Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA / 25.11.2025

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 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. CBD skin care products can be absorbed through the skin and have similar effects. Do not use Cannabis products including edibles 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. [caption id="attachment_71501" align="alignleft" width="157"]Dr. Swartz Dr. Swartz[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: James A. Swartz, PhD Professor, Jane Addams College of Social Work University of Illinois Chicago MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: For the past 5 1/2 years, my project team has been charged with monitoring the public health effects of adult cannabis use legalization in Illinois. To fulfill that obligation, we have monitored state data and have tried to keep informed about ongoing research on cannabis legalization and public health. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) rose to the surface of this continual monitoring through a growing number of publications indicating the prevalence of this condition was on the rise and clinical case reports. As context, for any readers unfamiliar with the clinical syndrome, CHS is a paradoxical reaction to long-term, heavy cannabis use. Instead of relieving nausea, cannabis in some people appears to trigger cycles of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Patients often present repeatedly to emergency departments, undergo extensive workups, and only much later does someone connect the dots and consider CHS. Resource use is substantial. CHS visits often involve repeat ED presentations, imaging, laboratory testing, and sometimes hospital admission. Even though CHS is rarely life-threatening, it is not a trivial condition from either the patient’s or the system’s perspective.

Most of the existing literature has been case reports, small series, or single-center studies. Those reports clearly show that CHS can be debilitating and is frequently misdiagnosed, but they don’t tell us much about the bigger picture:

  • How often Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is showing up in emergency departments nationally
  • How those rates have changed over time, especially as cannabis policies and patterns of use have shifted
  • What the typical patient profile looks like at a population level

Our goal was to step back and use a large national emergency department database to describe CHS at scale in the United States from 2016 through 2022.

Cognitive Issues, ENT, Hearing Loss / 22.11.2025

Hearing is often described as a simple act of receiving sound, but in reality it’s a deeply interactive process. Every noise, voice, or melody you encounter sets off an intricate exchange between your ears and your brain. Your brain sorts through the chaos, interprets patterns, and gives meaning to what you hear. When hearing weakens, this seamless coordination becomes strained, and the brain must work harder to keep up. When sound input becomes faint or distorted, the brain starts compensating by trying to reconstruct what was missed. That extra mental effort drains cognitive resources that would normally support attention, memory, and comprehension. People may not notice the load they’re carrying until they begin feeling mentally tired, overwhelmed in conversation, or unable to follow speech in groups. Hearing loss also affects the brain’s auditory centers—the areas responsible for interpreting sound and supporting higher-level thinking skills. When these pathways receive less stimulation, they can weaken, which may influence broader cognitive functions over time. This connection helps explain why untreated hearing difficulties often coincide with challenges in focus, processing, or recall. Social behavior plays a role as well. When hearing becomes a struggle, many individuals gradually step back from group interactions or noisy environments. With fewer conversations and less meaningful auditory engagement, the brain loses important practice. This creates a circular pattern: difficulty hearing leads to less participation, which then reduces the brain’s exposure to the very stimulation that keeps it sharp.
Author Interviews / 20.11.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71487" align="alignleft" width="150"]Kristen D. Krause Dr. Krause[/caption] Kristen D. Krause, PhD, MPH (she/her/hers) Assistant Professor, Department of Urban-Global Public Health Deputy Director, Center for Health, Identity, Behavior and Prevention Studies (CHIBPS) Rutgers School of Public Health Deputy Editor, Annals of LGBTQ Public and Population Health Deputy Editor, Behavioral Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Young sexual minority men often face myriad challenges including stigma, heightened risk for mental health issues, and an increased likelihood of substance use. This study set out to shine a light on how ADHD symptoms might factor into these risks—a topic rarely examined directly in this population. MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  We found that ADHD symptoms are not only common, but they are associated with increased odds of both early and frequent substance use, spanning everything from cigarettes to alcohol and more illicit substances. These results don’t just fill a gap, they invite attention to a complex interplay of identity, mental health, and behavior.
Author Interviews, Multiple Sclerosis / 13.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71426" align="aligncenter" width="500"]multiple-sclerosis-ms-freepix Freepix image[/caption] Receiving a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) can be a life-altering event, bringing with it many questions about the future. MS is a condition of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and the body. Its effects vary widely from person to person, but recent progress in medical science offers more hope and better outcomes than ever before. The focus of care has expanded from simply managing symptoms to actively slowing the condition's progression and improving overall quality of life. Modern approaches to managing MS have transformed what it means to live with the condition. With a growing range of therapies, people with MS now have more opportunities to maintain their independence and continue participating in the activities they enjoy. These developments reflect a deeper recognition of how the disease works, leading to more targeted and convenient treatment plans.

