Long COVID Blood Mystery; mRNA Flu Vax; WHO Warns About AI in Healthcare

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Long COVID researchers are trying to understand why they see similar, blood-related symptoms in patients. (NPR)

The NIH started a clinical trial of an mRNA universal influenza vaccine, the agency announced.

The agency also began a first-in-human trial of an experimental oral drug for removing radioactive contaminants from inside the body.

And the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health said the Accelerating Medicines Partnership Bespoke Gene Therapy Consortium selected eight rare diseases for its clinical trial portfolio.

In the wake of a sprawling global recall, Philips said independent tests showed its respiratory devices did not cause health risks for patients. (Reuters)

A federal appeals court temporarily blocked a lower court’s decision that overturned the ACA’s requirement that all health plans fully cover certain preventive health services. (New York Times)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) approved $150 million in interest-free loans to help financially struggling hospitals. (Bloomberg)

Brazil, the world’s top chicken exporter, has for the first time confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza cases but only in wild birds. (Reuters)

Families are struggling to find growth hormone drug amid a persisting shortage. (NPR)

The World Health Organization (WHO) released new guidance on non-sugar sweeteners, recommending against using them to control weight or reduce disease risk.

The WHO also warned against bias and misinformation when using artificial intelligence in healthcare. (Reuters)

Republicans in North Carolina are readying for a vote to override Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of a bill banning abortion at 12 weeks. (CBS News)

The FDA rejected [vic-]trastuzumab duocarmazine to treat advanced, HER2-positive breast cancer, Dutch biopharma Byondis said.

Globus Medical announced that the FDA approved its Reflect scoliosis correction system as the company’s first humanitarian device.

And AbbVie’s Allergan Aesthetics said the agency approved its Skinvive by Juvéderm product to improve cheek smoothness.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Teva Pharmaceuticals’ challenge to a $235 million award to GlaxoSmithKline in a “skinny labels” patent dispute. (Reuters)

The pandemic hasn’t changed the way Americans think about sickness. (Time)

A New York City woman sued Abbott Laboratories, alleging the company misled consumers into believing its PediaSure nutrition drinks were “clinically proven” to increase children’s height. (Reuters)

Researchers hope to fight cancer with bacteria. (Cell Reports Medicine)

Why does Lyme disease linger for some and not others? (NBC News)