Health News 17 November 2025 - 9 February 2026

Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema tops Wegovy in new diabetes trial — 14.2% weight loss at top dose
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Novo Nordisk’s CagriSema tops Wegovy in new diabetes trial — 14.2% weight loss at top dose

Novo Nordisk said its experimental CagriSema injection led to 14.2% weight loss over 68 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes, outperforming Wegovy’s 10.2%. HbA1c fell by 1.91 percentage points with CagriSema, compared to 1.76 with semaglutide alone. The company plans to seek regulatory approval for CagriSema in type 2 diabetes. Most side effects were gastrointestinal and mild to moderate.
February 2, 2026
New blood test markers may spot pancreatic cancer earlier — and beat CA19-9 alone
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New blood test markers may spot pancreatic cancer earlier — and beat CA19-9 alone

A four-protein blood test detected 91.9% of pancreatic cancers and 87.5% of early-stage cases in stored samples, with a 5% false-positive rate, NIH researchers reported Friday. The panel combined two newly identified proteins with CA19-9 and THBS2. Researchers said larger, prospective studies are needed before clinical use. Routine screening for pancreatic cancer remains unrecommended for average-risk adults.
January 30, 2026
US threatens to hold back Gavi cash unless it drops mercury preservative thimerosal
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US threatens to hold back Gavi cash unless it drops mercury preservative thimerosal

The U.S. is withholding a $300 million pledge to Gavi unless the group starts phasing out thimerosal-containing vaccines, officials said. Gavi confirmed the request but said changes require board approval and must align with scientific consensus. Experts warn a rapid shift from multi-dose vials could raise costs and disrupt immunization efforts in low-income countries.
January 29, 2026
FDA hits pause on Regenxbio gene therapies after child’s brain tumor; stock slumps
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FDA hits pause on Regenxbio gene therapies after child’s brain tumor; stock slumps

The FDA placed clinical holds on Regenxbio’s RGX-111 and RGX-121 gene therapy trials after a brain tumor was found in a child who received RGX-111. Regenxbio shares dropped about 20% in morning trading. The company is investigating whether the tumor is linked to the treatment and has not yet received the FDA’s full clinical hold letter. No tumors have been reported in other trial participants.
January 28, 2026
Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light
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Apple Watch blood pressure alerts go live in Australia after TGA green light

Apple has launched hypertension notifications for Apple Watch users in Australia, following approval by the national medical device regulator in December. The feature, available on Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, analyzes heart sensor data and alerts users to possible high blood pressure. It does not provide a diagnosis or blood pressure readings. Doctors caution alerts should be confirmed with medical professionals.
January 28, 2026
Roche’s CT-388 weight-loss shot hits 22.5% in Phase 2, sets up pivotal trials
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Roche’s CT-388 weight-loss shot hits 22.5% in Phase 2, sets up pivotal trials

Roche said its experimental obesity drug CT-388 produced a 22.5% placebo-adjusted weight loss after 48 weeks in a Phase 2 trial. The company plans to start Phase 3 trials this quarter. Shares rose about 0.5% as investors weighed competition from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. Most side effects were gastrointestinal, with no new safety issues reported.
January 27, 2026
RFK Jr revives cellphone radiation debate with new HHS study after FDA pulls safety pages
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RFK Jr revives cellphone radiation debate with new HHS study after FDA pulls safety pages

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has ordered a study into cellphone radiation risks after the FDA removed claims of safety from its website. The move comes as agencies push wireless expansion and industry groups cite no proven health threat. The National Toxicology Program found some cancer links in rats exposed to older signals, but human studies show no consistent evidence of harm.
January 22, 2026
ISS-grown bacteria-killing viruses return to Earth and hit E. coli harder, study finds
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ISS-grown bacteria-killing viruses return to Earth and hit E. coli harder, study finds

Bacteriophages evolved aboard the International Space Station became more effective at killing certain UTI-causing E. coli strains once returned to Earth, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison reported. Microgravity delayed early infections and led to unique mutations in both the viruses and bacteria. Scientists say scaling up such space-based experiments remains difficult.
January 20, 2026
RFK Jr. reopens cellphone radiation debate as HHS orders new federal study
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RFK Jr. reopens cellphone radiation debate as HHS orders new federal study

