cancer in smokers who had a high thymus health score. Smoking was associated with lower thymic scores whereas alcohol was not. Higher thymic health was linked to higher HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, lower fasting blood glucose, and lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Inflammation biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, were elevated in the people with lower thymic health scores. In their second paper, the same team looked at the relationship between thymic score and outcomes for 3,476 patients receiving cancer immunotherapy. The non-small cell lung cancer progression-free survival was reduced in patients with low thymic health score. A parallel relationship for survival was seen for other types of cancer including melanoma, breast, and kidney with a 44% lower risk among high thymic scores (Figure). A similar pattern was seen with different immune checkpoint inhibitors. The thymus health score outperformed programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)and tumor mutation burden (TMB) assay of the tumor and was an independent prognostic marker of progression-free survival. In this dataset, a direct connect with thymus score and adaptive immune function was noted with a correlation before cancer treatment for both T-cell diversity and thymus T-cell production (a metric known as T cell receptor excision circles). Thymus Removal Study There is a highly relevant citation about thymus function before moving onto ways to rejuvenate it. In 2023, a very important study of thymus removal during cardiothoracic surgery was published, with 1146 patients undergoing thymus removal vs 1146 matched controls (mean age 55 years). The adverse outcomes for thymus removal were striking, with a 2.9 higher risk of all-cause mortality and doubling of cancer incidence, 1.5 fold increase in cancer mortality, and 1.5-fold increase in autoimmune diseases. The immune function showed marked compromise after thymus removal, as reflected by CD4+ and CD8+ T cells (Figure below) Share Ground Truths 3. Are there ways we can promote a healthy (aka rejuvenate) thymus gland in our later years? In recent months we’ve learned a lot about the process of thymus involution and the pathways by which this may be modulated. Thymus involution is primarily due to loss to thymus epithelial cells (TECs) and there are 2 subtypes with different functions: the cortical, responsible for positive selection of T cells, and the medullary, for negative selection. When adipose tissue infiltrates the thymus, thymic adipocytes are pro-inflammatory, knocking out T-cell output. Likewise, systemic inflammation, or “inflammaging,” from smoking, obesity, and chronic stress promote thymic adipocytes. Now, from preclinical studies, we know about key pathways that account for these processes. Historically, back in 2014, FOXN1 was recognized as a single master transcription factor essential for TEC function, with studies in mice with forced FOXN1 upregulation leading to thymus regeneration. That laid the foundation for potential regrowth of quiescent thymus cells. It took awhile to find pathways to accomplish this goal and to even refute its role as the master regulator. The Liver-Thymus Axis Feng Zhang and his team recently showed that injection of an mRNA vaccine to the liver encoding DLL1, IL-7 and FLT3-L in combination, factors known to support thymopoiesis (Figure), successfully enhanced immune function in aged mice. However, the effect was transient. The FGF21 Story Two reports in 2025 addressed the thymus gland’s production of FGF21, a growth factor (fibroblast growth factor 21) and its control of thymus involution. This growth factor is also produced by the liver, but it doesn’t have impact on the thymus in aged rodent models. In contrast, The liver’s hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been shown to reverse senescent TEC structural changes. Growth hormone stimulates production of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the liver and the thymus. Two small studies in human participants (TRIIM, for Thymus Regeneration, Immunorestoration, and Insulin Mitigation) of 6 and 50 people, respectively, treated with combined human growth hormone, metformin and DHEA, suggested the potential of slowing epigenetic aging and improving thymus mass and function. But the combination of drugs, small sample, and lack of controls make conclusions murky. Increased thymus FGF21 led to increased CD8 T cells in old mice and extended healthspan and improved physical performance. Building on the previous FOXN1 data, ablation of β-klotho, the obligatory co-receptor for FOXN1, accelerated thymic aging. The benefit to FGF21 was confirmed in a companion paper using an FGF21 knock-in mouse model showing thymus enlargement and increased TECs throughout the lifespan. (schematic Figure below). The accompanying editorial for these 2 papers speculated: “The proposed link between age-associated thymus involution and organismal aging is intriguing, and suggests we might seek to achieve systemic rejuvenation by counteracting thymic involution.” Other Factors Lessons from the Axolotl (Mexican Salamander) In an elegant set of experiments of the axolotl (Figure), known for its complete thymus regeneration after total surgical removal, mediators were identified. Surprisingly FOXN1 was dispensable. But midkine, a growth