The Trump administration’s proposed cuts to research overhead payments have sparked concern among academic groups, leading to the development of new proposals to revamp how the federal government funds scientific research. A coalition of 10 organizations representing universities, medical centers, and research institutions have put forth two main ideas to address the issue. One proposal suggests awarding overhead payments that vary based on the type of institution and research funded in a grant. The second approach involves a detailed breakdown of administrative and facility costs within each grant proposal.
In other news, a recent study published in JAMA Health Forum revealed that there were 525,000 more deaths among American adults in 2023 than expected based on previous mortality trends. Alarmingly, over 90% of these excess deaths occurred in individuals without a college degree, with a significant portion linked to circulatory diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to dismiss members of a key vaccine advisory panel due to ties to the pharmaceutical industry has raised questions about conflicts of interest. As new panel members with their own ties come under scrutiny, concerns have been raised about the criteria used to define conflicts of interest within the panel selection process.
Meanwhile, the practice of removing fallopian tubes as a preventative measure for ovarian cancer is gaining traction as a more effective alternative to simply tying the tubes. The procedure, known as salpingectomy, has shown promise in reducing the risk of ovarian cancer, although challenges remain in terms of diagnostic coding and insurance coverage for the procedure.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is gearing up to launch a campaign focused on raising awareness about the health risks associated with ultra-processed foods, particularly their link to diabetes. The campaign, dubbed “Take Back Your Health,” aims to use bold and edgy messaging to encourage behavior change and promote the use of technology like wearables to monitor diet impact and improve health outcomes.
Lastly, two insightful essays on reproductive health have been published, addressing topics such as the need for greater oversight in IVF treatments and the implications of full fetal personhood laws on abortion rights. These essays shed light on the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding reproductive healthcare practices in the United States.
What we’re reading
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Minnesota shooter’s list reportedly included abortion providers and advocates, Mother Jones
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The stress of Wall Street is sending men to pelvic floor therapy, Bloomberg
- Sarepta reports second patient death after treatment with Duchenne gene therapy, STAT
- Norma Swenson, an author of ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves,’ dies at 93, New York Times
- Anne Wojcicki wins back 23andMe, this time as a nonprofit, STAT
The latest news articles cover a range of topics from the Minnesota shooter’s list that reportedly included abortion providers and advocates, to Wall Street stress sending men to pelvic floor therapy. The diverse headlines showcase the complexity of issues facing our society today.
The tragic report of a second patient death after treatment with Duchenne gene therapy by Sarepta highlights the importance of rigorous safety protocols in medical interventions. The passing of Norma Swenson, an influential author of ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves,’ at the age of 93, is a reminder of the lasting impact individuals can have on the field of healthcare.
On a more positive note, Anne Wojcicki’s success in winning back 23andMe, this time as a nonprofit, demonstrates the evolving landscape of genetic testing and personalized medicine. These articles serve as a reminder of the constant challenges and advancements in the healthcare industry that shape our lives.
