Reproductive justice framework is essential to addressing inequities in high-risk pregnancy care, argue researchers

A new commentary in Reproductive Health calls for fetal condition care to be reframed through a reproductive justice (RJ) lens, arguing that systemic inequities, not just medical factors, shape the options available to families. A team of researchers, led by Penn Nursing and SisterSong the Women of Color Reproductive Justice Network, authored the editorial, which highlights how structural power—rather than just medical necessity—shapes the experiences of families navigating complex fetal diagnoses.

First international consensus on how to design, test and evaluate robotic systems for stroke treatment

Mechanical thrombectomy is a life-saving procedure used to remove blood clots from the brain. The complex procedure is needed within hours to achieve the best outcomes, but as it requires specialist expertise, access remains limited. Until now, no agreed framework existed for how robotic systems for MT should be built, tested, or evaluated. A new position statement, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, fills that gap, defining standards that put patient safety first.

Brain-on-a-chip reveals how Parkinson’s proteins weaken the brain’s vascular barrier

Scientists looking for the causes of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's generally focus on the buildup of aberrant proteins in the brain that impede normal neural connections. But new research from Binghamton University and Drexel University looks at a different, lesser-studied issue that also hurts patients and their quality of life: how Parkinson's affects the human vascular system.

Standard-dose antibiotic is the ‘preferred choice’ of treatment for uncomplicated acute sinusitis

Acute sinusitis leads to more antibiotic prescriptions for U.S. adults than any other condition, but there is no consensus on which antibiotic is preferred for uncomplicated cases. In a retrospective, nationwide study of more than 500,000 patients with acute sinusitis, a research team led by Mass General Brigham investigators found no major differences in measured outcomes between adults who received standard amoxicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanate (a more powerful, combination antibiotic). Patients treated with amoxicillin-clavulanate were at slightly higher risk of contracting secondary infections. Results are published in JAMA.

Emergency room survey uncovers measles vaccine gaps and hesitancy across the US

Measles remains one of the most contagious infectious diseases, spread through coughing and sneezing, with even small declines in vaccination coverage leading to outbreaks. As of 2026, California has reported its highest annual measles case count in seven years. In response to this growing concern, researchers have begun examining gaps in measles-related knowledge and vaccination coverage.