factor, appeared to be the driver, the initiator of thymus cell growth, survival, and repair. Other components that contributed were Postn+ (periostin-expressing mesenchymal niches) and Ccl19, a chemokine protein from the bloodstream. RANK and RANKL RANK (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB its ligand (RANKL) have been considered key regulators of medullary TECs. In a study of both aged mice and human thymus cell cultures, their key role was confirmed, with multiple benefits of resorting TEC function, recruitment of progenitor cells, and T cell development. Subscribe Summing Up This body of work strongly supports the health of the thymus gland as a critical regulator of human healthspan, not just a correlate or link. The new landmark studies are reinforced by the regenerative biology experimental models that have shown, via an array of mediators, that healthspan of aged mice is at least in part dependent on thymus gland function and its critical role for maintaining adaptive immunity. It sure seems that we’d be better off having an immune reservoir of naive T cells instead of a profile in older adults of exhausted, low quality, memory T cells, with a senescent phenotype. It is striking that we ignored the importance of the thymus gland for many decades. A wake-up call was the results of the thymectomy matched control study reviewed here, with the opposite of high thymic health score improved health outcomes. The convergence of AI and healthspan here is notable. The exceptional and laborious work for developing and validating (no less explaining) the AI to quantify thymus health set the foundation for probing the connect the major health outcomes in two cohorts with extensive follow-up. We’ve never had a way to meaningfully quantify the thymus gland before, so this represents important leverage of supervised, self-supervised, and transformer models. The study wouldn’t have been possible without AI. And it begs the question as to whether there are ways we can maintain our thymus at a high health score. But it’s not so simple to rejuvenate our thymus. There are multiple risks including the induction of autoimmunity, increasing the risk of cancer, and inducing a pro-inflammatory state. For example, factors that increase TEC proliferation could compromise the medulllary negative selection process and leak out auto-reactive (self-attacking) T cells. Thymic cells could be induced to proliferate, but we know, for example, that growth hormone and IGF-1 are associated with an increase risk of cancer. If thymus rejuvenation doesn’t clear out the accumulated senescent cells in older adults, then inflammation within the gland could block the production of TECs. Keeping these risks in mind, we now have identified many ways to keep our thymus healthy as we age that undoubtedly will be tested in clinical trials going forward. Ultimately, the benefit-to-risk tradeoffs will be defined. In the meantime, we have desperately needed an immunome. As I’ve stressed in multiple prior Ground Truths, we have no test in the clinic to assess a patient’s immune status! It was very encouraging for me to get an email from Hugo Aerts, the senior author of the landmark papers in the days after they were published: “I also wanted to say that your Substack on “Why We Need an Immunome” was inspiring for this work. We found it a very compelling perspective and greatly enjoyed reading it.” Just having an assessment of a person’s immune status via a chest CT scan, with millions of these performed per year, might help in guiding the right immunotherapy for cancer (e.g. more intensive, combinations for those with low thymic health scores) and help define people who are increased risk for age-related diseases of cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative. The main theme of Super Agers is that we now have many layers of data (genetics, proteins, biomarkers, organ clocks that can be integrated via multimodal AI) for us to define a person’s specific risk decades before one of these age-related diseases leads to symptoms, enabling prevention. From the new studies this week, we can add thymus health score as yet another way to understand a person’s risk, a window into their adaptive immune system and healthspan. And perhaps someday we will be able to safely rejuvenate the thymus, or maintain its health through one’s life, and use the thymus health score to monitor. NB: I wrote this post (No A.I.) A Quick Poll Loading... ********************************************************************* Thanks to Ground Truths subscribers (now > 200,000) from every US state and 212 countries. Your subscription to these free essays and podcasts makes my work in putting them together worthwhile. Please join! If you found this interesting PLEASE share it! Share Ground Truths Paid subscriptions are voluntary and all proceeds from them go to support Scripps Research. They do allow for posting comments and questions, which I do my best to respond to. Please don’t hesitate to post comments and give me feedback. Let me know topics that you would like to see covered. Leave a comment Many thanks to those who have contributed—they have greatly helped fund our summer internship programs for the past two years. It enabled us to accept and support 47 summer interns in 2025! We aim to accept even more of the several thousand who will apply for summer 2026.
