Your favorite music could help reduce the pain of small medical procedures
If you hate needles, music might make you feel better during a cannula insertion: but it has to be the right kind of music. Although different musical interventions have…
Health news · Friday, October 9, 2026
Today's health news, in one place.
120 stories from 20 trusted newsrooms, newest first. Tap a story to read it on the newsroom's own site.
Video games in MRI scanners aim to map brains as they predict and adapt
For decades, neuroscientists have studied the human brain by asking people to lie very still inside a brain scanner and perform carefully controlled tasks. Those experiments…
Technology inspired by 3D printing could transform how medicines are tailored to patients
Technology inspired by 3D printing is already being introduced in hospitals and specialized pharmacies to produce personalized medicines tailored to individual patients. In her…
Sexual assault survivors’ stories may shift over time - a psychologist explains why it doesn’t mean they’re lying
The brain’s acute response to the trauma of sexual assault can block a person’s ability to accurately assess what they experienced.
'I rage and I don't care': Why women are reclaiming their anger
Studies suggest women are getting angrier, but are they just more open about it?
ADHD and autism at risk of over-diagnosis, says government review
The review, which focuses on younger people, warned there was a risk society was moving from an era of under-diagnosis to over-diagnosis.
I Wasn’t Eating Enough Carbs to Support Marathon Training. Here’s How I Got Out of a Protein-First Mindset and Increased My Intake.
Dietitian-backed tips for ramping up carbs.
Health Secretary Kennedy touts an initiative to study vaccine safety
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has established a new clinic at the National Institutes of Health to study vaccine injuries. It's part of a larger administration effort…
Autism and ADHD traits appear to follow different social paths to mental health problems
Autism and ADHD traits appear to follow different social paths. In a study of 9,619 Japanese students, autistic traits were linked to later peer problems, while ADHD traits…
‘How Can You Do This?’: Dozens of Runners Finished a Marathon: Then Found Their Cars Towed
One runner’s ride home came with a $399 cash-only charge. Another paid to park, and still got towed!
Harry says he 'slipped into depression' after leaving UK
The Duke of Sussex says he had an "adrenaline crash" while visiting Vancouver Island to "get some space".
Here are the Celebrities and Notables Running the 2026 Chicago Marathon
Keep an eye out for familiar faces this weekend in the Windy City.
Suicide is up among Black Americans. We need to talk about it.
NPR's Michel Martin hosted a panel conversation about mental health and suicide in the Black community, exploring a difficult subject in deeply personal conversations.
Brain scans find tau buildup in nearly two-thirds of patients with late-onset psychosis
Psychosis that starts later in life may sometimes be an early sign of neurodegenerative disease. In a study of 37 patients, about a third had Alzheimer’s-type amyloid, and half…
Does deliberating on politics make you look weak or wise? New research weighs in
People who take time to deliberate before choosing a side on a political issue tend to be judged as having better moral character by those who disagree with them, according to…
A good friend brings her dogs when she stays with me. I kind of dread it. What can I do? | Leading questions
People often forget social rules when dogs are involved, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith . But you’ll have to say something if you want things to change
An experimental drug kills fat cells, rather than shrinking them
Participants in two small trials lost dangerous fat around their internal organs. This fat is linked to health issues like diabetes and heart problems.
Feeding Our Gut Microbiome for Better Health
Our gut flora is determined by what we eat, for good or for ill. When we eat meat (including seafood), dairy, or eggs, our gut […]
Medical debt is crushing hospital patients in LA. Health officials may have a fix
In Los Angeles County, the nation's most populous, a new system could screen hospital patients for financial aid, preventing hundreds of thousands from getting bills they can't…
Just 7 days of strength training started shrinking fat cells in mice
Just seven strength-training sessions helped obese mice shrink visceral fat cells and reactivate molecular pathways involved in burning stored fat, despite no change in overall…
Scientists warn a popular vitamin D supplement may have a hidden downside
Not all vitamin D supplements are created equal, and new research suggests that one popular form may have an unexpected downside. Scientists found that taking vitamin D2 can…
Not all trans fats are bad, major review finds
A large analysis of 22 studies found that the trans fats naturally present in dairy foods such as milk, butter, yogurt, and cheese do not appear to raise the risk of heart…
Eating speed in complementary fed infants: associations with energy intake, weight status, breastfeeding, baby food pouch use and baby-led weaning
Gene therapy and special goggles give some blind people limited sight
Optogenetics, recognized by the 2026 medicine Nobel, makes cells respond to light, including eye cells that normally relay signals to the brain.
