Apr 25, 2025

Hello everyone,

I have some exciting news to share with you all today! First off, it seems that the Trump administration is targeting scientific journals for their editorial practices. The New England Journal of Medicine has recently come under scrutiny, with the prosecutor asking about alleged bias in their decision to publish certain content. This could have a chilling effect on academic journals and publishers, so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on.

In other news, Nora Volkow, the nation’s top addiction researcher, received a ringing endorsement from the director of the National Institutes of Health. This is great news for her and for the agency, especially during a time of uncertainty. Additionally, there have been some promising developments in the study of Lyme disease, with new research papers offering better recognition and potential alternative treatment options.

A new trial conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital also found that pairing a drug with behavioral treatments can help young people quit e-cigarettes. This could have significant implications for how nicotine addiction is treated in young individuals. Additionally, there has been a call to reinstate the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children to prevent the preventable death and suffering of children with rare conditions.

On the flip side, there have been some challenges at the FDA, with key drug data going missing due to layoffs. This has left health professionals without crucial information about certain drugs they are prescribing. Despite this, there are ongoing discussions about the elimination of synthetic dyes from the American food supply, with several major food companies expressing interest in the conversation.

Overall, there have been some exciting developments in the world of healthcare and science. From advancements in treating nicotine addiction to uncovering the genes behind Mendel’s pea traits, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Let’s continue to stay informed and look forward to more positive breakthroughs in the future!

Best wishes,

Summy

Stay Well!