Can Psychedelic Therapy Go Mainstream?

Despite being on the brink of eradication, polio is making a troubling comeback due to fake vaccination records, ineffective vaccines, and logistical missteps. The World Health Organization has repeatedly come close to wiping out the virus, but it remains stubbornly present in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where challenges like misinformation and weak healthcare systems keep it alive.

Tennessee is preparing to execute a man who has a working implanted defibrillator, a situation experts say is unprecedented. The device, designed to save lives by correcting irregular heartbeats, adds a unique ethical and medical complication to the execution process.

The article highlights the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas. Gaza faces near-famine conditions due to Israel's blockade and military actions, making aid delivery extremely difficult. While Israel has recently taken steps to allow more aid, relief organizations say it's not enough. Meanwhile, families of hostages in Gaza worry their loved ones are also starving, though they hold Hamas responsible. The piece features insights from an Oxfam spokesperson on the broader regional impact.

Editor’s Note: This story underscores the devastating human cost of the Israel-Hamas conflict, with civilians caught in the crossfire. The worsening famine and aid shortages in Gaza, along with rising tensions in the West Bank, signal a deepening crisis with global humanitarian and political implications. It’s a stark reminder of how war affects everyday people—beyond the headlines of military strikes and diplomacy.

A new support program is helping parents like Charlotte manage the emotional trauma of having their babies in intensive care. Charlotte recalls her fear when her newborn was admitted to St Mary's Hospital, but the initiative aims to ease such distress for families in similar situations.

Editor’s Note: Having a child in the ICU is terrifying for parents, and this story highlights how targeted support can make a difficult experience a little easier. It’s a reminder that emotional care in healthcare settings matters just as much as medical treatment.

Health experts are warning that patients who stop taking weight-loss medications like Wegovy or Mounjaro need long-term support to avoid regaining weight. They’re urging the NHS to provide at least a year of follow-up care, including advice and lifestyle guidance, to help maintain results.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about the drugs—it’s a reminder that sustainable weight loss requires ongoing effort and support. Without proper follow-up, patients might rebound, undermining the benefits of these treatments. It’s a call for healthcare systems to think beyond quick fixes and focus on long-term health strategies.