A new study published in Nature identifies a recently discovered brain network, the somato-cognitive action network, as a central driver of Parkinson's disease, reframing it as a whole-brain, mind-body disorder rather than a purely movement-related one. Using brain-imaging data from hundreds of patients, researchers found that abnormal connectivity in SCAN correlated with worse symptoms and that effective treatments like levodopa and brain stimulation reduced this connectivity and improved motor function.

FasterCures, of the Milken Institute, is building a public case study library showcasing real‑world examples of patient engagement in device, diagnostic, and digital health product research and development (R&D). They are inviting medtech developers and their collaborators (e.g., patient organizations, regulators, investors, providers) to share brief medtech R&D patient engagement case examples -- whether successful approaches or lessons learned -- to help advance effective, patient‑centered innovation across the medtech ecosystem. Selected submissions may be featured in program materials and future FasterCures or Milken Institute activities, with the option to remain anonymous. Submit your case study here by February 25, 2026, or connect with the FasterCures team at medtech@milkeninstitute.org to learn more.

Research published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases indicates that starting metformin around the time of acute COVID-19 infection may reduce the risk of long COVID by 40% to 60%, as shown across multiple studies and trials. The review emphasizes that timely administration is critical for maximizing the drug's preventive benefits.

Pharmaceutical companies are developing developing next-generation drugs that target two or even three appetite-related hormone pathways in the brain, leading to weight loss of up to 30% in clinical trials. New triple agonists and combination drugs may help people who have plateaued or not responded to current treatments, but clinicians warn that rapid weight loss can increase risks such as muscle loss, gallstones and low blood pressure.

A meta-analysis of 15 observational studies involving 23.5 million people found that receiving the flu vaccine was linked to an 18% reduction in the risk of a heart attack, compared with no vaccination, which was consistent across ages and patient groups. While the findings, published in BMC Public Health, suggested that the flu vaccine may help prevent heart attacks by reducing inflammation and endothelial dysfunction caused by infections, the authors noted limitations due to the observational nature of the studies included.

Researchers discovered "zombosomes," microscopic vesicles that move independently and carry organelles, in lab-grown brain cells. The vesicles can transport proteins linked to Parkinson's disease, potentially contributing to the spread of neurodegenerative disorders, according to the study in Cell Reports.

Oral vaccines offer advantages such as needle-free administration and broad immunity, but their development faces challenges such as the acidic environment of the stomach and the complex gut microbiome, which can reduce vaccine efficacy. Breast milk may also hinder the performance of oral vaccines in infants. Researchers are exploring solutions such as acid-resistant capsules and nanoparticle delivery to improve oral vaccine effectiveness.

OpenScholar, an open-source AI developed by the Allen Institute for AI and several universities, excels in analyzing scientific literature, outperforming some human experts and commercial AI models like GPT-4o. A study published in Nature highlights OpenScholar's ability to synthesize information from multiple papers, reducing errors common in other AI models. Despite its strengths, concerns about deskilling and the absence of paywalled content in its database remain. Researchers emphasize the importance of its open-source nature for replicability and transparency.

Public trust in the CDC has dropped to near pandemic-era levels, with only 47% of US adults expressing confidence in the agency's vaccine information, according to a KFF Tracking Poll. The decline follows recent changes to the childhood vaccine schedule under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which moved vaccines for influenza, hepatitis B and COVID-19 from universal recommendation to shared clinical decision-making. The poll also indicates that 56% of respondents have little or no confidence in federal health agencies' vaccine recommendations.

The NIH is easing administrative requirements for some basic research studies that involve human participants, which had previously been treated like clinical trials, a move intended to reduce administrative burden and ease research in fields like psychology and behavioral science. While many researchers welcome the change, critics worry it could weaken transparency and ethical oversight.

The global anti-obesity drug market is experiencing rapid expansion, with only a small fraction of its potential currently realized. Analysts expect significant growth as new therapies emerge, especially oral medications that promise greater convenience and patient adherence. Companies are investing heavily in research and acquisitions, betting that next-generation treatments -- including pills and gene therapies -- will drive market growth and reshape care for obesity worldwide.