EurekAlert! News by Subject: Medicine & Health

Medicine & Health

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 17-Jun-2026 12:16 ET (17-Jun-2026 16:16 GMT/UTC)

5-Feb-2026

Before crisis strikes — smartwatch tracks triggers for opioid misuse

University of California - San Diego
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Opioid overdoses continue to take a devastating toll across the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2023, the nation recorded roughly 105,000 drug overdose deaths overall, with nearly 80,000 deaths involving opioids. Worldwide, opioids are also responsible for the majority of drug-related deaths. A University of California San Diego study is working on a potentially life-saving measure that may be as simple as strapping on a smartwatch.

Journal: Nature Mental Health

5-Feb-2026

Papadelis to lead new pediatric brain research center

University of Texas at Arlington
Business Announcement

Christos Papadelis, a pioneering researcher at The University of Texas at Arlington and leader in the Jane and John Justin Institute for Mind Health at Cook Children’s Health Care System, will serve as the founding director of the UTA Pediatric Brain Health and Neurosciences Center.

5-Feb-2026

Scientists uncover hidden role of microalgae in spreading antibiotic resistance in waterways

Biochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Antibiotic resistance is widely recognized as one of the greatest global public health threats, but scientists are now uncovering an unexpected contributor to the problem living quietly in rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. A new review highlights how microalgae, microscopic photosynthetic organisms that support aquatic food webs, may also help concentrate and spread antibiotic resistance genes in natural water environments.

5-Feb-2026

University of Houston study offers potential new targets to identify, remediate dyslexia

University of Houston
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A University of Houston psychology professor is challenging the notion that dyslexia, or specific reading disorder, stems from a single faulty gene in the brain, suggesting instead that it is caused by an overall brain network vulnerability.

5-Feb-2026

Stadium fever measured—why live football raises the pulse

Bielefeld University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Fans of DSC Arminia Bielefeld experience matchday excitement far more intensely in the stadium than in front of the television when watching football (soccer). A study from Bielefeld University demonstrates clear differences in heart rate and stress levels during the 2025 cup final of the German Football Association (DFB).

Journal: Scientific Reports

5-Feb-2026

UMD team finds E. coli, other pathogens in Potomac River after sewage spill

University of Maryland
Reports and Proceedings

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Following one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history, University of Maryland researchers have detected high levels of fecal-related bacteria and disease-causing pathogens in the Potomac River, raising urgent public health concerns and underscoring the risks posed by aging sewer infrastructure.

5-Feb-2026

Powerful AI can help diagnose substance use disorder

University of Cincinnati
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a novel artificial intelligence to predict substance use defining behaviors with up to 83% accuracy and 84% accuracy to predict the severity of the addiction.

Journal: npj Mental Health Research
Funder: Office of Naval Research

5-Feb-2026

Method spots early signs of infection after breast cancer reconstruction

Washington University in St. Louis
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Collaborators at WashU Medicine developed a tool to detect infections early among patients who have had breast reconstruction after cancer, potentially allowing for preemptive treatment that preserves implants, improves outcomes and reduces the emotional and financial burden on patients.

Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation

5-Feb-2026

SCAI applauds signing of accelerating kids’ access to Care Act, removing Medicaid barriers to life-saving interventional cardiology care

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions
Business Announcement

WASHINGTON—The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) applauds the enactment of the Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act. This bipartisan law removes longstanding administrative barriers that have delayed access to out-of-state specialty care for children with complex or congenital medical conditions.

These policy changes are lifesaving for families in need of specialized pediatric cardiac care. For those who live in rural or underserved areas, that care is often only available at regional centers across state lines.