Companies Committed to Developing AI Powered Patient Assistant Apps to Enhance Healthcare Support

You’re currently reading the web edition of STAT’s AI Prognosis newsletter, a subscriber-exclusive resource dedicated to artificial intelligence in health care and medicine. This weekly newsletter, authored by Brittany Trang, a health tech reporter and scientist by training, aims to provide in-depth, evidence-based insights into the rapidly evolving role of AI in the medical field. Delivered every Wednesday, AI Prognosis helps readers understand AI developments by cutting through the noise with a scientific perspective rooted in rigorous evaluation of data, limitations, and alternate hypotheses. AI Prognosis covers a wide range of topics within the healthcare AI landscape, including technological innovations, regulatory changes, and ethical considerations. For example, recent issues have discussed the pressing need for healthcare AI accreditation standards, as highlighted by URAC’s President and CEO Dr. Shawn Griffin. These standards aim to ensure AI applications in healthcare comply with regulations like HIPAA and maintain patient safety, equity, and quality of care. The field is evolving fast, and such accreditations will adapt accordingly to keep pace with technological trends. Moreover, AI Prognosis regularly reports on anticipated regulatory actions, such as the FDA’s expected implementation of guardrails and audit-trail mandates to govern healthcare AI usage. Developed through consultations with over 90 experts, these measures aim to ensure accountability and transparency in AI tools employed by healthcare providers. Overall, AI Prognosis serves as a crucial guide for professionals navigating the intersection of AI, health, and medicine, combining scientific rigor with timely news to illuminate this complex and dynamic space. To access the full newsletter regularly, interested readers can sign up to receive it via email every week.

Dozens killed while seeking aid in Gaza as Israel weighs expanded military operations

At least 38 Palestinians were killed overnight and into Wednesday in the Gaza Strip while seeking aid from United Nations convoys and sites operated by an Israeli-backed American contractor, according to local health officials. These fatalities occurred amidst ongoing Israeli military operations that have continued despite declared pauses intended to facilitate humanitarian responses. Since late May, more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed while attempting to obtain food and essential aid, with a significant number targeted near convoy routes and at Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) sites. The GHF is a US contractor working in cooperation with Israeli forces, operating aid distribution points that bypass the traditional UN delivery system. Despite Israeli announcements of daily military pauses and attempts to improve humanitarian access, attacks on civilians gathering for aid persist, contributing to high casualties in these vulnerable groups. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and human rights officials have repeatedly condemned these attacks, emphasizing that those killed were not involved in hostilities but were civilians struggling to survive. The ongoing blockade, restricted access to humanitarian corridors, and continued military hostilities have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, escalating a severe humanitarian crisis. UN leaders stress the need for unhindered aid delivery, warning that denying civilians food access may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. The situation remains dire, with aid convoys attempting to reach a population facing starvation amid conflict. The calls for safe, unimpeded humanitarian access and protection of civilians continue to be urgent international priorities.<br /><br />Despite Israel’s strategic announcements intended to ease aid flow — such as localized military pauses, airdrops, and designated convoy routes — the ground reality shows persistent violence along these routes. This discrepancy underscores the complexity of delivering aid in a highly militarized and contested environment, as highlighted by repeated reports from the UN and human rights offices. Meanwhile, humanitarian actors continue to advocate for the immediate release of hostages and an end to hostilities that exacerbate civilian suffering.

Nearly 9,000 Norfolk street lights replaced due to health and wildlife concerns

Residents of Norfolk have expressed concerns about the color temperature of the new streetlights installed throughout the city, prompting Dominion Energy to take responsive action. Since November 2023, Dominion has been replacing around 30,000 traditional streetlights with LED fixtures, with about 9,000 already installed. However, many residents, including Mary Frances Bellman, a member of Citizens for Responsible Lighting, found the new LED lights excessively bright with a high blue-spectrum output, causing sleep disruptions and adverse effects on human health and local wildlife. Bellman and her group advocate for warmer-colored LED streetlights, typically in the 1000K to 3000K Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) range, which produce a softer amber or warm white light. These types of lights are believed to be better for preserving circadian rhythms, reducing glare, and minimizing light pollution. Experts such as the International Dark-Sky Association and the American Medical Association support using lower-Kelvin temperature lights for public illumination due to their health and environmental benefits. In response, Dominion Energy has developed and now offers warmer LED lighting options that reduce glare and light pollution, including “zero uplight” fixtures designed to direct light downward. Residents and commercial customers can request this warmer lighting, while Citizens for Responsible Lighting continues collaborating with city officials and Dominion to complete this energy-efficient yet health-conscious lighting transition across Norfolk streets. The efforts reflect a broader consideration of eco-friendly and human-friendly lighting standards to balance improved visibility with environmental and community well-being. Dominion emphasizes ongoing dialogue with residents to tailor lighting solutions that meet local needs.

