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.
Author Interviews, Health Care Workers / 02.03.2026

[caption id="attachment_72671" align="aligncenter" width="500"]The Healthcare Heroes You Don’t See Image source[/caption] Most clinic appointments last less than half an hour. You check in, wait a few minutes, see the provider, and head home. It feels simple. But behind that short visit is a steady stream of work that starts before you arrive and continues after you leave. If you have ever wondered why staff seem rushed or why delays happen, the answer often lies in everything happening out of sight. A busy clinic depends on careful planning, fast decisions, and teamwork. From early morning prep to end-of-day charting, many people work together to keep care organized, safe, and personal. Here’s what a normal day really looks like inside a busy clinic.

The Front Desk Sets the Pace

The front desk controls the flow from the moment patients enter. Staff greet each person, confirm appointments, and update insurance or contact details. At the same time, phones ring with new bookings, refill requests, and billing questions. Front desk workers must stay focused while switching between tasks. If they catch an error early, such as outdated insurance, they prevent billing issues later. They also manage late arrivals and walk-ins without disrupting the schedule too much. Clear communication matters here. When staff explain wait times or paperwork clearly, patients feel less frustrated. A steady and organized front desk keeps the entire clinic running on time.
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 / 20.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72529" align="aligncenter" width="500"]med-mal-wrongful-death.jpg Photo by KATRIN BOLOVTSOVA[/caption]

Section 1: The hardest part is that nothing feels real

Wrongful death is a legal phrase that sounds clinical, almost cold. But the event behind it is anything but. A loss like that rewrites a family’s days. Quiet rooms. Phones that stop ringing. The strange task of notifying people who don’t know yet. And then, somehow, paperwork arrives. Forms. Bills. Insurance letters. Employer questions. A calendar full of tasks that feel insulting in their normalcy. It’s common to feel two competing truths at once: grief that knocks the wind out, and an urgent need to protect the family’s future.

Section 2: Accountability is the core idea

In legal terms, wrongful death generally involves a death caused by negligence, recklessness, or misconduct. The details vary case to case, but the question is consistent: was this preventable? That’s why people search for a wrongful death attorney when the loss creates financial instability or when answers feel incomplete. Not because the law can replace a person. It can’t. The point is to prevent the aftermath from crushing the surviving family financially, especially if the deceased person provided income, caregiving, guidance, or support. Grief also has ripple effects that don’t always look like sadness. Sometimes it looks like numbness, irritability, insomnia, or risky coping habits. If it helps to see that acknowledged plainly, this article on how loss can feed destructive coping and what healing can look like speaks to how complicated grieving can become.
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.
Author Interviews, Medical Billing / 18.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72453" align="aligncenter" width="500"]Molecular Medical Billing Services Freepix image[/caption] It's harder to pay for health care these days, especially specialized care like molecular testing. It is important for professionals to handle the problems that come up with genetic tests, pathology-based diagnostics, and precision medicine labs. This is the reason why genetic medical accounting is very important. Molecular billing is different from general medical billing because it requires a deep understanding of complex testing methods, payer-specific requirements, changing coding standards, and strict rules for compliance. Working with a specialized billing team is not only helpful for labs and healthcare providers that offer molecular tests, it is also necessary for their businesses to stay in business. This guide describes molecular medical billing services, why they are important, how they work, and how they help diagnostic organizations make more money in the long run.
Author Interviews, Medical Equipment, Medical Insurance / 17.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72442" align="aligncenter" width="500"]durable-medical-equipment-wheelchair.jpg Photo by cottonbro studio[/caption] Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is equipment that is prescribed by a health care provider for long-term in-home use.  Think hospital beds, walkers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs etc. If you run a DME operation, you’ve probably had this moment. You check the aging report expecting steady payments and instead, you see claims sitting there. Thirty days. Sixty days. Sometimes longer. The equipment was delivered. The paperwork seemed complete. Yet the money hasn’t arrived. Most of the time, the delay isn’t random. It’s tied to something small that slipped through the cracks. Let’s talk about the mistakes that quietly slow everything down.

