Health

On September 20, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) initiated a lawsuit against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the United States, alleging that their practices have led to inflated insulin prices. The implicated PBMs include CVS Health’s Caremark, Cigna’s Express Scripts, and UnitedHealth’s Optum Rx, which collectively serve 80% of the national prescription drug market. Acting on behalf of employers and various government health programs, these PBMs are responsible for negotiating drug prices, managing payments to pharmacies, and determining the availability and pricing of drugs for consumers. The FTC complaint, which is currently confidential, accuses these PBMs…

Liv Schmidt, a content creator known for her controversial weight management videos, was recently banned from TikTok following allegations that she promoted unhealthy eating behaviors. Despite amassing over 670,000 followers with her diet content, TikTok took action against her account after concerns were raised about the potential harm her videos could cause. According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, Liv Schmidt’s approach to dieting, which emphasizes severe calorie restriction, has sparked a debate about the line between promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging eating disorders. The conversation has expanded to include discussions about body positivity in today’s…

Dr. John A. Clements, a preeminent figure in pulmonary science who deciphered critical lung function in the 1950s and later developed a revolutionary drug to treat lung failure in newborns, has died at his home in Tiburon, California. He was 101. His disappearance was confirmed by his daughter, Carol Clements. Dr. Clements' pioneering work began shortly after his graduation from Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medical College) while serving as an Army physiologist. He was fascinated by the mechanics of human respiration, particularly how the tiny air sacs in the lungs manage to stay open during exhalation. Determined…

Starting on September 23, 2024, the past few summer months have seen what seems like a relentless surge in infectious diseases, from avian influenza and mpox to dengue and eastern equine encephalitis, sparking widespread media attention and public concern. Apoorva Mandavilli, a senior journalist specializing in science and global health, explores whether this perceived increase in outbreaks is as significant as it seems, or whether increased public awareness is playing a role. Throughout the United States, vectors such as mosquitoes have transmitted diseases such as dengue, malaria, and West Nile virus. While dengue has shown notable incidences, other diseases such…

In a significant development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AstraZeneca’s FluMist nasal flu vaccine for use at home. This groundbreaking approval allows people, especially those who prefer non-injectable options, to administer the flu vaccine themselves or through a caregiver in the comfort of their own home, although a doctor’s prescription is still required. Expected to be available through online pharmacies this fall, the initiative aims to make flu prevention more accessible and convenient. AstraZeneca plans to launch a dedicated service on the FluMist Home website, where users can complete a pharmacist-supervised health questionnaire before the vaccine…

A recent Consumer Reports investigation has revealed alarming levels of lead contamination in several cinnamon products on the market. This discovery comes amid heightened regulatory scrutiny, as authorities push for stronger legislation to address heavy metals in consumer foods. In a batch of 36 cinnamon samples tested, a third were found to contain levels of lead considered unsafe. The finding has reignited concerns about metal contaminants in food, especially after incidents last year in which children were adversely affected by lead in cinnamon-flavored applesauce. Consumer Reports tested various cinnamon products purchased from discount and ethnic retailers. The results showed lead…