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Blood-thinning medication linked to slower cognitive decline

A study from Karolinska Institutet found that people treated with modern NOAC blood-thinning medicines experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those receiving warfarin or no anticoagulant treatment. This was associated with lower risk of other health problems, including death, stroke, and fractures.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2026

Aston University research sheds more light on the antimicrobial properties of mānuka honey

New research at Aston University shows that mānuka honey's effectiveness against disease-causing bacteria cannot be attributed solely to its sugar content and methylglyoxal levels. The study identified additional bioactive compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity, which may lead to the development of more effective honey-de...

SourceAston University·JournalMicrobiology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2026

Osimertinib with or without chemotherapy in advanced non–small cell lung cancer with EGFR and concurrent TP53 mutations

A randomized phase 3 study found that first-line osimertinib plus chemotherapy significantly improved median progression-free survival compared to osimertinib alone in patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and concurrent EGFR and TP53 mutations. This study provides evidence for incorporating TP53-based molecular ris...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 10, 2026

Erectile dysfunction drug used to treat enlarged prostate symptoms may raise glaucoma risk

A comparative study found that men prescribed tadalafil (Cialis) for enlarged prostate symptoms are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma and ocular hypertension. The researchers suggest that these patients should have their eye health monitored closely, especially those with existing high blood pressure or family history of glaucoma.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026

After anesthesia

Researchers found that female mice's microglia form prolonged contacts with neurons during recovery, leading to synaptic remodeling and plasticity. This phenomenon was not observed in male mice, highlighting differences in brain recovery processes between sexes.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2026

Cancer medicine approvals in the US

A cross-sectional study examines trends in US FDA-approved cancer medicines for adult solid tumors between 2006 and 2025. The analysis reveals significant increases in approvals, particularly for original indication approvals.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 30, 2026

New study identifies behaviours influencing prescribing decisions for new medicines in neurodegenerative disease

A new pan-European study identified the psychological and contextual factors that shape decision-making among healthcare professionals. The findings provide important insights into how behaviour change frameworks could support the uptake of new treatments, with the strongest lever being to shift intention to prescribe.

SourceAston University·JournalPLOS One·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Topline results from LiBBY trial show THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation for people with dementia at end of life

A Phase 2 clinical trial shows that a THC/CBD combination significantly reduces agitation in hospice-eligible people with dementia. The study, conducted across multiple US sites, achieved its primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating the efficacy of this treatment approach for end-of-life agitation.

High-resolution map reveals where veterinary antibiotics enter China’s environment

A new study has developed a high-resolution inventory of veterinary antibiotic emissions across China, tracking emissions from livestock and aquaculture into soil, freshwater, and seawater. The inventory estimated that approximately 23,110 tonnes of veterinary antibiotics were released into China's environment in 2020.

Heart failure ‘polypill’ improves cardiac function, cuts hospitalization risk

A study published in Nature Medicine found that a single daily dose of a polypill significantly enhances cardiac function and reduces hospitalizations for patients with heart failure. The treatment, which combines three types of medications, shows promise as a simplified approach to optimal therapy.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 20, 2026

Leading ADHD medications found to be equally effective in children, with one key difference

A recent study published by the University of Sydney found that dexamphetamine and methylphenidate are equally effective in treating ADHD in children, with no significant differences in symptom improvement. However, children taking dexamphetamine experienced greater weight loss compared to those taking methylphenidate.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Paediatrics and Child Health·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2026

Waste cotton stalks and eggshells transformed into reusable biochar for antibiotic removal from wastewater

Researchers have developed a biochar adsorbent that combines physical and chemical interactions to capture tetracycline molecules. The material showed high tetracycline adsorption capacity and good resistance to coexisting ions, suggesting potential for repeated operation.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Cognitive and physical limitations affect inhaler use in COPD

A new study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that nearly one-third of COPD patients demonstrate unacceptable inhaler technique, leading to smaller lung function improvements. Instructing patients to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds improves acute bronchodilation.

SourceCOPD Foundation·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJul 9, 2026

The University of Colorado Anschutz, along with UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado, form strategic alliance with Bayer to advance drug development and clinical trials

The University of Colorado Anschutz, along with UCHealth and Children’s Hospital Colorado, have formed a strategic alliance with Bayer to accelerate medical discovery and expand patient access to investigational therapies. Initial focus areas include oncology, cardiovascular disease, and cell and gene therapy.

Online prescribing of GLP-1 receptor agonists

A secret shopper study found that online prescription vendors for GLP-1 receptor agonists often lack clinician interaction, relying on patient-reported questionnaires. This may lead to prescriptions being issued without important clinical and social history, compromising patient safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 6, 2026

Whether children receive opioids after surgery varies by hospital and procedure type

A new national analysis found that opioid prescribing for children varies by procedure type and hospital, with nearly one-third of patients receiving opioids after surgery. The study highlights the importance of safe prescribing practices and may inform future efforts to standardize opioid prescribing in pediatric surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Risk of falls, adverse events higher for older adults prescribed sedatives after hospitalization

A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that older adults discharged from hospital with a new prescription for sedatives are at increased risk of falls, further need for acute hospital care, and death within 30 days. The study looked at over 1.86 million adults aged 66 years and older and found a 20% hig...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

UT San Antonio study: As FDA approved semaglutide for weight management, calls to poison control centers skyrocketed in the U.S.

A recent study found that the FDA approval of semaglutide for weight management led to a significant increase in calls to poison control centers, with over 8,000 cases reported by 2023. The majority of errors were preventable and stemmed from unintentional dosing or therapeutic mistakes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJournal of Medical Toxicology·DateJun 23, 2026

Promising single-dose malaria treatment advances toward pan-African clinical trial

Researchers at the German Center for Infection Research have developed a promising single-dose malaria treatment called SPAP, which targets the malaria parasite through multiple mechanisms. The four-drug combination therapy has shown significant promise in improving malaria treatment and could be a major advancement in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalMalaria Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 23, 2026

Long-term benzodiazepine use is less likely when shorter courses, a single medication or short-acting agents are prescribed, per cohort study of more than 1.8 million Canadian adults which could inform prescribing practices

A cohort study of over 1.8 million Canadian adults found that shorter prescription courses, single medication, and short-acting agents are associated with lower rates of long-term benzodiazepine use. This study provides valuable insights for informing prescribing practices to reduce reliance on these medications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 18, 2026