When the Paperwork Looks Fine But Isn’t

One of the most common issues is documentation that seems complete at first glance. The order is there. The notes are attached. Delivery confirmation exists. Everything appears to be in the file. But when the payer reviews it closely, something doesn’t fully support the claim. Maybe the physician note doesn’t clearly explain why the equipment is necessary. Maybe the diagnosis feels too general. Maybe the dates don’t line up exactly with policy requirements. Those little mismatches matter. Teams that provide DME billing services often spend extra time reviewing documentation before submission because once a claim is denied, fixing it takes far longer than preventing it.
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, JACC / 15.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72419" align="alignleft" width="200"]Professor Moo-Yong Rhee MD, PhD.Cardiology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital College of Medicine, Dongguk University Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea Prof. Moo-Yong Rhee[/caption] Professor Moo-Yong Rhee MD, PhD. Cardiology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital College of Medicine, Dongguk University Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertension remains one of the leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Major challenges in its initial treatment include therapeutic inertia, reliance on stepwise dose escalation of single agents, and reduced adherence due to dose-related adverse effects. These limitations often delay optimal blood pressure control. To address these issues, the concept of low-dose combination therapy was proposed, based on the rationale that combining multiple agents at lower doses may enhance efficacy while minimizing side effects. Although several studies have supported this concept, systematic translational research and confirmatory clinical trials were needed before widespread clinical implementation. The recently completed APOLLO-301 and APOLLO-302 trials were confirmatory, randomized, phase 3 studies designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single-pill ultra-low-dose triple combination therapy, conducted in accordance with regulatory standards. This formulation combined three antihypertensive agents (amlodipine (1.67 mg), losartan (16.67 mg), and chlorthalidone (4.17 mg)) each at approximately one-third of its standard dose. The triple combination was directly compared with standard-dose monotherapy (amlodipine 5 mg or losartan 50 mg). After 8 weeks of treatment, the ultra-low-dose triple combination achieved blood pressure reductions comparable to those of amlodipine 5 mg and significantly greater than those of losartan 50 mg, while maintaining good tolerability. These findings support the potential role of ultra-low-dose triple therapy as an effective initial treatment strategy for patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension.
Author Interviews, Infections, Pediatrics, Vaccine Studies / 12.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
[caption id="attachment_72376" align="alignleft" width="190"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with: William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate. As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection. Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks. Vaccine hesitancy has many causes: Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life. The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated. The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country. Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days. It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences. All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase? Response: The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country. They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families. The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak. MedicalResearch.com: Since many, especially younger, health care providers have never seen a case of measles, are there characteristic features clinicians should be aware of? Response: Measles vaccination has been so successful that many young and middle-aged doctors have never seen a case. Beginning 7-21 days after exposure, the onset of illness is characterized by high fever and malaise. Shortly thereafter the classic “three Cs” occur: Coryza, conjunctivitis and cough. Inside both cheeks white papules (Koplik spots) appear. The characteristic rash soon follows – it is erythematous, blanching, starting on the face and moving down the body, becoming darker over time. The rash may be quite subtle in dark-skinned persons. The common complications of measles include diarrhea, otitis media as well as viral and bacterial pneumonia. More serious complications include encephalitis which occurs approximately once per thousand infections. MedicalResearch.com: Are there areas, i.e. airports, sporting venues etc. where measles transmission is more likely? Response: Measles is readily transmitted among susceptible persons indoors. As most of the cases are in children, daycare, schools, religious services, birthday parties, and such are common venues for transmission although other sites such as airports and sporting events occasionally have been implicated. MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians do if they have a suspected case of measles? Response: All cases of suspected measles should be reported immediately to the local health department. Disclosures: I have no relevant disclosures. The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Some links may be sponsored. Products, services and providers are not warranted or endorsed. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website. Dr. Schaffner[/caption] William Schaffner, MD Professor of Preventive Medicine, Department of Health Policy Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases Vanderbilt University Medical Center Nashville, TN 37203 Dr. Schaffner discusses the recent increase in the incidence of measles infections. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  The fundamental reason leading to the increase in measles cases in the US is that some parents are withholding their children from routine measles vaccination: Failure to vaccinate.  As a result, there are neighborhoods, schools, and communities that now have vaccination rates substantially below the 92% to 95% needed to prevent outbreaks of infection.  Measles is the most contagious virus we know, so it takes very high vaccination rates to prevent transmission and to avert outbreaks.  Vaccine hesitancy has many causes:  Lack of knowledge of the severity of measles, concern over vaccine side-effects, low trust in public health, a desire to do things more “naturally” and it can also have political overtones, among others. The measles vaccine is extraordinarily effective; the routine two-dose series confers 97% to 98% protection for life.  The rare “breakthrough” infections that occur in vaccinated persons are generally milder, with fewer complications than in persons who are unvaccinated.  The US was certified as having eliminated measles in 2000 because of high vaccination rates across the country.  Sadly, the US is likely to lose that designation because of sustained measles transmission, reverting us back to the bad old days.  It is particularly sad for any of our children to have to endure measles and its consequences.  All these cases could have been prevented by vaccination. CDC Image MedicalResearch.com: What roles do a decrease in US immunization rates and/or increased immigration from under-vaccinated area play in this increase?   Response:  The substantial majority of unimmunized children in the US were born and raised in this country.  They usually are members of middle- or upper-income families.  The most frequent importers of measles into the US are our own unimmunized children who travel abroad, encounter measles virus and bring it back to their homes where the virus then spreads among the child’s schoolmates and playmates, creating an outbreak.
Author Interviews, Global Health, Infections / 09.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72322" align="alignleft" width="180"]David O. Freedman, M.D.Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus                 University of Alabama, Birmingham USA Dr. Freedman M.D.[/caption] David O. Freedman, M.D. Professor Emeritus of Infectious Diseases Editor of the Textbook of Travel Medicine World Health Organization—Member,  Emergency Committee on Zika Virus University of Alabama, Birmingham USA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this outbreak? Response: India has reported 2 confirmed (PCR and ELISA) Nipah virus (NiV) cases in West Bengal State where the Kolkata megalopolis is located; the state borders Bangladesh. Symptom onset in both cases was late December 2025 in 2 health care workers. One patient has improved while the other remains in the ICU. All samples from 200 contact persons tested negative for NiV.  No further confirmed cases have been detected in West Bengal Bangladesh has reported 1 confirmed NiV case in Rajshahi Division which neighbors India. Symptom onset was January 21, 2026, and the patient expired on January 28. The patient reported no travel history but reported repeated consumption of raw date palm sap between 5 and 20 January.  All 35 contact-persons are being monitored and have tested negative for NiV and no further cases have been detected to date.
#epidemiology, Author Interviews, UCSD / 06.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72295" align="alignleft" width="150"]Raphael Cuomo Dr. Cuomo[/caption] Raphael E. Cuomo, PhD Professor of Medicine Associate Adjunct Professor, Anesthesiology University of California, San Diego MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Epidemiology has mostly been built to explain who gets sick, but many of the decisions that matter most happen after diagnosis. Across multiple diseases, relationships that look consistent in prevention studies often do not hold once people already have the disease, and sometimes they even flip. Diagnosis can change patient biology, treatment context, and biases in the data, so we need clearer methods and language for postdiagnosis questions.
Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 06.02.2026

