Researchers' Sexual Misconduct; 'Parkinson's on Steroids'; Need Surgery? Pay Upfront

— Health news and commentary gathered by staff

MedicalToday
Morning Break over illustration of a syringe, Covid virus, and DNA helix over a photo of green vegetation.

Note that some links may require registration or subscription.

House Republicans are asking HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra to provide the legal basis that requires the agency to of researchers who have committed sexual misconduct.

As she prepares to retire early, congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) spoke with People about living with progressive supranuclear palsy, which she calls "."

One in eight U.S. adults have taken semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or another GLP-1 agonistic, a found.

Healthcare-giant Ascension said its network has been hit by a that is disrupting clinical operations.

"." Scientists who spoke with STAT are unsettled by H5N1 spreading in cattle -- mammals with which humans have close contact.

Yet farmworkers are despite CDC recommendations and the USDA reporting six new herds testing positive for the virus. (STAT)

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R) signed legislation to from receiving Medicaid funding. (AP)

The World Health Organization to reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infections.

Should from the bodies of shooting victims? Medical protocol offers no clear answers, leaving some patients with them embedded for life. (NPR)

of cancer patients and survivors have medical debt, despite most being insured, according to the American Cancer Society.

And a KFF survey found that new mothers are to have medical debt as young women who didn't recently give birth.

Imported malaria cases in U.S. southern border jurisdictions more than doubled last year, from 28 cases in 2022 to , according to a study in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

In related news, the FDA is considering in certain donors. (CNN)

Testing of authenticated locks of Beethoven's hair suggested the composer may , possibly contributing to the many ailments he faced throughout his life. (CNN)

Meanwhile, two Democratic senators introduced legislation to limit the in commercial baby food. (The Hill)

Thirteen children in Utah became sick during a 2023 outbreak of associated with untreated municipal irrigation water. (MMWR)

Some hospitals are requiring to avoid having to chase down patients afterwards. (Wall Street Journal)

Zinc for may shorten symptoms, but more evidence is needed, according to a Cochrane review.

The Justice Department is launching a to tackle anti-competitive practices.

The heart of a 4-year-old boy miraculously , 19 hours after it had stopped. (NBC News)

One in five in the U.S. and Canada reported using cannabidiol (CBD), compared with 11.3% of nonpregnant women. (Obstetrics & Gynecology)

Trillions of cicadas are expected to emerge this year, and their loud screeching may be for some autistic people. (Washington Post)