Remember the ‘caregiving kills’ study? Reality is more nuanced
A decades-old claim linking caregiving stress to risk of death has stuck around, hampering research into its benefits. But caregivers still need support.
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2026
Each year I like to document the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine here on SBM - it’s a great reminder of the power of science to transform medicine. There is nothing like…
Why your boss matters more than remote or hybrid work when it comes to burnout and job satisfaction
A return to the office can mean very different things to different workers, which is why this debate often produces conflicting answers.
‘It’s hard to imagine the fires of July’: a bike ride through the Cairngorms in Scotland
Wildfires raged through the national park this summer, but much of the landscape remains untouched - and autumn is the perfect time to go In the Cairngorms national park, the…
What happens in the brain when cannabis makes you anxious?
Cannabinoids may intensify anxiety by removing a natural brake on specific neurons in the brain’s fear center, particularly during stressful situations. In mice, shutting down…
Optimizing metabolic health through deep-phenotyping-based personalized nutrition
Flu season is near - here’s a guide to available vaccines
Getting vaccinated is the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness and complications from the flu.
Goodbye joint replacements? Stanford scientists found a way to regrow cartilage and stop arthritis
Scientists have found a surprising way to regrow damaged knee cartilage by blocking a protein that becomes more abundant with age. In old mice, the treatment restored naturally…
Why Don’t Health Insurers Promote a Healthier Diet?
Why don’t more big payors in health care embrace plant-based eating? Many of the diseases “that cause a constant drain on health care budgets can […]
Sleepwalking, confusional arousals, or sleep terrors: What happened during the night?
You hear someone in your household talking in their sleep. Another night, they sit up in bed looking confused. Later, you find them walking through the house while still…
Idaho allows faith-based medical neglect to kill children
Idaho parents are shielded from criminal prosecution if they choose "prayer or spiritual means" over effective medical care for their children, even as their children keep dying.
The bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) international database: an update and ongoing call for data
FDA Seeks Public Input to Support Ibogaine Research
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a request for information (RFI) describing approaches the agency is considering for the design of early-phase clinical…
Alternative cancer clinics, distrust of medicine, and MAHA
Yesterday's New York Times featured an article about a man with terminal lung cancer who was enticed to chase cures that didn't exist. He died before the pandemic. Will MAHA…
Holiday cottage company insisted on a death certificate to amend our break
Sykes Holiday Cottages showed no empathy and insisted on paperwork we didn’t have so soon after my husband’s death We booked a break with Sykes Holiday Cottages for 11 of us to…
Getting Back on The Saddle: Overuse Injuries in Equestrian Athletes
Keywords: Equestrian overuse injuries, Rider biomechanics, Equestrian Sports Medicine Introduction: Equestrian sports consist of a close partnership between horse and rider.…
This common vitamin could help fight one of the deadliest brain cancers
High-dose vitamin B3 is showing intriguing early promise as an addition to standard glioblastoma treatment, with 82% of patients in a small trial remaining progression-free…
Even one strength training session a week could make a difference
Strength training may be one of the most powerful tools for staying independent as you age. Age related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, can make everyday tasks harder while…
Study Finds Moderate Screen Time May Speed Recovery in Youth with Concussion
Keywords: concussion recovery, screen time, pediatric concussion Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have found that moderate screen time might be better for…
FDA Approves First Heart Valve Designed to Grow with Children
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the Autus Size-Adjustable Valve, a surgically implanted pulmonary heart valve for pediatric patients with congenital…
Fenugreek May Help Sexual Function, Period Pain, and Lactation
The hormonal benefits of fenugreek extend beyond the muscle-bulking testosterone boost. In my video about the benefits of fenugreek seeds, I profiled a study in […]
1 in 13 adults under 30 already had hidden artery plaque
More than half of 16,000 apparently healthy adults had signs of atherosclerosis, with arterial plaques already detectable in about 1 in 13 people ages 18 to 29. Researchers say…
FDA Launches Nationwide Effort to Expand Scientific Expertise and Consumer Voices to Advisory Committees
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced a broad, nationwide recruitment effort to expand the range of qualified voices and perspectives on its advisory…
Children at risk for depression get “stuck” on sad faces
Depression may change which emotional faces children notice most, but the pattern appears to depend on family history. Children at higher familial risk became increasingly…
Daily rhythms may matter for blood sugar management in type 2 diabetes
A research team led by Dr. Lee Da young, Dr. Nan Hee Kim of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (Department of Internal Medicine, Ansan Hospital), Dr. Lee Heon-jeong…
Social media provides valued community spaces for autistic young people
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences how people communicate and process information. A significant proportion of autistic children do not speak or speak…
Hidden violence: Family members as the main victims of homicides linked to mental disorders
