Sleep Disorders, Weight Research / 30.04.2026

[caption id="attachment_73537" align="aligncenter" width="500"]fix-sleep-fix-diet.jpg Pexels[/caption] You're tracking your food. You're showing up at the gym. The scale isn't moving. The clothes still fit the same. And somewhere underneath the frustration is a quieter symptom you've been ignoring because it doesn't seem related: you haven't actually slept well in months. Here's the part most weight loss conversations skip. The relationship between sleep and weight isn't a wellness slogan. It's a measurable physiological mechanism, and for a meaningful number of people, fixing the sleep is the missing variable that finally lets the rest of the work pay off.

The Mechanisms Are More Specific Than People Realize

Three things happen when sleep is chronically short or fragmented, and they stack.

Hunger Hormones Shift

Two hormones regulate appetite: ghrelin (which says "eat") and leptin (which says "stop"). After even a few nights of restricted sleep, ghrelin rises and leptin drops. The result, measured repeatedly in controlled studies, is that sleep-deprived people eat several hundred extra calories the next day without registering any change in willpower or intention.

Cravings Get More Specific

Sleep loss specifically increases cravings for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods. Brain imaging shows reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex (decision-making) and increased activity in reward centers when sleep is short. The food choices feel like preference. They're partly chemistry.

Insulin Sensitivity Drops

Even short stretches of poor sleep reduce insulin sensitivity, meaning the body processes carbohydrates less efficiently and stores more of them as fat. This is one of the more striking findings in recent metabolic research — and it shows up after as little as a week of restricted sleep in otherwise healthy adults.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Genetic Research / 29.04.2026

[caption id="attachment_73528" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Yuval Malka, PhDFaculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with Dr. Yuval Malka, PhD Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Founder & CEO of Modular Therapeutics BV and Dr. William Faller PhD University of Bristol discussing their new study on RNA dicing — a fundamental mechanism that generates multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule — and its implications for cancer biology and therapeutics.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: This study is a follow-up to previous work published in recent years (Malka et al., Nature Communications 2017; Malka et al., Molecular Cell 2022), in which we discovered that the mRNA of thousands of genes can be further processed into smaller fragments that translate into shorter proteins. On one hand, this finding helps bridge the gap between our understanding of the transcriptome - traditionally limited to ~20,000 genes and the proteome, which contains hundreds of thousands to potentially millions of distinct protein and peptide isoforms. On the other hand, those earlier studies did not provide sufficient biological insight into this extensive and robust process. The current study represents the third part of this trilogy, introducing a new concept in RNA biology termed "RNA dicing." We show that RNA dicing in eukaryotic systems enables the production of multiple functional protein outputs from a single mRNA molecule. How does this work? Most proteins consist of several domains, each with a distinct function, for example, mediating protein–protein interactions, determining subcellular localization, or carrying catalytic activity. We demonstrate that RNA dicing selectively removes portions of the mRNA template, resulting in the translation of shorter proteins lacking specific domains. This leads to substantial changes in protein function, localization, and interaction partners. In simple terms, RNA dicing mediates modular gene expression.
Author Interviews, Pain Research, Surgical Research / 28.04.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with a VERTEX Spokesperson discussing suzetrigine (JOURNAVX®), a first-in-class non-opioid pain signal inhibitor, and new Phase 4 data presented at the 2026 Annual Regional Anesthesiology and Acute Pain Medicine meeting.

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: There is a critical need for effective, safe non-opioid analgesics to help manage pain and reduce reliance on opioids. Despite significant safety and tolerability concerns such as addiction, opioid use disorder (OUD) and gastrointestinal side effects, opioids remain a common approach for managing moderate-to-severe acute pain. Our recent phase 4, single-arm study assessing suzetrigine in patients who underwent arthroscopic orthopedic procedures or laparoscopic abdominal or gynecological procedures highlighted the transformative potential for suzetrigine to be used as part of an opioid-free multimodal therapy for patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain. JOURNAVX® (suzetrigine) is a first-in-class, prescription non-opioid pain signal inhibitor for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acute pain, including postoperative pain, in adults. It works by selectively inhibiting the NaV1.8 sodium channel on peripheral nociceptors and, therefore, is not believed to have the addiction potential and tolerability issues associated with centrally acting opioids.
Cannabis / 27.04.2026