Evolving Therapeutic Approaches

The main goal of modern MS treatments is to modify the course of the disease. These therapies, known as disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), work to reduce the frequency and severity of relapses, which are periods when symptoms flare up. Over the years, the administration of these treatments has become more convenient. While injectable medications were once the standard, many effective oral and infused options are now available, offering more flexibility for individuals. These newer medications are designed to target specific parts of the immune system that are involved in the MS process. This targeted approach helps to protect the brain and spinal cord from damage, slowing the advancement of disability associated with the condition. The availability of different types of DMTs allows healthcare professionals to tailor treatment plans to an individual's specific form of MS and their lifestyle.
Author Interviews, Cannabis, JAMA, Opiods / 13.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71419" align="alignleft" width="150"]MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Victoria Bethel, MSN Department of Public Administration and Policy University of Georgia, Athens Victoria Bethel[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Victoria Bethel, MSN Department of Public Administration and Policy University of Georgia, Athens   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: From the same pool of commercially insured patients, we found that cannabis dispensary openings were associated with reduced opioid prescribing among patients with non-cancer pain. For this study, we examined whether cannabis dispensary openings were also associated with reduced opioid prescribing among commercially insured patients who do have a cancer diagnosis. Similar to patients without cancer, we estimated reductions in opioid prescribing after medical and recreational cannabis dispensaries open. These findings may suggest that patients who experience cancer pain are able to manage their pain with cannabis instead of requiring opioids, although we cannot directly observe substitution.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Nutrition / 11.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71365" align="aligncenter" width="500"]pexels-skin-health-and-nutrition.jpg Photo by Raymond Petrik:[/caption] The health of your skin is often considered an external issue. However, your skin’s condition can reflect what’s happening inside your body, particularly in relation to your diet. In recent years, research has highlighted the importance of nutrition in maintaining healthy skin. Whether you are dealing with acne, eczema, or aging skin, what you eat plays a crucial role in its appearance and function. Understanding how food impacts your skin can be the key to better skin health and effective management of skin conditions. Let’s dive into the science of diet and skin health and explore how specific nutrients can affect your complexion.

The Link Between Diet and Skin

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it functions as a protective barrier, regulating temperature, preventing dehydration, and protecting you from harmful pathogens. However, like any other organ, the health of your skin depends on several internal factors including the nutrients you consume. One study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a poor diet, particularly one high in processed foods and sugar, was linked to an increased risk of developing acne and other skin issues. This is a significant finding as it suggests that skin conditions may not just be the result of external factors, such as pollution or skincare products, but also the direct result of the food you put into your body.
Author Interviews, Education / 11.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71362" align="aligncenter" width="500"]explaining-medical-research-to-public Photo by Ivan S[/caption] Groundbreaking discoveries are happening every day in labs around the world, yet most people can't access or understand this vital information. The gap between scientific research and public understanding is wider than most researchers think. When scientists struggle to communicate their findings effectively, important research gets buried in academic journals where it collects dust instead of making an impact. Meanwhile, the public misses out on knowledge that could improve their lives, inform their decisions and shape their understanding of the world. Whether you're a researcher, science communicator or educator, making complex information accessible can amplify your impact and ensure your work reaches the people who need it most.