In recent decades, the social and legal perception of people with mental disorders who commit crimes has changed. Initially, people with mental disorders were considered…
Digital health promises shape the work of health care professionals
The future benefits expected from remote monitoring in health care are shaped by how professionals understand their current work and its associated challenges, a recent study…
How health care can benefit from AI, without costing the world
Artificial intelligence (AI) has had a transformative effect on health care. The technology has been tested and applied in almost every area, from disease diagnostics to…
Pharmaceutical company marketing negatively influences prescribing
Doctors' prescribing habits are heavily influenced by payments, gifts and free meals from pharmaceutical companies, leading to more prescriptions for more expensive, less…
A new AI tool distinguishes Ewing sarcoma from similar tumors
A team from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) and the University of Valencia (UV) has developed and validated an artificial intelligence (AI) system capable of…
Novel radiotherapy may save increasingly many rectal cancer patients from surgery and a stoma
Tampere University Hospital (Tays) has begun offering a new form of radiotherapy to treat rectal cancer in which a high dose of radiation is targeted at the tumor surface. The…
Maternal vaccines protect babies from serious infections, but unequal access limits benefits across Europe
Europe must act now to strengthen maternal vaccination during pregnancy and ensure all women and babies can benefit from a new generation of vaccines to protect against serious…
Scientists identify the neuroblastoma cells that signal poor outcomes
Neuroblastoma is the most common solid tumor found outside the brain in children, yet why some children respond well to treatment while others do not has remained poorly…
'Immune fog' may flag lung cancer risk years before tumor develops
A 'rising fog' may cloud the immune system's ability to detect tumors and may be the key to tackling lung cancer that is developing years before diagnosis. The team at…
Peanut consumption affects the lipid profile circulating in the blood
Unhealthy dietary patterns are among the leading drivers of the global health crisis, significantly contributing to rising rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and…
Abdominal fluid reveals rare immune cells that may limit attacks on tumors
In a study published in Science Immunology, researchers used malignant ascites: fluid that accumulates in the abdomen of some patients when cancer metastasizes to the abdominal…
Electrical ablation boosts CAR-NK cell therapy against liver cancer, offering new strategy for refractory solid tumors
A research team has developed a combination immunotherapy that uses an electrical ablation technique to enhance the efficacy of immune cell therapy against liver cancer.
A self-disinfecting fabric eliminates bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings
A team has developed a new self-disinfecting cotton fabric capable of eliminating bacteria, fungi and viruses in hospital settings using visible light.
Food order can shift short-term blood sugar and insulin responses after a meal
Eating the components of a meal in a specific order is the principle of meal sequencing. For example, foods with a low glycemic index, especially vegetables or salad, are eaten…
NAD-boosting treatment shows no Parkinson's benefit in yearlong trial
A major clinical trial involving 410 people with early Parkinson's disease has found no clinical benefit from nicotinamide riboside (NR), a compound that increases cellular…
Serum C7 levels predict liver-related events in metabolic fatty liver disease, study finds
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. As the disease progresses, liver fibrosis…
Elderly people could live independently for longer thanks to new home sensor system which detects emergencies
Older people could be monitored safely in their own homes without the need for intrusive cameras or wearable devices thanks to new research by Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
Elevated lipoprotein(a) is associated with the progression of carotid atherosclerosis
Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a genetically determined blood lipid and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, its association with the long-term…
Endocrinologist discusses life-or-death stakes of weak bones and how to protect against devastating falls
The hip joint is a well-known point of failure in the human body, especially as we age. It's no wonder the problem is familiar: In the U.S. alone, someone fractures a hip…
Involuntary eye movements could be targeted by restoring retinal dopamine, mouse experiments suggest
Researchers have found a possible way to stop abnormal signals in the retina that are linked to involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). In experiments on mouse retinas in the…
Low-fat vegan diet can cut liver fat by a third and improve insulin function in adults with type 2 diabetes
Adults with type 2 diabetes who followed a low-fat vegan diet for 16 weeks, eating as much as they wanted, with no calorie counting or portion control, lost weight, reduced fat…
Automated breast ultrasound is effective alternative to handheld ultrasound for breast cancer screening, study finds
A new study in the Journal of the American College of Radiology has found that automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) and handheld ultrasound (HHUS) had similar cancer detection…
Natural compound shows promise against C. difficile while largely sparing healthy gut bacteria
The pathogen Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is naturally present in the intestines of many people. When present in small numbers, it usually causes no symptoms.…
Bending over on the job increases miscarriage risk, study says
Jobs that require pregnant women to bend over could be increasing their risk of miscarriage, a new study says.
