Designer of the first permanent artificial heart dies at 79; the mediterranean diet could surpass low FODMAP for IBS relief; new pain therapy for advanced cancer patients – Morning Medical Update

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Artificial heart pioneer, Robert Jarvik, dies at 79

Robert Jarvik, the biomedical innovator behind the first permanent artificial heart implanted in a human, died May 27 due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 79.

Jarvik rose to international prominence in 1982 when the Jarvik-7 heart — a device he designed at the University of Utah — was implanted into retired dentist Barney Clark, who survived 112 days tethered to a 400-pound air compressor. Though the device drew controversy and sparked ethical debate, it paved the way for modern ventricular assist devices. More from The New York Times.

Mediterranean diet shows promise for IBS symptom relief

A pilot study from Michigan Medicine found the Mediterranean diet eased symptoms for 73% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), compared to 82% for the low FODMAP diet. Although FODMAP remains more effective, researchers say the Mediterranean approach is less restrictive and easier to follow, warranting further study as a potential long-term option for IBS care.

Plant-based pain therapy shows promise for advanced cancer patients

National Institutes of Health (NIH) scientists report that a single injection of resiniferatoxin (RTX) — a non-addictive molecule derived from a cactus-like plant — reduced severe cancer pain by 38% and opioid use by 57% in a first-in-human trial. Delivered via lumbar puncture, RTX targets and disables specific pain-sensing nerve fibers without affecting other sensations. Patients regained quality of life and required fewer sedating drugs. Researchers say the therapy could extend to other chronic pain conditions and represents a potential breakthrough in personalized, non-opioid pain medicine.