[caption id="attachment_73447" align="alignleft" width="142"]Edward Liu, MDGeisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Dr. Edward Liu[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Edward Liu, MD Geisinger College of Health Sciences Scranton, PA 18509 Medicalresearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prescription drugs have high levels of uniformity that plant-based products cannot achieve.  Given the liberalization of state-laws regarding medical marijuana1 over the past three-decades and increasing evidence of evidence of cannabis for conditions like chronic pain,2 we were interested in the use of the prescription formulation of delta(Δ)9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  A prior pharmacoepidemiology report found that prescription THC (dronabinol) to Medicaid patients decreased from 2016 to 2020. There were also pronounced state-level disparities in prescribing with a 130-fold difference when correcting for population between the highest and lowest states. There was no research on this topic among Medicare patients. To address this gap, we obtained prescription numbers nationally and at a state level from 2014 to 2019 for Medicare Part D patients.
Health Care Systems, Infections / 24.04.2026

Infection prevention is often discussed in terms of cleaning protocols, hand hygiene, and clinical procedures, but the built environment also plays a direct role in how healthcare spaces function. Air conditions, moisture levels, pressure relationships, and mechanical system performance all affect the quality and consistency of the indoor environment. When those elements remain stable, facilities are better equipped to support patient care, protect sensitive spaces, and reduce conditions that allow contaminants to linger or spread. Environmental control matters because healthcare buildings operate under demands that go far beyond ordinary comfort. Patient rooms, treatment areas, support spaces, and specialized environments all rely on HVAC performance to maintain conditions appropriate for their use. Small shifts in humidity or airflow can create larger operational issues over time, especially in buildings with aging equipment or systems that are difficult to monitor closely. In many cases, problems begin quietly. A system may still be running, but coils may be losing efficiency, sensors may be providing poor readings, or controls may be drifting away from intended settings. Those changes can affect moisture removal, airflow consistency, and the ability of the space to perform as designed.
Weight Research / 15.04.2026

[caption id="attachment_73307" align="aligncenter" width="500"]weight-loss-myths.png Photo courtesy of Pexels[/caption] If you’ve ever looked up weight loss tips, you’ve probably seen a mix of advice that sounds convincing but doesn’t always hold up in real life. Just like you might check a healthy Costco snacks guide to make smarter choices, it’s just as important to filter out myths that can slow down your progress. Let’s break down some of the most common ones and what actually works instead. Let's break down some of the most common weight loss myths — and what actually works instead.