Why Simplifying Scientific Research Matters

Before diving into strategies, it's worth understanding why this matters. Scientific literacy affects everything from public health decisions to environmental policy. When people can't understand research, they're more likely to fall for misinformation or dismiss legitimate findings altogether. Additionally, most scientific research receives public funding. Taxpayers deserve to understand what their money is supporting and how it benefits society. Simplifying research isn't "dumbing it down" - it's democratizing knowledge and making science more inclusive.
Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Schizophrenia / 07.11.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71333" align="alignleft" width="100"]Ian Kelleher PhD, MB BCh BAO (Medicine)Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Academy of Medical Sciences Professor Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research University of Edinburgh  Prof. Kelleher[/caption] Ian Kelleher PhD, MB BCh BAO (Medicine) Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Academy of Medical Sciences Professor Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research University of Edinburgh MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response:  Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness associated with hallucinations, delusions and a marked decline in functioning. It usually begins in adulthood, in the 20s, but we know from recent research that as many as half of all individuals who develop schizophrenia had attended child and adolescent psychiatry services earlier in life for other mental health problems. That’s exciting because it suggests: maybe there’s something we could do to reduce risk of schizophrenia in adolescent psychiatry services. But, at present, we don’t have evidence that any intervention reduces schizophrenia risk in this clinical population. Lots of researchers are interested in the antibiotic doxycycline, and the structurally similarly minocycline, because it has potential neuroprotective effects. It crosses the blood brain barrier and seems to reduce inflammation and apoptosis (or programmed cell death). We think that excessive synaptic pruning may play a key role in the development of schizophrenia. In laboratory studies, doxycycline seems to reduce the level of synaptic pruning by its effect on the immune system. Some research suggests that even low dose exposure to doxycycline may lead to long-term effects in “dampening down” activity by microglia, the brain’s resident macrophages, which are central to the process of synaptic pruning.
Author Interviews, Heart Disease, Pharmacology / 05.11.2025

In medicine, we often picture massive, straight-line progress: hypothesis to experiment to result. But the truth is, many of the greatest leaps forward start with something much smaller—an unexpected signal, a moment of deep curiosity, or what scientists playfully call a "blip". That’s exactly how the groundbreaking story of XXB750 began. In a Novartis research lab, scientists noticed a subtle irregularity in the data—something that simply didn't fit their expectations. The easy thing would have been to ignore it, to write it off as an error. Instead, they decided to dig deeper. That single decision, driven by curiosity, is what led to a potential new therapy for heart failure and resistant hypertension—two conditions that profoundly affect millions worldwide. This isn't just a clinical breakdown of molecules and lab tests; it’s a powerful reminder that behind every breakthrough lies persistence, genuine curiosity, and an unwavering desire to give patients a better life. discovery-transform-heart-failure-treatment
Author Interviews, Dermatology / 05.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71306" align="aligncenter" width="500"]treating-adult-acne-jawline Freepix image[/caption] Are you still battling acne in your 30s, 40s, or beyond? Adult acne presents unique challenges that differ from adolescent breakouts, manifesting as inflammatory papules, pustules, comedones, and sometimes painful cystic lesions along the jawline, chin, and lower face. Hormonal fluctuations, stress-induced cortisol elevation, and compromised skin barrier function create a complex treatment landscape requiring targeted interventions. Dermatologists approach adult acne through combination therapies addressing both active lesions and underlying triggers while preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation common in mature skin. If you’re struggling with persistent acne that overlaps with sensitivity or eczema, consulting the best dermatologist in Singapore for eczema can help you receive a more holistic and tailored approach — balancing acne control with skin barrier repair for long-term skin health.
Author Interviews, Education / 03.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71246" align="aligncenter" width="500"]RBT vs. BCBA Photo by Husna Miskandar on Unsplash[/caption] In the field of applied behavior analysis (ABA), you will often see the qualifications “RBT” and “BCBA.” While both play important roles in behaviour-analytic services, they differ significantly in terms of education, responsibilities, autonomy, and career trajectory. For those preparing to enter the field or advance their credentials, using an RBT mock exam can be an excellent way to test your knowledge, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence before certification. Understanding these differences is essential if you’re considering entering the field, either as a direct service provider or a supervisor/analyst.

