Stay informed about health and medicine by subscribing to STAT’s free newsletter Morning Rounds, delivered every weekday. Sign up here.
Good morning from a chilly Boston! Reports of light snow in various areas have left many unprepared for the winter weather.
Today: A ‘hush-hush’ MAHA summit
A confidential gathering of Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) leaders is set to take place today in Washington. The summit will bring together key health officials from the federal government, as well as Vice President JD Vance. The secretive nature of the event has raised concerns about transparency and access to policy discussions. To learn more about the agenda and attendees, including an anticipated address by Russell Brand, read the full report by STAT’s Daniel Payne and Allison DeAngelis.
Can you hypnotize hot flashes away?
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open explored the effectiveness of self-administered hypnosis in managing hot flashes. Participants in the hypnosis group experienced a significant reduction in hot flash severity and frequency compared to those in the sham group. While the results are promising, the study’s limitations, including the lack of diversity among participants, raise questions about the generalizability of the findings. As menopause gains attention in the health landscape, innovative approaches like hypnotherapy are being explored. Read more about the study and its implications in STAT’s coverage.
Saturated fats: ‘You’re probably wondering how I got here’
The upcoming release of the country’s new dietary guidelines under the MAHA administration is expected to include recommendations for increased consumption of saturated fats. This shift towards promoting whole foods over processed meals has sparked debate among nutrition experts. While some advocate for the health benefits of saturated fats found in dairy and meat, others caution against disregarding established data linking saturated fat to adverse health outcomes. Stay informed about the ongoing discussions surrounding dietary guidelines and saturated fats in STAT’s latest coverage.
How two top FDA officials are quietly upending vaccine regulations
Recent changes in vaccine regulations at the FDA have drawn attention to the influence of key officials like Tracy Beth Høeg and Vinay Prasad. These leaders have implemented significant shifts in vaccine surveillance protocols, raising concerns among experts and stakeholders. Their proactive approach to reshaping vaccine regulation has sparked debates within the scientific community. Learn more about the implications of these changes and the challenges they pose in STAT’s investigative report.
The heart’s chambers & my favorite bubble tea flavor
Test your skills with STAT’s weekly mini crossword puzzle and see how you fare against the clues. Challenge yourself and enjoy a mental workout!
A pro-vaccine doctor attended the biggest anti-vax gathering around
Exploring the dynamics of vaccine skepticism, public health professor Craig Spencer attended a conference hosted by Children’s Health Defense, a group known for its anti-vaccine stance. Spencer’s firsthand experience sheds light on the community and beliefs of vaccine skeptics, offering insights into their motivations and convictions. Read Spencer’s reflections on bridging the gap between opposing viewpoints in his compelling First Opinion piece.
What we’re reading
-
Wellness … stickers? The Atlantic
-
The young women grappling with an ‘old man’s disease,’ The New York Times
- FDA taps Pazdur as new top drug regulator, STAT
- Supreme Court extends its order blocking full SNAP payments, with shutdown potentially near an end, AP
- Covid-era rules for addiction medication, Ritalin are extended again, STAT
- Listen: James Watson’s lifelong friend and protégé on his complicated legacy, STAT