Understanding adult obesity
Obesity is one of the most common health conditions in the world and one of the most misunderstood. Today, it affects about 4 in 10 U.S. adults, and the numbers keep rising.
Strong social networks predict higher fertility rates in new study
Communities where people report high levels of social support and frequent social interactions tend to have higher birth rates, regardless of their economic status. This…
Run/Walkers Need to Master These 2 Skills to Unlock Faster Times. Here’s What They Are and Exactly How to Practice Them
Do this simple drill each week to help you conserve energy, delay muscular fatigue, and finish every run/walk stronger.
Why Runners Can’t Stop Buying Marathon Merch: Even When They Hate the Design
Our race apparel isn’t always pretty, but the work behind it makes it impossible to avoid buying it.
Prime Day Might Be Over, but the 41% Discount on the Brooks Ghost Max 3, a Proven Winner, Is Still Happening
Our testers loved the foot-wrapping comfort and loads of cushioning for everyday runs.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Over 50% Off Even Post Prime Day
The unisex, crowd-favorite supershoe is over half off for Prime Big Deal Days.
Eye contact may act as a learning “switch” for babies’ brains
Do babies soak up everything they hear? Not quite. A study of infants in the U.K. and Singapore suggests eye contact helps them decide which words are worth learning, possibly…
IT Band Syndrome Vs. a Meniscus Tear: How to Tell the Difference
The location and timing of your knee pain: and the presence of swelling or clicking: can offer important clues.
Brain replays motor skills during sleep without help from the memory center
During sleep, the brain replays the day's events to lock in memories. A new study reveals that the brain networks governing physical habits can run these offline rehearsals…
'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows
NHS winter pressures appear to be building already, with rises in waiting times for planned surgery.
People who favor group-based inequality tend to have less gray matter in an empathy-linked brain region
A preference for social hierarchy may be linked to both brain structure and motivation. Researchers found that people scoring higher in social dominance orientation had less…
The Best Garmin Running Watches for Every Runner
Garmin’s smartwatch lineup packs in all the features you need to get fit and go faster.
Medication helps adults with ADHD weigh the negative consequences of their decisions
Adults with ADHD often struggle with choices that carry negative consequences. A new experiment reveals that stimulant medication improves decision-making by helping the brain…
Does nail length shape how attractive you are? New research suggests it might
When people judged drawings of hands, medium-length nails and white polish earned the highest attractiveness ratings, while long nails and dark shades scored lowest. The…
New Maryland law requires radiologists inform patients of heart disease warning sign
NPR's Michel Martin speaks with radiologist Dr. Lisa Mullen about a new Maryland law requiring that patients be notified if mammogram results show calcium deposits in blood…
'I was blamed for my baby's death, now NHS needs to change'
Neil and Katie Russell are working with the hospital where their daughter died on the scheme.
Food insecurity in later life is linked to higher odds of probable dementia
Older adults who struggled to afford enough food had roughly twice the odds of screening positive for probable dementia, according to a study that tracked more than 2,000…
Republicans and Democrats find a unifying target: Pharmacy benefit managers
Republicans and Democrats, both patients and politicians, seem united in their disdain for the healthcare companies known as pharmacy benefit managers. Tennessee and Arkansas…
The WHO seeks more details on the death of a plague research lab employee in Russia
The World Health Organization says it wants more information on what caused the death of an employee at a Russian plague research lab. Russia says the woman died of pneumonia…
What is the pneumonic plague?
The ancient disease of plague is back in the headlines after the death this month of a Russian lab worker.
Out of Nowhere, Vinny Mauri Became the 4th-Fastest American Marathoner Ever. Could He Do Even Better in Chicago?
The 25-year-old trains alone on Planet Fitness treadmills in Ohio and has turned heads for his mind-boggling workouts.
