Drs. Singer and McClung discuss the operationalization of a bisphosphonate “drug holiday” in people treated with this class of osteoporosis medication. They address questions regarding patient selection criteria, duration of the holiday, and strategies for determining when and with what medication treatment should be resumed.

Andrea J. Singer, MD, FACP, CCD and Michael R. McClung, MD review the preservation of bone health in perimenopausal women, with a particular focus on the role of hormone therapy and how the interplay of hormonal, lifestyle, and genetic factors is key to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies.

A Texas child's measles-related death, the first in the U.S. since 2015, highlights rising cases amid declining vaccination rates. AstraZeneca's Serena 6 trial found camizestrant, delayed disease progression in HR-positive HER2-negative breast cancer. A BMJ study found no link between GLP-1 receptor agonists and increased suicidality in diabetes patients. The CDC reports an 80% decline in high-risk cervical precancers, confirming HPV vaccination success.

Dr. Andrew Budson discusses the relationship between consciousness and memory, proposing that consciousness evolved as part of the memory system. He explains how unconscious processes drive much of our decision-making, with consciousness acting as a memory-based guide to influence behavior. He highlights the role of attention in memory retention and how false memories, particularly in Alzheimer's patients, arise due to the brain's reconstructive nature. Dr. Budson also explores the implications of this understanding for treating PTSD, addiction, and cognitive disorders.

This podcast reports a severe flu season, with hospitalizations exceeding previous years and rising pediatric flu deaths. A Texas measles outbreak, mainly in unvaccinated children, has reached nearly 60 cases, with more in New Mexico, highlighting vaccine decline risks. Research finds moderate to vigorous leisure activity lowers type 2 diabetes risk, while strenuous work activity does not. A UCLA study questions Paxlovid's effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 hospitalizations in vaccinated older adults, raising cost-effectiveness concerns.

Drs. Tiffany A. Traina and Claudine Isaacs discuss how they approach HER2+ early breast cancer treatment planning and which patients can take advantage of de-escalation.

Drs. Traina and Isaacs share how they determine which patients are appropriate for neoadjuvant therapies and how to address residual disease, as well as potential treatment toxicities.

Measles cases are rising in Texas and New Mexico, with most infections occurring in unvaccinated individuals and public health officials warning of further spread. A new study in JAMA Psychiatry found that semaglutide significantly reduces alcohol craving and heavy drinking, suggesting a potential new treatment for alcohol use disorder. Research confirms that self-sampling for HPV is as effective as speculum-based exams, improving accessibility for women with disabilities and underserved populations. With the FDA's recent approval, self-collection could revolutionize cervical cancer screening in the U.S.

Professor Alexander Jensen discusses parental favoritism and its impact on family dynamics, highlighting that both mothers and fathers tend to favor daughters, potentially due to social and evolutionary factors. The study suggests that children who receive less favorable treatment may experience negative mental health and behavioral outcomes, including increased risk-taking and lower self-esteem. The discussion also touches on how favoritism can persist into adulthood, influencing sibling relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and even long-term physical health.

This podcast features Marlie Tondac, the lead author of a study on learning and attention in young children finding that children aged 7 to 9 learn differently from adults; they absorb information more generally from their environment, regardless of specific tasks or goals. This "sponge-like" learning suggests that children benefit from immersive and engaging environments rather than structured, task-focused learning. The findings highlight the importance of understanding and accommodating children's natural attentional systems in educational and parenting contexts. The discussion also touches on the potential implications for teaching methods and future research directions, emphasizing the need to explore how these learning differences manifest in various settings.