Bill Self health scare, explained: Why Kansas coach was hospitalized during 2025-26 season
Bill Self was briefly hospitalized after experiencing symptoms related to heart problems he has dealt with in the past.
Paleontology has an Epstein problem. Women in the field say it's a symptom of a deeper misogyny
The names of hundreds of scientists have appeared in the Epstein files, including prominent dinosaur researchers. As the paleontology community reckons with the fallout of these revelations, women in the field say it's bringing to the forefront what they've known for years — that paleontology is ripe with abuse and harassment, and its institutions protect men at the top at the expense of women trying to build careers in spaces that treat them as disposable.
Science is finally confirming the most mysterious symptoms of endometriosis
Studies are showing that the inflammatory condition can impact organs across the body, not just those involved in reproduction.
Scientists say marijuana doesn’t ease anxiety or other mental health conditions
Using medical or recreational marijuana to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn’t work, according to new analyses
Scientists say marijuana doesn't ease anxiety or other mental health conditions
Using medical or recreational marijuana to ease symptoms of numerous mental health conditions doesn't work, according to two new analyses of existing gold-standard research.
1 Food Women Should Eat More Of To Prevent Menopause Symptoms
In TODAY.com's Expert Tip of the Day, a dietitian reveals the "incredibly important" diet change to make as women go through menopause.
Just 24 minutes of specially designed music could significantly reduce anxiety
A clinical trial found that listening to specially designed music with auditory beat stimulation can significantly reduce anxiety. Among several listening lengths tested, a 24-minute session delivered the biggest benefits, easing both mental and physical symptoms of anxiety. The results suggest there may be an ideal “dose” of therapeutic music that works quickly without requiring long listening sessions.
Can a groundbreaking cancer therapy help people with multiple sclerosis?
A handful of small, early-stage clinical trials are investigating whether CAR-T therapy can improve symptoms in multiple sclerosis patients.
Scientists tested vitamin D for COVID and found an unexpected long COVID clue
A major clinical trial has delivered an unexpected twist in the search for ways to fight COVID-19 and its lingering effects. Researchers at Mass General Brigham found that taking high doses of vitamin D3 did not make COVID-19 infections less severe or reduce hospital visits. However, the study uncovered a subtle but intriguing signal suggesting that people who consistently took vitamin D supplements might be slightly less likely to develop long COVID symptoms weeks after infection.
Thousands of people disabled by long COVID seek answers
Six years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, doctors are still treating long COVID patients with complex symptoms and unknown futures.
Pilates Instructor, 72, Thought She Had the Flu. Then, a 'Shock' Diagnosis from Doctors Changed Everything
Pilates teacher Debi Weiss thought she had flu symptoms, but instead received a 'shock' diagnosis.
Health Department: Santa Fe County patient contracts, recovers from hantavirus
Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, in which flu-like symptoms progress to trouble breathing, is fatal in about 40% of cases.
Depression may start with an energy problem in brain cells
Researchers have discovered a surprising change in how cells produce energy in people with depression. Brain and blood cells in young adults with major depressive disorder produced more energy molecules at rest but had trouble increasing energy production when needed. Scientists believe this imbalance may contribute to symptoms such as fatigue and low motivation. The finding could help pave the way for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments.
