Ghost networks leave patients struggling to find care

Elon Musk recently addressed reports about his ketamine use, clarifying that while he's used it therapeutically in the past, he denies frequent or recreational use. The discussion resurfaced amid broader debates about ketamine’s medical applications versus its potential for misuse.

Editor’s Note: Musk’s comments throw a spotlight on ketamine’s dual reputation—as a promising treatment for depression and PTSD, but also a drug with abuse risks. His high-profile admission keeps the conversation going about how society views mental health treatments, celebrity transparency, and the fine line between medicine and recreation.

A Michigan woman with sickle cell disease is sounding the alarm after the CDC quietly disbanded its team researching safe birth control options for chronic conditions. She believes this decision could literally put her life—and others like her—in danger. Public health experts are worried too, saying doctors may now lack crucial guidance, leaving vulnerable women without proper care.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just bureaucratic shuffling—real lives are on the line. Sickle cell disease already complicates pregnancy and birth control choices, and without specialized research, doctors are left guessing. It’s a stark reminder of how policy shifts can ripple through people’s lives in deeply personal, even dangerous, ways.

Jillian Sackler, a philanthropist and staunch defender of her late husband Arthur Sackler’s reputation, has passed away at 84. While the Sackler name became controversial due to Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis, she argued that Arthur—who died before the scandal—shouldn’t be lumped in with the fallout. Jillian was also recognized for her work bridging U.S.-China relations, like when the China Institute honored her in 2018.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another obituary—it’s a nuanced look at how legacies get tangled in public perception. Jillian Sackler’s life reflects the messy intersection of philanthropy, family reputation, and corporate scandal. Even as the Sackler name became shorthand for the opioid crisis, her story reminds us that individuals within families (or companies) can have vastly different roles and impacts. Plus, her diplomatic work adds another layer to a complicated narrative about influence and accountability.

A brain researcher had his massive $53 million NIH grant—meant to study how poor blood flow in the brain contributes to dementia—abruptly canceled by the Trump administration. But after pushing back hard, he managed to get the funding reinstated. It’s a rare win in an era where science budgets often face political headwinds.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about one scientist’s persistence—it’s a snapshot of how research hangs in the balance when politics and funding collide. Dementia research affects millions, and losing this grant could’ve stalled critical work. The fact that it was saved suggests advocacy can still make a difference, even when the odds seem stacked against it.

A heartbreaking story about Jack, a child with an unnamed, ultra-rare genetic condition—one of just 16 known cases worldwide. His parents face the unbearable reality that they may outlive him, grappling with emotions that defy language.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a medical curiosity—it’s a window into the isolation of families dealing with conditions so rare they lack even a name. It forces us to confront the gaps in research, support, and the raw human toll of the unknown. Stories like Jack’s remind us why medical advocacy and compassion matter, even (or especially) when there’s no roadmap.