Latest Health News
GLP-1 Medications Top Health Trend for 2026
U.S. News & World Report identifies GLP-1 expansion as the top health trend for 2026, chosen by 52% of 58 experts for treating obesity, diabetes, heart health, kidney disease, and more. Usage has climbed with decreasing costs, per KFF data, with one in five U.S. adults having used them.
Experts predict further research revealing benefits for other conditions like addiction and arthritis.
UT Southwestern Wins ARPA-H Award for 3D-Printed Livers
UT Southwestern received funding to develop personalized livers using patient cells and 3D bioprinting, potentially eliminating immunosuppression needs. Livers could be produced in 10-13 weeks for transplants, drug testing, and research insights.
Testing in animals planned, with human trials possible in five years.
Food as Medicine Ties for Second Major 2026 Trend
Experts rank 'food as medicine' alongside AI-wearables as a key 2026 trend, emphasizing whole nutrient-dense foods over supplements for chronic diseases. This approach integrates nutrition into treatment plans with growing success.
Dietitians note a shift toward basics impacting health directly.
Hidden Brain Signal Predicts Alzheimer’s Early
Researchers found a brain activity pattern via noninvasive scanning that predicts Alzheimer’s in mild cognitive impairment patients long before diagnosis. This custom tool could enable earlier interventions.
Discovery aids in identifying at-risk individuals.
Severe Flu Season Hits Children Hardest
Flu is unusually severe this season, with U.S. pediatric hospitalization rates at second-highest in 15 years per CDC. Children's Hospital Colorado reports record influenza cases.
Experts urge vigilance as cases rise earlier than recent years.
Bird Flu Variants Raise Global Concerns
Scientists monitor H9N2 bird flu, which has mutated for better human spread and severity, beyond H5N1 devastating farms. Hong Kong study shows decade-long changes increasing risks.
Vigilance needed for emerging strains.
Global Cancer Cases Double Since 1990
Cancer diagnoses reached 18.5 million in 2023, doubling since 1990, with over 10 million deaths yearly, hitting low-income countries hardest. World unprepared for surge without action.
Steepest rises in middle-income nations.
Long COVID Linked to Inflammation and Micro-Clots
Affecting 65 million worldwide, Long COVID damages brain, heart, vessels via persistent virus, inflammation, tiny clots, and energy disruption. Symptoms persist long after infection.
Research ties mechanisms to ongoing issues.
WHO Western Pacific Hits Health Info Milestone
19 countries, covering 99% of population, completed comprehensive health information system assessments, exceeding 2025 target of 15. Advances universal health coverage efforts.
Supports digital health integration.
Novo Nordisk Gains U.S. Approval for Oral Wegovy
Novo Nordisk's pill form of Wegovy approved, offering injectable-like efficacy daily for obesity treatment. Expands GLP-1 access beyond injections.
Signals continued GLP-1 dominance in 2026.
Alnylam Advances RNAi for Alzheimer’s and CAA
Alnylam’s 2030 strategy includes Phase 2 trials for mivelsiran in cerebral amyloid angiopathy and Alzheimer’s using RNAi therapeutics. Targets genetic precursors to silence disease proteins.
Projects $4.9-5.3B revenue for other drugs in 2026.
Measles Exposure Warned on Amtrak and Airport Shuttles
Infectious measles case exposed passengers on Maryland Amtrak trains and BWI shuttles last week, per health officials. Urges vaccination checks and monitoring.
Highlights ongoing outbreak risks.