1. "Healthy" Packaged Foods Always Help With Weight Loss

Just because something is labeled "healthy" doesn't mean it's good for weight loss. Many packaged foods are still high in calories, sugar, or portion sizes that are easy to overeat. Even healthier options can slow progress if you're not mindful. Do your research on what healthy snacks are available — you can start by checking a healthy Costco snacks guide to understand better options and make more informed food choices. Check portion sizes rather than just labels, keep snacks simple (nuts, fruit, yogurt), and avoid mindless eating even with "healthy" foods.
COVID -19 Coronavirus / 03.04.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jamie I Forrest PhD, MPH Scientific Director, Health Equity & Resilience Observatory (HERO) Faculty of Applied Science University of British Columbia MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We’ve known since early in the pandemic that many people don’t fully recover after COVID-19. Fatigue is one of the most persistent and disabling symptoms, and it significantly reduces quality of life — affecting people’s ability to work, care for their families, and participate in daily life. Until now, there have been very few treatment options backed by solid evidence. Doctors have largely focused on supportive care — helping patients manage their symptoms through rest, pacing, and multidisciplinary teams — because no medication had been shown to work in a well-designed clinical trial. Several smaller or uncontrolled studies had suggested certain drugs might help, but robust randomized controlled trial evidence was scarce. Interestingly, metformin had previously been shown to reduce the risk of developing Long COVID when taken during the acute phase of infection. Our study asked a different question: can these drugs help people who already have established Long COVID? Long COVID — also called post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, or PASC — is a condition where people continue to feel sick for months or even years after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. The most common and debilitating complaint is fatigue: a profound, persistent exhaustion that doesn’t get better with rest and can make even simple daily activities feel impossible. Despite affecting an estimated tens of millions of people worldwide, there are almost no proven treatments. We wanted to test whether two existing, widely available, and affordable medications could help. The first was fluvoxamine — an antidepressant that also has potent anti-inflammatory effects and acts on brain pathways involved in fatigue. The second was metformin — a common diabetes medication that reduces inflammation and may support cellular energy production. Both had biological reasons to think they might work against Long COVID fatigue, but neither had been rigorously tested for this purpose in a proper clinical trial.
Cannabis / 25.03.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP/ CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider. Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products.l MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72930" align="alignleft" width="200"]Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPHPost-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies Meagan Robichaud, Ph.D.[/caption] Meagan Robichaud, PhD, MPH Post-Doctoral Associate Center for Rapid Surveillance of Tobacco Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies MedicalResearch.com: What is delta-8 THC? Response: To understand delta-8 THC, it’s first important to understand the primary components of cannabis: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC—typically referring to delta-9 THC—is the primary intoxicating substance in cannabis—it’s what makes consumers feel “high.” CBD is also abundant in cannabis but is non-intoxicating. Delta-8 THC is an isomer of delta-9 THC—meaning it has the same chemical formula as delta-9 THC but with a slightly different arrangement of atoms. While early research suggest that delta-8 THC is less potent than delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC is still an intoxicating substance. Delta-8 THC naturally exists in very small amounts in cannabis plants but can be synthesized from CBD.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Genetic Research, JAMA, Karolinski Institute / 24.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72900" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden Jakob Norgren, Ph.D.[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jakob Norgren | PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS) | Karolinska Institutet Division of Clinical Geriatrics | Center for Alzheimer Research Huddinge, Sweden     MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: This study tested the hypothesis that people with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 would have a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia with higher meat intake, based on the fact that APOE4 is the evolutionarily oldest variant of the APOE gene and may have arisen during a period when our evolutionary ancestors ate a more animal-based diet.
Author Interviews, Medical Research Journals, Mental Health Research / 24.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72893" align="alignleft" width="200"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Francis J. Gesel Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, Pennsylvania Francis J. Gesel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Francis J. Gesel Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, Pennsylvania MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Conflicts of interest (COIs) in psychiatric research represent a longstanding ethical challenge, given the close relationship between the pharmaceutical industry and psychiatry. Journals require authors to disclose these relationships, while the U.S. Open Payments database, created under the Sunshine Act, provides a record of payments from manufacturers to physicians. However, whether physician-authors in psychiatry’s most influential journals consistently disclose these relationships had not been systematically assessed. We focused on the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) and JAMA Psychiatry (JAMA-PSY), two of the highest-impact journals in the field, to evaluate the prevalence and magnitude of undisclosed financial COIs.
Author Interviews, Pain Research / 24.03.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72890" align="alignleft" width="195"]Dr. Jay Solgama Dr. Jay Solgama[/caption] Jay P. Solgama, MD Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The United States (U.S.) continues to face a severe opioid crisis, with nearly 80,000 opioid-related deaths reported in 2023. Prescription opioids play a central role in this epidemic, with a large proportion of misuse involving commonly prescribed pain relievers such as oxycodone. Prior research has shown that oxycodone (brand names OxyContin, Roxicodone, OxyIR, RoxyBond, and Percocet) is one of the most widely consumed and misused opioids in the U.S., with notable geographic variation in its distribution across states [1–3]. Against this backdrop, the present study aimed to comprehensively characterize oxycodone distribution across the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Using three complementary data sources—the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Automation of Reports and Consolidated Orders System (ARCOS), Medicaid State Drug Utilization Data (M-SDUD), and the Medicare Part D Prescribers dataset (M-PDP)—we sought to evaluate national and state-level patterns, as well as identify strengths and weaknesses of each dataset [4,5]. The Medicaid program serves low-income and Medicare serves elderly patients.
Author Interviews, CMAJ, Race/Ethnic Diversity / 23.03.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72842" align="alignleft" width="200"] Bukola Salami, Ph.D.[/caption] Bukola Salami, RN, BScN, MN, PhD, FCAN, FAAN (She/Her) Full Professor Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in Black and Racialized Peoples Health Department of Community Health Sciences Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Black people experience disproportionately poor health outcomes, with access to healthcare recognized as a key determinant of health. Although prior research has examined factors influencing healthcare access among Black populations, there is limited evidence on medication access and use. This gap is particularly important in the context of emerging Pharmacare policy in Canada. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of cost-related prescription nonadherence among Black adults in Canada and to examine racial disparities in comparison to White adults, while accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, and insurance-related factors as potential mediators.
Health Care Systems, Health Care Workers / 17.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72802" align="aligncenter" width="500"]why-doctors-choose-locum-tenems.jpg Pexels[/caption] The landscape of physician employment has shifted considerably over the past decade. More doctors are stepping away from permanent positions and opting instead for temporary clinical work, also known as locum tenens. The reasons are varied, but the trend is clear and growing.

