EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 24-May-2026 22:15 ET (25-May-2026 02:15 GMT/UTC)

7-Apr-2026

Second primary invasive melanoma rate in Queensland reaches plateau after decades-long rise

A landmark study among more than 100,000 Queensland residents has revealed that while the incidence of developing second primary invasive cutaneous melanomas increased from the 1980s through the early 2000s, the rising trend has now begun to plateau. The reassuring findings of the new study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID), published by Elsevier, can be mainly attributed to the cumulative impact of long-running sun safety campaigns in Australia combined with increased surveillance.

Journal: Journal of Investigative Dermatology

7-Apr-2026

Public comfort with AI in health care falls, Ohio State survey finds

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Reports and Proceedings

Key takeaways:

- New survey results from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center find public openness to AI in health care has decreased, with only 42% of adults supportive in 2026 compared to 52% in 2024.

- Despite concerns about AI's accuracy and understanding of individual health history, 51% of adults surveyed relied on AI for important health decisions without consulting a medical professional.

- Survey participants commonly use AI to understand symptoms (62%), explain test results (44%), compare treatment options (25%), and prepare for medical appointments (20%).

6-Apr-2026

How far can automation and AI support psychotherapy?

University of Utah
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Artificial intelligence is playing an ever larger role in the delivery of psychotherapy. An interdisciplinary team of University of Utah researchers has built a framework for assessing varying levels of automation in a mental health field reliant on human interaction.

Journal: Current Directions in Psychological Science

6-Apr-2026

ER screening tool accurately predicts firearm violence risk among young adults

American College of Physicians
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study of young adults treated in emergency departments found that the SaFETy (Serious fighting, Friend weapon carrying, community Environment, and firearm Threats) score, a firearm-specific risk screening tool, can meaningfully predict the risk of interpersonal firearm violence within 12 months.

Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine

6-Apr-2026

Researchers identify blood-based biomarker for cancer risk in people with Lynch Syndrome

University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Lynch Syndrome (LS) is a hereditary condition involving mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes

Researchers sequenced T cell receptors in blood and tissue samples from LS carriers and non-carriers and characterized their T cell profiles

Study revealed unique early immune signatures in patients with LS, independent of cancer history

Blood test could serve as non-invasive tool for early cancer detection and monitoring of immune response to cancer

Journal: Nature Communications

6-Apr-2026

Fungi hold the key to boosting urban soil health with biochar and compost

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Urban green spaces such as parks, gardens, and residential lawns play an essential role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, and improving human well-being. However, rapid urbanization is degrading these soils, reducing their fertility and disrupting natural nutrient cycles. A new study reveals that combining biochar and compost can restore soil health, but only under the right conditions, and fungi play a decisive role in determining success.

Journal: Biochar

6-Apr-2026

Chenshuang Li named recipient of the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Young Investigator Award

International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
Grant and Award Announcement

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has announced Chenshuang Li as the 2026 recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Young Investigator Award.

6-Apr-2026

Pekka Vallittu named recipient of the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist Wilmer Souder Award

International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
Grant and Award Announcement

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has announced Pekka Vallittu as the 2026 recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist Wilmer Souder Award.

6-Apr-2026

Falk Schwendicke named recipient of the 2026 IADR Distinguished Scientist William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award

International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research
Grant and Award Announcement

The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) has announced Falk Schwendicke as the 2026 recipient of the IADR Distinguished Scientist William H. Bowen Research in Dental Caries Award.