Nurse scientist Helena Addison writes about the need for more recognition and support for nursing science to support improvements in health care. The National Institute of Nursing Research is one of the smallest and least funded institutes at the NIH, representing less than 0.4% of the total budget.

The case for supporting nurse research: "When nursing science isn't recognized, it doesn't gain the visibility needed to attract funding, influence policy, or inspire the next generation of nurse scientists. These barriers don't just harm the profession; they have a real consequence for public health," Addison writes.

The Obesity Society, the Obesity Medicine Association and the Obesity Action Coalition will jointly issue evidence-based guidelines for pharmacologic management for patients with obesity and overweight. The guidelines will cover the use of medications and address quality of life as a key metric. The guidelines were previewed at ObesityWeek.

A study presented at the 18th European Public Health Conference found that there are multiple pathways leading to loneliness for adolescents in disadvantaged households, noting factors such as bullying, family conflict and social connections. "We found that family connections remain important in late adolescence… family relationships are still important in loneliness and social connection," said researcher Kathryn Bates.

Health systems are taking measures to address workplace violence. Scripps Health is analyzing incidents and improving safety, while Denver Health considers administrative discharges for violent patients. Supporting staff in filing charges and disseminating lessons learned across organizations are also key strategies. "When a workplace violence event occurs, frontline staff need to see executive leadership," says Scott Strauss, vice president of corporate security at Northwell Health.

Many Americans are turning to AI for medical questions, driven by a frustration with the traditional medical system and AI's 24/7 availability and ease of use. In 2024, 1 in 6 US adults used chatbots to find health information at least once a month, according to a survey from KFF. The New York Times documented dozens of interviews in which people described their experiences using chatbots for medical information or advice.

At a meeting of the Association for Molecular Pathology, bioethicist Takunda Matose discussed the ethical considerations of using AI in health care. He emphasized the importance of mindful data usage, addressing inherent biases, and the need for human discretion in AI systems. Matose argued that while AI excels in data analysis, its limitations due to bias and ethical challenges must be acknowledged. He urged stakeholders to consider the broader implications of AI, focusing on patient and stakeholder needs, and to thoughtfully integrate AI into health care systems.

The current administration is considering reinstating the food pyramid as a central visual in the upcoming US Dietary Guidelines. While details are still being finalized, sources suggest the new pyramid would emphasize protein and whole foods, but nutritionists express concern over the simplicity of the new guidelines.