Pharmacist brothers sentenced in $15M fraud scheme; noninvasive treatment for brain tumors; AI spots chronic stress in routine CT scans – Morning Medical Update

Pharmacist brothers sentenced in $15M fraud scheme

A former Michigan pharmacist and his brother were sentenced to eight and five years in federal prison for orchestrating a years-long health care and wire fraud scheme that defrauded Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan of more than $15 million. Prosecutors said Raad Kouza, 59, and Ramis Kouza, 46, systematically billed insurers for high-cost medications — including antipsychotics and inhalers — that were never dispensed, while concealing inventory shortfalls from auditors between 2010 and 2019.

Convicted last November, the brothers were ordered to pay roughly $15.5 million in restitution and forfeiture.

Noninvasive treatment for brain tumors

A new study from Washington University and Northwestern puts a surprisingly simple idea to the test: could nose drops help treat one of the deadliest brain cancers? In mice, the answer appears to be yes.

Researchers used tiny spherical nucleic acids — DNA-coated gold nanoparticles — to activate the STING immune pathway and turn “cold” glioblastoma tumors into ones the immune system can recognize and attack. The particles travel from the nasal passages along the trigeminal nerve directly to the brain, avoiding invasive procedures and widespread exposure.

When combined with drugs that boost T-cell activity, just one or two doses wiped out tumors and prevented them from returning. It’s early-stage work, but the findings suggest a noninvasive immunotherapy approach that could eventually offer patients a safer, more practical option.

AI spots chronic stress in routine CT scans

Stress may not be visible in the average clinic visit, but a new study suggests it leaves a trace that radiologists can now detect. Johns Hopkins researchers used a deep learning tool to measure adrenal gland volume on everyday chest CT scans, finding that larger glands consistently aligned with higher cortisol levels, greater reported stress and, importantly, a higher risk of future heart failure.

Because millions of these scans are already performed each year, the team says this “Adrenal Volume Index” could give physicians a practical, low-effort way to spot patients carrying a heavy stress burden — without extra tests, radiation or cost. It’s an early step, but one that brings the biology of chronic stress into clearer, more clinical focus.