GLP-1 drugs have revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but hurdles remain to their more widespread use. A study led by biochemist Henry Daniell of the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania investigates a new lettuce-based oral delivery of two GLP-1 drugs previously approved by the FDA in injectable form. The results could lead to more affordable and better-tolerated oral medications for diabetes and obesity.

By analyzing Medicare billing records from providers practicing across the country, researchers from the Brown University School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital showed that greater use of telemedicine among mental health specialists did not substantially change whether they were seeing patients from rural or underserved areas.

Researchers have developed an experimental “living eye drop” that uses naturally occurring eye bacteria to support corneal wound healing.

About The Study: In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, fewer than 1 in 10 older adults with advanced cancer participating in the trial prioritized extending survival over maintaining quality of life. Patient preference for extending survival or maintaining quality of life was not associated with up-front treatment modifications or downstream outcomes, suggesting a possible lack of responsiveness of the current oncology care delivery system to patient preference. 

About The Study: In this comparative effectiveness study, reducing music volume in group fitness classes did not lead to meaningful reductions in perceived exertion and may reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. These findings support implementing safer sound practices in fitness environments and underscore the need for increased awareness and education on hearing protection.

Results of an analysis of health survey data from more than 560,000 U.S. college students concludes that depression symptoms have steadily increased over the past 15 years, particularly among women, minorities and students experiencing financial stress. 

About one in 20 infants worldwide is subjected to physical abuse by a caregiver in their first two years of life, according to the first review to bring together anonymous reports from caregivers about behaviours like spanking, slapping, shaking and hitting. Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Memorial University of Newfoundland reviewed 20 studies that together encompassed reports on more than 220,000 infants and caregivers across several countries. When caregivers were asked privately and anonymously, 4.8 per cent reported at least one act of physical aggression toward an infant under 24 months. Anonymous surveys let caregivers disclose behaviour that never reaches a clinic, police service or social worker. Such behaviours can have lasting effects on a child’s learning, behaviour and mental health. Evidence has linked these actions with harm and with a higher chance of more severe violence in the future. Understanding how common these kinds of behaviours are could help health systems, policymakers and families focus on prevention, getting support to parents before a bad moment turns into injury.