The Novocaine Pushers: Numbing People to Obvious Dangers of COVID and MAHA.
COVID and MAHA weren't just dangerous, they were obviously dangerous. Yet, there was a coordinated effort to numb people to their risks,
Health news · Thursday, October 29, 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.
Vulnerable 'at risk' as drug needle site closes
Belfast charity workers warn people who use the "life-saving" service will be left without support.
NHS Western Isles prescribing weight loss drugs at triple the rate of other health boards
A new report finds "significant variation" between Scotland's health boards prescribing new medicines.
Immune changes linked to diabetes could guide development of new cancer treatments
New research in The Journal of Immunology uncovers how high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and type 1 diabetes (T1D) may protect against certain cancers like melanoma, breast and…
Universal immunization of newborns against RSV could significantly reduce infant hospitalizations in EU
As the season for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory diseases approaches, a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)…
Meal delivery apps could be driving us toward unhealthy choices
New research has revealed how meal delivery apps are steering Australians toward unhealthy food options, prompting calls from experts for government action to reset the balance…
Trump administration will allow pharmacies to make popular peptides
The Department of Health and Human Services will let small compounding pharmacies make six peptides that haven't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It may not…
Beautiful landscapes may briefly put the brakes on the brain’s movement system
Beauty has long been described as something that makes us pause and look. Neuroscientists in Italy tested that idea by recording brain activity while people viewed nature…
The Best Reflective Running Gear to Keep You Safe on Evening Runs
Run at night with greater safety and peace of mind.
Here Are the Celebrities Running the 2026 New York City Marathon
The stars will be out Sunday morning in New York: and more than a few have some serious miles behind them.
Early trauma may change how children’s cortisol responses relate to anxiety and behavior problems
Children who experience trauma early in life don’t all develop the same problems. A new study suggests their cortisol response to stress may help predict whether anxiety or…
Want to Run Faster on Race Day? Find Out if You’re a Stride Runner or Cadence Runner: Then Fix Your Weak Spot
Your cadence data reveals how you naturally generate speed and where you need to adapt before race day.
New study explores how money influences interpretations of the Bible
A large survey of Americans reveals that household income strongly shapes how religious individuals interpret the Bible’s teachings on charity, challenging the long-held idea…
Three-quarters of NFL football players may end up with CTE
The first estimate of CTE prevalence across the NFL suggests 75 percent of players may suffer from the neurodegenerative disease.
Metabolic Psychiatry
On a rare occasion that Jay Bhattacharya recommended a qualified candidate for a position, he was overruled by his boss Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who chose a a "metabolic…
What's gone up even faster than gas or rent? The cost of caregiving
A new study from AARP shows caregivers' out-of-pocket costs rose about 60% in the last five years.
Scientists discover a hidden reason why muscles weaken with age
Scientists have uncovered a hidden defense mechanism in aging muscles that sacrifices strength to protect cells from damage. In mice, partially restoring a crucial molecule…
Patient living in 'horrific pain' due to UK-wide drugs shortage
Jill Kenning says she has been unable to get a drug she uses to manage her condition.
1 in 4 Pennsylvanians say they paid out of pocket for their annual checkup. Why isn’t insurance covering these preventive visits?
Billing errors, testing and questions about new symptoms can lead to unexpected bills, making some patients wary to go back for their next checkup.
Plans with cheaper premiums are risky business for Americans seeking lower healthcare costs
Some options that might look like health insurance actually aren’t - and they may leave you stranded with large, unexpected medical expenses.
Private equity is buying up more methadone clinics - access to the lifesaving drug isn’t getting easier
Despite acquiring more than one-third of US methadone clinics, private equity has not significantly expanded methadone availability.
Are you an organ donor? Here are some rule changes you may want to know
Transplant teams can talk to families about organ donation before they've decided whether to continue life-sustaining medical care for loved ones. Until now, that has been…
The shocking rise of rib remodelling: ‘I wanted that hourglass shape’
It involves the fracturing of a patient’s ribs, before they spend three months laced into a corset. Some of those who have had this cosmetic procedure say it is like being ‘hit…
A simple daily fiber supplement reduced arthritis pain and improved strength
A new clinical trial suggests that a simple daily fiber supplement could significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, improve muscle strength, and make the body less…
How brain implants turn thoughts into speech
New brain-computer interfaces turn attempted speech into words and can speak them in a voice resembling the user’s own.
Are Supplements the New Snake Oil?
