Research on gene therapy for rare inherited disease reduces costly, regular treatment

The new Medicaid work requirements signed into law by President Trump could create major hurdles for families with disabled children. NBC News highlights the story of a mother who depends on Medicaid to care for her son with a rare genetic condition—now, she and others like her may face tough choices if they can’t meet the new employment rules.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about bureaucracy—it’s about real families who rely on Medicaid for survival. For parents of kids with disabilities, juggling work and caregiving is already a tightrope walk. These changes could force impossible trade-offs between keeping coverage and providing the care their children need. It’s a policy shift with deeply personal consequences.

Anna Ornstein, a renowned psychoanalyst and Holocaust survivor who championed a compassionate approach to therapy, has passed away at 98. Her life was marked by unimaginable trauma, yet she dedicated her career to fostering empathy and the idea that people are capable of growth and healing.

Editor’s Note: Ornstein’s story isn’t just about loss—it’s a testament to how profound suffering can shape a life of purpose. Her work in psychotherapy, rooted in hope and human connection, feels especially relevant in a world that often struggles with division and despair. Her legacy reminds us that even in the wake of darkness, healing—and helping others heal—is possible.

S. Daniel Abraham, the savvy entrepreneur who turned Slim-Fast into a household name and built a fortune by betting on America’s diet craze, has passed away at 100. His legacy isn’t just about shakes and weight loss—it’s a story of persistence, clever marketing, and a knack for spotting trends before they exploded.

Editor’s Note: Abraham’s life was a classic American success tale—he saw a gap in the market (literally, with diet products) and filled it brilliantly. His death marks the end of an era for an industry that reshaped how people think about weight loss. Even if fad diets come and go, his impact on consumer habits and branding lingers. Plus, living to 100? That’s a win in itself.

Researchers are making strides in gene therapy for Fabry disease, a rare inherited disorder, which could significantly cut down the need for expensive, lifelong treatments. In Canada, where around 540 people have Fabry, about 100 are in Nova Scotia—highlighting the regional impact of this breakthrough.

Editor’s Note: If successful, this therapy could be a game-changer for patients with Fabry disease, who currently rely on frequent, costly treatments. Beyond easing the financial and logistical burden, it offers hope for a more permanent solution—something rare in the world of genetic disorders. For a small but affected community, this research could mean a dramatically improved quality of life.

A maternity ward at Hartlepool’s University Hospital still has no timeline for resuming baby deliveries due to ongoing staff shortages. The unit remains closed for births, forcing expectant parents to seek care elsewhere—a frustrating and worrying situation for families in the area.

Editor’s Note: Maternity services are a lifeline for communities, and when they’re disrupted, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a safety concern. Staff shortages in healthcare aren’t new, but when they force closures like this, it highlights just how stretched the system is. For soon-to-be parents, uncertainty over where they’ll give birth adds unnecessary stress to what should be a joyful time.