Editor's note: Do Not Use these products alone or in combination without the specific guidance of your health are provider, due to risks of untoward side effects. THC/CBD and other cannabis products should not be used if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or nursing. Children should not be exposed to cannabis in any form. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72277" align="alignleft" width="200"]Chu Chen, PhDProfessor and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Neural Physiology Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology Center for Biomedical Neuroscience Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center San Antonio, TX 78229 Prof. Chu Chen[/caption] Chu Chen, PhD Professor and Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Chair in Neural Physiology Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology Center for Biomedical Neuroscience Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine University of Texas at San Antonio Health Science Center San Antonio, TX 78229 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly, yet no effective therapies currently exist to prevent, treat, or halt its progression. Cannabis has been used for thousands of years for both recreational and medicinal purposes; however, its therapeutic application has been limited by undesirable neurocognitive side effects, particularly impairments in learning and memory. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, has been shown to reduce amyloid-β (Aβ) pathology in animal models of AD, but at high doses (>5.0 mg/kg) it also disrupts synaptic function and impairs cognition. Research from our laboratory and others has demonstrated that Δ9-THC-induced deficits in long-term synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory are associated with the induction of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme that converts arachidonic acid into pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Notably, pharmacological inhibition or genetic deletion of COX-2 attenuates Δ9-THC-induced synaptic and cognitive impairments. Based on these findings, we proposed a combination (“cocktail”) therapy consisting of low-dose Δ9-THC and the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic strategy for AD. This approach is designed to preserve the beneficial effects of Δ9-THC while minimizing its adverse neurocognitive effects and COX-2-mediated inflammatory responses.
Author Interviews, Autism, BMJ, Parkinson's / 05.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72249" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dr. Caroline Fyfe PhDPostdoctoral Research Associate Life Long Health and Wellbeing Theme University of Edinburgh Dr. Fyfe[/caption] Dr. Caroline Fyfe PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Life Long Health and Wellbeing Theme University of Edinburgh MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Autism (ASD) has traditionally been seen as a condition that disproportionately affects males. This study quantifies the sex bias across birth cohorts, ages, and calendar time,  using the Swedish national population registers to follow ~ 2.7 million individual born between 1985 and 2020 throughout their lives. Among children under ten years old the male-to-female diagnosis ratio remained relatively stable at about 3:1. In contrast, a rapid increase in diagnoses of ASD among females during adolescence, produced a “female catch-up effect” that resulted in near parity of ASD prevalence between males and females by adulthood.
Author Interviews, Leukemia / 04.02.2026

