LatestJust 3 Minutes With Miniature Horses and Donkeys Improves Teen Mood
Health

Opinion: 3 Lessons from Tobacco Settlement on Using Meta Settlement Funds

Susan Morrisey
Opinion: 3 Lessons from Tobacco Settlement on Using Meta Settlement Funds
AnxietyDepressionMajor Depressive Disorder
Summary

An opinion piece draws parallels between the tobacco industry settlement and potential Meta settlements, arguing that both nicotine and social media algorithms create addictive behaviors harmful to users. The author, Susan Morrisey, suggests states should apply lessons learned from tobacco litigation to protect public health in the digital age. Just as tobacco settlement funds were used to combat smoking-related diseases, Meta funds could address mental health issues and social media addiction. The comparison highlights how different industries exploit psychological vulnerabilities to reinforce harmful user behaviors.

Stat News

Originally published on

STAT News

By Susan Morrisey

Read full article(opens in new tab)

Fetched: September 15, 2026 at 10:00 AM

Related News

More news you might be interested in

View all
Just 3 Minutes With Miniature Horses and Donkeys Improves Teen Mood
Health
AnxietyDepression

Just 3 Minutes With Miniature Horses and Donkeys Improves Teen Mood

A new study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that brief interactions with miniature horses and donkeys can significantly improve mood in teenagers. Just three minutes of contact with these animals reduces anxiety, loneliness, and stress while promoting a sense of calm. The research demonstrates that animals actively participate in creating positive emotional outcomes during these therapeutic interactions. This finding supports animal-assisted therapy as a practical, accessible intervention for adolescent mental health. The study suggests that even minimal exposure to animals can provide meaningful psychological benefits for teens.

3 hours ago
Medical Xpress
Sleep App Reveals Air Pollution's Impact on Sleep Quality and Nighttime Coughing
Health
AsthmaCOPD

Sleep App Reveals Air Pollution's Impact on Sleep Quality and Nighttime Coughing

New research using sleep-tracking technology has identified a connection between air pollution levels and disrupted sleep, including nighttime coughing that can affect both you and your partner. The study reveals that even low levels of air pollution—below what many consider harmful—can negatively impact sleep quality and respiratory function during the night. This finding is particularly relevant for people with respiratory conditions and those living in areas with varying air quality. Understanding this relationship helps explain unexplained sleep disturbances and emphasizes the importance of monitoring local air quality. The research suggests that addressing air pollution could be an important factor in improving overall sleep health and quality of life.

3 hours ago
Medical Xpress
Scientists pinpoint two brain regions that battle it out when deciding whether to take a risk
Health

Scientists pinpoint two brain regions that battle it out when deciding whether to take a risk

Researchers have discovered that two distinct brain regions engage in a competitive process when humans face risk-versus-safety decisions. The study reveals how the brain calculates whether to take chances in everyday situations, from managing low fuel to financial decisions. Understanding this neural mechanism could help explain individual differences in risk-taking behavior and potentially inform treatments for conditions involving impaired decision-making. These findings provide new insights into the neurobiological basis of human choice and judgment.

3 hours ago
Medical Xpress
Cardiovascular disease now leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in U.S.
Health
High CholesterolDiabetes

Cardiovascular disease now leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in U.S.

Cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States, according to new health data. This shift is driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors that often develop earlier in life among Hispanic populations. These conditions, which are largely preventable through lifestyle changes and medical management, underscore significant health disparities affecting Hispanic communities. Early detection and intervention for hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol are critical for reducing cardiovascular mortality rates. Healthcare providers and public health officials emphasize the importance of culturally tailored prevention programs and increased access to cardiovascular care for Hispanic populations.

3 hours ago
Medical Xpress