Advocates for the use of the psychedelic drug MDMA (midomafetamine) to treat mental health conditions were delivered a setback on Friday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration declined to approve it as treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is insufficient evidence that MDMA — currently illegal and also known as Ecstasy or molly…  read on >  read on >

There’s more evidence to suggest that the common artificial sweetener erythritol might pose dangers to consumers’ hearts. The new study, involving 20 healthy adult volunteers, found that at doses commonly found in an erythritol-sweetened soda or muffin, the sweetener was linked to heightened activity of blood platelets, which could make clots more likely. No such…  read on >  read on >

People with a genetic predisposition for high cholesterol can lower their levels by taking fish oil supplements, a new study shows. The results indicate that lifestyle can be a powerful influence on artery-clogging cholesterol, even if a person’s genetics tends to make those levels higher, researchers said. “Recent advances in genetic studies have allowed us…  read on >  read on >

Kids and teens around the world are consuming more sugary drinks, increasing their risk of future health problems, a new study finds. Young people consumed nearly 23% more sugar-sweetened beverages in 2018 compared to 1990, according to the report published Aug. 7 in the BMJ. “Sugary beverages increase weight gain and risk of obesity, so…  read on >  read on >

In an historic move, the Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday banned the use of a pesticide that can harm fetuses. Known as dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal), the weedkiller is used on a variety of crops, including broccoli, onions, kale, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. However, when a pregnant woman is exposed to the chemical, it…  read on >  read on >

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 7, 2024 (HealthDay news) — Medicare and Medicaid patients are less likely to get cutting-edge weight-loss drugs than people with private insurance are, a new study finds. Medicaid accounted for less than 10% of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) prescription fills in 2023, researchers found. Similarly, Medicare Part D accounted for less than 29% of…  read on >  read on >