U.S. aid cuts threaten progress on global health initiatives

Global health aid is forecasted to fall to its lowest level in 15 years, largely driven by substantial budget cuts from the United States. According to a recent report, official development assistance (ODA) for health is expected to decline sharply through 2025, continuing a downward trend that began after the COVID-19 pandemic response peaked in 2022. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) projects a 14-29% drop in bilateral health aid for 2025 compared to 2024, amounting to an overall reduction of up to one-third from 2023 levels.<br /><br />The U.S. plays a major role in this decrease. Recent decisions by the U.S. Congress to rescind approximately $8 billion in previously approved foreign assistance funding are deepening the crisis, especially impacting programs targeting health in conflict and crisis zones worldwide. These cuts follow earlier reductions initiated by President Trump’s administration, including significant dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and drastic slashes to global health budgets. While some emergency programs, such as PEPFAR (the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), have seen partial protection, broader HIV/AIDS aid and many global health initiatives face severe funding losses.<br /><br />The consequences are dire: clinics have closed, vaccination campaigns have been interrupted, reproductive health services are missing, and access to safe drinking water has diminished. Experts warn that these cuts could lead to millions of additional deaths annually and reverse decades of progress in maternal and child health, especially in Africa. The cuts also risk accelerating disease spread domestically and internationally, undermining not only global health but also U.S. interests.<br /><br />Lead author Dr. Angela E. described these reductions as “drastic cuts,” highlighting the urgent need to reassess and restore vital health funding to safeguard vulnerable populations worldwide.

Pfizer exceeds Q2 expectations and confirms strong 2025 forecast

Pfizer reported strong second-quarter earnings on Tuesday, significantly beating Wall Street expectations. The company posted revenues of $14.7 billion, exceeding analyst estimates of $13.5 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.78, well above the projected $0.58 per share. This marks a notable earnings surprise of over 34%, highlighting robust performance during the quarter. In light of these results, Pfizer reaffirmed its full-year 2025 revenue guidance, expecting to generate between $61 billion and $64 billion. The company also anticipates full-year earnings in the range of $2.90 to $3.10 per share, indicating confidence in its financial outlook and ongoing growth potential. Pfizer's strong quarterly performance is attributed to continued strength in its diversified pharmaceutical portfolio, including vaccines, rare disease treatments, and oncology assets. These results demonstrate the company’s ability to maintain momentum despite challenging market conditions and evolving healthcare demands. The reaffirmation of 2025 guidance reassures investors about Pfizer’s long-term growth prospects and operational resilience. The company’s focus on innovation and strategic investments is likely supporting these optimistic projections. Overall, Pfizer’s second-quarter earnings beat and stable outlook reflect solid execution and market confidence in its business strategy going forward. <br /> <br /> With a 6.35% revenue beat and substantial earnings surprise, Pfizer’s Q2 results highlight its strong market position and effective management. The company’s reaffirmed $61 billion to $64 billion revenue goal for 2025 aligns with its growth trajectory, sustaining investor optimism for the year ahead.

How oral sex can improve your sleep, reduce stress, and strengthen intimacy according to a sexologist

Oral sex is not just a source of pleasure but may also contribute to stress reduction, better sleep, and overall well-being. Engaging in oral sex can help lower stress hormone levels while increasing hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which promote relaxation and improve mood. This hormonal release can also enhance sleep quality, helping individuals rest more soundly. Additionally, the muscle contractions during orgasm strengthen pelvic floor muscles, which benefit bladder control and reduce risks like pelvic organ prolapse. Beyond individual benefits, oral sex has been linked to several physical health advantages. Some studies suggest it may play a protective role against conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even certain pregnancy complications like recurrent miscarriage and preeclampsia. This might relate to immune system stimulation through exposure to partner’s bodily fluids, although further research is ongoing. Oral sex also fosters intimacy and emotional connection between partners by encouraging open communication and mutual trust. This closeness can improve relationship satisfaction and psychological well-being. However, safety is crucial; practicing good hygiene, understanding potential risks including sexually transmitted infections, and ensuring consent are essential components for a healthy sexual experience. Open, honest dialogue about preferences, boundaries, and protection helps enhance comfort, respect, and safety. Overall, when approached with consent and care, oral sex can be a meaningful way to enhance physical health, emotional well-being, and partner intimacy. <br /> <br /> It is important to understand both potential benefits and risks and to communicate openly to ensure a positive and healthy sexual relationship.