British-American surgeon, professor, author, and medical commentator
The UK government has introduced new school food standards to improve nutrition and combat childhood obesity. The reforms ban deep-fried foods, restrict sugary desserts, and require more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. The changes, starting from September 2026, include phased implementation and a nine-week consultation process.
The US government has implemented new policies to accelerate research and development of psychedelics, including psilocybin, MDMA, and ibogaine. The move involves FDA fast-tracking and funding for state-level studies, aiming to improve treatments for mental health and addiction. This follows recent political and scientific developments.
USC researchers have found that young non-smokers with high-quality diets may have a higher incidence of early-onset lung cancer. The study analyzes 187 patients under 50 and links higher Healthy Eating Index scores to cancer biology that differs from smoking-related cases. Researchers point to possible pesticide exposure as a leading theory while noting ongoing questions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has disclosed that doctors found a tiny, early-stage malignant tumor during routine follow-up after 2024 prostate surgery and that targeted radiation therapy has removed it. He has said he delayed publishing the report by two months to avoid fuelling Iranian misinformation during recent clashes. Doctors at Hadassah Medical Center have reported imaging and blood tests showing no remaining disease.
The UK has passed the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which has created a rolling age ban that will permanently prevent anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 from legally buying tobacco. The law has also granted ministers broad powers to regulate vaping — including flavours, packaging, displays and where vaping is allowed — and will tighten sales rules for under‑18s.
President Trump has acknowledged that his previous claims of reducing drug prices by over 100% are mathematically impossible. During a drug pricing event, he explained his use of different calculation methods and defended his efforts to lower medication costs through new deals with pharmaceutical companies, including Regeneron.
Multiple outlets have reported that President Trump has said he 'doesn't think about' Americans' financial situation while negotiating with Iran, insisting preventing Tehran from a nuclear weapon is his sole focus. The comment has come as inflation has accelerated to 3.8% and gasoline has jumped above $4.50 a gallon since the war with Iran began.
The Supreme Court has issued an emergency order keeping mifepristone available by mail and via telehealth while litigation continues. The action preserves access as lawsuits challenge FDA rules on prescribing the abortion pill, with a ruling likely not until next year.
The FDA has approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) for over‑the‑counter sunscreens, marking a modernization in U.S. UV protection. The ingredient absorbs both UVA and UVB rays, is photostable, and will debut as Parsol Shield before broader market adoption after an 18‑month exclusivity period. Industry and dermatology experts say the move could improve protection and user experience, though rollout and formulation timelines remain.
The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, a chemical UV filter used in European and Asian sunscreens for over 20 years. It offers UVA and UVB protection, is photostable, and may lead to more elegant, higher-SPF products in the US. The move comes after decades of FDA inaction on new filters, with products containing bemotrizinol expected to reach US shelves after about 18 months.
Reports show rising youth nicotine use and regulatory debates over fruit-flavored vapes. The FDA has approved some flavors for adults; critics warn this may attract teens. Experts urge stronger prevention and clearer guidance.