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Red state researchers are losing out as only some grants are reinstated
Following a chaotic spring where over $1 billion in NIH grants were terminated nationwide, relief is finally in sight for many researchers. A federal judge recently ordered the reinstatement of a significant number of those grants, deeming the terminations “void and illegal.” However, this ruling only applies to grants submitted by plaintiffs in specific lawsuits, leaving researchers in Republican-led states at a disadvantage.
Kentucky-based researcher Cheri Levinson expressed her concerns about the selective nature of the ruling, stating, “I just don’t see how a judge can rule that something is discrimination, but only in certain states.” The fragmented ecosystem created by this situation has left some institutions able to resume their work while others are left to negotiate with the NIH independently. Read more about this issue in Anil Oza’s detailed analysis.
RFK Jr. signs off on some vaccine recommendations
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently approved new recommendations for vaccine use, marking the second time since taking office. These recommendations include endorsing a new meningococcal vaccine and expanding the pool of adults eligible for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shot. The CDC’s expert vaccine panel had previously passed these recommendations in April, awaiting formal approval from the health secretary.
The approved meningococcal vaccine, GSK’s MenABCWY, is now recommended for healthy individuals aged 16 to 23 and those at increased risk from meningococcal disease. The RSV vaccine recommendations now include people aged 50 to 59 with underlying health conditions. These decisions come amidst changes within the CDC’s vaccine committee and Kennedy’s recent replacements of committee members.
How to protect pilgrims from disease without diminishing their faith
At the Maha Kumbh Mela in India earlier this year, over 660 million pilgrims gathered for a spiritual experience. However, the health consequences of such mass gatherings have been evident, with cases of typhoid fever, E. coli infections, and gastroenteritis among returning pilgrims. Dr. Jake Scott highlights the challenges of maintaining sanitation and preventing disease outbreaks while respecting the religious significance of these events.
Despite the best efforts of sanitation systems, the sheer scale of these gatherings can overwhelm health infrastructure. Scott discusses practical strategies to mitigate disease transmission without compromising the spiritual aspects of pilgrimages.
A disabled activist speaks on the tax bill’s real-life toll
Disability rights activist Latoya Maddox shares her firsthand experiences of advocating against proposed cuts to federal health care programs. Maddox, who requires 24-hour care due to multiple disabilities, has been actively protesting legislation that could jeopardize her healthcare and that of others with disabilities.
In an interview with STAT, Maddox emphasizes the personal stakes involved in these policy decisions, particularly for individuals who rely on Medicaid and other essential services. Her perspective sheds light on the impact of potential cuts to federal health care spending on vulnerable populations.
Esketamine alone proves effective for depression, per study
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry confirms the efficacy of esketamine as a standalone treatment for depression. Esketamine, a derivative of ketamine marketed as Spravato, was initially approved by the FDA in combination with oral antidepressants. However, the study’s findings support its use as a standalone therapy for treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers conducted a clinical trial involving nearly 380 participants over three years, with promising results in reducing depressive symptoms. The most common side effects observed were nausea, dissociation, and headache, typically resolving shortly after administration. The study’s outcomes highlight the potential of esketamine as a novel treatment for depression.
What we’re reading
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Wisconsin Supreme Court’s liberal majority strikes down 176-year-old abortion ban, AP
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Insurers aren’t saying whether they’ll cover vaccines for kids if government stops recommending them, Wired
- Memo said to describe biotech industry meeting calls RFK Jr. a ‘direct threat to public health,’ STAT
- 454 hints that a chatbot wrote part of a biomedical researcher’s paper, New York Times
