The European Union is funding research into microdosing LSD, with studies conducted by University of Chicago researcher Harriet de Wit and others in the UK. While some small trials have shown potential benefits for mild depression and vigor, no lasting effects on creativity or cognition have been found. Microdosing advocates caution that long-term effects are unknown, and unregulated products can be harmful. The Fireside Project offers phone support for people experiencing microdosing, while Balazs Szigeti of the University of California, San Francisco, suggests it may harness the placebo effect for personal benefit.
https://www.euronews.com/health/2025/04/18/people-who-microdose-psychedelics-say-it-boosts-their-mental-health-scientists-arent-so-suThe US healthcare system is plagued by a non-representative workforce, where patients and providers do not share similar characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or cultural experiences. Dr. Vincent Guilamo-Ramos and co-author Dr. Danielle McCamey argue that this lack of concordance exacerbates health inequities, particularly among marginalized communities, resulting in $400 billion in costs and excess premature deaths. Recent judicial rulings, executive actions, and private sector decisions have undermined provider-patient concordance, while research funding cuts disproportionately impact underrepresented scientists working to address health inequities. A representative workforce is crucial for improving healthcare access, quality, and outcomes, as well as reducing costs and strengthening population health.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-edition-of-the-lancet--actions-and-policies-that-make-us-health-workforce-less-representative-will-harm-health-and-hike-costs-warns-institute-for-policy-solutions-at-jhu-son-302432067.htmlBryan Johnson, a tech CEO, has shared his oral health protocol, which includes tongue scraping and tea tree oil, to prevent chronic disease. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist, discussed the link between the oral microbiome and physical and mental health on his podcast. The sale of oral care products in the US increased by 6.3% from 2023 to 2024, with the market projected to reach $71.95 billion by 2027. A healthy oral microbiome is sparse, unlike a diverse gut microbiome, which has been linked to physical and mental health benefits. Research suggests that poor oral hygiene can lead to chronic diseases such as type two diabetes and colon cancer, and may also contribute to cardiovascular disease.
https://www.insider.com/oral-microbiome-clean-teeth-live-longer-2025-4The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued another round of termination notices to staff as part of a plan to dismantle the agency, which has been a target of Republicans. Acting CFPB Director Russ Vought cited restructuring and prioritization of operations as reasons for the layoffs. Some employees were given notice that they would lose access to their accounts by Friday evening.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/banking-law/cfpb-workers-receive-layoff-notices-in-new-bid-to-shutter-agencyCongressional Republicans are considering cutting funding to Medicaid and other welfare programs as part of their tax reconciliation package, with some lawmakers opposing the cuts. A recent study by the Congressional Budget Office suggests that Medicaid accounts for a significant portion (93%) of non-Medicare related mandatory spending, highlighting the potential impact of such reductions.
https://www.deseret.com/politics/2025/04/17/how-utah-voters-want-congress-to-spend-money/Singapore's Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Gan Siow Huang, has announced his intention to stand for re-election in the Marymount Single Member Constituency (SMC) in the 2025 General Election.
https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/ge2025-paps-gan-siow-huang-remain-marymount-smcA US judge has issued a temporary restraining order blocking Social Security officials, including acting commissioner Leland Dudek and chief information officer Michael Russo, from accessing systems containing personally identifiable information due to concerns over privacy. The ruling comes after millions of Americans' SSA records were made available to DOGE affiliates without consent.
https://www.rawstory.com/social-security-data-breach/Microplastics have become ubiquitous in modern life, contaminating food, water, clothing, kitchenware, and household products. Studies have found that nearly all Americans carry microplastics in their bodies, with the tiny particles detected in organs such as the lungs and placenta. Exposure to microplastics can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, leading to accumulation over time. Research has linked microplastics to endocrine disruption, chronic inflammation, and increased risks for metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and skin barrier damage.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14622989/How-cancer-causing-microplastics-body-based-age.htmlNeuro-Thrive, a supplement, combines four key ingredients: Lion's Mane Mushroom, Ginkgo Biloba, Bacopa Monnieri, and Niacin (Vitamin B3). These components work synergistically to support cognitive resilience and long-term brain health. Lion's Mane stimulates nerve growth factor production, while Ginkgo Biloba enhances cerebral blood flow and antioxidant activity. Bacopa Monnieri reduces stress-induced cognitive impairment and improves memory retention, and Niacin supports ATP production and mitochondrial health in brain cells. The formula is designed for cumulative results, providing a long-term support system for maintaining and enhancing cognitive abilities.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/04/18/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/neuro-thrive-under-review-ancient-japanese-memory-bean-to-boost-memory-brain-health/2094831