There is little guarantee that a dietary supplement will actually contain what is advertised on the packaging and not have undeclared contaminants. In one of […]
Low testosterone may make sugar far more harmful to your liver
Scientists have discovered that low testosterone and a high-fructose diet can work together to worsen fatty liver disease in mice. Unexpectedly, changes in gut bacteria appear…
Sleep injuries: How to make the bedroom safer
Most people stay relatively still while they sleep. However, some sleep disorders can cause a person to walk, move, or act out dreams without being fully awake. These behaviors…
Claude helped plan risky bird flu research. What did the AI add?
Anthropic says Claude helped a scientist plan potentially risky bird flu research, a case that highlights questions about AI’s growing role in biology.
Exercise doesn't just strengthen your heart. It rewires it
Regular exercise does more than strengthen the heart. New research reveals that it actually reshapes the nerves controlling how the heart functions, and the changes are…
Stung with a parking fine for an 18-second airport stop to tackle a wasp
No matter what the cause, airports are ruthless in issuing PCNs if a car stops in a red zone. But there is a get-out clause I had to stop my car for 18 seconds in a red zone at…
RFK Jr. is definitely coming for your vaccines (part 13): The NIH “Vaccinology and Immunology Center”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s new "vaccine injury" clinic finally has a name, but its purpose hasn't changed: To generate "evidence" to justify eliminating vaccines.
mSIT+: A Faster, Better Concussion Exam in Under 3 Minutes
In this blog, we will explain how to do the very quick mSIT+ exam for concussion identification. Our results (recently published in BJSM) are based on the very large NCAA/DOD…
Rethinking the application and adoption of NOVA classification in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a Southeast Asian food systems perspective
Food-based dietary guidelines as policy instruments for safeguarding traditional African food systems
Just two drinks a day may be far riskier than you think
A major new study reveals that drinking just two alcoholic beverages a day is associated with a 1 in 25 lifetime risk of death from alcohol-related causes, challenging the idea…
I gave my ex our house and half my savings, but now I feel resentful | Ask Annalisa Barbieri
Your feelings are understandable. Exploring and accepting them may help you move on I was with my ex-partner for more than 20 years. We were mostly happy and I expected us to…
Breakthrough PTSD treatment achieves 68% remission rate in clinical trial
A newly FDA-cleared PTSD treatment uses personalized brain mapping and magnetic stimulation to target abnormal brain activity, with a clinical trial reporting a 52% reduction…
Scientists discover a surprising double benefit of exercise for Parkinson’s
A seven-year study found that people with Parkinson’s disease who were more physically active experienced slower declines in memory, thinking, and movement abilities. Those…
How much exercise does your heart really need? Why 150 minutes a week is the floor, not the ceiling
This blog is based on a recent study, published in the BJSM. Why is this study important? Staying active is one of the most powerful things we can do for our hearts. That is…
Cardiovascular dietary guidance at an inflection point: the 2025 - 2030 US dietary guidelines versus the 2026 AHA scientific statement
FDA Launches New Program to Advance Neuroscience Medical Product Development
FDA announces the launch of the Neuroscience Advancement and Innovation Nexus (NAIN), a new agency program aligned with the Trump Administration’s efforts to accelerate medical…
The Best Foods to Fight H. Pylori
What food can eradicate H. pylori in the majority of patients? The salting and pickling of fish produce a novel DNA-mutating chemical called CMBA, which […]
Natural compound could fight rheumatoid arthritis at its source
A natural compound extracted from a medicinal plant has shown surprising promise against rheumatoid arthritis. In rats, it reduced joint swelling, protected cartilage, and…
Astronauts’ hearts just passed a surprising test for Mars
A new study tracking 13 astronauts suggests that the human heart may be surprisingly well equipped for a journey to Mars, especially with regular exercise during spaceflight.…
FDA Approves First-of-Its-Kind Chronic Hepatitis B Treatment
FDA today approved Hibsago (bepirovirsen) injection, in combination with existing antiviral therapy, to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in certain adults…
FDA Approves Once-Weekly Generic Hormone Therapy Patch for Women
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic of Climara Pro (estradiol and levonorgestrel transdermal system, 0.045 mg per day/0.015 mg), a…
Scientists finally uncover why statins can cause muscle pain
Scientists have uncovered a surprising reason why statins, the widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering drugs that help prevent heart attacks and strokes, can sometimes cause…
Yoga Put to the Test: What the Science Really Shows
The origins of yoga go back thousands of years, and the practice of yoga for health has become popular worldwide. A 2016 survey estimated that […]
Can an AI chatbot help women recognize heart disease?
