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THE BRIEF

Sleep Aids Reduce Opioid Use After Surgery

A Yale-led study found melatonin and Ambien taken before surgery reduced opioid use by 30 percent.

THE BRIEF

WHAT'S REPORTED

  • ▸Melatonin and Ambien taken before surgery were linked to less anxiety and reduced pain. — Fox News Health

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THE BRIEF
Today
HEALTHTHE BRIEF

Ultra-Processed Foods Linked to Brain Damage

A study of MRI scans of 9,000 Canadians linked ultra-processed foods to hidden brain damage.

WHAT'S REPORTED

  • ▸Ultra-processed foods like soft drinks and sugary cereals were linked to hidden brain damage, with women at higher risk. — Fox News Health
THE BRIEF
10/21/26
HEALTHTHE BRIEFDEV.

Brain-Infecting Black Mold Surge

Cladophialophora bantiana detections rose nearly fourfold in the US between 2023 and 2025.

DEVELOPING TIMELINE

First Report Saturday: Detections of brain-infecting black fungus Cladophialophora bantiana nearly quadrupled in the US between 2023 and 2025.

Wednesday: Fungus detections nearly quadrupled between 2023–2025

WHAT'S REPORTED

THE BRIEF
10/21/26
HEALTHTHE BRIEF

ADHD Linked to Higher Mortality

A JAMA Network Open review of nearly 16 million people found ADHD linked to 70% higher mortality, with medication reducing risk by 25%.

WHAT'S REPORTED

  • ▸ADHD medication was tied to a 25% lower mortality risk in the JAMA Network Open review. — Fox News Health
THE BRIEF
10/21/26
HEALTHTHE BRIEF

Talarico's Mixed Positions on Transgender Care

Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico says he opposes sex-change procedures for minors while partnering with the Human Rights Campaign, which supports them.

WHAT'S REPORTED