Flexibility Is The Main Draw

At its core, locum tenens gives physicians control over their own schedules in a way that traditional employment simply does not. A doctor can choose when to work, where to work, and for how long. That kind of autonomy is rare in medicine, and many physicians find it genuinely life-changing. For those managing family obligations, pursuing advanced training, or simply recovering from years of burnout, the ability to pick up assignments on their own terms makes a significant difference. Some physicians work locum assignments exclusively. Others blend them with part-time permanent roles.

Burnout Is Pushing Physicians To Reconsider

The burnout crisis in medicine is well-documented. Long hours, administrative overload, and shrinking autonomy within health systems have left many doctors questioning their career paths. Locum tenens offers a real alternative. It removes physicians from environments that may have become toxic or unsustainable, at least temporarily, and gives them a chance to reset. When a physician decides to find a domestic locums placement, they often discover that the work itself feels rewarding again. The clinical demands remain, but the bureaucratic weight tends to lighten considerably.
Author Interviews, Infections / 12.03.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72776" align="alignleft" width="148"]dr_william_schaffner.jpg Dr. Schaffner[/caption] Dr. William Schaffner M.D. Professor of Medicine Preventive Medicine, Health Policy Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Interview arranged with the assistance of the Infectious Disease Society of America. MedicalResearch.com: What are the symptoms of HMPV? How is it transmitted? Are some individuals more susceptible to infection or more serious disease?  Response: Human metapneumovirus (HMPV)  is a seasonal respiratory virus that has a worldwide distribution, causing late winter/early spring outbreaks in temperate zones.  It cocirculates with other seasonal respiratory viruses including influenza, COVID, and RSV.  Virtually all children have experienced infection by age 5; persons experience HMPV reinfections throughout life.  The virus is transmitted through close personal contact, most efficiently indoors.  Infection with HMPV can produce a spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from a common cold to acute respiratory distress.  Persons at increased risk of severe disease include older persons and those with chronic medical conditions.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis, Memory / 12.03.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72752" align="alignleft" width="200"]Carrie Cuttler, Ph.D.The Health & Cognition (THC) Lab Associate Professor Director, Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Co-Director, Cannabis Research Center (CRC) Department of Psychology Washington State University Dr. Cutttler, Ph.D.[/caption] Carrie Cuttler, Ph.D. The Health & Cognition (THC) Lab Associate Professor Director, Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program Co-Director, Cannabis Research Center (CRC) Department of Psychology Washington State University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: One of the most well-documented effects of acute cannabis intoxication is impairment in memory. However, memory is not a single process. It is a complex system made up of multiple distinct subsystems that rely on different neural mechanisms and support different types of remembering. Most prior research examining the acute effects of cannabis in humans has focused on a relatively narrow set of memory tests—primarily verbal memory tasks, which involve recalling lists of words, and working memory tasks, which require temporarily holding and manipulating information in consciousness. Far fewer studies have examined how cannabis affects other types of memory that are more relevant to everyday life. These include temporal order memory (remembering the order in which events occurred), prospective memory (remembering to perform tasks in the future), source memory (remembering where information came from), false memory (recalling information that was never presented), and episodic content memory (recalling personally experienced events). To address this gap, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examining the acute effects of cannabis across multiple memory domains. In total, 120 participants were randomly assigned to vaporize either a placebo, a moderate dose of cannabis (20 mg THC), or a high dose of cannabis (40 mg THC).
Heart Disease / 10.03.2026

