Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics warns USDA reorganization puts key programs at risk; NIH’s new AI ‘GeneAgent’ to reduce false claims in gene set analysis; NP convicted in $12M cancer test scam – Morning Medical Update

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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: USDA reorganization puts key nutrition programs at risk

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has raised alarm over the USDA’s recent reorganization, warning that core programs like MyPlate.gov, FoodData Central and the Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review may be sidelined or eliminated. In a letter to Secretary Brooke Rollins, the Academy requested an urgent meeting and urged the USDA to reaffirm its commitment to federally funded nutrition infrastructure, calling the omission of these resources “a step backward for public health.” The group emphasized that decisions affecting national nutrition policy must be science-based and transparent.

NIH develops AI ‘GeneAgent’ to reduce false claims in gene set analysis

National Institutes of Health (NIH) researchers have unveiled GeneAgent, an AI tool that enhances the accuracy of gene set analysis by verifying its own claims against expert-curated databases. Unlike typical large language models (LLMs) prone to hallucinations, GeneAgent cross-checks its outputs and generates detailed verification reports. In a study published in Nature Methods, the system correctly validated 92% of its claims, outperforming GPT-4. By offering more reliable insights into gene function and potential drug targets, GeneAgent could significantly advance disease research while minimizing misleading AI-generated data.

Nurse practitioner convicted in $12M cancer test scam

A federal jury convicted Scharmaine Lawson Baker, a Louisiana nurse practitioner, for orchestrating a $12.1 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary cancer genetic tests for patients she never met. Posing as a Medicare expert, Baker falsely diagnosed patients — some with conditions they couldn’t have, like cervical cancer in biological males — and took kickbacks from a telehealth company in exchange for bogus orders. Prosecutors say her actions exploited vulnerable patients and eroded public trust. She faces up to 60 years in prison at sentencing this November.