FDA allows sale of ZYN nicotine pouches, cites lower risks than cigarettes
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has officially approved nicotine pouches from ZYN, deeming them safer than traditional cigarettes and lower in health risks. The decision made on Thursday, Jan. 16, marks a significant win for ZYN, allowing it to remain on the market.
After a scientific review, the FDA approved 20 new ZYN products. These pouches, placed between the gum and lip, deliver nicotine in varying doses. ZYN submitted an application asking the FDA for permission to market the products to consumers.
The FDA’s decision is based on a law that establishes public health standards for tobacco products. This leaves it to the agency to evaluate the benefits and risks of new products.
In its review, the FDA concluded that nicotine pouches contain fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes and other smokeless tobacco products. The administration said this reduces the risk of cancer and other serious health issues.
The FDA also found a significant number of smokers completely switched to nicotine pouches, with the potential to quit nicotine altogether over time.
Swedish Match, a company affiliated with the tobacco product, praised the FDA’s decision. They say it was “An important step to protect the public health by providing better alternatives to cigarettes and other traditional tobacco products for adults.”
ZYN has experienced a surge in sales, partially fueled by social media trends. However, the rise in popularity has raised concerns among public health groups, which are focused on preventing youth access to nicotine products. Despite growing sales, the FDA reports that fewer than 2% of middle and high school students use nicotine pouches, according to a recent study.
However, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids criticized the FDA’s approval. They call it a “dangerous precedent” that allows products with flavors “clearly appealing to kids.”
The approval of nicotine pouches comes with cautionary notes. Dr. Brian King, director of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, emphasized that the agency is closely monitoring the marketplace. He says they are committed to taking necessary action to protect public health.
ZYN must adhere to strict marketing restrictions to ensure its products are only advertised to those over 21. Despite the FDA’s approval, the agency stresses that these products are not safe. The FDA warns against starting to use tobacco products.
The decision to allow nicotine pouches on the market represents a major shift in the regulation of tobacco products, with the FDA taking a new approach to reducing health risks while offering alternatives to traditional smoking.
Women see rise in cancer rates as rates in men decrease: Report
A new American Cancer Society report revealed women in some age groups are being diagnosed with cancer more often than men. The findings suggested that higher cancer rates are shifting from men to women, and the gaps between sexes, as well as between older and younger adults, have narrowed greatly.
The research showed an increase in cancer diagnoses among younger Americans.
While the American Cancer Society said it is unclear what is driving the increase in women and younger adults, it listed possible factors. Obesity, alcohol use, ultra-processed foods, smoking and environmental hazards are among possible contributors.
The American Cancer Society said racial disparities in cancer rates still exist, with minorities seeing higher rates of cancer diagnoses.
The study also found overall cancer death rates fell by 34% since their peak in the early 1990s.
FDA bans Red No. 3 in food and drinks due to potential cancer risk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to remove the synthetic dye Red No. 3 from food and beverages, decades after it was linked to cancer risks. Originally approved in 1907, the additive has been a staple in many popular foods, including candy, cereal, cherries and dietary supplements.
In 1980, studies raised alarms about its potential to cause cancer, specifically after high doses of the dye were shown to induce tumors in male rats.
Though the research prompted concern, the FDA did not take immediate action, citing the effects on humans were not shown. However, in recent years, advocacy groups and lawmakers have pressed for stronger action against the dye, prompting the FDA to revisit its stance.
On Wednesday, Jan. 15, the FDA announced plans to remove Red No. 3 from the list of approved color additives, citing the Delaney clause, a law banning any food additives known to cause cancer in both people and animals.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest, which led a petition in 2022 urging the FDA to take action, applauded the move, but called it long overdue. The group pointed to the fact that the dye had already been banned in cosmetics, but remained legal in food and drinks, until now.
“At long last, the FDA is ending the regulatory paradox of Red 3 being illegal for use in lipstick, but perfectly legal to feed to children in the form of candy,” the group said in a statement.
In addition to pressure from advocacy groups, nearly two dozen lawmakers recently called on the FDA to take action for the sake of children’s safety, with their letter stating, “No aesthetic reason could justify the use of a carcinogen in our food supply.”
Other countries, including Japan, Australia and New Zealand, have already restricted or banned the use of Red No. 3 in food products. Now, the U.S. is moving to follow suit.
The FDA is giving manufacturers until 2027 to remove the dye from their products, with an additional year for drug makers to comply with the new regulations.