Global Destination for Advanced Heart Care Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, making access to timely and high-quality cardiac care critically important. In recent years, patients from many countries — including the United States — have increasingly looked beyond their local healthcare systems for advanced treatment options. One destination gaining international attention is Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), widely recognized as a leading cardiology hospital in Israel. Located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Ichilov has built a strong reputation for providing cutting-edge cardiology in Israel, combining advanced medical technologies with internationally trained specialists and a patient-centered approach. Each year, thousands of international patients travel to the medical center for heart treatment in Israel, seeking highly specialized procedures, innovative therapies, and the opportunity to receive treatment without long waiting lists. This unique combination of medical expertise, efficiency, and international experience has made Ichilov one of the most prominent destinations for cardiovascular disease treatment in Israel.
Addiction / 10.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72712" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Online Suboxone Treatment in Ontario Photo by MART PRODUCTION[/caption] Virtual care makes addiction treatment easier to access in Ontario. Aegis Medical offers confidential online support through comprehensive addiction care in Ontario. This guide explains opioid recovery in simple terms so readers can decide what’s right for them.

Understanding Opioid Addiction in Ontario

Opioid addiction is a serious problem in Ontario. Painkillers, fentanyl, and heroin can cause dependence fast. Many people start with a valid prescription before cravings and tolerance develop.

The 5 Ws and H of Opioid Addiction

Opioid addiction can be explained in clear terms:
  • Who: Ontario adults affected by opioid use
  • What: A chronic illness that impacts brain function
  • When: It develops over time with continued use
  • Where: Across communities throughout Ontario
  • Why: Due to changes in brain chemistry
  • How: Through evidence-based treatment and follow-up care
Addiction is medical, not moral. The right treatment makes recovery possible.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, Hepatitis - Liver Disease / 06.03.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Prof. Joseph (Yossi) Tam, DMD, PhD School of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Jerusalem, IsraelProf. Joseph (Yossi) Tam, DMD, PhDSchool of Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research The Hebrew University of Jerusalem The Harvey M. Krueger Family Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Jerusalem, Israel With colleagues Dr. Liad Hinden, the PhD student Radka Kočvarová, and the Tam’s team at the School of Pharmacy at the Faculty of Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you describe the condition of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)? What causes it? Whom does it affect? Response: MASLD, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide. It develops when fat accumulates excessively in liver cells, commonly in people with obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol, or diabetes. Over time, this condition can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Despite its growing prevalence, effective pharmacological therapies remain limited, leaving a substantial unmet clinical need.
Addiction, CMAJ / 04.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72632" align="aligncenter" width="500"]online-gambling-young-men.jpg Photo by Niek Doup on Unsplash[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72636" align="alignleft" width="200"]Ryan ForrestPublic health doctoral student Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Ryan Forrest[/caption] Ryan Forrest Public health doctoral student Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Over the past decade, there have been major changes to the gambling landscape across North America, including how accessible gambling is, what products are available, and how aggressively gambling is marketed and promoted. Our study focused on Ontario, where several key policy changes created a natural opportunity to examine potential health impacts. Online gambling was introduced through a government-run platform in 2015. In 2021, federal legislation legalized single-event sports betting, enabling new gambling formats. Then, in April 2022, Ontario became the first and only jurisdiction in Canada to open a competitive private online gambling market, allowing private companies,  including some large multinational operators, to offer and heavily advertise gambling products. Many Ontarians experienced a rapid increase in gambling advertising and visibility following this shift. To understand whether these changes were associated with health harms, we examined contacts to ConnexOntario, the province’s mental health and addictions helpline, for gambling-related problems.
Author Interviews, Infections, Nature, NYU/NYMC / 25.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72626" align="aligncenter" width="500"]C. auris- CDC image.jpg Candida auris CDC Image[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72627" align="alignleft" width="200"]Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D.[/caption] Vishnu Chaturvedi, Ph.D. Professor of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology and of Medicine New York Medical College MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The research was prompted by the rise of Candida auris (C. auris) as a critical fungal pathogen that has caused global outbreaks in healthcare facilities with high mortality rates. C. auris is particularly difficult to control because it can survive on physical surfaces for extended periods. Current diagnostic methods (such as culture-based approaches or mass spectrometry) are often costly, slow, and require complex equipment in centralized laboratories, which delays effective clinical responses. There is an urgent need for rapid tests that can both identify the fungus and measure its level of drug resistance.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Mental Health Research / 22.02.2026

