STAT+: CMS, FDA team up to fast-track reimbursement for breakthrough devices
Federal regulators have announced a new Medicare coverage pathway for innovative medical devices deemed breakthroughs by the FDA. The program aims to speed up reimbursement for these technologies....
RFK Jr. Backs Off Some MAHA Issues
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has softened his stance on some issues related to the Medical Accountability and Healthcare Advocacy (MAHA) group. According to Stat News, he has backed off from criticizing some of MAHA's initiativ...
Asbestos toy warnings
UK authorities have issued warnings about asbestos in toys, citing health risks to children. The BBC Health department has reported on the issue....
Biobank: UK health data of 500,000 people for sale in China
The data of hundreds of thousands of UK participants in a health project was found to be up for sale on Alibaba. The BBC Health department has investigated the breach....
Vocal cord exercises to try at home
Chris and Xand van Tulleken demonstrate vocal cord exercises in a recent episode of What's Up Docs?. The exercises aim to improve vocal health....
AMA Calls for Regulatory Crackdown on Chatbots and Wellness AI
The American Medical Association (AMA) has called for stricter regulations on chatbots and wellness artificial intelligence (AI). Reuters reports that this is in response to concerns over the accuracy and safety of these...
Erasca Emerges as Potential Biotech Leader
Erasca has gained attention as a potential leading biotech company, with its innovative approach and promising pipeline. STAT News reports that the company's success is still uncertain, but it shows great promise....
Amnesty International paints grim picture for human rights
In its latest report, Amnesty International has criticized the global order and called out the “predatory behavior of the powerful”. According to Deutsche Welle, the watchdog is calling for action to defend human rights....
Italian Magazine Cover Sparks Diplomatic Backlash
An Italian magazine cover showing an armed Israeli settler grinning at a Palestinian woman has sparked backlash from Israel. The image was widely criticized for its perceived insensitivity and provocation....
Pope's Visit to Equatorial Guinea Raises Concerns
The Pope's upcoming visit to Equatorial Guinea has raised concerns that his moral authority will be used to legitimize the authoritarian regime. Human rights lawyer Tutu Alicante warns that the visit may have unintended ...
Publicly, Kennedy embraces a more moderate MAHA stance
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. seemed to have changed his tune on vaccines in Senate hearings, noting funding for new vaccine development....
Mexico Considers Sanctions on Chihuahua State
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering sanctions against the government of Chihuahua after CIA agents were killed in a drug lab raid. The move comes as a response to the state's alleged failure to obtain fede...
I'm on six different NHS waiting lists - it's taking over my life
Amy-Jane Davies is one of 713,048 people in Wales waiting for any type of NHS treatment....
Federal test of AI prior authorization delays care for seniors
Washington state hospitals report patients waiting two to four times longer for procedures subject to prior authorization under a new Medicare program....
Former tobacco executive joins CDC senior leadership, raising concerns
Stephen Sayle, a former tobacco industry executive, has been appointed to senior leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention....
STAT+: At AACR, talk of Chinese biotech, oncology’s comms issue, and more
The American Association of Cancer Researchers' annual meeting saw discussions on various topics including Chinese biotech and communication issues in oncology. While the article primarily focuses on these topics, it doe...
Avoid men, German police association chief tells women
Police association chief Dirk Peglow has sparked controversy with his advice to women to avoid relationships with men for safety reasons. While some argue this is a reasonable precaution, others see it as sexist and misg...
Lebanon war puts pregnant women at risk
Displaced pregnant women struggle to access medical services due to Lebanon's strained healthcare system despite a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Reuters reports this is partly because of the destructi...
US Military Drops Mandatory Flu Vaccine for Soldiers
The US military has made the flu vaccine no longer mandatory for soldiers, citing 'medical autonomy'. The decision comes after criticism of the mandate as 'overreaching'....
Grievance Turns to Violence in Mass Shooter's Mind
Attacks like last week's school shooting in Turkey often have a buildup of grievance and fixation before turning violent. Experts say understanding these factors can help prevent such incidents....