HeartBot, created by a team of UC researchers, regularly answers questions from women seeking information on heart disease. The project was led by Yoshimi Fukuoka, Ph.D., RN,…
Recommendations developed for management of hidradenitis suppurativa
Evidence-based recommendations are presented for the management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in guidelines of care issued by the American Academy of Dermatology and the…
Video decision aid increases advance care planning in seniors with chronic kidney disease
Among older adults with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), a video decision aid increases advance care planning (ACP) documentation in the electronic health record,…
Achilles injections show no meaningful benefit over sham treatment
Commonly used injections for Achilles tendinopathy: pain, stiffness and swelling in the Achilles tendon: offer no meaningful clinical advantage over placebo (sham) treatment,…
Corridor care is hiding the true scale of the NHS hospital crisis
The label "corridor care" is hiding the true scale of the NHS hospital crisis, warns a senior doctor in The BMJ today.
Measles outbreak that contributed to Canada losing elimination status highlights risks from persistent immunity gaps
The outbreak that contributed to Canada losing its measles elimination status in November 2025 was concentrated in historically undervaccinated communities with close social…
Wider surgical margins may not mean better cancer control
It's a question that surgeons often face: How much surrounding healthy tissue should they take out when removing a patient's cancer to be sure it is fully eliminated? Removing…
Smoke from LA fires exposed millions of people to high levels of toxic heavy metals, study says
At the height of the Los Angeles fires in 2025, millions of residents were exposed in a 24-hour period to toxic lead levels from smoke that were 80 times higher than the…
Mutated immune cells raise red flags in lupus
Scientists at La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) and the University of Washington (UW) have discovered that patients with lupus have unusual mutations that may turn their…
Smarter CAR-T cells could beat a deadly pediatric brain cancer
Scientists at UC San Francisco have engineered CAR-T cells that stay dormant until they reach the brain, where they switch on and destroy tumor cells. In mice, these CAR-T…
CDC names the 4 most dangerous superbugs in the US
Superbugs cause an estimated 9.7 million infections and 50,800 deaths in the United States each year.
Large-scale genetic study on Alzheimer's identifies new DNA risks
A large-scale international study offers new insights for understanding Alzheimer's disease and developing future treatments. The University of Exeter - led PROTECT study was…
Biological mechanism underlying Huntington's disease may be more widespread in the brain than previously thought
In 2025, a team of scientists revealed some unexpected findings about how the inherited DNA repeat associated with Huntington's disease causes the illness: by slowly expanding…
How sex-based biology shapes the brain's response to injury
Injury-induced stress cascades through the body by activating immune responses, shifting energy away from less urgent concerns to prioritize healing. In traumatic brain injury,…
Deep brain stimulation in patients with epilepsy produces measurable response within minutes, study finds
Mayo Clinic researchers have detected measurable changes in the brain within 18 minutes of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in people with drug-resistant epilepsy, a finding that…
New microscopy platform enables imaging of neuronal activity at single-cell resolution at unprecedented tissue depth
As light travels deeper into the brain, it scatters. Three-photon microscopy, the current state of the art, reduces the resulting background fluorescence and can, in principle,…
Living near water-pollution sources associated with rare brain disorder
People who live near industrial facilities that pollute the water supply may be more likely to develop a rare movement disorder called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP),…
Tiny corneal bumps reveal potential path toward treating severe vision loss
University of Waterloo researchers have discovered how tiny bumps inside the eye contribute to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), an eye disease that can cause severe…
Lab-on-a-chip predicts which cancer treatments may work for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
More than 120,000 people in the U.S. are living with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Of those, more than 3,500 will be in…
She Couldn’t Break 4 Hours in Eight Marathons. Before Her Next Attempt, She Tweaked Her Training: and Finished in 3:43.
A chance encounter after her eighth marathon finally helped Hannah Zarzecki achieve the dream she’d been chasing for years.
Your bottom shape doesn't reveal your estrogen levels: despite what social media says
The shape of your bottom cannot tell you anything about your hormones, whatever recent social media posts claim. Determining hormone levels requires appropriate laboratory…
Combining targeted therapies significantly boosted survival in kidney cancer study
Results of a phase 1/2 trial led by Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center show that combining the targeted therapies bevacizumab (Avastin) and pazopanib (Votrient)…
Aging people with autism more likely to have Parkinson's disease symptoms
Older people with autism are more likely to develop symptoms of Parkinson's disease, a new study says.
