It takes a lot of will to successfully lose weight, but a new research review suggests that “motivational” conversations with a health provider may make little difference. The review looked at studies that tested the effects of motivational interviewing, where a health care provider asks questions to encourage patients to talk about what they’d like…  read on >  read on >

Despite months of intense lobbying by patient advocates, federal health officials on Monday posted a largely negative review of an experimental drug for the devastating illness known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In an analysis of Amylyx Pharmaceuticals’ drug, known for now only as AMX3005, regulators from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the…  read on >  read on >

If you believe an occasional tipple is good for your heart, a new study may make you reconsider the notion. Some previous research has suggested that light drinking may benefit the heart, but this large study concluded that any amount of drinking is associated with a higher risk of heart disease, and that any supposed…  read on >  read on >

Advocacy groups are pressing U.S. federal regulators to fast-track approval of an experimental drug treatment for the deadly neurological disease ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), with a decision expected this week. The push to approve the drug, so far just called AMX0035, is based on partial data from clinical trials and follows the U.S. Food and…  read on >  read on >

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized several tobacco-flavored vaping products made by the company Logic on Thursday, and added that it would soon announce whether other big-name brands can continue to sell their products in this country. The agency said it has acted on approximately 99% of the nearly 6.7 million e-cigarette products submitted…  read on >  read on >

“Sugar-free” might sound healthy, but a new study hints that people who consume a lot of artificial sweeteners may face a slightly higher cancer risk. Experts stressed that the findings do not prove sugar substitutes are the culprit. But they said it is wise for people to limit not only added sugars, but also the…  read on >  read on >

Nearly 60 million Americans live in “dental deserts,” while many more can’t afford basic dental care even if it is available. Enter dental therapists. New research suggests these newly minted health care professionals could help more people get the oral health care they need in low-income areas. They are fast becoming members of a typical…  read on >  read on >

A lower dose of a widely used COVID-19 drug is just as effective as a higher dose, new research shows. Tocilizumab (Actemra) is a rheumatoid arthritis drug that has become the standard of care for treating severe COVID-19, but high demand and production limitations have prompted shortages of the medication in many countries. These findings…  read on >  read on >