Brown rats found and analyzed near Atlanta now carry rat lungworm, researchers report. It’s a parasite that can trigger a dangerous brain encephalitis in both people and pets, and which now threatens a wide area of the U.S. Southeast. Researchers in Georgia say the microscopic rat lungworm, known scientifically as Angiostrongylus cantonensis, typically begins its…  read on >  read on >

Another diabetes drug maker is taking legal action against businesses in several states, alleging that they’re “fraudulently claiming” that their compounded products are the same as its medication. This time, it’s Eli Lilly suing certain medical spas, wellness centers and compounding pharmacies over its medication Mounjaro. Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is approved…  read on >  read on >

Advisors to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will weigh the possibilities and parameters of experiments with artificial wombs for premature human babies. Scientists have already had some success with the concept in animals. During a two-day meeting that ends Wednesday, the Pediatric Advisory Committee will cover regulations and ethics around creating an artificial womb…  read on >  read on >

A job that’s demanding but less than rewarding may take a big toll on a man’s heart health, a large new study suggests. The study, of nearly 6,500 white-collar workers, found that men who habitually felt stressed on the job had up to double the risk of developing heart disease as their peers who were…  read on >  read on >

Patients with Parkinson’s disease already face poorer mental and physical health, but now a new study shows they also suffer from decreased levels of hope and self-esteem due to the stigma associated with their disease. “There are patients who don’t even disclose the disease to family members because they’re afraid that the children may change…  read on >  read on >

A new survey of U.S. doctors specializing in the care of transgender kids finds they’re alarmed by pressure to limit patient care, threats to personal and patient safety, and the possibility of legal action. “The increasing number of bans on gender-affirming care in the U.S. and the negative impact on pediatric endocrinologists may lead to…  read on >  read on >

Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis, and many reach for medication to ease their joint pain and inflammation. The options might seem overwhelming, though. Here, the Arthritis Foundation offers some suggestions for meds that can be purchased at a local drug store or filled with a doctor’s prescription, whether your pain is caused by normal…  read on >  read on >