Diabetes medication may lower heart attack and stroke risk by curbing platelet overactivation
For millions living with type 2 diabetes, heart disease remains one of the greatest threats to their health.
Snake-inspired soft robot could help doctors diagnose and treat small intestine disorders
Disorders of the small intestine are often difficult to diagnose and treat. More than 20 feet (6.1 meters) long, an inch (2.5 centimeters) in diameter and located deep within…
Health coverage more strongly associated with income than world region
Higher levels of human development are associated with better universal health coverage worldwide, and disparities in coverage between income groups are generally larger than…
What’s the Minimum Amount of Race-Pace Training You Need Before Hitting the Starting Line?
Use these time-based benchmarks and workouts to dial in your pace before race day.
People in tune with their bodies pay a lower health price for politics, without switching off
A study of more than 2,000 Americans across two elections found that people who notice and trust their body's signals reported fewer physical, emotional, behavioral and social…
Restoring an amino acid can diminish age-related inflammation
Sustained low-level inflammation is a hallmark of the aging process. The accumulating damage persistently activates the innate immune system: the body's first line of defense:…
This NYC Marathon Merch Collection Celebrates Running in the Five Boroughs
Only NY’s latest drop is a must-shop for runners.
The 8 Sleekest, Comfiest Workout Leggings for Women Runners
These smooth leggings pack plenty of storage while keeping you warm.
Diets high in fat and sugar are linked to impulsiveness in people with borderline personality disorder
Adults with borderline personality disorder who ate more foods high in fat and sugar tended to be more impulsive and took more risks on a gambling task, though their diets were…
The 6 Best Trail Running Socks for Venturing Beyond the Pavement
A good pair will make your run better by managing moisture and heat; the wrong pair will ruin it.
The 5 Best Compression Socks for Running
All our top picks range in compression levels, heights, and more.
Hosting for the Holidays? These Shoe Storage Deals Can Tidy Up Your Entryway
Expecting a crowd this holiday season? These shoe racks, cabinets, and organizers can help clear entryway clutter, with options for small spaces and growing shoe piles.
The Plushest Running Shoes for Base-Building Miles, Injury-Prone Runners, and Future Marathoners
These bouncy, comfy, cushioned shoes are like lightweight mattresses under your feet.
A mirror trick that adds a sixth finger also changes what people think their hand can grab
With a mirror and some well-timed brushstrokes, researchers gave volunteers the sensation of a sixth finger. Afterward, people judged that their hand needed a wider opening to…
Is It Okay to Take Breaks During Long Runs? Experts Explain When It Helps and When It Signals a Red Flag
A long stoplight or quick water break won’t ruin your long run: but frequent pauses can reveal deeper issues.
Intelligence and fertility: Do smarter people have fewer children? The strongest evidence suggests a smaller, more complicated link
People with higher intelligence scores tend to have slightly smaller families in American and British surveys. But when researchers wait until people finish having children and…
Terminally ill mum who can't talk, walk or dress herself refused Pip payment
Rachael Field, from Rhondda Cynon Taf, had her tongue and voicebox removed and windpipe reconstructed.
A strong emotional bond with a mother predicts resilience after childhood trauma
A large study reveals that adolescents who experience a warm relationship with a mother figure and limit their sedentary screen time are more likely to demonstrate resilience…
Men and women report similar levels of “duty sex,” and similar reasons behind it
Sex out of obligation is often treated as a red flag in relationships. But a new study suggests it may serve a purpose for some people, appearing most often when they sense…
Horror isn’t just intense fear, new psychology study suggests
Fear tends to involve possible danger ahead, while horror often follows learning about something that shouldn’t happen. A new study suggests that graphic, extreme descriptions…
Some people with meat allergies from alpha-gal syndrome turn to exotic alternatives
People with alpha-gal syndrome can have allergic reactions to meat from mammals. Many of those affected change their diets to eat other proteins.
This Self-Coached Data Scientist Has Never Run a Marathon Before. Here’s Why He Could Win NYC.
Andreas Almgren will make his marathon debut on the streets of New York this weekend: and he wants to be in contention.
Could tomato paste help your brain? A three-month trial points to modest gains in attention and memory
Tomatoes are the main dietary source of lycopene, a red pigment that can reach the brain. In a new trial, daily tomato paste was linked to better attention and memory scores,…
How to Pace the Five Boroughs of the NYC Marathon
Run smart. Finish strong. Your best New York City marathon yet starts with a smart pacing strategy.
