Recommends

• A bipartisan advisory panel convened under President Biden’s tech‑regulation agenda delivered a draft report recommending that Congress ban politically targeted digital ads that spread “clearly false or misleading information” about voting procedures, candidates, or ballot access. • The panel, whose members include former FEC commissioners and civil‑rights leaders, argues that such ads undermine trust in elections and disproportionately affect voters of color, urging platforms to adopt stricter labeling and ad‑library rules. • The proposal sparks backlash from free‑speech advocates, who warn that any government‑defined standard for political misinformation could chill legitimate debate and benefit incumbent parties.

• The American Medical Association advises synchronizing chronic medication refills once a year to streamline management and slash EHR inbox refill requests. • This strategy saves physicians hours weekly by aligning prescriptions efficiently. • Implementation supports better practice efficiency amid rising administrative burdens in U.S. healthcare.

• The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission released its March 2026 Report to Congress, recommending a 0.5% increase in physician payments above current levels. • This proposal aims to address payment updates for Medicare services amid ongoing discussions on healthcare financing sustainability. • The report influences federal policy decisions on Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians across the US.

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

The books, TV, games and more that New Scientist staff have enjoyed this week

An FDA advisory committee has recommended the development of next year's flu vaccine, as new data from the CDC indicates the current 2025-2026 flu vaccine provides moderate protection against hospitalization for vaccinated individuals despite concerns about late-emerging H3N2 strains. The committee reviewed winter flu shot effectiveness reports published in the CDC's online MMWR journal, which showed moderate protective efficacy against severe outcomes requiring hospitalization. The timing of vaccine selection remains critical as late-emerging H3N2 variants can significantly undermine vaccine effectiveness, a concern flagged by the committee during this year's review. Current guidance continues to emphasize vaccination for those at high risk of severe illness, particularly elderly and immunocompromised populations.