Defining the Roles

What is an RBT?

A Registered Behavior Technician is a credentialed paraprofessional who works under the supervision of a BCBA (or, in some cases, a higher-level behaviour analyst). Their primary function is to provide direct, hands-on services to clients: implementing behaviour intervention plans, collecting data, assisting with skill acquisition and behaviour reduction strategies.

What is a BCBA?

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst is a practitioner who has completed graduate-level education, supervised experience, and a certification examination. BCBAs are qualified to conduct assessments, design behaviour intervention plans, supervise RBTs, track outcomes, and make clinical decisions.
AI and HealthCare, Author Interviews, Electronic Records, Technology / 02.11.2025

[caption id="attachment_71238" align="aligncenter" width="500"]electronic-ai-medical-records Photo by Karola G[/caption] Medical documentation has always been one of those chores nobody really enjoys. Hours typing notes. Filling out charts. Updating records. All while patients wait, shifts keep rolling, and stress quietly creeps in. AI-powered transcription is slowly changing that. Quietly, almost invisibly. Tasks that used to feel like a slog are now happening faster, cleaner, and honestly, a lot less painfully. Speed Without Sacrificing Accuracy The biggest win? Speed. A doctor can dictate notes while seeing a patient. Minutes later, a clean transcript pops up. No more sitting at a computer after every appointment. No more juggling files. But speed alone isn’t enough. Accuracy is huge. One wrong number. One misheard symptom. And suddenly, the stakes are high. Modern AI transcription tools are actually pretty impressive. They catch tricky medical terms, common abbreviations, and sometimes even rival human transcriptionists. Some systems will even flag unclear words in real-time — little nudges that save headaches later. The mix of speed and accuracy? That’s what makes them genuinely useful. Notes happen almost automatically, letting clinicians focus on what really matters: patients. Breaking Language Barriers Healthcare doesn’t stop at borders. Clinics see patients from all sorts of backgrounds. Traditionally, that meant delays, miscommunication, and guesswork (not ideal). AI transcription is changing that. Some platforms even handle german voice to text & translate. A doctor can speak in German, and the system handles transcription and translation instantly. It’s not just faster. Notes are clearer. Staff don’t have to scramble to interpret them. Communication across languages actually improves. Multilingual transcription isn’t just a nice feature anymore — it’s becoming essential in modern healthcare.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, JAMA, Weight Research / 02.11.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71229" align="alignleft" width="125"]Dr. Bian Jiang Dr. Bian Jiang[/caption] Jiang Bian, PhD Associate Dean of Data Science Walther and Regenstrief Professor of Cancer Informatics Professor of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Adjunct Professor, Biomedical Engineering and Informatics Chief Data Scientist, Regenstrief Institute Chief Data ScientistCustomize & Schedule Social Media Posts Indiana University Health [caption id="attachment_71230" align="alignleft" width="125"]Serena Jingchuan Guo Dr. Serena Guo[/caption] Serena Jingchuan Guo, MD PhD Assistant Professor Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy University of Florida College of Pharmacy [caption id="attachment_71231" align="alignleft" width="125"]Hao Dai, PhD Dr. Hao Dai[/caption] Hao Dai, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Department of Biostatistics & Health Data Science Indiana University School of Medicine       MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both known to increase the risk of several cancers. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have become very popular for both glycemic control and weight loss, but their long-term effects on cancer risk are still unclear. Using a large real-world dataset, we emulated a target trial comparing more than 43,000 GLP-1RA users to matched non-users. We found that GLP-1RA use was associated with a significantly lower overall cancer risk.
Author Interviews, Neurology / 22.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_71069" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Science Behind QEEG Brain Mapping Unsplash image[/caption] Understanding how the brain functions has always been one of science’s most fascinating and complex challenges. Today, advanced technologies like quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) are making it possible to visualize brain activity in ways that were once unimaginable. Known simply as brain mapping, this innovative process offers a window into the intricate electrical patterns that define how we think, feel, and behave. By measuring and analyzing brainwave activity, QEEG is revolutionizing the way medical professionals diagnose and treat a wide range of neurological and psychological conditions.