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will launch a new study on cellphone radiation after pressure from Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an agency spokesman said. The FDA has removed older webpages stating phones are not dangerous as the department reviews health research on electromagnetic radiation. Federal health agencies still say there is no proven link between cellphone use and cancer.
January 17, 2026
Apple Health App Overhaul in iOS 26.4: AI Health Coach, Meal Tracking, and Expert Videos Reportedly Coming in Spring 2026
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Apple Health App Overhaul in iOS 26.4: AI Health Coach, Meal Tracking, and Expert Videos Reportedly Coming in Spring 2026

Apple is expected to launch a major Health app overhaul with iOS 26.4, according to leaked internal references and multiple reports. The update may include a redesigned interface, built-in meal tracking, expert health videos, and an AI-powered health agent, possibly under a new “Health+” subscription. Apple has not confirmed the features.
January 12, 2026
Android 17 “Motion Cues” could reduce phone car sickness with smart on-screen dots — here’s what’s new on Dec. 17, 2025
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Android 17 “Motion Cues” could reduce phone car sickness with smart on-screen dots — here’s what’s new on Dec. 17, 2025

Google is testing Motion Cues for Android 17, a feature that overlays animated dots on the screen to reduce motion sickness when using phones in moving vehicles. Reports on December 17 indicate Google is integrating this at the system level, allowing the dots to appear even on lock screens and notifications. Apple already offers a similar feature on iOS.
December 17, 2025
‘Smartphone Pinky’ Is Back: Why Big Phones Are Hurting Your Hands in 2025 — And How to Fix It
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‘Smartphone Pinky’ Is Back: Why Big Phones Are Hurting Your Hands in 2025 — And How to Fix It

Nearly 60% of over 2,600 Android Authority poll respondents say they hold their phones one-handed with the pinky finger supporting the device, a grip linked to pain and nerve irritation. Recent studies and clinical reports from 2024–2025 find no evidence of dramatic deformities, but confirm growing cases of hand pain and musculoskeletal problems tied to phone use.
December 3, 2025
Constant Phone Checking Is Rewiring Your Brain: What New 2025 Research Says About Focus, Memory and Work
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Constant Phone Checking Is Rewiring Your Brain: What New 2025 Research Says About Focus, Memory and Work

On November 28, 2025, multiple outlets reported new research showing that frequent phone checking—rather than just screen time—can disrupt focus and subtly alter brain function. The Washington Post illustrated a typical user checking their phone over 100 times daily, with measurable drops in attention and memory. News18 and Unica Radio highlighted how constant notifications train the brain to expect stimulation and slow concentration.
November 28, 2025
Neuralink ‘Patient 4’ Mystery, TikTok Sleuths and Paradromics’ FDA‑Approved Speech Chip: What’s Really Happening on 25 November 2025
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Neuralink ‘Patient 4’ Mystery, TikTok Sleuths and Paradromics’ FDA‑Approved Speech Chip: What’s Really Happening on 25 November 2025

Paradromics received FDA approval to begin human trials of its speech-restoring brain implant, Connexus, on November 25, 2025. Meanwhile, questions mount online about Neuralink’s “Patient 4,” identified in public records as Mike Melgarejo, who is reportedly in severe distress according to a GoFundMe campaign. Neuralink has not commented on Melgarejo’s status.
November 25, 2025
Apple Fitness+ Under Review: Health+ Merger, AI Coaching and Apple’s “Too Many Services” Problem
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Apple Fitness+ Under Review: Health+ Merger, AI Coaching and Apple’s “Too Many Services” Problem

Apple Fitness+ is under internal review as Apple considers folding it into a broader Health+ subscription planned for 2026, according to multiple reports. The service faces high churn and limited revenue, prompting a leadership shift to VP of Health Dr. Sumbul Desai. Fitness+ is now overseen by Apple’s health division, which reports to Services chief Eddy Cue. No plans to discontinue the service have been confirmed.
November 17, 2025
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