Health and medicine news covering public health, clinical care, medical research, biotech, and wellness trends.
Two individuals died after consuming unauthorized versions of the unapproved weight loss drug retatrutide, according to FDA adverse event reports. The deaths involve cardiac arrest cases in July and September, joining at least 14 hospitalizations linked to gray-market sales of the experimental medication.
Pope Leo XIV has returned to the Vatican following successful surgery to remove part of his right lung for cancer treatment at Gemelli hospital. The 71-year-old pontiff is in satisfactory condition with full recovery expected in ten days, ending days of uncertainty for the Catholic Church.
BBC News reports on a successful fundraising campaign in Lancashire, UK, where friends raised over £11,000 for seven-year-old Mabel, who suffers from Batten disease. The funds will purchase a wheelchair-accessible van to assist with transporting her to enzyme therapy at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital as her condition deteriorates.
Mayo Clinic experts advise individuals with family breast cancer history to consult specialists for risk assessment using genetic testing and prediction models. They suggest personalized screening plans and discuss preventive surgical options that can significantly reduce risk.
Billy Joel remains uncertain about resuming touring after neurologists warned that performing poses concussion-like risks for his hydrocephalus. His daughter Alexa Ray Joel shared a positive health update ahead of a tribute event, noting he is undergoing specific physical therapy. Proceeds from a motorcycle auction will support the Joel Foundation, funding music education and humanitarian relief.
Medical experts argue that concerns linking canned sparkling water to colorectal cancer stem from packaging contaminants like PFAS rather than the beverage itself. The article clarifies that while these 'forever chemicals' pose health risks, the carbonation does not directly cause cancer, addressing viral social media misinformation.
Pope Leo returned to the Vatican on Saturday, four days after undergoing successful lung cancer surgery. Medical bulletins show continued improvement, with the pontiff holding calls, celebrating Mass, and speaking with Vladimir Putin. He plans to deliver the Angelus blessing Sunday and prepare for an upcoming Latin America trip.
A pioneering same-day metagenomic test successfully identifies hidden bacteria, viruses, and fungi in critically ill children, outperforming standard diagnostic methods. Results from over 100 patients at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, published in Lancet Microbe, highlight the technology's potential to improve treatment outcomes for pediatric emergencies by enabling timely intervention.
At the Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit, Novartis US executive Reshema Kemps-Polanco argued that AI can address fragmented women's healthcare, such as menopause management requiring multiple doctor visits. She emphasized AI's potential to connect disparate symptoms and reduce diagnostic delays for conditions like autoimmune diseases.
The Indian Express reports that a blood pressure reading of 168/115 mmHg significantly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, even without symptoms. A cardiologist advises that while one reading is not definitive, the level is dangerously high and requires immediate medical attention to prevent organ damage.