The Latest Health News Roundup

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Do you know that potato chips were originally sold without any flavor at all? It wasn’t until the mid-50s that they started coming with a little packet of salt for you to pour over them. Imagine a world where chips aren’t pre-salted! Learn more about the history of potato chips here.

In other news, STAT reporters have recently won three SABEW Best in Business awards and received four honorable mentions for their outstanding work.

The Latest Lawsuit Against Trump’s EOs Cites Free Speech

Two Harvard doctors are suing the Trump administration over the removal of two articles from the Patient Safety Network (PSNet), operated by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The researchers argue that the removal of their papers violates the First Amendment. One of the articles discussed endometriosis in trans and nonbinary individuals, while the other focused on suicide risk assessment in LGBTQ+ people. The ACLU Massachusetts is representing the researchers in this case. Read more about the lawsuit here.

The Math Isn’t Adding Up in the Texas Measles Outbreak

A measles outbreak in West Texas has spread to New Mexico and Oklahoma, making it the largest outbreak in the country in six years with over 250 reported cases. There has been one confirmed death, and another death is under investigation in an unvaccinated individual. The fatality rate for measles is typically one to three deaths per 1,000 cases, raising concerns about the true extent of the outbreak. Experts are closely monitoring the situation to understand the severity of the outbreak. Learn more about the measles outbreak here.

Falling Overdose Rates, the Trump Admin, and RFK Jr.’s 12-Step Journey

The federal government’s top addiction researcher, Nora Volkow, shared her insights on how recent policy changes at the NIH under the Trump administration have impacted her work. She also discussed the benefits of having Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is in long-term recovery from alcohol and opioid addictions, in a leadership role. Volkow addressed the use of 12-step programs versus medications for opioid use disorder in a recent Q&A. Read the full conversation here.

A Study on Brains and a Statement on Driving

In a recent study published in Neurology, researchers found persistent brain changes in college athletes who had suffered concussions even after being cleared to resume their sport. This highlights the importance of long-term monitoring for brain injuries. Additionally, the American Academy of Neurology updated its position statement on driving for individuals with epilepsy, emphasizing the need for a minimum seizure-free period before resuming driving. Read more about these findings here.

Are We Entering a Postdoc Crisis?

The Trump administration’s policy moves have had a significant impact on postdoctoral researchers, causing job threats and research delays. The National Postdoctoral Association conducted a survey revealing that many postdocs are facing uncertainties in their positions. Read more about the challenges early-career academics are currently facing here.

What We’re Reading

• Trans and intersex Americans’ health is suffering. The Trump administration could make it worse
• Some CT scans deliver too much radiation, researchers say.

Regulators Want to Know More About CT Scans and Cancer Risk

Regulators are pushing for more information on the potential cancer risks associated with CT scans, according to a recent report from KFF Health News. The use of CT scans has increased significantly in recent years, as they are a valuable tool for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions. However, there are concerns about the amount of radiation exposure patients receive during these scans and the potential long-term consequences.

The article highlights a study that suggests a link between CT scans and an increased risk of cancer. This has raised questions about the safety of these scans and has prompted regulators to take a closer look at the issue. The study found that children who underwent multiple CT scans had a higher risk of developing cancer later in life, sparking concerns about the use of these scans in pediatric patients.

Regulators are now calling for more research to be done on the long-term effects of CT scans and the potential risks they pose. They are also looking into ways to minimize radiation exposure during these scans and ensure that patients are fully informed about the risks and benefits before undergoing the procedure.

This report comes at a time when the healthcare industry is increasingly focused on patient safety and minimizing unnecessary risks. Regulators are keen to ensure that CT scans are used responsibly and that patients are protected from any potential harm. By raising awareness of the risks associated with these scans, regulators hope to encourage healthcare providers to use them judiciously and prioritize patient safety above all else.

In conclusion, the article from KFF Health News sheds light on the growing concerns surrounding the use of CT scans and the potential cancer risks they may pose. Regulators are taking these concerns seriously and are calling for more research to be done to better understand the long-term effects of these scans. By staying informed and advocating for patient safety, regulators hope to ensure that CT scans are used responsibly and that patients are protected from any unnecessary harm.