A new study documents the first case of Down syndrome in a Neandertal child named “Tina,” found in Spain. Despite severe hearing loss and vertigo, Tina survived to at least 6 years old, indicating she received extensive care from her group. This discovery highlights the Neandertals’ capacity for altruistic behavior.
esearchers have developed an AI system that guides robots using language-based instructions, improving navigation tasks without relying on extensive visual data. This method converts visual observations into text captions, allowing a language model to direct the robot’s movements. While not outperforming vision-based systems, it excels in data-limited scenarios and combines well with visual inputs for […]
A new study details how AI and computer simulations train robotic exoskeletons to help users conserve energy while walking, running, and climbing stairs. This method eliminates the need for lengthy human-involved experiments and can be applied to various assistive devices.
The Host Julie Rovner KFF Health News @jrovner Read Julie’s stories. Julie Rovner is chief Washington correspondent and host of KFF Health News’ weekly health policy news podcast, “What the Health?” A noted expert on health policy issues, Julie is the author of the critically praised reference book “Health Care Politics and Policy A to […]
Incorporating tactile emoticons into social media interactions enhances feelings of support and approval. Participants using a mock platform preferred receiving feedback through both visual and tactile cues over visual-only feedback. Tactile feedback, such as a stroke on the forearm, conveyed additional emotional context. The findings suggest touch can improve digital communication, informing future technology developments.
Researchers successfully used a custom-built robot to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This minimally invasive treatment reduces the need for frequent eye injections. The landmark study found that robotic radiotherapy significantly decreases the number of injections needed, potentially saving millions annually. The new method offers precise targeting of radiation to the eye, improving patient […]
Months into a new Biden administration policy intended to lower drug costs for Medicare patients, independent pharmacists say they’re struggling to afford to keep some prescription drugs in stock. “It would not matter if the governor himself walked in and said, ‘I need to get this prescription filled,’” said Clint Hopkins, a pharmacist and co-owner […]
The steep prices — and popularity — of Ozempic and similar weight-loss and diabetes drugs could soon make them a priority for Medicare drug price negotiations. List prices for a month’s supply of the drugs range from $936 to $1,349, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. The Inflation Reduction Act President Biden signed in […]
Letters to the Editor is a periodic feature. We welcome all comments and will publish a selection. We edit for length and clarity and require full names. Lawmakers Must Protect Home Health To Alleviate Hospital Bottlenecks The stark reality that countless seniors lie stranded in emergency rooms across the country waiting for care underscores the need for models […]
KFF Health News senior correspondent Renuka Rayasam discussed weight loss drugs on KMOX’s “Total Information AM” on May 29. Click here to hear Rayasam on “Total Information AM” Read Rayasam’s “High Price of Popular Diabetes Drugs Deprives Low-Income People of Effective Treatment” Céline Gounder, KFF Health News’ senior fellow and editor-at-large for public health, discussed […]
