Devices using AI; state bans on menthol cigarettes; physical activity and depression – Morning Medical Update

Smart medical devices

There’s a lot of research and speculation about how artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) could benefit physicians and patients in the future. There’s already a number of devices using this technology. This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its list with 191 new devices, for a total 882 that incorporate AI/ML across medical disciplines.

Menthol cigarette bans

Public health advocates have called on the administration of President Joe Biden to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars often marketed to Black people and youths. Meanwhile, states have tried imposing bans, but at least one state lost tax revenue from sales of menthol cigarettes while gaining little, if any, public health benefit. Read more about this state’s ban in this study and news release.

Movement and feelings

Studies have shown that increasing physical activity is a way to improve physical and mental health. How exactly do mental health and physical activity affect each other over time? A new study makes a deep dive into the relationship between depression symptoms and exercise, and an accompanying news release explains more.