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or CLL, and small lymphocytic lymphoma, or SLL, are chronic B cell cancers that often need long term treatment. Many patients are older at diagnosis or have other medical conditions, so the choice of first line therapy is important. Over time the goal is not only to control disease but also to preserve quality of life while keeping side effects manageable. Targeted therapies have changed how CLL and SLL are treated. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are now commonly used because they offer oral treatment and avoid traditional chemotherapy. Zanubrutinib is a covalent BTK inhibitor that has been studied a lot in the frontline setting. Long term results from the SEQUOIA zanubrutinib study phase 3 PFS data give useful insight into how this approach performs over time compared with chemoimmunotherapy.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 02.02.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72231" align="alignleft" width="200"]Saji George PhDAssociate Professor & Chair, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Nanotechnology for Food and Agriculture Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University Quebec, Canada Dr. Saji George[/caption] Saji George PhD Associate Professor & Chair, Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Nanotechnology for Food and Agriculture Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, McGill University Quebec, Canada MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cannabis plants are highly susceptible to microbial contamination, particularly by fungi producing harmful mycotoxins. Infection of plants by fungal pathogens could result in the contamination of cannabis products with mycotoxins that pose serious health risks, especially for immunocompromised patients who use cannabis for medical purposes. Currently industry employ decontamination methods such as gamma irradiation to clean up cannabis products likely to harbor fungi and their metabolites. However, their effectiveness in fully eliminating toxigenic fungi and associated mycotoxins remains unclear. Our studies aimed to evaluate the persistence of fungi and mycotoxins in dried cannabis buds following gamma irradiation, using a combination of culture-based, molecular, and immunological techniques. These studies revealed that complete sterilization of cannabis buds once contaminated with mycotoxin is extremely difficult and highlighted the importance of early interventions in preventing toxigenic fungi during cultivation.
Author Interviews, OBGYNE / 02.02.2026

Editor's note: Please let your health care provider know if you are experiencing night sweats, whether you or not you are pregnant. Experiencing night sweats early pregnancy sign symptoms can be surprising and uncomfortable, especially if you’re still waiting for that positive test or just beginning your first trimester. Many women wake up drenched, overheated, or restless during early pregnancy without realizing that this very common symptom is often linked to hormonal changes. While uncomfortable, night sweats at this stage are usually harmless and reflect your body’s rapid adjustments as pregnancy begins. As your hormones shift, the right sleep setup can make a huge difference. A supportive maternity pillow can help regulate airflow around your body, improve sleep posture, and reduce overheating caused by restless sleep. Understanding why night sweats happen and how to manage them can help you stay comfortable and confident through these early changes. Night Sweats as an Early Pregnancy Sign The Hormonal Rollercoaster: Why Progesterone and Estrogen Cause Temperature Swings Hormones are the most common reason for early pregnancy night sweats. Right after conception, your body rapidly increases its production of progesterone and estrogen, both of which directly influence your temperature regulation.

