New tool improves TB isolation decisions and streamlines workflows

February 3, 2025

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed and validated a TB risk scoring tool called "TB or Not TB," integrated into the electronic health record, to help clinicians safely and efficiently decide when to discontinue isolation precautions for patients with suspected tuberculosis.

How philosophical thinking shapes healthy habits in preschoolers

February 3, 2025

Integrating philosophical thinking (PT) into early childhood education can empower preschoolers to develop healthy lifestyle habits, critical thinking skills, and informed decision-making abilities, according to a randomized controlled trial published in BMC Public Health.

Reid Hoffman enters ‘wondrous and terrifying’ world of health care with latest AI startup

February 2, 2025

LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman and oncologist Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee have launched Manas AI, a startup using artificial intelligence to accelerate drug discovery, starting with new treatments for aggressive cancers like prostate cancer, lymphoma, and triple-negative breast cancer.

Breakthrough model simulates human bone marrow function in the lab

February 2, 2025

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Medicine, and CHOP have developed a bone marrow-on-a-chip platform that emulates human marrow's native environment, enabling the study of blood cell production, immune response, and the effects of cancer treatments or space travel on the human immune system.

Three key takeaways from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate confirmation hearing

February 1, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the Senate Finance Committee for his confirmation hearing as HHS secretary, facing tough questions on vaccine skepticism, abortion, and his grasp of federal health programs like Medicare and Medicaid.

New AI model predicts gene expression across human cell types

February 1, 2025

Researchers from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Broad Institute, Google, and Columbia University have developed EpiBERT, an AI model that predicts gene expression across human cell types by learning the relationship between DNA sequence and chromatin accessibility.

Prenatal multiple micronutrient supplements lower risk of small, vulnerable newborns

February 1, 2025

A new meta-analysis published in The Lancet Global Health found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) significantly reduces the risk of small, vulnerable newborns, supporting a potential shift in antenatal care guidelines from iron and folic acid to MMS in low- and middle-income countries.

RFK Jr. stumbles over basics of Medicare, Medicaid during Senate confirmation hearings

January 31, 2025

During his Senate confirmation hearings, RFK Jr. struggled to accurately describe the basic components of Medicare and Medicaid, drawing sharp criticism from Democratic senators who questioned his readiness to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

AI software improves detection of congenital heart defects in prenatal ultrasounds

January 31, 2025

A new study presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that AI-based software significantly improved clinicians' ability to detect congenital heart defects in routine prenatal ultrasounds, regardless of the physician's experience level or subspecialty training.

Study finds no evidence linking sickle cell trait to sudden death

January 31, 2025

A systematic literature review published in *Blood* found no medical evidence linking sickle cell trait (SCT) to sudden death from physical exertion or acute pain crises, prompting the American Society of Hematology to update its position statement on SCT.