How to Watch the 2026 Chicago Marathon
Defending champions Jacob Kiplimo and Hawi Feysa return to one of the fastest marathon courses in the world.
Doomscrolling too much? Try these tips to put the phone down and plug into real life
NPR Life Kit provides tips to help you reduce your screentime.
How to define a measles death
Historically, the CDC relied on state health departments' determination of measles deaths. Now, it's working with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists to create…
Drinking problems remained a risk factor for reoffending even among men with stronger social skills
Drinking problems may be a risk factor for reoffending that good social and cognitive skills don't offset, suggests a study of nearly 7,800 Canadian men who had perpetrated…
Strength Training for Your Nervous System: Yes, Really: Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Running Recovery
A sport psychologist explains how you can train your nervous system for short-form and long-form benefits.
Brain scans reveal opposite reward responses in ADHD and autism
A new meta-analysis reveals that while ADHD and autism both feature atypical brain responses to rewards, the underlying neural activity goes in completely opposite directions,…
Save $1,000 on the Peloton Cross Tread Before Prime Big Deal Days Ends
This limited-time deal makes Peloton's premium treadmill much easier to buy.
‘I Started Running at 53. At 71, I’m Still Going Sub-3 in the Marathon and Breaking Records. Here’s How.’
The training tweaks and mindset behind his record chase.
She got Trump's $500 check for health insurance. To her, it's a 'political stunt'
As checks from President Trump for health costs hit millions of mailboxes, a poll shows Americans don't trust Republicans on healthcare. Experts doubt it will move the needle…
Missed Prime Big Deal Days? Most of These Editor-Approved Finds Are Less Than $75 and Worth Every Penny
Logging miles is hard enough, so our editor searched for the best marathon gear sales to help you save time.
Conservatives’ more rigid thinking styles don’t seem to make them likelier than liberals to toe the party line
Conservatives tend to report more rigid thinking styles than liberals, but that doesn't appear to make them more likely to follow their party's lead. Across dozens of issues,…
What Is the Run/Walk Method? We Break It Down, Plus Explain the Benefits
This interval strategy can help both new and experienced runners pick up speed and run farther.
Prime Big Deal Days Is Here: These Running Gear Deals Are Worth Adding to Your Cart
Upgrade your running kit for less with limited-time deals on shoes and must-have accessories.
Shop Prime Big Deal Days Treadmill Sales to Save Up to 30% on Peloton, NordicTrack, Bowflex and More
Get the best deals to start your fall off on the right foot.
Physical attractiveness offers no protection for perpetrators of online misogyny
A recent experiment found that physical attractiveness does not protect internet trolls from judgment. When encountering online misogyny, users rely on the severity of the…
A love of intense sweetness shows a surprising link to financial choices
People with a strong preference for intensely sweet tastes tend to choose immediate, smaller rewards over delayed ones. New research suggests this impatience is largely…
Taking antibiotics? Sugar may be making the damage worse
Eating more sugar while taking antibiotics was linked to greater disruption of the gut microbiome and increased growth of potentially harmful bacteria. Researchers say…
Researchers probe the oxytocin system for clues to functional neurological disorder
Researchers exploring Functional Neurological Disorder found that while genetics alone don't explain the condition, epigenetic markers and salivary oxytocin levels interact in…
People who think the world lacks meaning are more prone to political violence
People who view the world as devoid of meaning are more likely to support political violence. A new study suggests that simple exercises to find everyday meaning could help…
Scientists decode imagined melodies from human brain waves
Researchers have successfully trained computer models to decode the structure of imagined melodies from human brain waves. By tracking relative pitch, the models reconstructed…
The 10 Best Running Headphones to Keep You Motivated
Open-ear options continue to get better and more versatile.
Winning the lottery helps men marry, but briefly raises divorce risk for women
Winning a lottery prize of about $140,000 made single Swedish men roughly 30 percent more likely to marry within five years. For married women, a similar windfall nearly…
New global guidelines warn against obesity drugs for children under 10
Care should focus on healthy eating and exercise, not medicines such as weight-loss injections, says the World Health Organization
Baby termination was 'our most loving choice'
Rosanna Brown was advised to end her pregnancy because her baby had a life-threatening condition.
'That nagging feeling of dread': Is 'hang-xiety' a real thing?
For some, a hangover can start an anxious spiral. We spoke to experts about the reasons why.