HB The Health BriefHealth research and public health news, reported carefully
Public Health

Florida dengue outbreak reaches largest size in decades

Florida is experiencing the largest dengue outbreak in several decades, according to the report. Cases have risen sharply, prompting public health officials to investigate the spread and potential risk factors.

Why it matters: The outbreak affects residents and visitors in Florida, with evidence from public health monitoring and case tracking.

13h ago

Today's briefing

More from the wire

Research

Genetic factors may explain higher autism rates in males

Researchers identified new genetic candidates that may help explain why autism is diagnosed more often in males. The findings suggest a possible link between these genetic factors and the gender disparity in autism rates.

10h ago

Mental Health

Global PTSD treatment approach under review for better access

A global study suggests stepped care may improve PTSD treatment access by matching clients to suitable therapies. However, there is no consensus on which treatments should be prioritized.

22h ago

Policy

Medicare for All proposal resurfaces in political debates

A proposal for universal healthcare has gained renewed attention as public frustration with the current system grows. The idea is being discussed more frequently in political platforms and debates.

1d ago

Research

T-cell study identifies immune response differences in COVID-19 patients

Research suggests immune responses vary widely among people infected with the same virus strain. These differences may explain why some experience mild symptoms while others face severe illness.

1d ago

Clinical

Migraine Treatment Gaps Persist Despite New Therapies

CGRP therapies have improved migraine care, but many patients still lack relief. Emerging targets may help address this gap, according to the report.

1d ago

Migraine Treatment Gaps Persist Despite New Therapies
Research

Immune evasion mechanism found in metastatic colorectal cancer

Researchers identified a mechanism that allows metastatic colorectal cancer to evade the immune system. The findings may help in developing new treatment strategies.

1d ago

Research

New therapies emerging for dermatomyositis treatment

Recent advances show new treatment options for dermatomyositis. Researchers report increased activity in developing therapies for the condition.

1d ago

New therapies emerging for dermatomyositis treatment
Research

High-IgA MASLD subtype linked to liver events

A study found a subtype of MASLD with high IgA levels was linked to liver-related events. This subtype may affect patients without advanced fibrosis.

1d ago

Public Health

Russia questioned over lab death reporting under global health treaty

A lab worker's death in Russia may not have been reported under a global treaty requiring disclosure of potential outbreak signs. The treaty is signed by 197 countries including Russia.

1d ago

Russia questioned over lab death reporting under global health treaty
Research

Protective protein linked to longer lifespan in Parkinson's mouse model

A protein called alpha-synuclein abnormally aggregates in Parkinson's disease. Researchers found increasing levels of a protective protein suppressed this buildup and more than doubled lifespan in a mouse model.

1d ago

Research

Immune cell map reveals differences in aging rates

A study found immune systems age at different rates in people of the same age. Researchers mapped immune cell changes to explain why some older adults have stronger defenses than others.

1d ago

Research

Alternative signaling pathway may aid blood stem cell transplants

Researchers identified a signaling pathway that may improve blood stem cell transplantation. The finding suggests potential for enhancing bone marrow transplants and gene therapies.

1d ago

Clinical

Ablation Not Linked to Longer Survival in Oligometastatic Breast Cancer

A trial found that ablation did not improve survival in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer compared to systemic therapy alone. The results challenge routine use of ablation outside of symptom control.

1d ago

Ablation Not Linked to Longer Survival in Oligometastatic Breast Cancer
Public Health

OTC Skin Products Found to Contain Hidden Prescription Steroids

A study found that some over-the-counter skin products contain undeclared prescription-strength corticosteroids. These products are marketed for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

1d ago

OTC Skin Products Found to Contain Hidden Prescription Steroids
Research

Gut inflammation linked to heart issues in IBD patients

Chronic intestinal inflammation may affect heart function through changes in gut bacteria and immune cells, according to a study. The findings suggest a possible link between gut health and cardiovascular risk in those with inflammatory bowel disease.