What Is QEEG Brain Mapping?

QEEG Brain Mapping is a specialized form of electroencephalography (EEG) that quantifies and analyzes the brain’s electrical activity. Unlike a standard EEG, which simply records brainwave patterns, QEEG uses advanced algorithms to convert this raw data into detailed visual maps. These maps highlight areas of the brain that are overactive, underactive, or out of balance. Clinicians can then use these insights to better understand how different brain regions are functioning and interacting. The data from a QEEG is often compared to a large database of “normative” brain activity. This allows specialists to identify deviations that may be linked to conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, traumatic brain injury, or cognitive decline. The ability to pinpoint these irregularities provides a more objective foundation for diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
Author Interviews, Herpes Viruses, Inflammation, Vaccine Studies / 21.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_71064" align="alignleft" width="200"]Ali Dehghani, DODepartment of Medicine University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Presenting Author, IDWeek 2025 Dr. Dehghani[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ali Dehghani, DO Department of Medicine University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center / Case Western Reserve University Presenting Author, IDWeek 2025 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which can inflame blood vessels and the nervous system. Evidence over the past decade has linked shingles to higher risks of heart attack, stroke, and dementia—but it was unclear whether the shingles vaccine might lessen those long-term effects.   [caption id="attachment_71061" align="aligncenter" width="500"]herpes-zoster-cdc-image CDC PHIL Image[/caption] MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings? Response:  Using data from over 100 U.S. health systems, we followed adults age 50 and older for up to five years. We found that people who developed shingles had a 20–30% higher risk of cardiovascular events, vascular dementia, and death compared with similar adults without shingles. Those who had received the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) before their infection had substantially lower long-term risks—about 25% fewer major cardiac events, 40% lower early mortality, and nearly 50% less vascular dementia over time.
Author Interviews, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, PT-Rehabilitation / 20.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_71041" align="alignleft" width="200"]chris-church Chris Church[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Chris Church MPT Director, Gait & Motion Analysis Laboratory Nemours duPont Hospital for Children MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of clubfoot and arthrogryposis? Response: Clubfoot is a congenital foot deformity in which the child is born with their foot (or feet) are stiff and in position with the foot pointing down (equinus) and in (inverted).  Idiopathic clubfoot is a condition in which these children only have issues with their feet.  Arthrogryposis is a condition in which children have contractures in multiple parts of their body.  Children with Arthrogryposis often have clubfeet that are tighter and more difficult to treat than the more common idiopathic type. Idiopathic clubfoot is effectively corrected with a conservative treatment known as the Ponseti method. Recent studies have shown successful short-term correction using Ponseti treatment in the stiffer clubfoot associated with arthrogryposis, but there are few studies analyzing long-term results. This study compares outcomes of the Ponseti method in 10-year-old children with idiopathic clubfoot and clubfoot associated with arthrogryposis. MedicalResearch.com: Would you describe the Ponseti method? Does it require specialized or complicated training to implement treatment? Response: Clubfoot was treated with surgery in the past.  Now we use a more conservative treatment that is provided by pediatric orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists.  The Ponseti method involved serial casting in infancy, Achillies tenotomies, and prolonged use of bracing during sleep until age 5 years. [caption id="attachment_71050" align="alignleft" width="300"]ClubfootNemours Image Clubfoot
Nemours Image[/caption] [caption id="attachment_71051" align="alignleft" width="300"]Clubfoot Nemours Image Clubfoot
Nemours Image[/caption]            
Author Interviews, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, NYU/NYMC, Weight Research / 20.10.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_71025" align="alignleft" width="225"]Michael A. Weintraub, MDClinical Assistant Professor Department of Medicine NYU Grossman School of Medicine Dr. Weintraub[/caption] Michael A. Weintraub, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Department of Medicine NYU Grossman School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The study addresses a critical knowledge gap in diabetes management for dialysis patients. Of the 808,000 people on dialysis in the United States, approximately 60% have diabetes and would be eligible for GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). However, these medications have not been well-studied in this population because dialysis dependence is frequently an exclusion criterion in clinical trials.
Plastic Surgery, Surgical Research / 14.10.2025

