Dr. Howard Smith Oncall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxJktKs5gR/Those suffering from essential tremors and wearing a wristband powered by artificial intelligence saw nearly three times the improvement in their ability to complete daily tasks compared to those wearing a sham device.  These promising results of the so-called TRANQUIL study of the Felix NeuroAI wristband were presented by University of Kansas neurologists to this year’s American Academy of Neurology (AAN) meeting.The wristband delivers gentle electrical stimulation to nerves in the wrist and uses AI to adapt in real time to the user’s tremor patterns.  During a randomized, double-blinded 90-day trial with 125 patients at 10 sites in the U.S. and China, those using the device scored significantly higher than control subjects on activities of daily living performance assessments.  The only side effect reported was mild skin irritation.This wristband remains under FDA review, but these early results are promising.   Once approved and available for patients, i

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIxI1r7O17k/Breathing rapidly flowing room air at the onset of a migraine nearly doubles the chances of complete pain relief.  Cleveland Clinic neurologists presented the results of their preliminary clinical trials using a novel air pump called the Mi-Helper to the 2025 American Academy of Neurology meeting.By blowing room air about 20 degrees cooler than body temperature into the nose, the device targets the sphenopalatine ganglion, a nerve plexus deep in the side wall at the back of the nose.  The randomized phase 2 study involved 74 patients: 49 were treated with the device using 3 levels of air flow while 25 received sham treatments.  All received treatments for 10 minutes within one hour of noticing migraine onset.Those receiving air flow at 10 liters/min, the highest tested, obtained the most relief with 47% enjoying complete pain relief at 2 hours compared with only 16% in the control group.  In addition, 41% had sustained pain relief over

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxIRCGR9TW/Sucralose, an artificial sweetener that is the basis for Splenda and is found in many diet drinks and foods, appears to disrupt your brain signals related to hunger and appetite.  Endocrinologists at the University of Southern California now publish a small but detailed randomized crossover study of 75 young adults in the journal Nature Metabolism.Using brain imaging, the researchers show that sucralose more so than conventional sugar increases blood flow to and activity in a person’s hypothalamus.  Among other things, this region of the brain controls appetite.  This effect proved to be stronger in obese subjects and in women.  Consuming the sucralose didn’t always make the study subjects feel hungrier, but the reaction it caused in their brains suggests that this artificial sweetener might impact your cravings and eating behaviors by confusing your system with sweetness that doesn’t deliver calories.https://www.nature.com/articles/s42255-025-01227-8https:

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIxHmOutA3M/Though the latest antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV to undetectable levels, we know that the virus hides in white blood cells ready to begin multiplying once the suppressing drugs stop. Researchers at New York’s Mount Sinai’s School of Medicine have developed a method for identifying and tracking immune white cells that harbor dormant HIV and make the virus so difficult to completely eradicate.  They announce this development in the journal Nature.Using humanized mice and a genetic color-switching system, the researchers marked white cells with a fluorescent marker that switches from red to green when HIV is present, even if the virus is dormant. This permitted tracking and genetic profiling of over 47,000 immune cells, identifying nine distinct T cell types capable of hiding dormant HIV even following weeks of antiretroviral therapy.Now that white cells harboring HIV can be identified and sorted, the door is widely opened for devel

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxG51cNwcz/This rice-grain-sized pacemaker is so tiny it can be injected through a syringe.  Its unique construction permits it to dissolve naturally in the body after it’s no longer needed. Northwestern University bioengineers describe their invention in the journal Nature,This mini pacemaker is constructed of bio-resorbable materials similar to those used for dissolving sutures. Its function is activated by light pulses from a soft, wireless wearable control patch placed on the chest. When the control patch detects an abnormal rhythm, it sends infrared light through the skin to trigger and control the electric pulses from the pacemaker.  The device draws power from the body’s own fluids via a galvanic cell, a tiny internal battery. This micro-pacemaker is a major advancement, as current temporary pacemakers require wires that must pass through the chest triggering infections or bleeding. It was designed with babies in mind, but it works in hearts of any size.  It co

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIxGOOAPsJ8/A custom 3D printed hydrogel composed of cow-derived protein precisely repairs injured knee cartilages.  Orthopedic researchers at the University of Pennsylvania developed this technique to fabricate knee joint repair material with just the proper dimensions and stiffness.  They publish their work in the journal Bioactive Materials.The hydrogel protein is derived from a mix of fetal and mature cow joint cartilage by removing cellular material to reduce the possibility of immune rejection of the implant.  To control the hydrogel’s mechanical properties including firmness, methacrylated hyaluronic acid is added.Once this biogel is 3D printed biochemically and mechanically tunablehydrogel is fabricated into an implant, lab tests demonstrate that it is well tolerated by living cells.  This biogel scaffold welcomes cells to grow into it over time, necessary for optimal tissue compatibility.  Further preclinical animal studies are underway to

