Nicotine gets a makeover, courtesy of biohackers and influencers
With smoking rates on the decline in the U.S., there has been a resurgence in the promotion of nicotine for its purported cognitive and health benefits. Nicotine, known for its addictive properties in cigarettes, is now being marketed as a natural stimulant that can enhance performance in workouts and daily tasks. Advocates of nicotine compare it to caffeine, labeling both as relatively safe “nootropics.”
However, the trend of using nicotine for wellness purposes comes with risks, and the actual health advantages of the stimulant remain questionable. Companies like Palantir are now even stocking vending machines with nicotine pouches. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, check out STAT’s Sarah Todd’s analysis.
Top drug regulator says FDA center will scrutinize SSRIs, RSV shots
Tracy Beth Høeg, the head of drug regulation at the Food and Drug Administration, recently announced that she will be closely examining two specific products: antidepressants used by pregnant women and monoclonal antibodies that protect infants from RSV.
During her inaugural address to FDA staff, Høeg expressed a particular interest in women’s health and pregnancy, emphasizing the need for more randomized data in pregnant populations. She pointed out instances of infant deaths in RSV monoclonal antibody trials, despite investigations suggesting that the deaths were unrelated to the products. To discover more about Høeg’s plans and her intriguing reference to philosopher Ayn Rand, read STAT’s Lizzy Lawrence’s coverage.
As NIH funding shifts, states test a new research model
In response to the uncertainty surrounding federal funding for scientific research under the current administration, several states are exploring ways to increase funding for research initiatives. Traditionally, state and local governments have had limited involvement in funding scientific research. However, institutions like UMass Chan Medical School are now seeking alternative solutions to support researchers.
State funding could potentially provide researchers with bridge funding while waiting for NIH grants and offer assistance to early career faculty members. This shift in funding strategies is not exclusive to Massachusetts, with proposals emerging in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, and California. For a comprehensive look at this evolving landscape, turn to STAT’s Anil Oza for more information.
ACIP meeting postponed
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of federal vaccine advisers, has announced the postponement of its upcoming meeting. The meeting, originally scheduled to discuss Covid-19 vaccines and other mRNA-based injections, was delayed without a specified reason provided by the Department of Health and Human Services.
The decision to postpone the meeting comes amidst efforts by the White House to shift focus away from contentious vaccine policies towards more popular initiatives like food and drug pricing ahead of the upcoming midterms. Stay tuned for further updates on this development as the situation unfolds. – Chelsea Cirruzzo
When AI outperforms clinicians, is it ethical not to use it?
A recent study published in Nature revealed that Google Health’s AI technology demonstrated performance levels on par with or exceeding those of six radiologists, leading to reduced false negatives and false positives. This discovery has sparked a debate within the healthcare community regarding the role of algorithms versus clinical judgment in medical settings.
Authors Morish Shah and Ami Bhatt argue that the solution does not lie in a binary choice between AI and clinicians but in designing systems that leverage the strengths of both. They emphasize the importance of clarifying the specific tasks at which AI excels and how it can complement the expertise of healthcare professionals. To explore this topic further, read their insightful piece on the implications of AI in healthcare.
What we’re reading
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How one doctor changed New York’s right-to-die, New York Magazine
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New VA rule ties disability ratings to medicated symptoms, drawing fire from veterans groups, Military.com
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The federal directory of doctors and hospitals is coming this year, STAT
- Alzheimer’s blood tests predict what age people will be when the disease may cause symptoms, study finds, Scientific American
- Lawmaker says the U.S. deported a sick baby, while authorities say the child was medically cleared, AP
