[Health News Summary] Health & Med Tech.

This week's health news highlights significant advancements in personal wellness, from dietary changes impacting chronic disease to the ongoing integration of technology in medicine. We also delve into crucial policy discussions shaping healthcare access and ethical considerations in treatment.

Wellness & Disease Management Breakthroughs

• Changing eating times dramatically reduced Crohn’s disease symptoms in recent findings.
• A simple daily habit was identified that could significantly slash depression risk.
• A novel combination of kefir and fiber proved more effective than omega-3s in reducing inflammation.
• Further positive news emerged regarding GLP-1 agonists and their potential in reducing cancer risk.
• Scientists are actively testing whether gene-editing can effectively fix high cholesterol levels.
• Just 5 weeks of brain training showed promise in protecting against dementia for up to 20 years.

Healthcare System & Policy Insights

• The NHS waiting list has reached its lowest point in three years, indicating some progress in healthcare access.
• Concerns are rising over the spread of deadly synthetic drugs, highlighted by recent inquests.
• An inquest found that medical neglect contributed to a mother's death, emphasizing systemic issues.
• Pharmacists are struggling to stay afloat due to soaring operational costs.
• A doctor was struck off the register for selling stolen PPE on eBay.
• Families expressed a significant loss of trust following a recent maternity inquiry.
• New data reveals that the top causes of maternal death may not be what is commonly perceived.
• The CMS is advocating for more 'catastrophic' health plans to be included in ACA Exchanges.
• The FDA recently refused Moderna's application for a new mRNA flu vaccine.

Emerging Tech & Ethical Debates in Medicine

• Blockbuster weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, deliver significant results but continue to face big questions regarding long-term effects and accessibility.
• Doctors are quietly adopting AI in their practices, prompting discussions on the inadequacy of bans for managing its integration.
• Discussions with HHS's Health IT Czar explored whether AI will replace physicians and strategies to fix prior authorization processes.
• A bacterial infection in mosquitoes is being tested as a method to significantly reduce Dengue infections in people.
• The recent passing of Catherine O'Hara has brought a renewed spotlight on rectal cancer awareness and early detection.

From the nuanced impacts of diet and microbiome health to the ethical dilemmas posed by AI in clinical practice, this week's health news underscores a dynamic landscape. Progress in personalized medicine and public health initiatives offers hope, yet persistent challenges in healthcare access and policy demand continued attention and innovation.