Top Ways Plastic Surgery Enhances Health and Well-Being

Key Takeaways

  • Plastic surgery offers significant benefits for both physical health and mental well-being.
  • Addressing functional concerns can lead to a higher quality of life and improved self-image.
  • Working with Board-certified plastic surgeons ensures safety and personalized care.
  • Procedures can serve as motivation and support for maintaining healthier habits long term.
 

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Enhancing Physical Functionality
  3. Boosting Self-Confidence and Mental Health
  4. Alleviating Chronic Pain
  5. Encouraging a Healthier Lifestyle
  6. Reducing Risk of Cardiovascular Issues
  7. Improving Vision
  8. Conclusion
Author Interviews / 14.10.2025

Modern Vision Correction Trends

Key Takeaways

  • Artificial intelligence is boosting precision and safety for LASIK surgery.
  • Non-invasive technologies like PiXL give more patients the option for vision correction without traditional surgery.
  • Laser-free alternatives, such as electromechanical reshaping, are expanding choices for those hesitant about surgery.
  • Smart glasses are leveraging technology to improve the quality of life for people with low or impaired vision.
LASIK

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • AI-Enhanced LASIK Procedures
  • Non-Invasive PiXL Technology
  • Electromechanical Reshaping: A Laser-Free Alternative
  • Smart Glasses: Merging Technology with Vision Correction
  • Conclusion
Author Interviews, Cancer Research, Dental Research, JAMA, Microbiome, NYU/NYMC, Pancreatic / 13.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_70956" align="alignleft" width="125"]Jiyoung Ahn, PhDProfessor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center  NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 Dr. Jiyoung Ahn[/caption] MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jiyoung Ahn, PhD Professor of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine Associate Director for Population Science, NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center NYU Langone Health New York, NY 10016 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: About 10 years ago. we reported that people with poor oral health seem to have a greater risk of pancreatic cancer development.  We suspected that this could be due to oral microbiota.  More recently, animal studies, by other groups, showed that bacteria from the mouth can actually travel through saliva into the pancreas. But we didn’t know which exact species of bacteria or fungi might be involved in pancreas cancer development. We therefore conducted this large human study to examine the oral microbiome — including whole bacteria and fungi profiles in the mouth, and to see which bacteria and fungal taxa are associated with subsequent risk of pancreatic cancer development.
Author Interviews, Dermatology, Hair Care, JAMA / 11.10.2025

[caption id="attachment_70946" align="alignleft" width="200"]dr-brett-king Dr. King[/caption] Brett King, MD, PHD  Dr. King was named an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) “Patient Care Hero” for his work treating patients with severe alopecia areata Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut Fairfield, Connecticut MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly explain the condition of Alopecia Areata? Response: Alopecia Areata (AA), an autoimmune form of hair loss, is common and its treatment has been revolutionized in the past ~3 years with approvals of 3 JAK inhibitors, bariticinib, ritlecitinib and deuruxolitinib. Prior to these approvals, off label treatments included the JAK inhibitors tofacitinib and ruxolitinib.   In a world of multiple treatments, especially when those treatments belong to the same medicine class, the question arises “If patients do not achieve treatment success with one medicine, might they achieve treatment success with another one?”
Author Interviews, Autism, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, JAMA / 06.10.2025

