Sugar Substitute and Blood Clots; Bacteria in Microwaves; Lives Saved by COVID Vax

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The artificial sweetener erythritol enhances platelet reactivity in humans, a small study found, raising concerns about its potential to induce blood clots. (Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology)

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other groups over the federal government’s Medicare drug-price negotiation plan. (Reuters)

In further efforts to combat high drug prices, several Democratic lawmakers are calling on the Biden administration to exercise “march-in rights,” which allow the government to seize taxpayer-funded patents. (The Hill)

The use of prior authorization in Medicare Advantage exceeded 46 million requests in 2022, according to a KFF analysis.

CDC reported a third death in the listeria outbreak linked to certain Boar’s Head products and other sliced deli meats.

Experts are suggesting that the FDA’s “hands-off approach” to food additives is allowing unsafe ingredients to enter the food supply. (NBC News)

A wide variety of bacteria can survive in microwaves. (Frontiers in Microbiology)

Nurses at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston will not go on strike after reaching a new contract deal with a pay increase. (CBS News)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed an executive order requiring hospitals there to collect data on patients’ immigration status. (The Hill)

Fourteen cases of Valley fever — a fungal infection — were identified in persons who attended or worked at a music festival in California. (NBC News)

A majority of Americans now support physician-assisted suicide, according to a Gallup poll.

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra said that rising temperatures have led to a “public health crisis” and acknowledged that more federal funding is needed to deal with extreme heat. (AP)

Here are the 26 most obese counties in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report)

Some American athletes are taking full advantage of the free healthcare available at the Olympic games in Paris. (Sports Illustrated)

Meanwhile, U.S. officials are facing accusations that they improperly allowed American athletes to compete in events after tests showed they used performance-enhancing drugs. (NPR)

With no national mandate for testing school drinking water for lead, some kids are being exposed to the contaminant. (Washington Post)

COVID vaccination programs saved 1.6 million lives in Europe between 2020 and 2023. (Lancet Respiratory Medicine)

The percentage of Americans who consider childhood vaccinations important has declined since 2001. (Gallup)

Here’s what experts think about the latest health trend: baking soda water. (CNN)

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