University Of California, San Francisco

A.A. (UCSF, NIH T32 grant, past consulting income from LeMaitre and MIS Technologies) and D.R. (FDA) have no conflicts of interest. L.H.C. (Duke, FDA, past consulting income from Regeneron, NFLPA, Boehringer, institutional grants from GSK, Novartis) also has no conflicts. R.M.C. (FDA, former Verily Life Sciences, Google Health employee, held equity, served on boards of Cytokinetics, Centessa, Clinetic, Keystone Symposia, C-Path, Clinical Research Forum, One Fifteen) discloses no conflicts related to this manuscript.

New research shows quitting smoking quickly lowers atrial fibrillation risk, with former smokers having 13% lower odds and those who quit during study having 18% lower odds compared to current smokers.

Excessive social media use raises kids' and teens' risk of eating disorder symptoms, linked to constant peer comparisons and unattainable body ideals, per a study in 'Eating and Weight Disorders'.

Eric J. Huang, MD, PhD, a neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases expert, will head the Department of Pathology & Immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis starting Jan. 1.

Twice-yearly lenacapavir injections reduced HIV infections by 96% in a phase 3 trial, outperforming daily PrEP pills. Gilead plans global regulatory filings by end of 2024 for potential 2025 launch.

A new study from UCSF estimates 10.5 million U.S. adults have atrial fibrillation, three times the previous estimate of 3.3 million. A-Fib, driven by aging and lifestyle factors, increases stroke risk and heart-related death. Early detection and treatment can mitigate adverse outcomes.

Surgical sterilization rates rose 3% per month in states where abortion became illegal post-Dobbs ruling, continuing for six months. No rise observed in states with unchanged abortion access. Study suggests Dobbs ruling influenced contraception choices, though surgical sterilization is not foolproof, with 3-5% of women experiencing unplanned pregnancy post-tubal ligation.

In August 2024, the FDA made several decisions on new therapeutic agents, including approving Indapta Therapeutics’ g-NK cell therapy IDP-023 for progressive multiple sclerosis, Amneal Pharmaceuticals’ carbidopa/levodopa ER capsules IPX203 for Parkinson disease, and Medtronic’s deep brain stimulation technology for use during general anesthesia. The agency also granted fast track designation to Abata Therapeutics’ Treg therapy ABA-101 for progressive MS and [18F]PI-2620 tau-PET diagnostic for neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the FDA cleared Clearmind Biomedical’s Neuroblade System for minimally invasive neurosurgery and granted priority review to SpringWorks Therapeutics’ mirdametinib for neurofibromatosis type 1-associated plexiform neurofibromas.

Cornell-led team developed machine-learning models using cell-free RNA to diagnose pediatric inflammatory conditions like Kawasaki disease and MIS-C, monitoring organ health. Published in PNAS, the study highlights cell-free RNA's potential as a molecular diagnostic tool, with further research needed on its biological origins.

Princess Catherine completed chemotherapy, describing her cancer journey as tough yet enlightening, offering a new perspective on life. Experts highlight the mental health impact of cancer, emphasizing the importance of open communication and support from loved ones. Cancer survivors often face ongoing challenges, but also find growth and clarity post-treatment.