Minerva Neurosciences Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results and Business Updates
Initiation of confirmatory Phase 3 trial with roluperidone for negative symptoms of schizophrenia is planned for Q2 2026, with topline data anticipated in 2H 2027BURLINGTON, Mass., March 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minerva Neurosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: NERV), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapies to treat central nervous system (CNS) disorders, today provided business updates and reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended Decembe
Exclusive: Phones fuel more personal AI prompts
One in seven Copilot chats about symptom and condition management are about someone else's issue.
Mental health solutions for the digital age
Ask the digital natives of Gen Z about the source of their biggest mental health challenges, and most will say social media and AI.Several of the nearly 400 guests at the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit, presented by the Friends of Semel Teen Advisory Council at UCLA on March 8, explicitly named the endless stream of content on their phones as serious stressors. “Everybody is addicted to (Tik Tok) as if they were addicted to substances,” said Jantin Asmar, 17, a senior at Virtual Academy in Antelope Valley. “We’re always chasing that dopamine. We’re expecting that dopamine rush and it’s really decaying our interactions with others.” High school student Jantin Asmar was among nearly 400 people who attended the third annual Gen Z Wellness Summit. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) Even young teens feel pressure to be on social media constantly, both to consume content and collect “likes,” said 13-year-olds Chloe and Sophia, both students at Brentwood School. “Everyone’s always on, and you miss stuff if you’re not on it,” Chloe said, adding that social media’s emphasis on appearances is leading to eating disorders: “That’s a big thing for our generation.”The incessant influx of images and updates creates expectations that “weigh teenagers down,” said Linda Kou, 16, a junior at San Gabriel High School.Even though digital spaces allow people to connect with others beyond their immediate surroundings, it doesn’t always translate to real-life community, said Kelah Morgan, 17, a senior at Animo South Los Angeles Charter High School. High school students Kelah Morgan, left, and Linda Kou, shared about the challenges presented by social media. (Photo by Sandy Cohen) “Even if you see people saying that they relate to you online, it might be hard to find people in your personal life who you see every day who you feel comfortable enough to say, ‘You see me online, but this is me in real life and what I’m actually going through,’” she said.Solutions for our digital timesThe Gen Z Wellness Summit was intentionally designed as a free, in-person gathering where young people interested in mental health from across the southland could meet in person. “Peer support is the most important element of maintaining our mental health in community,” said Helena Hansen, MD, PhD, director of UCLA’s Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.Keynote speakers at the summit addressed AI, social connection and self-empowerment, while breakout sessions included discussions about eating disorders, dating, substance use, phone detox and breathwork. Here are some of the day’s top takeaways:Beware of FOPO: Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD, a psychology professor at Columbia University, said that rather than FOMO, or fear of missing out, we ought to be more aware of FOPO: fear of people’s opinions. “Just think about how much your FOPO might be holding you back in your life,” Dr. Kaufman said. “And just that inner contemplation should be enough for you to change your life, because there’s so many things we don’t go after because we have debilitating FOPO.”We don’t need to feel like we’re the best – or what he called “narcissistic self-esteem” – but it’s helpful to acknowledge our own worth, recognize our good qualities and develop self-belief in the skills and talents we’ve cultivated. When we have that – dignity and self-respect, without needing everyone to like us – FOPO is less of a concern.Self-reflection is most effective in community: “When we try to self-reflect alone, we sometimes ruminate,” said Ira Bedzow, PhD, executive director of the Emory University Purpose Project. “But when we self-reflect with people that we trust … (it) allows us to hold ourselves accountable to different ways of seeing and different ways of hearing and different ways of being.”Opening up about our experiences and listening to others are skills we can develop, Dr. Bedzow said.He invited students to participate in what he called a “fishbowl exercise,” where four students sat in a small circle, surrounded by a dozen or so students forming a larger circle. Those in the inner circle answered such questions as: “What stops you from being you today?” and “What helps you feel most like you?”Within minutes, the group in the small circle (the fishbowl), were sharing intimately about their life challenges as those in the outer circle nodded in understanding.After the exercise, one participant said, “I felt like I wasn’t alone, that it wasn’t just me who feels that way.”Another remarked on how “personal” it felt to share face-to-face with others, even strangers.Don’t let AI crush your creativity: Theoretical neuroscientist Vivienne Ming, PhD, has been studying artificial intelligence for more than 20 years. And while she said “it’s reasonable to be concerned” about the fast-growing technology, it can also help humans become better problem-solvers when used strategically.