Your ‘face age’ could unlock clues about your health
What if one photo could reveal more than just your face—but also your health? Doctors are now turning to FaceAge AI as a powerful new tool for medical insights.
The idea of using technology to analyze faces isn’t new. Apps and TikTok filters claiming to reveal your age have been popular for years. But FaceAge AI isn’t just a passing trend.
This AI model has been trained on tens of thousands of photos from patients and public image databases. Its goal? To detect subtle signs of aging that could provide valuable insights into your overall health.
Dr. Raymond Mak, a radiation oncologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, co-led the study that explored this innovative tool. He told The Wall Street Journal that our faces reflect the wear and tear of a lifetime—an intricate roadmap that doctors are just beginning to decode.
This tool could be especially groundbreaking for oncologists. Physicians already rely on visual cues and gut instincts when assessing a patient’s health. With FaceAge AI, these decisions could become even more precise.
Dr. Mak shared an example of its potential impact. He treated a 90-year-old lung cancer patient who appeared much younger than his age. Trusting his instincts, Mak tailored the treatment as if the patient were younger. Later, he ran the patient’s photo through FaceAge AI, which estimated the patient’s biological age at just 66.
Concerns about bias
Despite its promise, FaceAge has raised concerns. Critics worry that predictions of shorter life expectancy could lead to biased or unequal treatment.
Additionally, experts caution that the tool still has limitations. An associate professor at Harvard told The Wall Street Journal that racial groups may be underrepresented in the datasets, and factors like cosmetic procedures or poor lighting could skew results.
If you want to explore your biological age, NOVOS offers a free version of its tool. It analyzes features like wrinkles, eyes, and pores, then provides health tips, such as cutting back on sugary foods if you score low in specific areas.
While FaceAge might offer fascinating insights—or inspire a new skincare routine—it’s no substitute for real medical advice.
FDA proposes new talc testing rules to keep cosmetics asbestos-free
Talc, the main ingredient in baby powder, has long been known to contain cancer-causing and potentially deadly asbestos, but it’s still being used to make cosmetics. Now, a new rule proposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) looks to make sure products containing talc are asbestos-free.
Talc is used to absorb moisture or improve the look and feel of some makeup. Like asbestos, it’s a mineral, but unlike asbestos, it is not toxic on its own. However, if talc is mined from an area near asbestos, there’s a good chance of cross contamination.
The FDA said since 2021, lab testing of more than 150 cosmetic samples has come back negative for asbestos. Still though, in 2023 Congress passed a law requiring the FDA to release new standards for industry testing.
The decision came in the wake of multiple lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, one of the biggest manufacturers of baby powder. Thousands of people have claimed baby powder caused ovarian and other cancers.
The new proposal is open to public comment for 90 days before the FDA can make it an official rule.
Dry January has Americans exploring alcohol-free start to 2025
Dry January is motivating many Americans to start the year alcohol-free. The campaign began in 2013 when the nonprofit Alcohol Change UK introduced Dry January as a public health initiative.
Its mission was to urge people to rethink their drinking habits, especially after the holiday season. Organizers also wanted to highlight benefits such as better sleep, weight management and improved mental clarity.
“These are people who may want to use January to put a mirror up to their own relationship with alcohol, just to reflect,” says Dr. Michael Caldwell, chief medical officer of Dry January USA. “We’re not anti-alcohol. We want everyone to have their own journey.”
However, Dr. Caldwell warns that people who drink five or more alcoholic beverages a day may need professional guidance before taking on Dry January.
Dr. Caldwell, who teaches public health at Meharry School of Global Health and Meharry Medical College, now works to expand Dry January within the U.S.
Recently, Dry January USA signed a licensing agreement with Alcohol Change UK to manage the Dry January trademark in the states. Organizers are pushing to earn the movement recognition nationwide.
In fact, Jan. 7, 2025, marks the inaugural Dry January USA Day, featuring bright yellow illuminations in cities such as Chicago and Nashville.
Non-alcoholic trends on the rise
According to a Beer Institute and Morning Consult poll, 58% of Americans reach for low- or no-alcohol beer options during Dry January. Dr. Caldwell notes that “there are these technological advances for adult non-alcoholic beverages.”
He adds, “It offers people choices to be able to have that feel and experience of a beer, wine, or cocktail without them really missing that there’s no alcohol in it.”
Meanwhile, non-alcoholic wine is also growing. Vintense, a company specializing in alcohol-free wine, says their product retains the antioxidant power of grape juice, including anthocyanins that can improve energy and immunity while helping to protect against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.
