NIH scientists unveil gene delivery tool for cells in the brain and spinal cord; Texas doctor who faked diagnoses to bill $118M in false claims sentenced to 10 years; the problem with the viral mouth taping trend – Morning Medical Update

NIH scientists unveil gene delivery tool for cells in the brain and spinal cord

National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded researchers have developed a suite of gene delivery systems that can target specific brain and spinal cord cell types, enabling safer, more effective treatment for neurological diseases. The toolkit, powered by adeno-associated viruses and AI-guided genetic "light switches," offers unprecedented control over gene expression in neural cells — without the need for genetically modified animals. These tools could transform treatment efforts for conditions like ALS, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Texas doctor who faked diagnoses to bill $118M in false claims sentenced to 10 years

A Texas rheumatologist who falsely diagnosed hundreds of patients with chronic illnesses to bill insurers for unnecessary and dangerous treatments was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Jorge Zamora-Quezada, M.D., 68, was convicted of health care fraud and obstruction of justice in a $118 million scheme that defrauded Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Prosecutors said he forced patients to undergo painful and risky treatments they didn’t need, falsified medical records and intimidated employees to meet billing quotas. He used the proceeds to fund a lavish lifestyle, including real estate, a private jet and a Maserati.

The problem with the viral mouth taping trend

Have you heard of the latest social media trend involving taping your mouth shut to stop snoring or improve sleep? A new systematic review in PLOS One finds this trend offers little proven benefit — and may be dangerous. Researchers reviewed 10 studies involving 213 patients and found minimal evidence that mouth taping improves mild sleep apnea, with no clear benefit for most people. Worse, they flagged serious risks, including asphyxiation for those with nasal obstructions. The authors caution that while the trend is popular online, it's not backed by science, and could be harmful for many.