“The smartest thing on the planet today are humans and machines working together creatively,” Dr. Ming said. “What gets more valuable in humans as machines get smarter? Our ability to explore the unknown.“Your unique voice is literally your value to the world … but most of us for most of our lives have been taught to not be unique,” she continued. “Be your own person. Celebrate being different. It is genuinely, measurably, truly valuable.”In a breakout session called “Phone Detox? IYKYK: Living Your Story IRL” led by Don Grant, PhD, students shared their frustrations with AI compromising academic work, art and creativity.“Art is a translation of human experience,” one participant said. “When people use AI, they diminish their own human experience.”Dr. Grant urged them, as “the last generation to remember a world before AI,” to remember the power of imagination and creativity – and to act on it.Remember that social media distorts perceptions: Stuart B. Murray, PhD, PsyD, who directs the Eating Disorders Program and Translational Research in Eating Disorders Program at UCLA, asked the students in his breakout session to take a spontaneous selfie and edit it to conform with society’s beauty standards. All 20 girls in the room immediately got to work, thickening their hair, slimming their faces, plumping their lips.“The pressure to look like what we present on social media can be crippling,” Dr. Murray said. “We now know that social media use is part of a causal pathway into an eating disorder.”Adolescents and young adults are most at risk of developing an eating disorder, he said, with one in three students on college campuses exhibiting clinically meaningful eating-disorder symptoms. More than 4 million people in California will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.Even for those who don’t develop anorexia or bulimia, the ubiquity of modified images online distorts what we consider normal, making us feel worse about ourselves. Remembering that, he and other speakers said, might inspire us to log off occasionally and spend time in the real world with people who love us as we are.
Scientists discover protein that triggers diabetic blindness
A newly identified protein may hold the key to preventing diabetic blindness. Researchers discovered that LRG1 triggers the earliest damage in diabetic retinopathy by constricting tiny retinal blood vessels and reducing oxygen supply. In mice, shutting down this protein stopped the damage before it could take hold. The finding could pave the way for treatments that protect vision before symptoms ever begin.
Bipartisan bill requiring annual mental health screenings by Oklahoma providers advances
The policy seeks to help detect symptoms early and connect patients to care before their mental health condition worsens and treatment becomes more costly.
Wake County to host measles edition of Ask the Doc Town Hall
Wake County Public Health will hold a special measles-focused Ask the Doc Town Hall on March 10 at 6 p.m., offering residents a chance to learn about symptoms, risks, prevention, and vaccination from local medical experts via Zoom or Facebook Live.
Flo Health Publishes Groundbreaking Research on Economic Impact of Digital Tools for Endometriosis Care
Peer-reviewed study finds Flo Health's Symptom Checker could deliver nearly $10,100 in net monetary benefit per patient while cutting diagnosis wait time in half NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / March 3, 2026 / Flo Health, the world's #1 women's ...
China’s Economic Involution: State and Business Strategies
China’s economic involution, characterized by cutthroat, race-to-the-bottom competition, is a symptom rooted in its political and fiscal structure. During the recent economic downturn, the central government, local governments, and businesses entered a self-reinforcing cycle. The central growth targets and debt-reduction pressures pushed local governments to expand investment in state-favored industries, creating low-profit competition and oversupply. The declining revenues further reduced deman
Suspected measles case reported in Broomfield
Measles is a highly infectious but preventable disease with symptoms that can include fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes.
An umbrella review of psychological capacity and mental health trajectories across the life course
Nature Mental Health - This analysis conducted an umbrella review of 36 systematic reviews assessing psychological capacity trajectories. The findings indicate prevalent low-symptom patterns,...
Women's Health Myths: Doctors say hormone therapy misinformation is rampant
Experts warn against turning to social media for advice about treating menopause symptoms.