Here’s how hormones trigger night sweats:

  • Progesterone naturally raises body temperature
  • Estrogen fluctuations affect heat sensitivity
  • These hormones stimulate your metabolism
  • Your body works harder to support the uterine lining
This creates a warming effect that becomes more noticeable at night when your body is naturally trying to cool down. Hormone-driven temperature swings are perfectly normal and often one of the earliest signs of pregnancy.
Author Interviews / 02.02.2026

[caption id="attachment_72222" align="aligncenter" width="500"]michigan-accidental-death-lawyers.jpg Freepix image[/caption] A sudden loss hits like a door slamming in the middle of a quiet house. One minute, life is normal. Next, everything is split into “before” and “after.” And after the shock starts to wear off, the questions creep in. What actually happened? Could this have been prevented? And, awkward as it feels to even say out loud, what happens now for the people left behind? A death can sometimes become more than a personal catastrophe. It can become a legal claim. Not because anyone is trying to “cash in,” but because the law recognizes something pretty simple: when someone’s negligence ends a life, the fallout doesn’t disappear. Bills still arrive. Kids still need support. A partner still loses companionship, help, income, and stability. It’s a lot. So let’s talk about how wrongful death cases work in Michigan, in plain language, without the weird courtroom fog.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 31.01.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72207" align="alignleft" width="400"]Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan Prof. Yeoh Khay Guan & Prof Patrick Tan[/caption] Professor Patrick Tan, MD PhD Dean, Duke-NUS Medical School; Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Signature Research Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School; and Professor Yeoh Khay Guan, MBBS Chief Executive, National University Health System; Senior Consultant Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology National University Hospital.   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a precancerous condition that can arise in the stomach after long-term infection with Helicobacter pylori (a common stomach bacterium). Clinically, IM is recognised as a risk state for gastric cancer (GC), as individuals with IM have 6-fold higher risk of eventually developing GC. However, not all IM patients will develop GC, and we lack an understanding of the biological processes operating within IM to transition to GC. Also, we don’t know if these processes are commonly found across the world, particularly since different countries have different rates of GC incidence. In this study, we looked at DNA mutations and mutational signatures in IM samples collected from six countries with varying GC incidence (including accompanying blood-derived genetic variants). We wanted to understand potential risk factors for GC and how this information can be harnessed to improve the clinical management of IM patients and to reduce their GC risk.
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Brain Cancer - Brain Tumors, Lancet, Mammograms / 30.01.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72182" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kristina Lång MD PhDAssociate professor, Diagnostic Radiology Translational Medicine, Lund University Senior consultant, Unilabs Mammography Unit Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden Dr. Lång[/caption] Kristina Lång MD PhD Associate professor, Diagnostic Radiology Translational Medicine, Lund University Senior consultant, Unilabs Mammography Unit Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:  Prior to the start of the trial, several retrospective studies had shown that AI could discriminate between screening mammograms at low and high risk of cancer, with performance comparable to that of average breast radiologists. These findings suggested a potential to improve both the efficiency and sensitivity of mammography screening. This motivated us to design and evaluate an AI-supported screening procedure in a randomised controlled trial. The MASAI trial was among the first prospective studies in this field and, to date, remains the only randomised trial with reported results on the use of AI in breast cancer screening. In European breast cancer screening programmes, every mammogram is usually read by two radiologists, so called double reading, to ensure a high sensitivity. In the MASAI trial we compared AI-supported mammography screening to standard double reading without AI. I n the AI-supported approach, mammograms identified as low-risk by the AI were read by a single radiologist, while high-risk mammograms underwent double reading, with AI providing additional detection support.
Author Interviews, Electronic Records, General Medicine / 29.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72178" align="aligncenter" width="500"]electronic-primary-care-notes.jpg Freepix image[/caption] Family medicine is busy every single day. Patients come in with many concerns at once. Notes must be written for every visit. Follow-ups need to be clear and complete. This work takes a lot of time. Medical Documentation Automation is starting to make this easier.

