AI Chatbots, Measles & STAT Madness: Health News Roundup

Good morning. A meeting to review the U.S.’s measles elimination status has been postponed until after the midterm elections, a delay that experts suggest could push a formal decision on the country’s status beyond a critical political juncture. This comes as concerns mount over rising measles cases nationwide, levels not seen in decades. Beyond the measles update, here’s a gaze at developments in AI-powered healthcare, the spread of health-focused movements across the Atlantic, and concerning trends in adolescent sleep.

STAT Madness is Underway

The annual STAT Madness bracket-style competition is now open for voting. This year’s tournament features 64 entries from 50 universities, institutes, and independent labs across the United States, showcasing impactful biomedical and health research from the past year. While research focused on cancer, gene editing, and artificial intelligence are well-represented, there’s a noticeable dip in submissions centered on infectious diseases. This shift reflects changing research and funding priorities, particularly in the wake of funding cuts under the previous administration, as detailed in a STAT analysis. Voting is open now, with the winner announced on April 7.

AI-Powered Support for Surgical Recovery Receives FDA Breakthrough Designation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted breakthrough designation to RecovryAI, a generative AI chatbot designed to support patients recovering from joint replacement surgery. The device, which utilizes a large language model (LLM), is intended to be prescribed to patients for use in the 30 days following surgery, prompting them to regularly report on their sleep, activity levels, diet, and overall recovery progress. This designation signals the FDA’s interest in exploring the potential of AI in patient care, but also highlights the complex regulatory questions surrounding generative AI tools. The agency’s decision regarding RecovryAI could set a precedent for the evaluation and approval of other AI-driven medical devices, shaping standards for safety and efficacy in this rapidly evolving field. Read more about the breakthrough designation from STAT’s Katie Palmer.

From MAHA to MEHA: A Health Movement Spreads Across the Atlantic

A new group, MEHA – Make Europe Healthy Again – has emerged, mirroring the American MAHA movement. While the U.S.-based MAHA often points to European healthcare policies as models for improvement – noting longer life expectancies and reduced health disparities in many European countries – MEHA’s aims are surprisingly similar. Both groups advocate for preventing chronic diseases, protecting the environment, and promoting scientific transparency. However, MEHA has also attracted a coalition of anti-vaccine activists, right-wing politicians, and proponents of “medical freedom” who express concerns about perceived overreach by European regulators and a lack of autonomy within public health systems. STAT contributor Gabriela Galvin explores the rise of MEHA and its potential for political influence.

Worsening Sleep Habits Among Teenagers Raise Concerns

A recent study published in JAMA reveals a concerning trend: insufficient sleep among high school students is on the rise. The percentage reporting less than seven hours of sleep per night increased from nearly 69% in 2007 to 77% in 2023. Notably, the increase isn’t just in students getting *some* insufficient sleep, but a rise in “very short sleeping” – defined as five hours or less – from under 16% in 2007 to 23% in 2023. While poor sleep is consistently linked to behavioral health risks like excessive screen time and substance use, the study authors suggest that broader structural and environmental factors may be playing a significant role in this trend, as the increases were observed across most demographic groups.

Ethical Considerations in Advanced Human Embryo Models

Progress in engineering human embryo models using stem cells is accelerating, yielding models that increasingly resemble natural human embryos. Biologist Paul Knoepfler, writing in STAT, notes the surprising realism of these new models. This advancement, however, brings forth a new wave of ethical questions. Researchers are grappling with defining appropriate limits on the duration of growth for these models, establishing consistent terminology, and, crucially, determining the point at which a model crosses the line and becomes ethically equivalent to a natural embryo. These are complex questions that will require ongoing discussion among researchers and, society as a whole.

What We’re Reading Elsewhere

Ivermectin is making a post-pandemic comeback, among cancer patients, NPR
States move to limit access to HIV treatment, New York Times
CMS halts enrollment in Elevance’s Medicare Advantage plans, citing years of misconduct, STAT
Idaho considers an ‘apocalyptic’ choice for disabled people and families, The 19th
The cost of being uninsured, Atlantic

Looking ahead: The postponement of the measles elimination status review underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining high vaccination rates and preventing outbreaks. Public health officials will continue to monitor case numbers and vaccination coverage, with further assessments likely following the midterm elections. Individuals should stay informed about measles risks in their communities and consult with healthcare providers regarding vaccination status.