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxFplkRr6_/The sugar molecule suLeX enhances the viability of sperm and improves their chances of successfully triggering in-vitro fertilization some 12-fold.  Genomic biologists at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign developed a novel test environment that mimics the female fallopian tube and tested the effects of this sulfated trisaccharide.When pig sperm were attached to suLeX-coated glass surfaces, they remained viable longer, in fact up to 24 hours, and fertilization success rates were significantly higher than in control groups.  The  suLeX sugar effect led to the immediate fertilization of 53% of eggs compared with only a 36% rate without the sugar.  Treatment with the sugar also reduced the number of eggs with multiple sperm attached.The next step will be preclinical animals studies and then clinical trials to prove that this sugar-mediated sperm enhancement improves not only the efficiency of in-vitro fertilization but also the delivery of healthy

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIxE_fis4Ln/An epidemiological study from Cleveland’s Case Western University shows that microplastics in your body are in the top 10 of 154 factors associated with higher risks of high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes.  The researchers looked the incidence of diseases in communities along the East, West, and Gulf coasts where the high concentration of microplastics is well-documented and tends to be higher than in inland water sources.The tabulated data confirms that environmental micro/nanoplastic concentrations have a stronger association with the incidence of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke than other pollutants in the air, chemical toxins in the water, and negative socioeconomic conditions.If there is any good news, this study suggests that microplastic pollution is not a key factor in  the development of cancer.Remember too that this study fails to prove a causative role for microplastics in human disease.  It only shows an association

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxEae6R_7x/Chewing gum releases some 637 microplastic particles per gram of gum, and 94% of this plastic is released during the first 8 minutes of chewing.  UCLA environmental engineers report this finding at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2025 Meeting after a small pilot study. Using infrared microscopy and smartphone-based detection, the team tested 10 commercial gum brands, five synthetic and five natural, and determined that both types, release similar quantities of microplastics. The most common type of plastic released was polyolefin, also found in food packaging and containers.The researchers estimate that the typical gum-chewing enthusiast might ingest around 30,000 microplastic particles per year.  Add that to the micro- and nano-plastics that you might swallow from bottled water and single use plastic containers.To date, there are no large-scale definitive studies of micro/nanoplastic toxicity in humans, but I do discuss a troublesome epidemiological

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIxDy7fgpML/The repetitive application of magnetic stimulation to the brain of those suffering from fibromyalgia produces a 2-fold reduction in their perceived pain.  A multi site randomized, double-blinded international study of repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation led by Brazilian and French neuroscientists included 101 women, median age 48 years, and was published in the British Journal of Anesthesia.  Half the group received 3000 pulses of 10 Hz magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex over an 18 week period.  The control group received sham stimulation.The data demonstrated a 40.4% pain reduction for those women stimulated magnetically versus only an 18.4% reduction for those who received the sham stimulation.  The genuine treatment also led to better daily functioning.  Those receiving the magnetic therapy complained of no demonstrable side effects.  The bad news:  pain control peaked at 8 weeks following therapy and was significantl

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIxC7natH4z/Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, produces the same gastrointestinal-friendly compounds as healthy microbiome bacteria, and, in so doing, help maintain the cells of your stomach and intestines.  This the conclusion of food scientists at the University of California, Davis.Published in the Applied and Environmental Microbiology journal, the study compared the effects of raw cabbage, sauerkraut, and the liquid brine from fermentation to protect a layer of tissue-cultured cells from the ravages of inflammatory agents. Only sauerkraut demonstrated a significant protective effect.  Both store-bought and homemade sauerkraut had the same beneficial effects. It turns out that sauerkraut triggers the production of both lactic acid and amino acids, the same compounds produced by healthy gut bacteria.  The investigators are continuing to study this phenomenon to identify the exact compounds that best protect your gastrointestinal tract.  Once completed, they plan clinica