Study identifies medical conditions that could predict future Alzheimer’s disease
The findings could suggest ways to intervene before clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease become apparent.
Women suffer heart attacks too. Understanding risks and symptoms
More than 60 million women in the U.S. live with cardiovascular disease and about 37,000 die from heart attacks each year.
How to Regulate Your Hormones With Gut Health, Movement, More
Millions of women struggle with the frustrating and often dismissed symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, so Dr. Amy Shah joins TODAY to help women reclaim their health with evidence-based advice from her new book “Hormone Havoc: A Science-Backed Protocol for Perimenopause & Menopause.” Tips include taking control of gut health, strength training and more.
This Entrepreneur Spends Her Days Dreaming Up Decadent Cookie Recipes. How A Frightening Diagnosis Sparked Her Million-Dollar Business.
After experiencing mysterious symptoms while running and facing a scary prognosis, Addison LaBonte overhauled her diet and lifestyle and started a new career, as an influencer and baker at Sweet Addison's. She's one of many entrepreneurs building thriving niches in the creator economy.
Simple blood test can forecast Alzheimer’s years before memory loss
Scientists have created a blood test that can estimate when Alzheimer’s symptoms are likely to begin. By measuring a protein called p-tau217, the model predicts symptom onset within roughly three to four years. The protein mirrors the silent buildup of amyloid and tau in the brain long before memory loss appears. This advance could speed up preventive drug trials and eventually guide personalized care.
Why does women's pain last longer than men's? A new study offers an answer
The research suggests that men’s immune systems have a better mechanism for shutting off pain, which could explain why women have more chronic symptoms.
Eric Dane Says ALS Symptoms Started Months Before Diagnosis. What He Shared About His Disease
The actor died at 53 years old after a public battle with the neurodegenerative disease, which has no cure.
Health Influencer’s Husband Lost 50 Lbs. in Under 4 Months. When They Discovered the Cause, They Had to Leave Home (Exclusive)
Hannah Holt, 25, and her husband, Chase, 26, lived in a house infested with toxic black mold for several months before finally realizing what was happening. The health influencer experienced respiratory issues and brain fog while her spouse suffered through extreme gastrointestinal symptoms.
Heart failure on the rise among younger adults, Orlando Health says
Discover how a 32-year-old father's heart failure journey underscores the importance of recognizing symptoms early. Orlando Health offers insights.
HEALTH Yeah! Episode 26: Let's Talk CAD
In this episode of HEALTH Yeah!, experts from Stony Brook Medicine discuss CAD, including signs, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and more.
6 Signs Your Gut Health Is Out of Balance
When the gut is unbalanced with too many harmful organisms, it can lead to unpleasant symptoms in different parts of the body—from the skin to the mind.
Their Mutated Genes Were Supposed to Be Harmless
‘Carriers’ of certain genetic diseases, who have just one affected gene, can have symptoms, too.
McConnell released from hospital after health scare, to work from home as key DHS vote looms
Sen. Mitch McConnell was discharged from the hospital after experiencing flu-like symptoms and will work from home this week as Senate faces Friday DHS funding deadline.
Scientists may have found the brain network behind Parkinson’s
A new international study points to a specific brain network as the core driver of Parkinson’s disease. Scientists found that this network becomes overly connected, disrupting not just movement but also thinking and other bodily functions. When researchers targeted it with non-invasive brain stimulation, patients showed much stronger symptom improvement than with conventional stimulation. The discovery could reshape how Parkinson’s is diagnosed and treated.
