Mar 27, 2026

Subject: White House misses deadline to nominate new CDC directors

Sender: newsletter@statnews.comD

Summary:

The White House failed to meet a Wednesday deadline to nominate new directors for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a result, NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya will continue to oversee the CDC, but without official capacity as acting director. In his initial all-hands meeting, Bhattacharya expressed support for measles vaccination, promised to repair bullet-riddled windows from a prior shooting incident, and assured there were no plans for further workforce cuts after a 20% reduction over the last year. However, applause from staff was notably sparse during part of the meeting. Additionally, California is considering legislation for a voluntary seal that identifies foods not ultra-processed to promote healthier choices. Furthermore, research highlights a new experimental MRI scan that may improve heart failure treatment by measuring heart oxygen usage. Lastly, updated clinical guidance recognizes endometriosis as a systemic inflammatory condition, enabling diagnosis based solely on symptoms instead of surgical confirmation, potentially reducing diagnostic delays.

Link to detailed article: [STAT+ coverage link]

Subject: 💉 Diagnosing vax injuries

Sender: vitals@axios.comD

Summary:

Federal health officials are considering the creation of a formal ICD-10 code to classify injuries related specifically to COVID-19 vaccines. This code would allow better tracking, research, and insurance coverage for affected individuals, although the safety of the vaccines remains controversial within the administration. Public comments on this proposal are accepted until mid-May, with the new code potentially taking effect in fall 2027. Separately, the White House delayed naming a permanent CDC director, resulting in acting director Jay Bhattacharya continuing without official confirmation. Meanwhile, a new study in JAMA Psychiatry found that ChatGPT’s various versions perform poorly when responding to psychosis-related prompts, raising concerns about AI use in mental health contexts. In business news, Merck is acquiring Terns Pharmaceuticals for $6.7 billion to expand its portfolio ahead of its cancer drug Keytruda losing patent protection in 2028. Lastly, bipartisan senators reintroduced legislation to cap insulin costs at $35 per month for individuals with private or workplace insurance, including provisions for rebate transparency and support programs for uninsured diabetes patients.

More info: [Axios Vitals link]

Subject: Earliest known dog genome pushes genetic record back 5,000 years

Sender: briefing@nature.comD

Summary:

Researchers have identified the earliest known dog genomes from between 14,000 and 16,000 years ago, extending the genetic timeline for dog domestication by over 5,000 years. These findings illuminate the importance of dogs to early hunter-gatherer societies across Western Eurasia. Additionally, a new brain atlas maps functional connectivity across diverse human ages, aiding understanding of neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative disorders. A peer-reviewed AI scientist tool, built on models like GPT-4o, has undergone academic scrutiny, though its capabilities are moderated from earlier claims. Other studies highlight pervasive undetected “forever chemical” pollution in India’s Ganga river sediments, as well as grade inflation in master’s and PhD programs at U.S. universities, possibly linked to faculty incentives. Environmental scientists are urged to adopt innovative strategies amid funding cuts, while conservationists in the Falkland Islands adopt measures to help climate-threatened southern rockhopper penguins.

Further reading: [Nature Briefing link]

Subject: 📣 Axios Future of Health Summit feat. PhRMA CEO Stephen J. Ubl, Weight Watchers CEO Tara Comonte & more | May 13 in D.C.

Sender: events@axios.comD

Summary:

Mark your calendar for the Axios Future of Health Summit on May 13, 2026, in Washington D.C. This event will bring together health care executives, lawmakers, and experts to discuss affordability, innovation, and policy challenges shaping health care amid rapid biotech advances and an election year. Notable speakers include Stephen J. Ubl (PhRMA CEO), Tara Comonte (Weight Watchers CEO), and Cynthia Bailey (model and TV personality). The summit follows a successful 2025 event that featured prominent leaders and drew over 250 guests. Attendees can participate in networking and hear key insights about the evolving health care landscape.

Register here: [Summit registration link]

Subject: We need YOUR vote 🏀 Only 4 teams remain

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Summary:

STAT Madness is down to the final four groundbreaking innovations in health and medicine. Your vote is crucial to help determine the 2026 MVP of Health and Medicine. Explore the innovations competing for the championship and cast your vote before the final round on April 1, 2026. Join the STAT community in celebrating advancements that are shaping science and medical research nationwide.

Vote now: [STAT Madness voting link]

Stay Well!