A new breakthrough uses 3D-printed scaffolds populated with human stem cells to guide nerve growth across injured spinal cords, showing promise in preclinical rat models. Developed by a team from the University of Minnesota and Virginia Commonwealth University, this method could revolutionize spinal injury treatment, with plans to advance toward human trials.

In a major medical breakthrough, a gene-edited pig's lung was successfully transplanted into a brain-dead patient in China, functioning for nine days. This experiment highlights progress in xenotransplantation but also underscores the challenges ahead, such as immune response management and ethical considerations.

MIT and collaborators have identified the glymphatic system, a crucial waste clearance pathway in the brain active during sleep, which helps prevent Alzheimer's by flushing out toxic proteins. Recent advances in imaging have confirmed this system in humans, and research is ongoing to develop treatments that enhance its function, potentially offering new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.

AbbVie is diving into psychedelic medicine with a $1.2 billion acquisition of Gilgamesh's drug, bretisilocin, aimed at treating Major Depressive Disorder. This move highlights AbbVie's strategic expansion in mental health therapies, following its $9 billion Cerevel acquisition.

The American Academy of Pediatrics now advises pediatricians to begin annual mental health screenings at six months, aiming to curb rising mental issues in children. With up to 20% of young children experiencing mental health problems, these guidelines emphasize early detection and family-pediatrician partnerships to ensure prompt intervention.

A survey by Ohio State University reveals widespread unawareness among Americans about hip problems manifesting as knee, groin, thigh, or back pain. Early diagnosis and treatment, often needing X-rays, are crucial for effective recovery, notes Dr. Matthew Beal.

A study links high PFAS blood levels before bariatric surgery in adolescents to greater weight regain over five years. The findings emphasize the need for stricter PFAS regulation and further research into its impact on weight management and metabolic diseases.

A new study reveals that rapid access to HIV care drastically improves patient recovery times and viral load suppression rates. The research, conducted in Miami, shows significant benefits of same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation over traditional slower pathways, emphasizing the importance of swift treatment access for optimal health outcomes.

A major medical journal is re-evaluating a 2001 study on Paxil after concerns over its credibility and marketing practices. The study, which promoted the antidepressant for adolescents, allegedly downplayed serious side effects, sparking ethical questions.

A Monash University study warns that by 2033, over 3.2 million Australians will have chronic back problems, costing the economy $630 million annually and reducing GDP by 4.6%. The study urges a shift towards evidence-based care to mitigate these impacts, highlighting the economic benefits of reducing long-term back pain prevalence.

Columbia University researchers have pinpointed a neural signature that emerges during mental breaks, predicting self-focused thinking linked to mental health risks. This discovery could lead to early interventions for conditions like anxiety and depression by serving as a biomarker for self-preoccupied mental states.

In a groundbreaking study, female participation in cardiac device trials surged to nearly 48%, revealing key sex-specific differences in outcomes. The BIO-LIBRA study found women with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy had a notably lower risk of adverse events compared to men, emphasizing the need for inclusive research.

Eli Lilly's oral weight loss drug, orforglipron, cut body weight by 12.4% in a major trial, rivaling injectable alternatives. The findings, despite impressive, face challenges in adoption due to potential misuse and the need for comprehensive patient support.

Scientists have identified genes that boost NK cell activity against resistant cancers, marking a significant advance in immunotherapy. The research utilized CRISPR on human cells, promising more effective cancer treatments.

A JAMA study reveals that 63% of U.S. pharmaceutical facilities are in disaster-prone areas, risking supply chain disruptions. In response, the FDA has enhanced its adverse event reporting frequency.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has unveiled PLATO, a new tool to track treatment response in adults with obstructive sleep apnea. This 11-item questionnaire, validated through extensive testing, aims to improve clinical assessment by integrating into electronic health records.

The FDA has approved Signos' glucose monitoring system as the first device aimed at weight loss, now available over-the-counter. This innovative system combines Dexcom's monitors with AI to provide personalized metabolic insights, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional obesity treatments.

The 2025 flu shot, focusing on A/H3N2, is now available and endorsed by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for most Americans. Despite sufficient supplies, future mRNA flu vaccines face funding issues.

A personal account highlights the rapid benefits and serious risks of testosterone therapy, including increased strength and potential heart failure. The surge in unregulated testosterone use in the U.S. underscores the need for medical oversight and awareness of health risks.