As my time at Morning Rounds comes to an end, I have some exciting news to share with you. Starting in February, you can find me at AI Prognosis, a new STAT+ newsletter dedicated to all things AI in healthcare. The newsletter’s tagline, “A hitchhiker’s guide to the health care AI galaxy,” promises to provide insights into how AI is shaping patient care, biotech, and health tech. Consider me your Dr. Frizzle of AI, offering explanations on the latest developments and even throwing in some great music recommendations every week.
You can sign up for the newsletter and ask me any burning questions you have about AI in health and medicine. And if you sign up before the launch, you’ll receive the first four editions for free, even if you’re not a STAT+ subscriber.
In other news, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently updated its definition of “healthy” food for the first time in thirty years. The new definition includes a wider range of foods, such as fish with higher fat content like salmon, nuts, seeds, and certain oils. On the flip side, many ultra-processed foods have been disqualified under the new definition, highlighting the importance of making healthy choices.
The issue of maternal mortality in the U.S. continues to be a cause for concern, with varying statistics on the number of deaths per 100,000 live births. Experts stress the need to focus on prevention strategies by addressing underlying factors like access to healthcare and paid leave for pregnant women.
In the realm of healthcare policy, House Republicans recently dropped a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform in a government funding package. PBMs have come under scrutiny for their influence on drug pricing, and the decision to abandon reform efforts has raised questions about the future of PBM regulation.
As we reflect on the past year, STAT’s most memorable photos of 2024 provide a glimpse into the lives of those impacted by health issues and medical advancements. These images capture the resilience and strength of individuals facing challenging circumstances.
California is currently grappling with a surge in H5N1 bird flu cases, raising concerns about the spread of the virus despite strict sanitation protocols. Researchers are exploring potential reasons behind the outbreak and the limitations of current detection methods.
On a global scale, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder has been revised to 1 in 127 individuals, highlighting the need for accurate and comprehensive data collection methods. The updated estimates shed light on the growing recognition of autism as a common neurodevelopmental condition.
In conclusion, the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, with ongoing challenges and opportunities for improvement. Stay tuned for more updates and insights from AI Prognosis and other STAT publications as we navigate the complexities of healthcare in the digital age.
