The use of swear words in journalism has always been a controversial topic. One notable instance of this was in a First Opinion essay on STAT, where the word “bullshit” was used multiple times in a profile of Adam Feuerstein. This usage sparked curiosity about the history of such language on the platform.
In recent news, the Senate passed a $4.5 trillion tax-cut bill with significant changes to health care provisions. While some bans on federal funding for gender-affirming care were removed, cuts to Planned Parenthood funding remained. The House now faces the task of passing the bill before it can be signed into law by President Trump.
A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics revealed a 15% increase in metabolic and bariatric surgeries among teens in the U.S. following the FDA approval of GLP-1 medications for obesity treatment. The rise in surgeries was particularly notable among Black and Hispanic adolescents, indicating improved access to this treatment option.
Woebot Health, a therapeutic app developer, recently shut down its core product—a smartphone app featuring a chatbot that guided users through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. The closure was attributed to regulatory challenges and the emergence of more advanced AI models in the field of mental health treatment.
Former CDC director Tom Frieden criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s decision to stop funding Gavi, a global vaccine alliance, citing misinformation about vaccine safety. Frieden debunked claims made by Kennedy, highlighting the importance of evidence-based information in public health discourse.
A study published in JAMA Network Open explored the link between residential segregation and lung cancer risk among Black individuals in Southern states. Lower levels of segregation were associated with decreased lung cancer risk for Black participants, with factors like menthol smoking and air pollution playing a significant role.
In other news, state lawmakers are pushing for more training on menopause for doctors, AI is being used to support individuals during psychedelic experiences, and psychedelic therapy shows promise in treating depression. Additionally, therapists working with immigrant populations share their experiences, and a U.S. judge rules against unlawful HHS layoffs.
These updates reflect the diverse range of topics shaping the healthcare landscape and underscore the ongoing importance of evidence-based practices and equitable access to care.