Health concerns go beyond the liver
A Gallup poll shows 45% of Americans think having one or two drinks a day is bad for health, yet 58% still consume alcohol. Experts say alcohol-related dangers extend well beyond the liver.
“They think, oh, maybe liver cancer. Well, yes, but all the digestive cancers in your mouth, your esophagus, colon cancer, breast cancer,” warns Caldwell. “Many women really don’t realize there’s a strong link between any alcohol use and their risk of breast cancer.”
Planning ahead and using accountability tools help many people succeed with Dry January. Alcohol Change UK’s “Try Dry” app, for instance, allows participants to track their alcohol-free days and recognize important milestones.
If Dry January sounds appealing, consider your own health status and habits first. Then, decide if going alcohol-free next month might lead to more lasting changes all year long.
Tea bags found to contain ‘huge’ and ‘concerning’ amounts of microplastics
Tea is known for its calming and relaxing qualities, but a new report may cause a little stress. Scientists have discovered that three different types of commercially available teabags release millions, sometimes even billions, of nanoplastics and microplastics into tea, which then get absorbed into the intestinal cells of whoever consumes the drink.
Microplastic contamination is an ongoing concern. These plastics have been found in hearts, testicles and this year, scientists found a “scary” amount in brain tissue.
While scientists do not yet know how exactly microplastics impact human health, they are known to release chemicals called “endocrine disrupters,” which are believed to impact human hormones and increase the risk for certain cancers.
One of the study’s authors said they hope the research helps spur a push to regulate single-use plastics and cut down on plastic contamination.
While the study’s authors did not identify the brands of tea bags it tested, this is not the first study of its kind. The digital platform “I’m Plastic-Free,” which helps people find plastic-free household products, has compiled a list of plastic-free tea brands across the world.
House approves spending bill to avoid government shutdown
Democrats and Republicans in the House voted overwhelmingly to approve a bill to keep the government open until Friday, March 14. The bill passed just hours before the government was set to shut down.
Notably, the bill –– known as a continuing resolution –– did not maintain the debt ceiling suspension, something President-elect Donald Trump advocated for. However, it did include language from the annual Farm Bill as well as disaster relief aid.
Rep. Mark Alford, R-Mo., delivered a holiday-themed pitch on the House floor before the vote.
“‘Twas five days before Christmas and all through this House, not a lawmaker was resting, not even their spouse. The [continuing resolution] stalled, the debates full of heat, while a shutdown shadow loomed over our streets. My friends, it’s time to fund our defense and aid for our farms and disaster relief to protect our very own citizens from harm,” Alford said.
The House has revised the bill multiple times over the last few days. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., did not move the first version forward after it received extensive public criticism on Wednesday, Dec. 18, from Elon Musk and the president-elect.
A second version, released Thursday, Dec. 19, would have raised the debt ceiling, but it fell short despite Trump and Musk’s backing. Thirty-eight House Republicans joined Democrats in voting against that bill.
Democrats mostly supported the bill but criticized Musk, accusing him of sabotaging and complicating the process.
“At the behest of the world’s richest man who no one voted for, the Congress has been thrown into pandemonium,” Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said.
“It leads you to the question of; who is in charge? I thought that there was a Republican majority in this body. Not a President Musk majority,” DeLauro added.
The final version of the bill also removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, as well as research into other diseases, including Down syndrome, and options to treat and detect sickle cell disease, breast cancer and cervical cancer.
A separate bill for pediatric cancer research that passed in the House last March is still awaiting a vote, but Senate Democrats have not brought it up. Republicans have said they support that bill and believe the Senate should approve it there, as opposed to making it part of the continuing resolution.
In the hours following the passage of the continuing resolution, the Senate voted unanimously to approve the bill the House passed last March. That legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk.
Government shutdown looms as House votes against latest funding bill
A government shutdown looms nearer after the House rejected a bill that would have kept it funded into March. And drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey after a spate of mysterious sightings. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Dec. 20, 2024.
House votes against latest stopgap bill aimed to avoid government shutdown
The House rejected a stopgap bill Thursday, Dec. 19, that would have kept the government running. The vote came ahead of a potential shutdown starting at midnight Saturday, Dec. 21, when lawmakers head home for the holidays.
The bill fell short of the needed two-thirds majority to speed up its passage. More than three dozen Republicans joined 197 Democrats in voting against it. Republicans split with each other on how the bill handles government spending.