Editor’ note:  Cannabis and THCA/HEMP CBD products should have an active ingredient list on the container and have a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Discuss your use of THC, Cannabis or CBD products with your health care provider.  Dosing of Cannabis products is variable, especially since they are not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks and CBD if you are pregnant, nursing or may become pregnant. Do not use cannabis products if driving or operating difficult or dangerous machinery. Children should not be exposed to cannabis or CBD products. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72552" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPHLicensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences Dr. Young-Wolff[/caption] Kelly Young-Wolff, PhD, MPH Licensed clinical psychologist and Research Scientist Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research Associate Professor, Psychiatry School of Medicine UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis is widely used by adolescents, and it’s often first used during the same developmental window when many psychiatric disorders begin to emerge. At the same time, cannabis has become more accessible and more socially accepted. While prior studies have linked adolescent cannabis use to mental health symptoms, fewer large studies have examined whether it’s associated with later clinically diagnosed psychiatric disorders. We wanted to address that gap.
Author Interviews, Melanoma, NYU/NYMC / 20.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72519" align="alignleft" width="200"]Pietro Berico, M.Sc., Ph.D.Postdoctoral research fellow Hernando Lab NYU Grossman School of Medicine NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 Dr. Berico[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Pietro Berico, M.Sc., Ph.D. Postdoctoral research fellow Hernando Lab NYU Grossman School of Medicine NYU Langone Health New York, NY 1001 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: “Cutaneous melanoma arises under chronic UV irradiation, which selects for aggressive malignant clones. Paradoxically, its high mutational burden also promotes neoantigen formation and robust immune activation. Consequently, melanoma must establish immune evasion mechanisms from the earliest stages of tumor development. The lack of specific genetic mutational patterns linked to immune escape points toward non-mutational mechanisms, such as epigenetic reprogramming.
Author Interviews, Infections, Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Pediatrics / 18.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72499" align="alignleft" width="174"]Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel MDFounder and director of Gileles Lab Hadassah Medical Center Dr. Gileles-Hillel[/caption] Dr. Alex Gileles-Hillel MD Founder and director of Gileles Lab Hadassah Medical Center Along with Dr. Joel Reiter MD from the Faculty of Medicine Hebrew University and Senior Pediatric Pulmonologists at the Hadassah Medical Center with Dr. David Gozal MD, MBA, PhD from Marshall University MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) experience increased morbidity, including cognitive difficulties, daytime dysfunction, and poorer academic performance, as well as a higher risk of future cardiometabolic disease such as hypertension and obesity. In addition, pediatric OSA has been shown to impair immune responses and alter immunologic function, although the clinical consequences of these changes remain incompletely understood.