The rapid rise in artificial intelligence has created intense discussions in many industries over what kind of role these tools can and should play — and health care has been no exception. The medical community largely anticipated that combining the abilities of doctors and A.I. would be the best of both worlds, leading to more accurate diagnoses and more efficient care. That assumption might prove to be incorrect. A growing body of research suggests that A.I. is outperforming doctors, even when they use it as a tool.
Government agency webpages about HIV, LGBTQ+ people and multiple other public health topics were down as of Friday evening due to President Donald Trump's executive orders aimed at gender ideology and diversity, equity and inclusion. Some of the terms being flagged for removal include pregnant people, chestfeeding, diversity, DEI and references to vaccines, health and gender equity, according to officials at the CDC. Entire databases have also been temporarily removed.
On Saturday, President Trump ordered import taxes on goods from Canada, China, and Mexico, a move that could raise costs for consumers across the economy, including in healthcare. Tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada (except energy) and Mexico, and 10% on goods from China take effect on Tuesday. Trump said the tariffs will remain in place until those countries stop the flow of fentanyl and undocumented immigrants into the United States. China is a large and growing producer of pharmaceutical ingredients, and prices could go up for finished drugs if costs for their ingredients increase. Mexico is the top source of medical devices used in the U.S., according to industry group AdvaMed. Any price increases could eventually be cushioned if manufacturers move more production to the U.S. or other countries.
Tiny pulses of electricity may provide the next big advance in treating diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The pulses would be delivered via implanted devices that stimulate the vagus nerve, and they are showing promise in people with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, including Crohn's, and multiple sclerosis.
A Texas bill that seeks to rein in harms from artificial intelligence (AI) is being lambasted as rivaling the regulatory heavy-handedness of California and Europe, despite its reputation as a pro-business, conservative state.