The Daily Reality of Primary Care Notes

Family doctors handle many visit types. Some visits are short. Some are long and complex. Chronic care visits need careful tracking. Preventive visits need clear records. Writing all of this by hand is tiring. This is where documentation automation helps.
Annals Internal Medicine, Author Interviews, Kidney Disease / 28.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72168" align="alignleft" width="150"]Dustin Mark, MDEmergency Medicine/Critical Care Medicine, East Bay Adjunct Researcher, KPNC Division of Research, CREST Network Dr. Mark[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dustin Mark, MD Emergency Medicine/Critical Care Medicine, East Bay Adjunct Researcher, KPNC Division of Research, CREST Network MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: We examined medical records from 13,988 adults hospitalized with severe hyponatremia between 2008 and 2023 across 21 community hospitals in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health system. Patients were grouped based on how quickly their sodium levels were corrected within a 24-hour period (< 8 meq/L, 8-12 meq/L, > 12 meq/L) and were followed for up to 90 days. The primary outcome was death or serious delayed neurologic events, such as brain damage, seizures, paralysis, or altered consciousness. The results suggest that there is likely a true independent association between slow sodium correction and adverse outcomes, and that current guidelines promoting slow correction of sodium levels should be re-evaluated accordingly.
Accidents & Violence, Author Interviews / 28.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72162" align="aligncenter" width="500"]reducing-pressure-ulcers-long-term-care.jpg Freepix[/caption] Pressure injuries, also known as bedsores or pressure ulcers, are a serious health concern in long-term care settings, especially among elderly individuals with limited mobility. They result from prolonged pressure on the skin and underlying tissues, typically over bony areas such as the sacrum, hips, and heels. Preventing these injuries is essential to maintaining comfort, mobility, and overall well-being in care environments. Below are practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce the risk of pressure injuries in long-term care.

Use Appropriate Support Surfaces to Minimise Pressure

The right bedding and cushioning solutions can significantly reduce the risk of skin breakdown. In long-term care settings, standard mattresses are often inadequate for those at high risk. Alternatives such as alternating pressure mattresses, static air overlays, or foam pressure-relief surfaces help distribute weight more evenly and reduce sustained pressure on vulnerable areas. Caregivers and facility managers should regularly assess and upgrade bedding solutions where necessary. A wide range of  pressure care mattress options for pressure injury management are available to support different levels of risk and mobility, from preventative overlays to active therapeutic systems.
Author Interviews / 28.01.2026

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72153" align="alignleft" width="200"]Kymora B. Scotland MD, PhDAssistant Professor Department of Urology UCLA Gerard Wong PhD, Professor Bioengineering Dept., Chemistry & Biochemistry Dept., Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics Dept. California NanoSystems Institute UCLA Los Angeles, CA  Dr. Scotland[/caption] Kymora B. Scotland MD, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Urology UCLA Gerard Wong PhD, Professor Bioengineering Dept., Chemistry & Biochemistry Dept., Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics Dept. California NanoSystems Institute UCLA Los Angeles, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is thebackground for this study? Response: Because of Dr. Scotland’s clinical work taking care of patients with kidney stones, we noticed that sometimes patients with no history of urinary tract injections would develop UTIs or even sepsis after stone surgery. Similarly, when we cultured the stones obtained from surgical procedures - again in patients without a history of UTIs- we would often identify bacteria. This led us to hypothesize that bacteria actually play a role in stone formation and were not just bystanders occasionally found in the kidney.
Author Interviews, Medical Devices / 26.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72144" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-device-design.jpg Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash[/caption] Medical innovation often focuses on breakthrough technology, new materials, and advanced diagnostics. While these elements matter, the design of medical devices plays an equally critical role in how safely and effectively those innovations are used. From handheld diagnostic tools to large clinical systems, design decisions influence usability, error rates, and patient trust in ways that extend beyond technical performance. Medical device design exists at the intersection of engineering, clinical workflow, and human behavior. When done well, it supports clinicians in delivering care while reducing unnecessary risks. When overlooked, it can introduce confusion, misuse, or unintended harm. As healthcare systems grow more complex, the importance of thoughtful, human-centered design continues to increase.