“Three hundred and thirty billion dollars. Congratulations. You’ve added to the debt since you were given the majority again on Nov. 5,” Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, said.
Roy voted against the bill.
He added, “It’s embarrassing. It’s shameful. Yes, I think this bill is better than it was yesterday in certain respects. But to take this bill, to take this bill yesterday and congratulate yourself because it’s shorter in pages but increases the debt by $5 trillion, is asinine.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on the House floor, “The deal on the table will keep the government open for the American people and if you guys so choose to shut it down, it will be on you but not the Republican Party.”
She added, “We will not be going back to the table. This deal stands as it is. So let you go back home on Christmas and explain to your people why you shut down the government because we won’t be doing it.”
The latest spending bill, known as a continuing resolution, is a quickly amended bill tailored to the liking of President-elect Donald Trump and his top ally Elon Musk.
Musk postedrepeatedlyonX condemning the original bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., worked on it with bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats.
However, when both Musk and Trump opposed the bill, that guaranteed most House Republicans would vote against it and forced Johnson to craft a new bill.
Now, there are two conflicting interests. Musk wants major government spending cuts, and while Trump agrees, he also wants to permanently suspend the debt ceiling.
The new plan lifts the debt limit, leading Trump to support the bill in a Truth Social post.
“Now we can Make America Great Again, very quickly, which is what the People gave us a mandate to accomplish,” Trump posted.
But Democrats attacked the bill over what spending Republicans chose to cut.
“The Musk-Johnson proposal is not serious, it’s laughable,” said House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. “Extreme MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.”
The bill removed funding for a bipartisan program for pediatric cancer research, studying genetic conditions like Down syndrome and treatment options for sickle cell disease as well as cancers.
It will be on Johnson to craft a bill to secure votes from the majority of the House.
However, Johnson may not have the political leeway to rely on support from Democrats. He’ll need nearly every returning member of the House Republican caucus to vote for him next month to remain speaker.
The new Congress takes office in the new year.
New details of accused UnitedHealthcare CEO shooter’s plan emerge
Newly unsealed court documents put into perspective what led up to the deadly shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A federal complaint shed light on 26-year-old Luigi Mangione’s “hostility toward the health insurance industry and wealthy executives in particular.”
In a notebook found on Mangione when he was arrested, he allegedly wrote of his plans to “wack” an insurance company CEO at its investor conference. Federal prosecutors said he traveled from Georgia to New York to stalk and kill Thompson.
Magione appeared in a New York courtroom Thursday, and four new federal charges were levied against him. The charges included murder with a firearm, which is an offense punishable by the death penalty.
The hearing followed Mangione’s extradition from Pennsylvania, where police arrested him on Dec. 9, to New York.
Armed guards surrounded Mangione as NYPD officers walked him off a helicopter upon his arrival in Manhattan. New York City Mayor Eric Adams joined the walk.
“Police Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch and I all want to send a very clear and loud message that this act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that will not be tolerated in this city,” Adams told the press at the site of the helicopter arrival.
Mangione already faces state-level charges in New York. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg brought charges against him Tuesday, Dec. 17, including for murder as an act of terrorism.
However, Mangione also received a hero’s welcome from protesters outside the courthouse. Thompson’s killing sparked backlash against the health insurance industry and its coverage policies.
While judges have not set any dates yet, Mangione will face state-level charges first. A federal trial will follow.
New York abolished the death penalty, meaning it’s not an option for Mangione in the state-level case. However, the death penalty can still be exercised in the federal case.
FAA temporarily bans drones in parts of New York and New Jersey
Drones are now banned in parts of New York and New Jersey — at least for the time being. It comes amid an investigation into multiple mysterious sightings over the last month that set off fear and speculation.
In a statement, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the Federal Aviation Administration’s bans are “purely precautionary.” Meanwhile, the FAA’s restrictions in New Jersey are largely aimed at limiting drone flights over power stations and infrastructure.
The FAA implemented emergency flight restrictions across New Jersey, prohibiting drone operations until Jan. 17, 2025, for “special security reasons.” Unless operators obtain special government clearance, the directive bans uncrewed aircraft within a one-nautical-mile radius of designated areas and up to 400 feet in altitude.
The FAA designated areas such as Camden, Jersey City, Elizabeth and South Brunswick as “National Defense Airspace.”
Violators may face severe penalties, including interception, detention, certificate revocation and potential criminal charges. In extreme cases, authorities are authorized to use “deadly force” against drones posing an “imminent security threat.”
