In a tight vote, U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisors on Tuesday recommended the approval of an RSV vaccine that could be used in Americans ages 60 and up. The vaccine, known as RENOIR, was developed by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc. The same panel of advisors will weigh the potential approval of another respiratory syncytial… read on > read on >
All Food:
Could Tiny Plastic Particles Reach the Fetus From Mom’s Food? Rat Study Raises Concerns
Most food and water contains “nano-sized” microplastics, and new animal research suggests these tiny particles pass from pregnant rats to their unborn offspring and may impair fetal development. The same could be true in humans, the study suggests. “Much remains unknown, but this is certainly cause for concern and follow-up study,” said Philip Demokritou, a… read on > read on >
FDA Takes Action Against Animal Tranquilizer Tied to Fatal ODs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Tuesday that it has taken action to restrict imports of the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine to prevent illicit use of the drug. While veterinarians use products containing xylazine to sedate large animals such as horses and deer, the drug is not safe for people. It is sold on the… read on > read on >
Black Patients With Dementia Are Less Likely to Get Appropriate Meds: Study
When Black patients struggle with dementia, they are less likely to receive helpful medications than their white peers, a new study warns. Researchers looked at how often patients received one or more of five classes of medications commonly given to dementia patients living at home. The study builds on prior research that has identified a… read on > read on >
Could a Common Sweetener Raise Heart Risks?
An artificial sweetener commonly used in processed foods could be increasing people’s risk of heart attack and stroke, a new study argues. Erythritol is a natural sugar alcohol found in many vegetables and fruit. Even the human body produces small amounts of erythritol. But higher levels of the sweetener added to processed foods might increase… read on > read on >
Is Obesity Especially Dangerous for Women at Genetic Risk for Breast Cancer?
Certain gene mutations put women at high risk of breast cancer, and now an early study hints that obesity might make matters worse. The findings come from a study of breast tissue samples from women who carried particular mutations in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 — which convey much higher-than-normal risks of both breast and… read on > read on >
Milk, or a Plant-Based ‘Milk’: What’s the Nutritional Difference?
Not all milks are created equally when it comes to nutrients. Reading the label can clue you in to what you’re getting out of the beverage, whether it be plant-based or dairy, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nutritional content can vary between different plant-based products, the FDA said in a recent news… read on > read on >
10 Ways You Can Cut Your Risk for Dementia
Causes of different kinds of dementia vary, but about 40% are affected by risk factors a person can influence through lifestyle choices. Two University of Michigan neurologists offer 10 tips for modifying those risks. Keep blood pressure in check. Dr. Judith Heidebrink, a neurologist who is co-leader of the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical… read on > read on >
After Criticism, FDA Pledges to Revamp Its Tobacco Division
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s heavily criticized tobacco program promised changes on Friday, including a five-year strategic plan to better outline priorities. “As we enter this era of declining use of combustible tobacco and continued innovation in the e-cigarette industry, the societal concerns are not subtle,” FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said in an… read on > read on >
Too Little Dietary Salt Can Mean Trouble for Heart Failure Patients
It may seem counterintuitive, but a new study review suggests that consuming too little salt could be harmful to heart failure patients. Doctors currently recommend a low-sodium diet to lower blood pressure and avoid fluid buildup and swelling, which can be common symptoms for heart failure. The condition develops when the heart muscle becomes too… read on > read on >