NIH launches study into long-term health effects of East Palestine train disaster; ACC issues guidance on weight management drugs; eating more produce linked to better sleep – Morning Medical Update

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NIH launches $10M study into long-term health effects of East Palestine train disaster

At the urging of Vice President JD Vance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will invest $10 million over five years to study long-term health impacts from the 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The initiative — announced by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — will fund epidemiological research, public health surveillance and community engagement to assess risks from chemical exposures, including vinyl chloride and benzene. NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said the effort aims to deliver “science-backed answers” to affected residents. The study is expected to begin this fall, with grants awarded later this summer.

ACC issues guidance on use of weight management drugs

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has released new clinical guidance recommending GLP-1 and GIP-based weight-loss medications, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, as first-line treatments for cardiovascular patients with obesity. The guidance marks a shift from prior “lifestyle-first” models, citing strong evidence that these medications reduce major cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. Published in JACC, the statement emphasizes equitable access, team-based care and stigma reduction, and arrives amid growing demand for integrated obesity management in cardiology.

Eating more produce linked to better sleep

A new study from the University of Chicago and Columbia University found that eating more fruits and vegetables during the day is linked to significantly better sleep that same night. Using diet logs and wearable sleep monitors, researchers found participants who consumed more produce and healthy carbs had fewer nighttime disruptions and deeper rest. The findings, published in Sleep Health, suggest that eating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended five cups of fruits and vegetables could boost sleep quality by 16% — a natural, low-cost way to improve rest and overall health.