RFK, Jr. just claimed the keto diet can cure schizophrenia. Here’s what the science says
Preliminary studies suggest that a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet could reduce schizophrenia symptoms in some people, but claiming it’s a cure is misleading, experts say
Experts Warn: The Dangerous Blur Between Science and Wellness in Mental Health Bestsellers
A marketplace where labels blur In many bookstores, titles rooted in clinical science sit inches from glossy self-help guides promising instant serenity. That proximity can make rigorous research look interchangeable with lifestyle advice, especially when everything shares the same bright displays. Readers encounter a single aisle labeled “psychology,” even when the content ranges from peer-reviewed evidence to spiritual rituals. The result is a subtle but pervasive blur, turning a complex health landscape into a grab-bag of mixed claims. Why the shelves can mislead Retail categories are built for convenience, not for methodological clarity or clinical accuracy. When “development personal” or “wellness” becomes the default bin, evidence-based psychology competes with coaching manifestos and mystical manuals. The visual language of covers—calming color palettes, confident subtitles, glowing endorsements—flattens the distinction between randomized trials and anecdotal wisdom. In that aesthetic harmony, a guide on cognitive behavioral therapy may appear no more “serious” than a book on moon manifestation. The stakes for readers and patients Confusion carries real risks, including delayed care when people self-treat serious symptoms with untested routines. Vulnerable readers—facing depression, trauma, or anxiety—may be swayed by charismatic voices over careful data. Some messages frame recovery as pure willpower, which can amplify shame when symptoms persist despite effort. Others overpromise universal solutions, ignoring cultural context, diagnostic nuance, and comorbidity. “Shelving is not neutral; it shapes beliefs, expectations, and choices.” What professionals and retailers are asking Clinicians and public-health experts argue for clear, readable signage that separates science-based mental health from broader wellness. Books by licensed psychiatrists or psychologists that cite peer-reviewed studies could be grouped under “Evidence-Based Mental Health.” Adjacent space might host reflective memoirs, coaching workbooks, or contemplative philosophy—valuable in their way, but clearly labeled as non-clinical guidance. Booksellers emphasize their dual role as cultural curators and commercial actors, noting they respond to demand while striving for quality standards. How clarity could look and feel The goal is not to police ideas, but to help readers navigate with confidence. Transparent categorization respects reader autonomy while lifting the signal of credible practice. Clear tags—such as “scientific references,” “clinical overview,” or “personal narrative”—can work like map legends, turning a maze into a route. And when a book blends modes, hybrid labels can acknowledge both insight and limitation. A practical checklist for choosing wisely Check the author’s credentials: clinical license, academic affiliation, or relevant training. Scan the references: citations to peer-reviewed journals or reputable guidelines. Look for scope limits: clear statements about who the book is and isn’t for, and when to seek care. Seek methods, not miracles: approaches tested across diverse groups, with measurable outcomes. Watch the language: be wary of absolute claims, stigmatizing tones, or one-size-fits-all promises. Cross-verify with trusted bodies: national psychology associations or public-health agencies. The publisher’s responsibility Publishers can raise the bar by standardizing disclosure on methods, sample sizes, and limitations. Editorial policies could require conflict-of-interest statements, transparent citations, and plain-language summaries of evidence. Marketing should avoid medicalized framing for books that lack clinical validation, even when sales incentives press for bold claims. When a manuscript mixes reflection with research, honest jacket copy can prevent false equivalence. Coexisting without confusion Wellness writing can offer genuine comfort, perspective, and daily habits that support well-being. Scientific texts can provide structured tools, validated therapies, and realistic expectations for progress. The aim is to let these strands coexist, while giving readers the navigational cues to tell them apart. With clearer shelves, informed labels, and modest design tweaks, we can protect reader trust—and keep the aisle both inviting and intelligent.
The depression symptoms that could increase dementia risk
We don’t experience depression uniformly, and a new study finds that some symptoms may be more strongly linked with developing dementia later in life.
The No. 1 Heart Disease Symptom a Cardiologist Never Ignores in Her Own Body
A cardiologist at the Columbia Women's Heart Center shares the heart disease warning signs she looks for in her own body, including the most alarming symptoms besides chest pain.
He had shortness of breath, jitters and blamed anxiety. It was heart failure at 30.
Alex Balmes thought it was anxiety causing his symptoms, but it was heart failure at 30. Here's what this young dad wants others to know.
Social media broke political discourse. Civil service could repair it.
It should not come as a shock that American politics has become hostile, volatile, tribal, and polarized. These are all symptoms of overuse of technology that indulges and force-feeds our worst assumptions about each other.