These restrictions follow a surge in unexplained drone sightings across New Jersey and nearby states that began in mid-November. Federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Defense (DOD), received over 5,000 reports of drone activity.
Dow Jones snaps worst losing streak in 50 years
The Dow Jones Industrial Average snapped its worst losing streak in 50 years Thursday. The losing streak lasted 10 days.
During the losing streak, the market wiped out all of its post-election gains. The Dow ended Wednesday down 2.5% from when Trump won the election.
Also on Wednesday, Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE Volatility Index, had its second-biggest percentage spike in history. The VIX shot up 74% after the Federal Reserve shared its outlook for the coming year.
On Wednesday, the Fed cut its benchmark interest rate for a third time in 2024, which was widely predicted.
Feeling the holiday blues?
The holidays are often called “the most wonderful time of the year,” but the season can bring about sadness and stress for many. This -emotional shift, commonly known as the “holiday blues” or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), can affect millions of people across the country.
Licensed adult psychiatrist Dr. Patrice Mann said the holiday blues are due to several factors. They include social pressures, disruptive routines and financial strain.
“Things like having a bunch of holiday events on the calendar, not to say we don’t look forward to them oftentimes, but they take a toll on us,” says Dr. Mann. “You’re up late, interacting with a lot of people, and that’s not everyone’s nature.”
Grief and seasonal depression can also complicate these feelings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, seasonal depression affects millions of Americans every year, but many may not even realize they have it.
Symptoms of holiday blues and seasonal depression can include a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities and changes in eating or sleeping habits. If these symptoms last more than two weeks, Dr. Mann said it could indicate a more serious depressive episode. In such cases, seeking professional help is important.
Dr. Mann recommended several self-care strategies to help manage both the holiday blues and seasonal depression. She suggested getting tested for vitamin D deficiency and taking supplements during winter. Vitamin D plays a vital role in mood and energy levels.
She also advised getting as much sunlight as possible during the shorter winter days. Light therapy boxes can mimic outdoor sunlight if natural sunlight isn’t available. Using them for 20 to 30 minutes in the morning can help trick the brain and improve mood.
For those experiencing grief during the holidays, Dr. Mann encouraged reflecting on personal needs and communicating with trusted friends or family members. She also recommended incorporating new social activities into your routine and checking in with yourself after attending events.
For those supporting others through grief, it’s important to recognize that everyone processes emotions differently. Dr. Mann suggested engaging in activities with those less open about mental health, such as cooking or playing games, to help create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves.
While the holiday season brings unique challenges, small steps can make a big difference. Prioritizing self-care, maintaining routines and reaching out for support are important practices to help manage holiday stress.
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that professional help is available. The National Suicide Hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 988.
NYPD’s top earner, under investigation for massive overtime pay, retires early
The New York Police Department’s highest paid employee, under investigation for massive amounts of overtime pay that contributed to a more than $400,000 salary, is retiring early. Lt. Quathisha Epps claimed to work more than 1,600 hours of overtime, which was uncovered in November by the New York Post.
Epps pulled in more than $204,000 in overtime pay on top of her base salary of around $164,000, plus fringe benefits which put her at $403,515 in 2024.
According to payroll records, her boss made around $292,000 that same year.
Sources told the Post that Epps’ overtime pay was capped after the report came out.
NYPD officials told her at the time she’d be put back on patrol, instead of just working her current desk job.
Now the Post learned Epps filed for retirement this week. She was just shy of 20 years with the department.
Her early exit will impact her pension and cost her a reported $12,000 annually. This payment goes towards officers who retire after the two-decade mark.
The department has now officially launched an internal affairs probe into Epps. The investigation will look into allegations of falsified overtime hours, which includes Epps signing off on time slips herself. Investigators will also look at complaints of her coming into work late, leaving early or not showing up at all.
Epps’ history with the NYPD
Despite the investigation, Epps seemingly had a positive history with the NYPD.
In 2019, the department congratulated Epps for beating cancer three times, posting on social media for World Cancer Day.
Meet Lieutenant Epps: She is a 13-year NYPD veteran, mother, & cancer survivor. 18 years ago, she was first diagnosed with cancer. With the support of her family at home and family in blue, she has since fought cancer 3 times and is back in uniform serving NYC. #WorldCancerDaypic.twitter.com/ux64SIoyw8
Following her recent retirement announcement, Epp’s last day was scheduled for Jan. 14, but the NYPD has suspended her without pay amid the investigation.
The department has 30 days to investigate before her pension goes into effect.