1d ago

Public Health

Unapproved Botox Injections Linked to Neurological Symptoms in Three Women

Three women experienced neurological symptoms after receiving botulinum toxin injections at a Colorado medical spa. Investigations revealed the product used was unapproved, raising concerns about unregulated cosmetic procedures.

1d ago

Unapproved Botox Injections Linked to Neurological Symptoms in Three Women
Clinical

Early TTFields Use in Glioblastoma Patients Does Not Improve Survival

Starting tumor treating fields during chemoradiotherapy does not increase survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients, though some subgroups may need further study.

1d ago

Early TTFields Use in Glioblastoma Patients Does Not Improve Survival
Clinical

Pausing DMARDs After Booster May Increase Disease Flares

A large trial found that pausing DMARD therapy after a COVID booster did not improve immune response but was linked to more disease flares. Researchers advise against temporarily stopping these treatments.

1d ago

Pausing DMARDs After Booster May Increase Disease Flares
Public Health

NHS Waiting Times Projected to Exceed 35 Weeks by 2029

If current trends persist, 92% of NHS waiting times could reach nearly 35 weeks by 2029, according to the Health Foundation. The projection is based on ongoing delays in treatment and diagnostic services.

1d ago

NHS Waiting Times Projected to Exceed 35 Weeks by 2029
Public Health

Synthetic opioid variants rise in US illicit drug supply

A sharp increase in orphine analogues, potent synthetic opioids, has been documented in the US illicit drug supply since late 2025. These substances are linked to rising overdose risks.

1d ago

Synthetic opioid variants rise in US illicit drug supply
Policy

Review highlights links between neurodevelopmental conditions and societal systems

A review found higher rates of autism, ADHD and mental health issues among children and adults. It suggests policy changes may be needed in healthcare, education and employment.

1d ago

Review highlights links between neurodevelopmental conditions and societal systems
Public Health

Few youths in US Medicaid start opioid use disorder treatment quickly

Among US youths in Medicaid with opioid use disorder, about half began treatment within 14 days and only 3.1% continued medication for 180 or more days, according to a study.

1d ago

Clinical

Switching to Faricimab May Extend Dosing Intervals in nAMD

Patients with treatment-resistant neovascular age-related macular degeneration who switched from aflibercept to faricimab may experience longer dosing intervals and better fluid control over three years, according to the report.

1d ago

Switching to Faricimab May Extend Dosing Intervals in nAMD
Research

South African Youth on Long-Acting HIV Treatment Maintain Viral Suppression

Young people in South Africa on long-acting injectable HIV treatment achieved high viral suppression rates. All participants who completed the study opted to continue the treatment.

1d ago

South African Youth on Long-Acting HIV Treatment Maintain Viral Suppression
Research

Apical rotation linked to heart clot risk after heart attack

Low apical rotation on echocardiography was associated with left ventricular thrombus after anterior myocardial infarction, even when ejection fraction was normal. The finding may help identify high-risk patients.

1d ago

Apical rotation linked to heart clot risk after heart attack
Clinical

Intestinal ultrasound accurate for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's in children

Intestinal ultrasound showed good accuracy in identifying disease activity in children with small bowel Crohn's disease when compared with magnetic resonance enterography. The method may offer a non-invasive alternative for monitoring.

1d ago

Intestinal ultrasound accurate for diagnosing small bowel Crohn's in children
Mental Health

Physician Burnout Linked to Workplace and Personal Factors

A report found that physician burnout is associated with both workplace conditions and personal recovery efforts. Researchers suggest healthcare organizations may need to address systemic issues alongside individual coping strategies.

1d ago

Physician Burnout Linked to Workplace and Personal Factors
Research

New Treatment Shows Longer Survival in Myeloma Patients

A phase 3 trial found that adding felzartamab to a standard regimen may improve progression-free survival in Chinese patients with relapsed multiple myeloma. Results are preliminary and require further confirmation.

1d ago

New Treatment Shows Longer Survival in Myeloma Patients