Those with an allergy to wheat could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. This soybean paste was sold nationwide through retail stores between March 25, 2023, and March 5, 2024.Return this product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact May Flower International Inc. at 1-718-366-8668.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/may-flower-international-inc-issue-allergy-alert-undeclared-wheat-beijing-soybean-paste#mayflower #enoki #mushrooms #listeri #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIrDtURx1SB/This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infection in the very young, older frail individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.  Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths.  These enoki mushrooms were sold nationwide in retail stores from January 11 through January 31, 2025.If you purchased these mushrooms, destroy them immediately or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact Harvest NYC Inc. at (718) 596-0777.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/harvest-nyc-inc-recalls-enoki-mushroom-due-possible-health-risk#hofood99 #enoki 3mushrooms #listeria #infection #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIrDGe1vbY6/These intraocular lenses are triggering toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS), an inflammatory reaction that occurs following cataract surgery.These recalled intraocular lenses were distributed throughout the United States and include all models beginning with EE, EA, EN, ETE, ETA, and ETN.If you bought these lenses and experience eye discomfort, immediately contact your eyecare provider. For more information or to report an adverse event, call Bausch + Lomb Customer Service at 1-800-338-2020.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/bausch-lomb-announces-voluntary-recall-envista-aspiretm-envista-envytm-and-certain-envistar#bauschlomb #envista #intraocular #lens #toxic #recall

Vidcast:  Caraluzzi’s Italian Style Seafood Burgers Contain Undeclared EggThose with an allergy to eggs could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected are 8 oz packages with an expiration date of 01/16/2026.These recalled seafood burgers were sold in-store only at Caraluzzi’s Markets locations in Bethel, Wilton, Newtown, and Danbury, Connecticut, between February 18 and April 2, 2025.Do not consume these recalled seafood burgers and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, consumers contact Caraluzzi’s at 1–203-748-3547 or via email at customerservice@caraluzzis.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/caraluzzis-markets-issues-allergy-alert-undeclared-egg-caraluzzis-italian-style-seafood-burger-8-oz#caraluzzis #seafoodburgers #egg #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIpJU36AmjM/These cans of peanuts also contain undeclared cashews. Those with an allergy to cashews could develop a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction should they consume this product. Affected is product with best if used by dates of 10-01-2025 and 10-03-2025.The peanuts were sold exclusively at Heinen’s Grocery stores in Ohio and Illinois between October 24, 2024 and April 4, 2025.Do not consume these peanuts and return them to any Heinen’s Grocery store for a full refund.  For questions or more information, contact Trophy Nut’s Customer Service at 1-800-729-6887 or use the email custserv@trophynut.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/trophy-nut-co-issues-allergy-alert-due-undeclared-cashews-heinens-honey-roasted-peanuts#heinen #peanuts #cashews #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIpIzfrvqEW/These celery sticks are contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes a severe and sometimes fatal systemic infections in the very young, older frail individuals, and in those with weakened immune systems.  Listeria can also trigger miscarriages and stillbirths. Affected is lot number P047650, Best if Used By date of March 23, 2025.About 1,587 cases of these celery sticks were sold at Walmart stores in Alabama, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming.Do not consume this product but discard it immediately or return it to the place of purchase. For more information, email Duda Farm Fresh Foods at foodsafety@duda.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/d

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIpISa9JQd-/These pet foods have contamination with salmonella and listeria and create health risks to animals and humans. Both bacteria cause infections in the very young, elders, and those with suppressed immunity.  The affected lot numbers are N25 1230 for Puppy Mix and N26 0114 for Kitten Mix.These pet foods were sold primarily in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York State, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin between January 3 and January 24, 2025.Stop feeding these products to your pets and either return the food to the place of purchase or destroy it so that children, pets, and wildlife cannot ingest it. You should also thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands, pet bowls, utensils, and surfaces that have come into contact with the food. For additional information, contact Blue Ridge Beef at 1-704-873-2072 or via the email blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIpHi-6N6PG/This supplement has undeclared wheat allergen. This poses a serious risk of allergic or life-threatening reactions for individuals with a wheat allergy.  Affected are lot numbers 12792402-44 and 12792402-44J.This supplement was sold online through Amazon in the United States between May 22, 2024, and April 4, 2025. The product was also distributed in Germany under the name Spermidin 60 Kapseln 38g.Immediately stop using this recalled supplement if you have a wheat allergy and return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For additional information, call Supplement Manufacturing Partners at 1-833-810-9896 or reach the company via the email SMPQuality@smpnutra.com.https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/supplement-manufacturing-partner-inc-issues-recall-dorado-nutrition-brand-spermidine-supplement-10mg#dorado #spermadine #supplement #wheat #allergy #recall

Vidcast:  https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DIpHB_cvp9q/The hook of one boot can catch on the lace of the other boot causing you to trip and fall.About 15,200 pairs were sold in the United States and 5,900 were sold in Canada at The North Face stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nordstrom, REI, other retailers nationwide, and online at thenorthface.com and other websites.Stop wearing these recalled boots and contact The North Face at 1-800-297-9150 or the email the company at recall_wshellistaV@thenorthface.com to receive a free return shipping label and a full refund,https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/The-North-Face-Recalls-Womens-Shellista-V-Mid-Waterproof-Boots-Due-to-Fall-Hazardnorthface #boot #womens #laces #falls #injuries #recall