The Ebola outbreak is breaking records -- and just marked a grim milestone
The current outbreak, first identified in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has now counted 10,000 patients and has spread with great speed. How can it be stopped?
This 33-Song Playlist Is What Jess McClain Uses to Train for Crushing Marathons
For the American course record holder from the 2026 Boston Marathon: who is about to take on the New York City Marathon: music is an integral part of training.
Runna’s Training Plan Felt Too Aggressive. Here’s How I Adjusted It: and Ran My Fastest Half Marathon
How to make a training app truly work for your fitness level, goals, and recovery needs so you avoid injury.
This Man Just Turned 50: and Ran an Astonishing 2:15 Marathon, Shattering the Age Group World Record by 4 Minutes
Mark Kiptoo averaged 5:10 pace at the Frankfurt Marathon to reset a 35-year-old masters mark.
Household chaos does not directly cause poor grades, twin study suggests
A disorganized home is often linked to poor academic performance, but a large twin study reveals that shared genetics and broader family environments are to blame, not the…
The Best Running Underwear of 2026 for Women and Men
Eliminate chafing, odor, and overall discomfort just in time for your next run.
Autistic children’s brains respond less to the emotional meaning of sentences, fMRI study finds
When children hear a sentence about someone’s feelings, part of the brain’s language system typically responds more strongly than it does to a sentence about objects. In…
We Tested the lululemon Align and LSKD Fusion Leggings: Here’s Why You Need Both Pairs
One is good for recovery runs, and the other is better for hard runs, strength training and more.
The Best Mizuno Running Shoes 2026: Our Top Picks for Stability, Trails, Marathons, and More
Mizuno is famous for its workhorse trainers, but the brand has an experimental side, too: These are the best pairs to try.
On Wants You to Feel Your Softest Ride Yet
The Cloudsurfer 3 is built to make everyday runs feel smooth and effortless, even as the miles add up.
A 'Green Army' is out to thwart El Niño flooding
In Nairobi, a city prone to floods, workers in the "Green Army" are making preparations to prevent disaster when El Niño arrives.
News coverage of psilocybin often outpaces the science, systematic review finds
Researchers compared 70 psilocybin trial publications with 172 news articles. Both reported positive results at similar rates, but news coverage tended to present the benefits…
The Best Leg Day Workout to Become a Stronger Runner
Want to get faster? Then it’s time to strength train.
More than third of deaths of ex-prisoners on probation drug related, says report
Politicians are being urged to tackle "systematic failures" in the criminal justice system.
Just a few minutes of speech may offer a window into brain health and aging
Researchers trained a machine learning model to estimate a person’s age from short voice recordings. In a study of nearly 3,000 adults across Latin America, speech in people…
The 8 Best Treadmills of 2026
They’re smarter than ever, giving you plenty of training options if you prefer to move your training indoors.
Leave home with a plan: What to pack in your medical kit and when to seek care for symptoms abroad
Here’s what to talk to your doctor about before traveling abroad.
Where humans build, mosquitoes follow - bringing dengue, West Nile and other diseases with them
Disease-carrying mosquitoes are moving deeper into the US. Climate change is only part of the problem.
Glutamate receptors may help explain the brain structure behind children’s math and reading abilities
Of 19 chemical signaling systems examined, only one consistently matched the brain structure linked to children’s math and reading abilities across two independent groups: NMDA…
We’ll pay to get revenge on an algorithm, even though it can’t feel a thing
An algorithm can’t feel the sting of losing money, but people will sacrifice their own cash to punish one anyway. In experiments with more than 6,000 participants, people…
Limiting sugar in the first 1,000 days of life is associated with later dementia onset, study finds
Britain’s sugar rationing ended abruptly in 1953, creating a natural experiment. People exposed to rationing in the womb and during their first two years had a lower risk of…
8 Treadmill Workouts Pro Runners Swear By for Better Performance
Steal their secrets to making the most of your indoor runs.
Women reach orgasm more often alone, but partnered orgasms are more closely tied to sexual satisfaction
In a survey of nearly 28,000 period-tracking app users, women reported reaching orgasm more often during solo sex than with a partner. Yet it was partnered orgasm frequency,…
Dave Obelkevich, 83, Will Run His 50th NYC Marathon on Sunday. He Shares the Tips You Need for Your Best Race.
The NYC Marathon’s longest-streak runner shares hard-earned course tips for all five boroughs.