Patient Safety Begins Long Before Clinical Use

Patient safety is often discussed in terms of protocols, training, and regulatory compliance. However, many safety outcomes are determined long before a device reaches a hospital or clinic. Design choices made during early development stages affect how devices are handled, interpreted, and trusted in real-world settings. For example, poorly designed interfaces can increase the likelihood of user error, even among experienced clinicians. Ambiguous labeling, confusing controls, or non-intuitive layouts can slow response times or lead to misinterpretation. In high-pressure environments such as emergency departments or operating rooms, even small design inefficiencies can have serious consequences. By prioritizing clarity and usability during design, manufacturers can reduce the cognitive load placed on healthcare professionals and improve consistency in patient care.
Alcohol, Author Interviews, Cannabis / 26.01.2026

Editors' 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 CBD is variable, especially since it is not FDA regulated. Cannabis/CBD may interfere with other medications and should not be used in individuals with certain health conditions, including liver issues.  Do not use Cannabis products including edibles, drinks or 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. It is unknown whether the effects of alcohol plus cannabis are cumulative and users ingesting both products should be especially cautious to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness and judgement. MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_72135" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Kruger Ph.D. Dr. Kruger .[/caption] Daniel J. Kruger, PhD Population Studies Center, Institute for Social Research University of Michigan [caption id="attachment_72136" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Jessica Kruger Ph.D. Dr. Kruger[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? [caption id="attachment_72137" align="alignleft" width="100"]Dr. Nicholas Felicione Dr. Felicione[/caption] Response: Alcohol consumption, especially heavy alcohol consumption, is associated with many health risks and nearly 200 different health conditions and diseases. Reducing alcohol consumption reduces the risks and harms from alcohol. Previous research has demonstrated that people have reduced their alcohol consumption when they have access to cannabis. Cannabis beverages have emerged in States where cannabis is legal for adult or medical use.
Author Interviews, Electronic Records, Medical Billing / 26.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72121" align="aligncenter" width="500"]efficient-medical-office-billing.jpg Freepix[/caption] Doctors' offices are not short on responsibility. They manage patient care, compliance, staffing, technology, and the constant churn of insurance rules, all while trying to keep the lights on and the waiting room moving. What often gets less attention is how many of their daily headaches are not clinical at all. They are operational. The good news is that some of the most meaningful improvements happening in medical practices right now are practical, measurable, and rooted in better systems rather than bigger budgets. When Administrative Friction Becomes a Care Issue Front office inefficiencies do more than slow down billing. They ripple outward. A denied claim delays revenue, which stresses staffing. Staffing stress shortens visits. Short visits frustrate patients. None of that helps outcomes, and none of it reflects a lack of effort from medical teams. It reflects a system that asks doctors offices to function like data companies without giving them the right tools. Eligibility errors are a perfect example. Verifying provider credentials across multiple states, plans, and licensing bodies is not glamorous work, but mistakes are costly. Automation and smarter data access are changing that reality. Practices that adopt healthcare payment integrity solutions that boost your payment integrity program with real-time provider eligibility data for all licensed providers across every U.S. state and jurisdiction are seeing fewer denials, faster reimbursements, and far less back and forth with payers. That efficiency shows up directly on the balance sheet, and indirectly in calmer days for staff.
Author Interviews, Infections / 22.01.2026

[caption id="attachment_72087" align="aligncenter" width="500"]hand-hygiene-after-discharge.jpg Photo by Burst[/caption] Leaving the hospital is often a relief, but for many patients, it also marks the start of a critical recovery phase. Once home, the responsibility for infection prevention shifts largely from clinical staff to patients and caregivers. This transition can be challenging, especially for individuals recovering from surgery, managing chronic illness, or living with weakened immune systems. Reducing infection risk at home is not about recreating a hospital environment. It’s about understanding where risks exist, how infections spread, and what practical steps make the biggest difference during recovery.

Why the Post-Discharge Period Is High Risk

Hospital discharge does not mean infection risk disappears. In fact, the days and weeks following discharge are when many infections emerge. Surgical wounds are still healing, medical devices may still be in use, and the immune system may be compromised by illness or treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection on any given day, and a significant number of infections are identified after patients return home. Understanding this risk helps patients and families take prevention seriously without becoming overly anxious.
Thank you for visiting MedicalResearch.com Senior Editor, Marie Benz MD. For more information please email: info@MedicalResearch.com

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.