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Good morning, as we bid farewell to June, let’s dive into the latest health headlines. Here’s what you need to know:
11.8 million
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office revealed that 11.8 million individuals could lose their health insurance over the next decade under the Senate Republicans’ version of President Trump’s tax bill. This projection has raised concerns about the bill’s aggressive cuts to health programs. For more details on this report, check out Daniel Payne’s analysis on STAT.
The Supreme Court term has finally ended
The Supreme Court concluded its term last Friday, releasing several key opinions. One notable decision was in Kennedy v. Braidwood Management, where the Court upheld a crucial Affordable Care Act provision mandating health insurers to cover certain preventive services at no cost. This ruling ensures continued access to essential services like HIV prevention drugs. However, it also solidifies the HHS secretary’s significant role in overseeing preventive services. Learn more about the implications of this decision in Angus Chen’s coverage on STAT.
Additionally, the Supreme Court recently addressed gender-affirming care bans for minors and states’ ability to restrict Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding.
So you think men can stay fertile forever?
Thinking about undergoing IVF? A recent study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology’s annual meeting suggests that the age of the sperm donor may impact miscarriage rates. The research, conducted across IVF centers in Italy and Spain, found that miscarriage rates significantly increased when the sperm donor was older than 45. This study challenges the notion that male fertility remains unaffected by age and underscores the importance of considering the sperm donor’s age in IVF outcomes. Read more about this eye-opening study led by Maria Christina Guglielmo.
France is courting U.S. scientists while facing homegrown pressures
With the Trump administration slashing funding for scientific research in the U.S., countries like France are seizing the opportunity to attract American researchers. French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged 100 million euros to entice international scientists to France. However, uncertainties remain about the impact of this recruitment initiative on American scientists and European science as a whole. Learn more about this trend and its implications in Andrew Joseph’s detailed report on STAT.
Former NEJM editors say RFK Jr. is wrong about medical journals
Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized prestigious medical journals like the New England Journal of Medicine as “corrupt,” raising concerns about the integrity of medical research. In response, three former NEJM editors have penned a compelling rebuttal, highlighting the underlying issues of research funding and financial associations with industry. While acknowledging the flaws in medical research funding, they caution against redirecting researchers to journals with questionable scientific standards. Delve into their insightful analysis to gain a better understanding of this complex issue.
What we’re reading
- The world is producing more food than ever — but not for long, Wired
- ‘Where’s our money?’ CDC grant funding is moving so slowly layoffs are happening, NPR
- First Opinion: The U.S. must invest in mRNA vaccines against pandemic influenza viruses now, STAT
- The narrowing of Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan’s philanthropy, New York Times
- New blood test could predict preeclampsia in the first trimester, STAT
