wellness

According to data released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of autism among eight year olds in the U.S. reached a record high in 2022. Based on a study made in 14 states and Puerto Rico, the condition was found to affect 1 in every 31 children, up from 1 in 36 in 2020 and 1 in 44 in 2018. Researchers believe that the increase is influenced by changes in autism screening and diagnosis, but according to Walter Zahorodny, a co-author of study, the real challenge is determining its underlying cause. “The problem is there‘s not a lot of research that gives us a strong indication for what is driving the rise,” he said.

Nature Medicine, Published online: 16 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03707-6

Author Correction: Mpox poses an ever-increasing epidemic and pandemic risk

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is reminding people to protect themselves from the sun when outdoors. Those who don’t practice sun safety may put themselves at an increased risk for skin cancer. You can “practice safe sun” by wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to any exposed skin.

Nature Medicine, Published online: 15 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03708-5

Publisher Correction: Neoantigen-specific tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in gastrointestinal cancers: a phase 2 trial

Nature Medicine, Published online: 15 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03635-5

CONSORT 2025 provides updated guidance to authors, reviewers and editors, when writing and evaluating manuscripts of randomized trials to ensure that trial reports are clear and transparent

Nature Medicine, Published online: 15 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03676-w

We identified major geographic inequities in the supply of, and need for, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications in Malawi. These inequities have generated ‘HIV treatment deserts’ — areas with low access to a healthcare facility that provides HIV treatment. Approximately one quarter of people living with HIV in Malawi reside in one of these treatment deserts.

Nature Medicine, Published online: 15 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03706-7

Author Correction: LILRB3 genetic variation is associated with kidney transplant failure in African American recipients

Nature Medicine, Published online: 15 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03641-7

The latest brain–computer interfaces in pre-clinical testing receive — and send — signals, training the brains of participants.

Nature Medicine, Published online: 14 April 2025; doi:10.1038/d41591-025-00025-9

The first pig liver to be transplanted into a human (in this case, a brain-dead recipient) showed sustained function without rejection — marking another step toward xenotransplantation as a viable approach to addressing the organ-shortage crisis.

Nature Medicine, Published online: 11 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41591-025-03608-8

The ONCOBIOME network has generated new tools to measure dysbiosis and completed numerous trials aimed at modifying the microbiota to enhance cancer treatment; this Review summarizes the key advances and the progress toward translating them into clinical practice.