BETH ISRAEL DEACONESS MEDICAL CENTER

The forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) are criticized for inaccurately modeling human depression, leading to ineffective antidepressant development. Despite being deemed invalid for 15 years, these tests continue to be funded and published, despite evidence suggesting they are not reliable predictors of human responses to antidepressants. The UK and Australia have banned the FST, and the NIH is shifting towards non-animal-based research methods. An upcoming advisory council meeting could be pivotal in ending the use of these outdated tests.

C. Michael Gibson discovered high lipoprotein(a) levels, inherited from his grandfather, despite decent cholesterol. Research is ongoing for medications to lower lipoprotein(a) and other approaches to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Statins are effective but not sufficient, prompting exploration of new treatments targeting various cholesterol types, including HDL and remnant cholesterol. Clinical trials are underway, with mixed results so far, but optimism remains for potential breakthroughs.

States with strictest abortion laws offer least family support, lacking family-friendly policies like paid leave and having lower enrollment in aid programs, according to a study in the American Journal of Public Health.

Developed an AI model to predict long-course sepsis patients for clinical trial enrollment, enhancing patient homogeneity. Utilized conformal prediction to assess model output uncertainty, aiding informed decision-making. Model performance validated internally and externally, with a web-based calculator aiding clinician understanding and feedback, potentially improving clinical decision-making.