AI is increasingly being used in health care for tasks such as transcription, patient monitoring and clinical decision-making. Hospitals such as Mass General Brigham, Baptist Health and Stanford Health Care have implemented AI tools to reduce administrative tasks and improve patient care, and although nurses see the potential benefits of AI, they also express concerns about ethical use and maintaining quality care and emphasize the need for education and involvement in AI development.

Volunteering can reduce the risk of depression for seniors by 43%, with those aged 65 to 69 benefiting the most, according to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. "Those engaged in volunteering activities had a significantly lower prevalence of depression," said senior researcher Guohua Li said.

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing have released a guidance tool and resource guide to help skilled long-term care facilities implement enhanced barrier precautions, focusing on infection prevention during high-contact resident care activities like bathing and dressing. The resources provide instructions, case studies and infection control recommendations to support proper cleaning protocols and reduce transmission of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Researchers found that dietary fiber can combat cancer by influencing gene expression. The study in Nature Metabolism shows that compounds produced during fiber digestion, such as propionate and butyrate, can modulate genes related to cell growth and death, processes critical in cancer prevention.

A National Sleep Foundation survey indicates that 60% of adults may experience negative effects from inadequate sleep, with 70% reporting decreased work productivity. The survey highlights challenges such as difficulty handling workloads and increased mistakes, emphasizing the importance of quality sleep as workers continue to adjust to post-pandemic work schedules.

A study in Gut Microbes Reports found that lab rats fed the Mediterranean diet showed improved memory and cognitive skills associated with changes in beneficial gut bacteria. "While these findings are based on animal models, they echo human studies linking the Mediterranean diet to improved memory and reduced dementia risk," researcher Demetrius Maraganore said.

Smoke from wildfires in the Los Angeles area poses significant health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues, in part due to the microplastics and toxic metals that may be found in it, public health experts say. The Los Angeles Department of Public Health has issued an advisory highlighting unhealthy air quality and the risks that small particles from the smoke can have on health.

There is public concern about cases of the respiratory illness human metapneumovirus increasing in the Northern Hemisphere, including in China. US experts say this virus is well-known and that cases occur every year without developing into a pandemic. It can be difficult to distinguish human metapneumovirus from other respiratory viruses, and the risk of severe illness is higher for children younger than 6 months, older adults and people who have weakened immune systems or are immunocompromised.

A new risk model called the Florey Dementia Index may predict the onset of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia within about 1.5 to 2 years, potentially enabling people at risk to plan for care, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. The model calculates risk based on Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes test scores and age.