Meningitis cases rise in major Midwestern city, prompting public health alert
Chicago health officials issue urgent alert after seven meningococcal disease cases, including two deaths. Know the symptoms and warning signs.
It’s not too late to vaccinate, Grand Forks Public Health officials say
Vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory illness can prevent disease, reduce symptoms and reduce risk of virus transmission, says GFPH's Ashley Krone.
How Do Menopause and a Treatment to Manage Its Symptoms Affect the Brain and Mental Health?
New research suggests an association between menopause and anxiety, depression and shrinkage in certain brain regions—which hormone replacement therapy might not mitigate
Scientists may have been wrong about what causes asthma
Asthma may not be driven by the molecules scientists have blamed for decades. Researchers have identified “pseudo leukotrienes,” inflammation-triggering compounds formed by uncontrolled free-radical reactions rather than normal enzymes. These molecules were found at much higher levels in people with asthma, closely tracking how severe their symptoms were. The finding hints at a new way to treat asthma by preventing the inflammatory spark instead of blocking its aftermath.
Paris Hilton says ADHD is her "superpower" as an entrepreneur
Hilton was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and although she struggled to cope with some of the symptoms as a teen, she now calls it her "superpower."
Why U.S. middle-aged adults report more loneliness and poorer health than peers abroad
Americans born in the 1960s and early 1970s report higher loneliness and depressive symptoms and show poorer memory and physical strength than earlier generations. Such declines are largely absent in ...
Mental health assessment predicts over 6,000 PTSD cases in adults following July 4 floods without care
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said trauma-related symptoms following the Fourth of July floods are likely to intensify and continue for years without assistance.
How Robin Williams' son is using AI as a mental health resource
Zak Williams is working with Headlamp Health to promote its recently launched Lumos AI, which is designed to help identify mental illness symptoms early.
New study shows just how effective Apple Watch is at detecting AFib
New peer-reviewed research shows Apple Watch detected 4x more AFib cases than standard care, including 57% of people with no symptoms.
“Dr. Google” had its issues. Can ChatGPT Health do better?
OpenAI’s newest product is no replacement for a doctor. But it might be better than searching the web for your symptoms.
In Good Health: What We Know About ADHD : 1A
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects tens of millions of people in the U.S.About one in nine children and one in 16 adults have ADHD. That’s according to an analysis from the nonprofit Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or CHADD.As researchers learn more about the brain and its complexities, they’re also gaining new insights into what the condition looks like across different ages, genders, and races.In recent years, more adults — especially women — are being diagnosed than ever before. In this installment of our series “In Good Health,” we focus on ADHD – from symptoms, to diagnoses, to treatments.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.
Column | ‘Ball and gun’ gamers and the plague of uninformed expertise
Sports games and shooters are often excellent. But the conversation around them is a symptom of a wider culture that treats participation as knowledge.
Naomi Watts ignored this menopause symptom. It had a simple fix.
Naomi Watts ignored her dry eyes because she didn't know it was part of menopause. Now the actress is advocating for women to get a yearly eye exam.
Decades of suffering: Long-term mental health outcomes of Kurdish chemical gas attacks
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed is a clinical psychologist and researcher specializing in trauma, somatic symptoms, and psychopathology in conflict-affected populations. He has worked for over a decade with survivors of massacres in the Kurdistan Region, integrating clinical practice with research. He is also a lecturer at the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychotraumatology at the University of Duhok. His current research focuses on validating psychological instruments for Kurdish communities and exploring genetic and phenomic factors related to trauma-related disorders. In a new study in Frontiers in Psychiatry, he and colleagues showed exceptionally high levels of trauma among survivors of a notorious atrocity: the 1988 chemical attack on Halabja in Kurdistan. In this editorial, he summarizes their findings.
Phoenix-area theatergoers exposed to measles. What to know
Anyone who was inside this theater during five days in January should be on alert for measles symptoms, although vaccinated people are at low risk.
Pima County Health Department reports second confirmed case of measles
A vaccinated Tucson resident developed symptoms after traveling out of the country.