Memantine to Treat Social Impairment in Youths With ASD

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70898" align="alignleft" width="143"]Gagan Joshi, MDDirector, The Alan & Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Director, The Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Program Associate Program Director, MGH Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rovee Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School Dr. Joshi[/caption] Gagan Joshi, MD Director, The Alan & Lorraine Bressler Clinical and Research Program for Autism Spectrum Disorder Associate Director, The Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Program Associate Program Director, MGH Fellowship in Autism Spectrum Disorder Rovee Endowed Chair in Child Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Intellectually capable individuals with autism often face significant challenges in social functioning, yet pharmacologic treatments specifically targeting social impairments are lacking. Our prior neuroimaging research identified abnormally elevated brain glutamate levels in intellectually capable youth with autism, suggesting a potential neurochemical pathway underlying social difficulties. Based on these findings, we examined the effects of memantine—a glutamate-modulating medication—for the treatment of autism.
Author Interviews, Cancer Research / 24.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70763" align="aligncenter" width="500"]next-gen-cancer-sequencing Freepix image[/caption] Cancer is one of the most complex and heterogeneous diseases known to medicine. Tumors can differ not only between patients but also within a single individual, with subclones evolving over time and influencing how the disease progresses or responds to treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become a critical tool in oncology, helping researchers and clinicians unravel this complexity at the molecular level. By analyzing DNA and RNA at high resolution, NGS enables the detection of mutations, copy number changes, gene fusions, and expression patterns that shape tumor biology. This information provides insight into cancer drivers, mechanisms of resistance, and therapeutic targets. Importantly, it also supports precision medical oncology, where treatments are guided by the specific molecular features of a patient’s tumor rather than by one-size-fits-all approaches.
Author Interviews, Blood Pressure - Hypertension, Cancer Research, Stanford / 23.09.2025

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_70752" align="alignleft" width="150"]Minji Jung PharmD, PhDPostdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA Dr. Minji Jung[/caption] Minji Jung PharmD, PhD Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology Department of Urology Stanford University Medical Center Stanford, CA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for kidney cancer, and previous studies have suggested potential links between antihypertensive medications and kidney cancer risk. However, distinguishing the effects of the medications from those of hypertension itself has been challenging. Our meta-analysis systematically evaluated different classes of antihypertensive drugs while accounting for hypertension.
Author Interviews, Autism, OBGYNE, Pain Research, Pediatrics / 23.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70749" align="alignleft" width="150"]Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhDDean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Dr. Baccarelli[/caption] Statement from Andrea Baccarelli, MD, PhD Dean of the Faculty Professor of Environmental Health Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Colleagues and I recently conducted a rigorous review, funded by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the potential risks of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. We reviewed 46 previously published human studies worldwide. We found evidence of an association between exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy and increased incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. This association is strongest when acetaminophen is taken for four weeks or longer.
Aging, Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness / 17.09.2025

World Cup’s Quest to Delay Aging Longevity science has a long history, dating back to the 1900s when people practiced gerontology, the scientific study of aging. In this era, scientists embarked on a study of the mortality and aging patterns in different organisms. Through the 20th century and early 21st century, aging research evolved into what we now know as longevity science, a science that goes beyond extending lifespan. Longevity science stands out for its specific focus on extending healthspan – the period of life we spend in good health. This branch of science has birthed various interventions to help us in the race against time. These include caloric restriction, genetic research, and biomarker-driven personalized medicine. And now, with the recent launch of the Longevity World Cup, Adam Ficsor is fueling the discovery of even more techniques to reverse aging.
Aging, Author Interviews / 16.09.2025

[caption id="attachment_70701" align="aligncenter" width="500"]opportunities-aging-population Photo by Kampus Production[/caption]

Introduction

For healthcare and business leaders alike, the most powerful force shaping the 21st century may not be artificial intelligence or globalization, but aging populations. Since 1950, global life expectancy has risen by nearly 20 years, a monumental shift that is redefining consumer demand, workforce structures, and health systems. By 2050, one in six people worldwide will be over the age of 65, compared with just one in eleven in 2019 (United Nations, 2019). This demographic transformation is often framed as a looming burden—pressuring pension systems, overwhelming hospitals, and shrinking workforces. But this lens ignores a fundamental reality: aging societies also represent one of the largest hidden growth opportunities in healthcare innovation. The challenge is not the demographic trend itself, but how we adapt. For forward-looking companies, investors, and policymakers, reframing aging as a platform for innovation is a strategic imperative.